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The 10 Cosiest Autumn Reads

Grab a cup of coffee (or tea). Snuggle under a blanket. And open one of our cosiest autumn reads that’ll keep you stuck to the sofa until you’re finished.


A woman's hand with an autumn sweater picking out a one of the cosiest autumn reads from a shelf.

#1 The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab


Written by the New York Times Bestselling Author, V.E. Schwab, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue follows a girl who desires nothing but time, freedom, and adventure. Sadly, she is given the exact opposite — an arranged marriage.


Set in 1750s France, Addie LaRue does all she can — including making a deal with the devil — to get precisely what she wants out of life. But does it work? You’ll have to read this over 500-page one of our cosiest autumn reads to find out! We promise you won’t regret it. In fact, we’re sure you’ll want to devour in one sitting.



#2 Brontë’s Mistress by Finola Austin


If you have ever studied English literature in school, you will have found books like Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre on your syllabus. Well, Brontë’s Mistress is the truth story behind these eloquent novels.


Finola Austin has done a fantastic job of researching for her debut novel about the Brontë family’s only son, Branwell Brontë. He gained fame (some may say, infamy) after having an affair with his employer who was married.


The novel is spicy and oh-so juicy, but still managing to maintain all the things that make it one of the cosiest autumn reads for 2021.



#3 Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff


From the author of The Mirage, Lovecraft Country is a myriad of supernatural beasts and real-life tragedies. It’s incredibly fast-paced but that does not mean that it isn’t one of our cosiest autumn reads!


The story follows a road trip winding through the American south during the 1950s. Along the way, they meet paranormal monsters and country towns. There is, of course, more to it, but we recommend going into this one of our cosy autumn books without knowing much of anything.


Fun fact: Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff was turned into an HBO series! But, as you may imagine, we recommend reading the book before heading to the screen interpretation.



#4 The Secret History by Donna Tartt


It seems like Donna Tartt wrote this book to make a cosiest autumn reads list!


The novel is set among excitable Classics students studying at a small arts university. It contains the pace and anxiety of the new school year and the frantic feelings of forming new friendships within a campus sect.


While all characters are given a chance to shine, The Secret History focuses on Richard Papen, a university student who had a bog-standard Californian childhood. The book follows his discovering of meaning and danger within his fast-forming friendships at Vermont’s Hampden College. It’s one of those best autumn books that will be sure to keep you glued to the sofa and turning the pages.



#5 Red at The Bone by Jacqueline Woodson


The highly accoladed children’s author, Jacqueline Woodson, wrote her first book for adults, and saw it win a National Book Award quick as a flash. Yep, Red at The Bone rapidly rose in popularity, and we love all the cosy feelings it gives, so it’s obviously one of our best autumn books 2021.


The novel spans numerous generations, but centres around a couple of coming-of-age celebrations taking place in autumn. One of the protagonists, Melody, is turning 16 and this inspires the rest of her family to look back on her mum’s 16th birthday. And that is all you should know before going into it.



#6 Among Other Things, I’ve Taken Up Smoking by Aoibheann Sweeney


This novel follows a girl called Miranda who is more-than-used to living in the peace and quiet in Maine. However, she ends up skipping the admissions test for college, causing her dad to send her off to a classical studies university in New York City. While there, she learns something about her dad that changes her entirely.


Aoibheann Sweeney’s novel is unarguably one of the cosiest autumn books you can hope to read this year.



#7 Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman


Have you seen the movie produced in 1998 starring Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock? If so, you will adore Alice Hoffman’s original novel, Practical Magic.


The story follows a family of witches who use their powers to create love potions to get what — and who — they want. If you only read one of our cosiest autumn book recommendations, make it this one.



#8 The Cider House Rules by John Irving


The Cider House Rules is set in autumn in New England. So, naturally, it is one of the cosiest autumn reads. Specifically, it is set in a working apple orchard that produces cider. Reading this book allows you to taste the autumnal flavours without stepping one foot outside your door.


However, we will say that this book does cover tricky issues like abortion and adoption. If you’re sensitive to both or either of these, we recommend choosing another one of our autumn book recommendations.



#9 The Mothers by Brit Bennett


Brit Bennett’s writing is truly beautiful. If you’ve read The Vanishing Half, you probably know what to expect from the writing style.


It’s a debut novel which already topped The New York Times bestselling list and is perfect for giving all the autumn vibes. The writing is lyrical and Chigozie Obioma stated it’s “a brilliant study of a modern black woman”. We couldn’t not put it on our best autumn books list!



#10 This Lovely City by Louise Hare


This Lovely City is set in 1950s London after the Blitz. A jazz musician rents a small room in the south of the city and, naturally, falls in love with the girl living next door. The main character works as a postman during the day, and graces Soho’s music rooms by night. His life seems quite until, one morning, he finds something terrible, and turmoil ensues.


So, if you’re in love with romance and mystery, you’ll enjoy this one of our cosy autumn books — yes, even if you’re not usually a fan of historical fiction. Don’t be put off by the time period, it adds a lot to the story.


It’s Louise Hare’s debut novel, so give it a chance this autumn. You may well find your new favourite book.












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