Grab a warm mug of tea, bookworms – fall reading is officially here.
It may be spooky season, but not every reader is reaching for Stephen King this autumn. Some are content with cozy ghost stories or found-family tales set against the backdrop of falling leaves.
If you’re searching for a book that feels like watching Rory and Lorelai traipse around Stars Hollow in “Gilmore Girls” or with witchy nostalgia like “Practical Magic,” look no further. This list of newly released adult and young adult books has all the homey fall vibes you need this season.
‘People Watching’ by Hannah Bonam-Young
“People Watching” by Hannah Bonam-Young
“People Watching” follows small-town introvert Prudence, who is content working at her father’s gas station, writing poetry and caring for her mother who has early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. But when adventurous Milo comes into town, Prudence finds an unlikely friend with benefits. Can she convince him to stay? Can he convince her to make a change?
‘A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping’ by Sangu Mandanna
“A Witch’s Guide to Magical Inkeeping” by Sangu Mandanna
In “A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping,” powerful witch Sera loses her powers after a series of magical misfortunes, including resurrecting her great-aunt Jasmine from the dead. Now, she’s left to help Jasmine run an enchanted inn. But then a handsome historian arrives for a stay, and his help might just be the key to getting her life − and magic − back.
‘If It Makes You Happy’ by Julie Olivia
“If It Makes You Happy” by Julie Olivia
Chock-full of ‘90s nostalgia and cozy, small-town sparks, “If It Makes You Happy” follows a recently divorced woman who temporarily takes over her mom’s bed and breakfast in Vermont. She doesn’t have anything figured out, but her hot, pastry-baking neighbor does. Can she resist his allure while she heals from her own heartbreak?
‘Mockingbird Court’ by Juneau Black
“Mockingbird Court” by Juneau Black
Love animals and cozy mysteries? The Shady Hollow series may be for you this fall. This latest installment opens on a crisp autumn in Shady Hollow as creatures prepare for the annual Harvest Festival. But when a famous author sneaks into town and a body is found in his penthouse apartment, cunning fox investigator Vera Vixen must piece together what happened.
‘The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn’ by Valerie Bowman
“The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn” by Valerie Bowman
After getting dumped and fired, city girl Ellie returns to her parents’ inn on an apple orchard for a quiet hiatus in “The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn.” But threatening her peace is the annoying, attractive son of the orchard owner, who she must work with to help run the Harvest Festival.
‘Brewed with Love’ by Shelly Page
“Brewed With Love” by Shelly Page
This cozy young adult romantasy follows a teen witch named Sage who dreams of the day her family’s apothecary is hers to run. But her plans go awry when, distracted by her ex best friend and first crush Ximena, she allows someone to break in and steal the tonic she’s been perfecting. Bishop Brews is at risk of shutting down if she doesn’t find the culprit, and Ximena may be the only one who can help Sage.
‘Everything She Does is Magic’ by Bridget Morrissey
“Everything She Does is Magic” by Bridget Morrissey
In cozy young adult romance “Everything She Does is Magic,” every day is Halloween. Bubbly Darcy is looking forward to college next year, but her parents expect her to stay and take over their elaborate fall festivities. She finds an unexpected alliance with brooding witch Anya, who needs a mortal ally to become a full member of the coven – and wants her secret crush Darcy to be it.
‘An Unlikely Coven’ by AM Kvita (Oct. 28)
“An Unlikely Coven” by AM Kvita
In “An Unlikely Coven,” outcast Joan Greenwood returns home to New York City seven years after leaving her powerful witch family. The lukewarm homecoming turns worse after finding out about a new spell that can turn humans to witches, which threatens her family’s top-dog standing. Can Joan save the spell’s unwilling host from irreversible damage? How far will her powers get her?
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Clare Mulroy is USA TODAY’s Books Reporter, where she covers buzzy releases, chats with authors and dives into the culture of reading. Find her on Instagram, subscribe to our weekly Books newsletter or tell her what you’re reading at cmulroy@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cozy books like ‘Gilmore Girls,’ ‘Practical Magic’ to read this fall