When the weather begins to turn cooler and the days grow slowly shorter and darker I get an irrisistible urge to curl up with a cup of tea and a good book. Certain books are just extra cozy and feel perfect for fall. You will not find anything to deep or heavy on this list. At the beginning of the schoolyear I need books that are light and easy to read while also being encouraging or inspiring. You will also not find the creepier books that are on many fall book lists, those just aren’t usually my cup of tea. So here is a list of my favorite five cozy reads for autumn! I hope you enjoy.
Parnassus On Wheels~Christopher Morley
This first book will always live in my mind as the perfect autumn read. I first read Parnassus on Wheels during a glorious October and the book is set in October! The mood and descriptions are full of the classic fall feels. And it is a book about books which of course makes it an instant favorite for me. The story revolves around 39 year old Helen McGill who, tired of keeping house for her brother sets out on her own adventure when she impulsivly purchases a traveling bookshop. The ensueing adventures are quite hilarious, quaint, and with a dash of romance thrown in!
Village School and Village Centenary~MISS READ
This next reccomendation is a 2 for 1! I first discovered the Miss Read books last fall. There is actually a whole series but so far I have only read Village School and Village Centenary. While the stories don’t exclusively take place during the fall they still have that cozy feel throughout. With plenty of English village atmosphere, an abundance of tea, plus the school day focus, these books are brimming with coziness. As a homeschool mom I have really enjoyed these at the beginning of the school year.
The Rim Of the Prairie~Bess Streeter Aldrich
Visiting an old favorite is always cozy and this next book is a long time favorite of mine. The first time I read this was as a late teen and the next time I read it aloud to my husband shortly after our marraige. This is a sweet love story set in Nebraska, full of wonderful characters. It captures the pioneer spirit of days past and showcases the joy, simplicity and quirks of small town life. There is even a hint of mystery!
The Lifegiving Table~ Sally Clarkson
This next book is actually not a novel but more of an inspirational read for me. As the seasons change and the days grow darker my heart always turns more fully toward home. I revisit bits and peices of this book each fall as I seek deeper ways to connect to my family and make our home cozy and inviting. With topics such as feasting, table talk, and family culture it is the perfect book to reignite a vision for home and family!
An Everlasting Meal: Cooking with Economy and Grace~ Tamar Adler
This last book on our list is also non-fiction. This will probably mostly appeal to people who enjoy cooking. This is a unique little book about cooking; about being creative, using what you have, and savoring good food. This book definitely get me thing about cooking in a differnent more wholistic way. The prose is freindly, gently humorous, and inviting. There are some simple recipes sprinkles throughout. When ever I am feeling stuck in a rut with my cooking I like to revisit this book for a touch of inspiration!
As the first fires begin to crackle in the hearth and and the colorful leaves flutter down I hope you find one of these five cozy reads for autumn to curl up with and enjoy. If you want some beautiful fall picture books to share with your children check out my article Favorite Autumn Stories. Let me know your favorite cozy books in the comments, too. I would love add them to my stack of books to read!
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