The coming of Labor Day (in America) signals the unofficial beginning of autumn. Although here in Texas it won’t feel like autumn until approximately the middle of November, I still like to get in the spirit of brisk days and cozy nights as soon as possible. In honor of my favorite season, I’ve picked out a few books that give me the warm fuzzies and feel just right reading in the fall. (Very minor spoilers ahead.)
It Happened One Autumn by Lisa Kleypas
How could I have a seasonal list without a book from Kleypas’ Wallflowers series? This intense love story is the second book in the series and features the bold and headstrong Lillian Bowman and the domineering Marcus, Lord Westcliff. Fans of Regency romance will love this steamy, quick read, which is sure to keep you warm on chilly autumn nights.
Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon
The obvious choice for a autumn-themed book in Gabaldon’s Outlander series would be Drums of Autumn, but there is something about the scenes at the royal court in France and those back in the Highlands of Scotland that beg to be read with a warm cup of tea and a cozy blanket in the fall.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
This book’s suggestion lies solely on one thing: location, location, location. What about English moors, a dreary castle, a supposed ghost that roams the halls, and dark, misty paths doesn’t scream autumn?
11/22/63 by Stephen King
The climax of this book is obviously set in the autumn, but this is the perfect thrilling, but not quite spooky, read for the fall. (Although some would argue that the dystopian section of the book is plenty scary.) You could insert any of Stephen King’s chilling reads in this slot, but this time-bending story is a favorite of mine.
Time Enough for Drums by Ann Rinaldi
This YA classic reminds me so much of my eighth-grade school year I had to put it down for the nostalgia factor. Set during the years before the American Revolution, Jemima and John’s story is a quick read, but one that will take you back to crisp school mornings spent reading between classes and on the walk home.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone by J.K. Rowling
My favorite part of the autumn growing up was the beginning of school. What better book to represent that than the ultimate school beginning? Travel with Harry through his first year at Hogwarts and reminisce about your own first days of school.
What are your favorite books to read in the autumn? Do you love the fall as much as Angela?