The Best Books of Fall 2024: From Romance to Self-Help, Your Ultimate Autumn Reading List

Imagine the sun setting early; you’re curling up in your comfy reading chair, wrapped in a cozy blanket. The soft glow from a crackling fireplace (real or faux) provides light to the room, and a good book rests on the side table—waiting for you. Is there anything more comforting than getting lost in a story as the world outside your door slows down? Whether you’re diving into a cozy fall romance, the newest release of the season, or looking to feel inspired by the best the self-help section has to offer, our fall reading guide has the perfect selection to match your mood. From the coziest fall reads to the best books of fall 2024, our October reading list is here to make your autumn reading experience truly magical.

Cozy in with your favorite warm drink. Let’s dive into the best books to curl up with this fall!

Cozy Fall Reads to Warm Your Heart

This selection of cozy fall reads invites you to immerse yourself in charming, small towns, where characters navigate love, friendships, and life amidst the warmth of town festivities. So, grab a comfy blanket and a hot chocolate, and get ready to experience the magic of autumn through these enchanting tales. Here are three cozy reads that will warm your heart this fall.

Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice by Katie Cicatelli-Kuc

Fall in the small, New England village of Briar Glen is magical. This cozy young adult (YA) romance follows the story of two teenagers, Lucy and Jack. They come from different backgrounds but have a few things in common. Lucy works at her mom’s coffee shop in Briar Glen. Jack is new in town. And it doesn’t take long for Lucy to find out that the new chain coffee shop, Java Junction, that opens up across the street from her mom’s coffee shop is owned by Jack’s family. Lucy must find a way to save her mom’s cafe! Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice will make you want to immediately order a pumpkin spice latte and sit down with this book for a few hours.

The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living by Louise Miller

Boston-based pastry chef Olivia Rawlings is used to the hustle and bustle of the city’s restaurant scene. But one flambé accident destroys her career, so she flees to Guthrie,  a small Vermont town (and home to her best friend, Hannah), to lay low. There, she takes a job at the Sugar Maple Inn and moves into a sugarhouse on the property with her dog, Salty. Olivia adjusts to life in the close-knit, picturesque community, and she discovers that the slower pace of country living (and maybe even the Guthrie native who’s just returned to take care of his ailing father) might be exactly what she needs. If you loved Sookie in Gilmore Girls, you’re going to love Olivia Rawlings in The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living.

The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore

This warm and cozy romance takes place in a small town called Dream Harbor. Jeanie has just been gifted her aunt’s cozy Pumpkin Spice Cafe in the heart of town. With fall just around the corner, Jeanie must figure out how to run the café during the busiest season of the year—and run off the ghost that’s haunting her coffee shop. But things get complicated when she begins to develop feelings for the handsome but aloof farmer, Logan. As the autumn leaves fall and pumpkin spice lattes flow, Jeanie must figure out who’s messing with her coffee shop once and for all. Can Logan help her? The Pumpkin Spice Café will warm your heart this fall.

Fall Romance Titles to Fall in Love With

From witches navigating their powers and rekindling lost loves to ghostly encounters that spark new beginnings, each recommendation in this romance selection provides a delightful escape into various worlds where love transcends the ordinary. If you’re looking for charm, humor, or even a dash of the supernatural, this list of fall romance novels may just sweep you off your feet!

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

Mika Moon lives her life in secrecy because she knows that being a witch in Britain requires her to stay hidden. When she receives an invitation, however, to a house called Nowhere House—that all changes. In the house, Mika meets a found family of misfits who all have magical talents and are as unusual as she is. Plus, there is a grumpy librarian, Jamie, who both frustrates and fascinates her. Mika begins to realize that maybe she doesn’t have to hide who she is. Filled with magic and a swoon-worthy romance, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is an enchanting read for fans of both witches and love stories.

The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling

When Vivienne Jones’s heart is broken by her boyfriend, she does what any witch would do—she casts a curse on him. But she only does it as a joke…or so she thought! Years later, Rhys Penhallow, Vivienne’s ex-boyfriend, returns to Graves Glen to recharge the town’s ley lines, which powers its magic. As soon as he arrives, things go wrong, and it’s clear to Vivienne that her curse might not have been so harmless after all. Now, the two must work together to undo the chaos her spell has caused. The Ex Hex is a fast-paced, romantic comedy with just the right amount of witchy spirit and magic.

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston

Florence Day is a ghostwriter for a famous romance novelist, but after a horrible breakup that has her no longer believing in love, her new (yet handsome) editor won’t push her deadline. Then she finds out she must return home, after a decade of being away, for her father’s funeral. Entering the funeral parlor one night, an extremely attractive ghost is there waiting for her. Her new editor is dead and seems just as confused as to why he’s standing there as Florence is. As it turns out, he needs Florence’s help tying up loose so he can move on. As they spend time together, Florence begins to realize that maybe love isn’t dead after all. If you’re looking for a heartfelt, funny romance with a little bit of spookiness and supernatural, then you may enjoy The Dead Romantics.

2024 New Releases: Fresh Fall Finds

The 2024 new releases recommended here offer a diverse array of stories; each includes a unique blend of intrigue and adventure. From thrilling mysteries set in haunting landscapes to literary explorations of survival, these titles invite readers to immerse themselves in places they’ve never been. Be sure to add these new releases to your fall reading list!

The Wilds by Sarah Pearse

The third book in Sarah Pearse’s gripping Detective Elin Warner series, The Wilds, is set in a sprawling and eerie national park in Portugal. When Kier vanishes without a trace, Detective Warner can’t help but investigate after discovering a disturbing map she left behind. There are only a few strangers at the isolated campsite where Elin asks questions, and they ice her out. On top of that, the park’s wild beauty turns more sinister. Elin has to untangle all the clues to find out what happened to Kier before it’s too late. Pearse is known for her chilling atmospheric settings, sharp twists and turns, and unforgettable characters. If you haven’t read  The Sanatorium or The Retreat by Pearse, those titles are just as good as her newest release, The Wilds. All three titles make for perfect fall thrillers for fans of atmospheric mysteries.

The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff

In the latest literary work by Lauren Groff, readers travel to colonial America of 1609, where a servant woman called “the girl” flees a settlement and embarks on a dangerous journey through the wilderness. She’s alone and vulnerable and must rely on her wits and resilience to survive. The girl confronts the physical dangers of the wild as well as the emotional scars of her past. Groff’s always poetic prose and richly written characters make The Vaster Wilds an immersive story about survival, freedom, and humanity’s relationship with nature.

Best Self-Improvement Books for Autumn

The nonfiction books recommended in this section offer valuable insights for making lasting changes. From science-backed strategies on living longer to practical advice on habit-stacking and how to finally overcome self-sabotage, these self-improvement titles are designed to help you reflect and reset this season. Here are some of the best self-help books of 2024 to inspire your autumn transformation.

Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Bill Gifford and Peter Attia

This book focuses on the science of aging and offers actionable strategies for living a longer, healthier life. With insights from medicine, nutrition, and behavioral science, Outlive is an in-depth guide if you’re interested in improving your longevity and quality of life. Authors Gifford and Attia cover everything in this book, from diet and exercise to mental health and stress management, which makes it a comprehensive resource if you want to make lasting changes to your overall health this fall and moving forward. I enjoyed listening to this as an audiobook. It felt more like a podcast that I could play whenever I had a few minutes.

Atomic Habits by James Clear

One of the most popular self-help books in recent years, Atomic Habits is all about the power of tiny changes. Clear’s approach to habit-stacking is effective because it’s extremely simple. You focus on making tiny, incremental improvements that compound over time. If you’re looking to develop positive new habits or break old bad habits, Atomic Habits provides practical, easy-to-understand advice for creating a system that works for your specific lifestyle goals. I always find that fall is the perfect time to implement new routines because we have a bit more time at home, and we’re already starting to think about resolutions for the new year as we inch closer to the end of the year.

The Mountain is You by Brianna Wiest

In this self-help book, Wiest explores self-sabotage and why we stand in our own way of happiness, success, and more. Using examples from personal growth and psychology, The Mountain is You encourages readers to confront their fears, let go of their limiting beliefs, and rise above self-imposed obstacles. This book is an ideal read if you’re looking for reflection and personal transformation this fall season.

How to Create the Ultimate Fall Reading Routine

To truly enjoy your autumn reading list, create a cozy environment. Here are a few cozy reading tips to make your experience even better:

• Light a fall-scented candle like pumpkin spice, apple cinnamon, or even Santal.
• Brew a warm drink like tea, hot chocolate, or even just a cup of coffee.
• Choose a comfy chair or a spot by a window.
• Keep a cozy blanket within arm’s reach.
• Put on a playlist of relaxing, piano, or jazz music.
• Use a book light instead of overhead lighting for a more intimate reading experience.
• If you read on a Kindle or iPad, turn your screen lighting to more of a warm light instead of blue light.

TL; DR: The Best Books of 2024

With our list of the best fall books 2024 has to offer, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for cozy fiction, fall romance, a new 2024 release, or self-improvement before the end of the year, this fall reading list is sure to steer you in the right direction.

What’s the first book on your fall reading list? Let us know in the comments below!