Top 14 Must-Read Autumn 2024 Books to Warm Your Heart

We are officially stepping into spooky season, but not everyone wants to dive headfirst into creepy, scary books. If you’re looking for something cosy to enjoy this autumn, I’ve got you covered! These reads are all about autumn vibes, comfort, and warmth without the scares. And of course, I’m always posting my current reads on Instagram, so check me out there for even more recommendations. Now, let’s get into these cosy fall books!

1. The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore

Imagine cosying up in a small town café during the crispy autumn, sipping on a pumpkin spice latte while the autumn leaves fall outside. That’s the vibe of The Pumpkin Spice Café! This sweet, heartwarming story follows an unlikely romance between a café owner and a grumpy ex-military man. It’s filled with all the seasonal feels—think pumpkin-flavoured treats, charming townsfolk, and that small-town cosiness that we all crave during the fall.

2. The Cinnamon Bun Bookshop by Laurie Gilmore

For all my fellow book lovers, The Cinnamon Bun Bookshop is a warm, delightful read set in a cosy bookstore. The plot centres around a woman who escapes to a quiet town to start a new life and discovers more than just great books—she finds community and love. With cinnamon-scented pages (figuratively speaking) and a heartfelt storyline, it’s the perfect comfort read for those who want to curl up with a book that feels like a hug on a chilly autumn day.

3. Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice by Katie Cicatelli-Kuc

This one is as fun and sweet as its title! Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice follows a young woman who moves back to her hometown to help with the family pumpkin patch. There’s romance, festive fall activities, and a whole lot of pumpkin everything. It’s light, playful, and has just the right amount of cosy romance to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Perfect for reading while you sip on your favourite autumn drink!

4. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

If you’re in the mood for a witchy book that’s more cosy than spooky, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is a must-read. This enchanting story follows Mika, a witch who joins a group of other “irregular” witches, each with their quirks, and finds unexpected friendships and love. It’s magical, heartwarming, and full of charm, making it the perfect book to read with a cosy blanket and a cup of tea as the leaves fall outside. A truly delightful autumn read!

5. Autumn Spice on Sunflower Street by Rachel Griffiths

Autumn Spice on Sunflower Street is exactly what the title promises—full of autumn warmth, charm, and romance. Set in a picturesque small town, it follows the lives of the residents as they prepare for the annual fall festival. With pumpkins, spice, and community spirit, this book is all about the beauty of autumn, new beginnings, and heartwarming love stories. It’s the perfect escape for anyone who loves a feel-good, cosy romance.

6. The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields

The Honey Witch is a sweet, magical story about a young woman with a special connection to bees and honey magic. Set in a charming village with its magical folklore, this book combines witchy vibes with heartwarming friendships and love. It’s not spooky at all, but instead offers a magical escape with the perfect blend of whimsy and sweetness, making it a great choice for a cosy autumn read. If you love a touch of magic without the scares, this book will give you all the warm, autumnal vibes you need.

7. Death by Hot Apple Cider by Alex Erickson

This cosy mystery has all the warmth of a small-town autumn with a side of amateur sleuthing. Death by Hot Apple Cider is set in a charming little coffee shop, and the owner, Krissy, finds herself caught up in yet another murder investigation—this time at an apple festival! With hot apple cider in hand and fall festivities in full swing, this light, fun mystery is perfect for curling up with on a crisp autumn day. If you’re looking for a non-scary whodunit with lots of seasonal flavours, this one’s for you.

8. The Dark Harvest by Norman Partridge

The Dark Harvest may sound ominous, but it’s more atmospheric than scary—a slow-burn mystery that leans into the darker side of fall traditions. Set in a small town where the annual harvest festival hides sinister secrets, this book is perfect for those who enjoy a little intrigue without the jump scares. It’s rich in fall vibes, with the smell of bonfires, crunching leaves, and pumpkin fields (this one’s a bit more mysterious).

9. The Cider Shop Rules by Julie Anne Lindsey

For a fun, light-hearted mystery set in a cider shop (seriously, how cosy does that sound?) The Cider Shop Rules delivers! This book follows a small-town cider shop owner turned sleuth as she gets tangled up in solving a murder mystery during the fall festival season. It’s packed with apple orchards, charming characters, and the sweet scent of cider, making it the perfect cosy read for autumn. If you love a blend of mystery and seasonal charm, this one should be on your TBR.

10. Catch Me If You Candy by Ellie Alexander

Sweet, light-hearted, and oh-so-fall, Catch Me If You Candy is part of a delicious mystery series that combines tasty treats and small-town intrigue. Set around Halloween but without the scare factor, this book features Jules, a bakery owner, who gets swept into solving a local mystery involving—you guessed it—candy! If you love cosy mysteries with food at the heart of the story, this one is the perfect pick for a fun autumn read.

11. Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant by Darci Hannah

Nothing says fall like a pumpkin pageant! In Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant, bakery owner Lindsey must solve the mystery of a murder that takes place during her town’s pumpkin pageant—right in the middle of all the fall festivities. With pumpkins galore, a cosy small-town vibe, and a mystery to untangle, this one is light on the scares but big on autumn charm. It’s perfect for anyone who loves cosy mysteries with a dash of seasonal fun.

12. The House Witch by Delemhach

The House Witch is an absolute delight for those who love witchy, whimsical reads with a cosy twist. It follows a kitchen witch who uses her magic not for casting spells but for whipping up comforting meals and keeping her household running smoothly. There’s no spooky factor here—just magical cosiness, friendships, and a dash of romance. This book is perfect if you’re looking for some cosy magic to match your autumn mood without diving into anything too dark.

13. Long Live the Pumpkin Queen by Shea Ernshaw

If you’re a fan of The Nightmare Before Christmas, this one’s a must-read! Long Live the Pumpkin Queen follows Sally after the events of the original story as she adjusts to her new role as the Pumpkin Queen of Halloween Town. While this book leans more into whimsical, magical storytelling than anything truly spooky, it’s still filled with all the Halloween and autumn vibes—pumpkins, magic, and love. It’s a cosy escape into a world we all know and love, perfect for a light autumn read.

14. Autumn Chills by Agatha Christy

Autumn Chills is a delightful, cosy mystery set in the crisp fall air of a quiet village. Following an amateur sleuth unravelling a puzzling murder, the story brings all the charm of autumn—warm fires, tea, and the vibrant colours of falling leaves. With its intriguing plot and cosy setting, this book is perfect for those who enjoy light mysteries with plenty of seasonal atmosphere, making it a comforting and engaging read for fall.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for heartwarming romances, cosy community stories, or just a bit of whimsical magic, these books are perfect for wrapping yourself up in fall vibes without the spook! Autumn reads are perfect for when you want to enjoy the seasonal vibes without the chills. So, grab a warm drink, snuggle up in a blanket, and get ready for some seriously comforting books that are ideal for the upcoming spooky season.