Autumn is here! The leaves are officially turning in Alabama! (This is probably due to the drought we’ve been having, but it still counts in my book.) The weather isn’t really cooler, but today I put on my cowboy boots with a dress anyway. “If you build it, they will come” right? I am really leaning into fall and all the things it brings: the colors, the pumpkins, the flavors, the sports, the holidays, and the books.
I have big goals every year to read all the fall books. It never happens, but it got me thinking about my actual autumn TBR (to be read) list. While it’s not too long…okay, that’s a lie. It’s totally too long, always is, but I can realistically squeeze in a few of these and already have some of them in my possession.
While making my fall TBR list, I was reminded of several books I’ve already read and loved for this time of year. I thought you might want to get into the spooky season, witchy season, vampire season, or cozy season mood with a good book. Below I will share a few books that I’ve read as well as the ones on my TBR list. It’s a little lengthy. (I can’t help myself; I just love books!) Grab yourself a beverage treat or a little snack and pretend you’re strolling the aisles of the book store. Okay, here we go.
Dark Academia
I’m a self-proclaimed chicken when it comes to scary movies, scary books, anything scary, really. I once took a Stephen King book out of my house because it gave me such vivid nightmares. I hope whoever picked it up from the Little Free Library had a better experience than I did. However, fall is also associated with heading back to school, and I find a little suspense in a dark academia novel scratches the itch of reading something “spooky”. Here are a few I enjoyed.
Luckiest Girl Alive- Jessica Knoll This novel is about Ani, who has a pretty perfect life. When she is approached to be a part of a documentary about a tragic event that took place in her high school, she must decide if she will let the secrets come to the surface or suppress them even further. This is dark, guys, but I remember it to be a very compelling story. You’ll want to follow it up with a romance or something light and fluffy when you’re done, though. Or, if you want more, there’s a series on Netflix based on the book. Get your copy from your local library, Amazon, Bookshop, or Pango (my favorite second hand book shopping site).
If We Were Vilians- M.L. Rio This one is for the Shakespeare fans. Students in their final year of Dellecher Classical Conservatory have just been given their roles for their last production. Tensions are high and rivalries are real. On opening night, real violence infiltrates their grand world of make-believe and soon the fourth years are enduring their own tragedy. Their next important role is to convince the police and each other that they are all innocent. GUYS! It was so good! I loved it. Other people that I know that read this one didn’t love all the Shakespeare references. But if you’re like me, you’ll find this highly entertaining. (It was a great audiobook!) Get your copy from your local library, Amazon, Bookshop, or Pango. (My review here.)
Fourth Wing- Rebecca Yarros If you’ve not heard of this one, perhaps you’ve been under a rock. You should also prepare yourself to be sucked into a series that isn’t yet finished. This epic tale takes place at Basgiath War College where Violet Sorrengale is headed across the parapet to become a rider…a dragon rider. Come for the badass girl vibes but stay for the dragons. They’re the best part. And ever heard of the term Shadow Daddy? There’s one of those too. Get your copy from your local library, Amazon, Bookshop, or Pango. (My review here.)
The Maidens- Alex Michaelides Mariana Andros is a group therapist that has reason to believe Edward Fosca, a professor, is a murderer. He is adored by staff and students and is closely associated with a secret society on campus called The Maidens. When two students turn up dead, Mariana is sure that Fosca is guilty. She will risk everything to discover the truth. Set against the backdrop of Cambridge University, you’ll get to experience a moody and suspenseful story. While this isn’t my favorite Alex Michaelides book, I did really enjoy this one. (For the record, my favorite is The Silent Patient.) I read this one in physical form, but all of his audiobooks are well done. Get your copy from your local library, Amazon, Bookshop, or Pango. (Not much of a review but it’s a pic of my Christmas tree and my Bernie and a book.)
My Dark Academia TBR
The Secret History- Donna Tartt Every year I say that I’m going to read this one and every year I put it off. I don’t know why. I believe it’s Tartt’s most beloved book. It’s set in a New England college where an influential classics professor leads a group of students down a dangerous path. It appears to be a very dense and long book, but I am determined to get around to it one of these days. Get your copy from your local library, Amazon, Bookshop, or Pango.
The Academy- Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham The top spot of my fall TBR goes to this book. I’m a long-time fan of Elin Hilderbrand, so when she announced her retirement from writing Nantucket based novels, I was pretty sad not to have one this summer. Elin delivered, though, with a boarding school novel she wrote with her daughter, Shelby. This is a story of students in a New England boarding school and all the drama that comes with it. I cannot wait to pick this one up. I’ve already heard we get Elin’s signature food descriptions, and I’m guessing I’ll be wanting to cook something up after reading it. Get your copy from your local library, Amazon, Bookshop, or Pango.
The Secret of Secrets- Dan Brown The sixth installment of the Robert Langdon series is finally here! I am such a fan of Dan Brown, especially his books about Professor Langdon. (The Da Vinci Code, Angels and Demons, etc.) This tale follows Langdon to Prague where he will be hearing his new girlfriend speak about her upcoming book. Things, of course, go awry and Langdon is forced to solve the mystery, uncover clues, decipher secrets, and undoubtedly jet set across the world. I am pumped to get this one started. Is it a fall book? No idea. But it does lean into the academia world a bit since Langdon is a professor. Fall feels like the perfect time to read it. Get your copy from your local library, Amazon, Bookshop, or Pango.
Witchy Books
Witchy books are always of interest to me. I blame coming of age with Hocus Pocus. I have read many witchy books over the years, but these are some really great ones that touch on various points of the witchy spectrum.
Harry Potter Series- J. K. Rowling You’ve probably already read this one, but I couldn’t not include it. It’s the ultimate story when it comes to witches and wizards. Harry Potter is a wizard but doesn’t know it. On his 11th birthday, he receives word that he’s a wizard and has been accepted to Hogwarts, a school where he will learn all about witchcraft and wizardry. This is a beautiful series about good and evil mixed with a ton of fun. Perhaps you’ve only seen the movies. Let this be your sign to pick up the books. Read them with your children or just yourself. You won’t regret it. Do start with book one and know you will be immersed into a truly magical fantasy world you won’t want to leave. Get your copy from your local library, Amazon, Bookshop, or Pango.
Witchcraft for Wayward Girls- Grady Hendrix I listened to this one this year at the recommendation of the girls from the Overbooked Pod. I’ve read Grady Hendrix before, and being that he’s a horror writer, it was high time he did a book dedicated to witchcraft. He tells stories that ease you in then take off at a fast pace to keep you on the edge of your seat, keep you guessing, and keep you squirming from some of the more gory parts. This book tells the story of a home full of girls who find themselves in the family way. One of the highlights of their time there is when the library mobile comes. A select group of girls are enchanted with the librarian who gives them a book of magic that helps them to solve some of their pregnancy issues like morning sickness. When they start trying to solve other problems, like a rude doctor who deserves payback, that’s when things take a turn for the girls. Get your copy from your local library, Amazon, Bookshop, or Pango. (My review here.)
A Discovery of Witches- Deborah Harkness I started this series last year and was completely captivated by the depths it goes. It tells the story of Diana Bishop, a witch with no powers. Or so she thinks. She accidentally discovers an ancient manuscript that draws the attention of all sorts of creatures, most of them hostile. The most interesting of creatures is a vampire named Matthew, who is instantly entranced by Diana, just not by magic. The two must outsmart the Congregation, an elite group of creatures who are trying to find Diana and force her to hand over the manuscript. The journey these two take is spread out over three books. I’m currently in book two and can’t get enough. Get your copy from your local library, Amazon, Bookshop, or Pango. (My review here.)
The Ex Hex- Erin Sterling This story about a young witch with a broken heart who (sort of) unknowingly curses her ex is really cute! When Vivienne’s ex, Rhys, shows back up into town to recharge the town’s ley lines, they discover that her ex hex was actually pretty powerful, and their town is under attack. They must work together, ignoring the chemistry that’s still there, to reverse the curse and save their town. I believe I listened to this one, and it was cute. It’s the romcom version of a witchy tale if you’re not a fan of the spooky witches. Get your copy from your local library, Amazon, Bookshop, or Pango. (My review here.)
My Witchy TBR
Shadow of Night- Deborah Harkness Book two of the Discovery of Witches trilogy is shaping up to be a very fun story. In an effort not to spoil too much from book one, the story mostly takes place in the 1590s where Diana and Matthew are hiding. The descriptive writing is truly top notch. I am immersed in this one big time. It’s a true escape cracking it open each evening. Get your copy from your local library, Amazon, Bookshop, or Pango.
The First Witch of Boston- Andrea Catalano Full transparency- I already finished this one. I couldn’t put it down! It’s based on true events, which makes this book even cooler. Margaret Jones is a midwife and outspoken woman in New England in the early 1600s. She is married to a wonderful man and has a great reputation as a healer/midwife. Until a woman comes along who has it out for Maggie. Then she finds herself on trial for witchcraft in Boston. If you’re even remotely interested in the Salem Witch Trials and this time period, you must pick it up. I loved it! Get your copy from your local library, Amazon, Bookshop. (My review here.)
Weyward- Emilia Hart This book is told in three timelines and from three points of view, all of them women in the Weyward family. They’ve never met, but all of their stories intertwine to tell a tremendous tale. It comes highly recommended and is waiting for me on my bookshelf. Get your copy from your local library, Amazon, Bookshop, or Pango.
Feel-Good Fall Books
Sometimes spooky and witchy and dark just isn’t the vibe, ya know? That’s where the fluffy books come in. I’m talking romcoms, classics, and Hallmark movie style books. The ones that you appreciate for what they are even if they aren’t deep and meaningful. You’re not there for a long time but there for a good time. These are some of my most enjoyed feel-good fall reads.
The Pumpkin Spice Cafe- Laurie Gilmore In book one of the Dream Harbor series, Jeanie is in need of a fresh start, so when her aunt gifts her a cafe, she jumps at the chance. Then she meets Logan, a grumpy farmer. The rest is pumpkin spice sugary sweetness. Is this one fantastic? No, but it’s fun and fluffy and you’ll have a good time. Get your copy from your local library, Amazon, Bookshop, or Pango. (My review here.)
The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore- Laurie Gilmore Book two in the Dream Harbor series follows Hazel, the local bookstore owner. She starts receiving strange secret codes inside the books of the bookstore. It’s a little unsettling, so Noah, a local fisherman, who is crushing on Hazel, decides to help her find out who is sending these secret codes and defacing her merchandise. This one was equally fluffy and super cute. It’s a little spicier than the Pumpkin Spice Cafe but not too much spice, in my opinion. Get your copy from your local library, Amazon, Bookshop, or Pango. (My review here.)
The Cheat Sheat- Sarah Adams Fall means football right? This football love story will have you cheering. Oh, how I love Sarah Adams! She writes such sweet romcoms. They’re almost always closed door romances, so they’re safe for all adult readers. (Closed door just means bedroom scenes fade to black rather than let you in the bedroom to witness all the fun.) This story is about two friends, one of whom is secretly in love with the other. Bree is a dancer and Nathan is a famous quarterback. One evening, Bree confesses her love of Nathan to a reporter, and the reporter (and the whole world) seems to think they are together. Thus a fake dating romcom begins. I love a fake dating trope. This one is syrupy sweet, but I loved it. Get your copy from your local library, Amazon, Bookshop, or Pango. (My review here.)
Anne of Green Gables- L. M. Montgomery I know this one takes place over multiple seasons, but it’s just so lovely. It feels like fall is the perfect time to dive in. If for no other reason than for the quote, “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” I read this as an adult for the first time, and I want to read the whole series. Anne is the most delightful character and one of my all time favorites. You’ll be charmed the whole way through. If you haven’t read it yet, please do it. Get your copy from your local library, Amazon, Bookshop, or Pango.
A Few More
After making my initial list above, I could not forget to add these in. I’ve got a classic, a nonfiction/cookbook, a haunted house story, and one more romcom on my fall TBR.
The Fall of the House of Usher-Edgar Allan Poe My book club likes to read on theme, especially during the holidays, and this was a short story that anyone can enjoy. In this one an unnamed character receives a letter for him to visit his friends at their mansion. Something strange has happened to Roderick and Madeline Usher. While the beginning is a bit strange, the middle picks up and the ending is truly horrific. It is a great October read. Get your copy from your local library, Amazon, Bookshop, or Pango. (My review here.)
Gather and Give- Amy Hannon In this book, Amy Hannon teaches us how to be hospitable according to scripture. There’s so much goodness here, and I’m not just talking about the biblical truth spread throughout. I’m also talking about the recipes. I have made the bread recipe in this book countless times. I love the chicken pot pie recipe, too. And if you don’t make those Reese’s topped rice krispy treats, what are you even doing? This book would make a great hostess gift! Get your copy from your local library, Amazon, Bookshop. (My review here.)
The Only One Left- Riley Sager In 1923, the Hope family endured a tragedy. All members of the family were brutally murdered, except for one, Lenora. She denied any participation in the murders when it happened but hasn’t spoken about it since. Flash forward to 1983. Kit is a caregiver and has just gotten a job at Hope’s End, the crumbling home of Lenora. The last nurse fled in the middle of the night. Lenora is now in her 70s and completely mute and bedridden. She only has use of one hand. Kit brings Lenora a typewriter so they can communicate, but Lenora seems to have only one thing on her mind because she types, “I want to tell you everything.” This is a suspenseful, wild ride of a book. You will be sufficiently creeped out and also enthralled. And the house itself is a character all its own, which was a very cool thing. I really liked this one. Get your copy from your local library, Amazon, Bookshop, or Pango. (My review here.)
If It Makes You Happy- Julie Olivia This romcom has me so intrigued. It’s set in the 90s, so it’ll be a book about people with no cell phones or social media, no dating apps. I am so here for this. Maybe it’ll feel like our favorite fall movies like You’ve Got Mail or When Harry Met Sally. I am so excited to read this one. It’s set in the fall in Vermont and there’s an inn. Say less!! Get your copy from your local library, Amazon, Bookshop, or Pango.
One more thing:I want to say a quick word on my links. The Bookshop links are for bookshop.org. It is a website that allows you to shop online but choose an indie bookstore to benefit. You can choose one local to you or choose to support one that you love but is far away.
Pango Books is a second hand book website. You search for a book and then sift through the available copies based on price and condition. Most shops have a standard shipping fee, and each shop must charge shipping, so you could have to pay double shipping if you buy two books from two different sellers. (That’s the only downside in my opinion.) There is a nifty feature, though, where you can search for multiple titles from one seller. That’s been a huge help. I get a lot of my books from Pango.
If you’re still here, thanks for hanging with me! I hope you’ve found one or two or six books to add to your own fall TBR list. I know I won’t get through all these, but I sure hope I can get through a few before I dive into holiday books. Gosh, the seasons aren’t long enough. So many books, so little time.
Happy reading, friends!
