Recommended Reading: Cozy Books For Fall

In our last post I discussed seasonal reading rhythms, and I know many of us are particularly drawn to a certain kind of “cozy” book when we get to chilly Fall weather. Today I thought I’d share a few books I find particularly enjoyable to read in the Fall in case you’re looking for something new to enjoy!

1. The Secrets Beneath by Kimberley Woodhouse: I was actually surprised to find this as “creepy” as it is, as Woodhouse’s books are usually pretty tame with just a little suspense. But if you’re looking for a Christian historical murder mystery with just a little romance thrown in, this is excellent. It took me about three-fourths of the book before I finally figured it out, which is what I love in a mystery (I want to be able to figure it out on my own but not too early in the book). This was really interesting from a historical point-of-view, too, as it’s set during the “Dinosaur Wars” in the 1800s when paleontologists were racing to find whole dinosaur skeletons in the Wyoming area. I’m excited to read the next book in the series when it comes out next year!

2. Anything Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle: There’s lots of great short stories about Holmes, but I especially liked The Hound of the Baskervilles. Set on the English moors (which automatically gives it a spooky setting), Holmes and Watson have to figure out the real story behind the mysterious giant hound that supposedly kills all the Baskervilles.

3. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie: Honestly, I think probably anything by Agatha Christie would be a good fit if you’re looking for a cozy murder mystery, I just haven’t read anything but this one in its entirety. Sidenote: Christie had dysgraphia (which is a struggle with putting words to paper where letters are often reversed) and quite possibly dyslexia, as well. Despite this, she taught herself to read at age five (she was also homeschooled) and went on to be the most widely published author of all time, outsold only by the Bible and Shakespeare.

4. The Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling: I feel like this should go without saying, but Fall is ALWAYS the perfect time to read/reread Harry Potter. Seriously, if you can’t decide what to read just go read Sorcerer’s Stone RIGHT NOW!

5. Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen: I feel like this is the most under-read of all of Austen’s novels, yet it’s one of my favorites. Think Jane Eyre-ish mystery, yet with all the witty humor we expect from Austen.

6. The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen: This was the first book I read by Klassen, and I read it so long ago that I didn’t think I could do it justice with my own description, so here’s the Amazon synopsis instead: “Abigail Foster fears she will end up a spinster, especially as she has little dowry to improve her charms and the one man she thought might marry her - a longtime friend - has fallen for her younger, prettier sister. When financial problems force her family to sell their London home, a strange solicitor arrives with an astounding offer: the use of a distant manor house abandoned for 18 years. The Fosters journey to imposing Pembrooke Park and are startled to find it entombed as it was abruptly left: tea cups encrusted with dry tea, moth-eaten clothes in wardrobes, a doll's house left mid-play... The handsome local curate welcomes them, but though he and his family seem to know something about the manor's past, the only information they offer Abigail is a warning: Beware trespassers who may be drawn by rumors that Pembrooke contains a secret room filled with treasure. Hoping to improve her family's financial situation, Abigail surreptitiously searches for the hidden room, but the arrival of anonymous letters addressed to her, with clues about the room and the past, bring discoveries even more startling. As secrets come to light, will Abigail find the treasure and love she seeks.... or very real danger?”

7. Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery: “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers”... Anne never fails to be inspiring no matter how many rereads, and reading it in different seasons always makes it shine in a new way. Also by Montgomery, Emily of New Moon is another perfect Fall read.

8. The Meeting Place by Janette Oke and T. Davis Bunn: I have absolutely no justification for this book being on this particular list except for it being my favorite book ever by Janette Oke (who is considered the mother of Christian historical fiction). British Catherine and French Louise meet on the island of Acadia and form a sweet friendship, but when the French are forced out their lives become entwined forevermore.

9. The Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer: If you want something with more of a Halloween-ish feel to it, this is my best recommendation for you (as I don’t read anything that’s actually scary😜). If you have read Twilight already and loved it, I highly recommend The Host by her, as well; I think I loved it even more than the Twilight books.

10. The Prairie Homestead Cookbook by Jill Winger: Finally, I know not everyone loves fiction but may still want their nonfiction reading to feel seasonal. I don’t know of anything that screams Fall more than comfort food, and this cookbook will definitely get you excited to get busy in the kitchen. If you haven’t ever read a cookbook “just for fun,” I highly encourage you to try it!

My problem with recommended reading lists is that I could keep writing them for days, but since that isn’t practical I’ll keep this list to the ten above. Experiment this Fall with what books you enjoy reading when it turns chilly outside, then next year you will know where to start, either rereading the ones you loved or looking for others by the same author. Happy Fall!