15 of the Best Stories to Enjoy this Autumn
Reading is something that’s in my DNA year-round, no matter the day, or season. But for most of us (the casual and avid reader), there is something about the colder months that I suspect lead us to want to read. As autumn invades fully, today I thought it might be fun to look at a mere few novels that “feel” like autumn. Maybe it’s the setting or the cover art, or just the general idea of the novel. Whatever it may be, I’ve rounded up 15 of the best autumn stories to enjoy this new season.
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Like anything, this list isn’t all inclusive which means I had to create it with something as my base, and I did so by looking through my own shelves, and picking out the books I own and have actually read. Of course, there are many other books that can be enjoyed during the autumnal season, and the beauty of change it ushers in, but if I don’t give myself a limit, I tend to run overlong.
On that, let’s take a look at these autumn-esque novels.
15 of the Best Autumn Stories to Enjoy
listed by author, a-z
1: The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof
Story: Follows a young nurse named Ella, and the mysterious man who acts as protector to a young child, both of whom travel with the Big Top.
Thoughts: The fairy tale aficionado will adore this historical novel inspired by Beauty and the Beast. Inside these pages lies a deeply moving romance set amidst a 1900s travelling circus. Goodreads
2: The Runaway Princess by Hester Browne
Story: A woman falls head over heels for a dashing man, only to learn his world might not be one in which she belongs.
Thoughts: This is a secular adult romance that I didn’t know a thing about until I read a review that made it sound too much like catnip. I bought a copy, read it, laughed, swooned, and have loved it ever since. It’s a charming romantic comedy that is ideal for anything who enjoys a good royal romance. Goodreads
3: The Spice King by Elizabeth Camden
Story: After building his family’s spice company empire, Grey is ready to leave behind his world travels, and when he meets Annabelle Larkin, a botanist with a keen mind, it would seem he finds his reason to do so.
Thoughts: Though not my favorite novel by Elizabeth Camden, this historical novel is as lovely as any of her novels. It’s full of historical factoids, sweet romance, and perhaps best of all, a swoon-worthy hero on the book cover. Goodreads
4: Among the Poppies by J’nell Ciesielski
Story: A spunky young woman, Gwyn, drives converted ambulance cars during the war, and while fighting for their lives, she begins to fall for a handsome soldier.
Thoughts: The first novel I’ve read by this talented author, J’nell writes a compelling WWI novel that is sure to please fans of British dramas like Downton Abbey. Goodreads
5: Always Watching by Lynette Eason
Story: The independent Olivia, the founder of an elite bodyguard company, finds herself in new territory when she falls for the man she’s hired to protect.
Thoughts: When you want a good romantic suspense novel, one of the best is Lynette Eason. Her novels consistently impress, and for some reason, this is a genre that tends to “feel” right for the season. Goodreads
6: 10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston
Story: Instead of a week along with her boyfriend, a teenage girl must instead deal with the aftermath of an unexpected breakup. Her family’s idea of helping her cope is to set her up on blind dates in a witty and sometimes disastrous string of 1o days.
Thoughts: Imperfect though it is, this Christmas-y novel is darling. There’s lots of funny moments, a cute romance we know is bound to happen, and plenty of nosy (but well meaning) family members. Goodreads
7: P.S. Goodbye by Tari Faris
Story: Two people, who once were friends, reunite when Grant returns to Caroline’s small hometown hoping to emotionally heal from his scars.
Thoughts: Though this is only a novella, it’s a beautiful and charming story that hits its reader with all the feels, and the old-fashioned romance is quite high in this one. Goodreads
8: Gilt Hollow by Lorie Langdon
Story: After he’s accused of something he didn’t do, a teenager returns to his old high school and best friend, Willow, all amid whispers and rumors.
Thoughts: This novel isn’t “spooky,” but the one thing I still remember of it is that it’s an atmospheric read, ideal for this time of year. Plus, it’s an interesting plot that asks its characters to question whether or not they really know someone. Goodreads
9: Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay
Story: A bright foster care kid, now a college grad, receives the patronage of a man she knows only as Mr. Knightley. As she goes on for further studies, the two begin to write letters, discovering an unexpected friendship.
Thoughts: This novel is beautiful. Despite its epistolary format (which I was skeptical about), it’s still one of my very favorite novels – and with good reason! Goodreads
10: As Easy as Riding a Bike by Bell Renshaw
Story: This one tells the story of a young business owner, Emma, and a well-travelled photographer, Connor. A story of friendship, all nestled in a small town locale.
Thoughts: If sweet, lovely and wholesome romance is your thing, you won’t want to miss newcomer Bell Renshaw’s delightful novella romances. They’ve all been winners, but with its autumnal cover, this one seems the best first for this list. Goodreads
11: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Story: Under a pseudonym, Juliet Ashton wrote stories during the war that helped to life readers’ spirits. But now, she’s ready to step out and write something real. Little does she expect that inspiration to come from a group of residents living on Guernsey island.
Thoughts: It took me a long time to finally read this one, but once I did, I’m left wondering why I didn’t read it sooner. ‘Guernsey’ is a lovely, emotional, complex and uplifting story that feels like the perfect seasonal read. Goodreads
12: The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks
Story: A rodeo cowboy named Luke and a college student, Sophie begin a romance all while discovering the unlikely love story between two people from the 1940s.
Thoughts: This Nicholas Sparks novel just looks autmn-esque. Whether or not that’s the actual setting of the novel, I cannot remember. Either way, we all need a good romance now and again, right? Goodreads
15 of the Best Stories to Enjoy this Autumn. Talking about a few of the best autumn stories to read this season. What do you like to read in this new season? #AMReading #Reader Share on X13: Like Never Before by Melissa Tagg
Story: A newspaper reporter and widowed father meet when Logan returns to his small hometown, and finds his idea of a quiet return is upended by the determined Amelia.
Thoughts: Pretty much any of Melissa’s darling romantic-comedies make for excellent seasonal reads. Primarily this is because of their cozy cover designs, and of course, the characters you meet will find a place in your bookworm heart. Goodreads
14: My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade
Story: An emotionally scarred ex-hockey pro and a woman renovating the old house she grew up in.
Thoughts: The new re-brand of this novel, Becky’s debut, gives off autumn feels, and as such, I simply had to include it. It fits in too well, plus, the story inside is, as I remember, a grand one. Goodreads
15: Fame, Fate and the First Kiss by Kasie West
Story: A Teenager, filming her first “big” movie, must deal with an overbearing parent, schoolwork, critics, and the unexpected twist that she just may have a thing for her cute tutor.
Thoughts: Like anything by Kasie West, this is another sweet story. The setting is primarily on a movie set which makes the backdrop interesting, and Donovan and Lacey have a cute little romance that is sure to make the reader root for that HEA. Goodreads
What’s your ideal autumn-esque read? Do you have a “best autumn stories” list? If so, what are your favorites? Do you read any specific genre for this season? Comment down below with all of your bookish thoughts – and let me know if you’ve read any of these.
Autumn is a strange time for me because it’s a time in-between summer and winter. Somedays you can still do a little summery book (although I think the window has closed on the true summer books for me) and then it transitions to the books that make me think of snow and cold. Any back to school books are great this time of year too.
The only one of these I’m familiar with is 10 Blind Dates and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society. I’m not sure if I’ll be reading either of those yet… we’ll see.
I know what you mean. For me, it’s more about all of the transitions we go through in the weather department! One day it’s a beautiful autumn day, the next, it’s more akin to winter. Needless to say, I’m really NOT a fan. :D
Back to school settings are indeed great, and if you read either book you mention, let me know! I’ve been reading Christmas books to prepare for some seasonal content I have planned. I’m not the biggest fan of jumping into Christmas (YET!), but it’s also fun to create the content, so… one has to do what one has to do. ;)
So many great books on your list! The Lady and the Lionheart is amazing, The Spice King is one of my top reads for this year, and Melissa Tagg’s books are perfect autumn reads. P.S. Goodbye by Tari Faris is on my TBR list. It sounds so good! I’ve got to make time for it soon. :)
Isn’t it? I agree. One of my favorite reads. YES! Melissa’s books are just “cozy stories,” they’re also aesthetically perfect for this season. Hope you enjoy P.S. Goodbye, Ashley. I thought it was quite lovely. :)
Lots of great books on this list. I don’t think I’ve read any of them – but lots of them are on my TBR. Dear Mr. Knightley, Like Never Before and The Lady and The Lionheart are ones I hope to read this year!
YAY!! Hope you enjoy all of your TBR hopefuls, Chanel. Katherine’s are always wonderful (have you read any of hers?); Melissa’s adorable, and perfect for autumn; and Joanne’s is historical fairy tale bliss. Happy reading!