Fall/Winter Reading Guide

I had such a great response to my Summer Reading Guide that I decided to put together a Fall/Winter guide. I asked on Instagram what you look for in a great Fall/Winter book and this are the responses I got:

• Thriller/Mysteries with atmospheric setting
• Books with a winter setting
• Historical Fiction books
• Cozy Romances

I decided to have some categories like I did for the Summer Reading Guide:

• Heartfelt books that will give you all the feels
• Suspense/Mystery vibe
• Holiday Cozy Reads

I’ve included a mix of new and older books. Most of them I’ve read and some I am hoping to read this fall/winter. Read along with me!

Books that will give you all the feels

This category includes mostly historical or literary fiction. There is a mix of new and older books (books that came out in 2019 or earlier) that I have read and loved. These are all books that are what I consider “fall/winter books” that are heartfelt, cozy, you may even cry in some of these if you have a heart.

Beartown by Fredrik Backman

Oh look who’s here! Have I told you how much I love this book? I think this is a great book for fall/winter. Backman books give me that vibe. I fell in love with his writing and the characters of this book and there is a sequel so if series is your thing pick this one up! I am reading Us Against You this fall.

Publication Date: April 2017

My Rating: 5 Stars. Check out my review here.

Why is this a good fall/winter read? It is set in Sweden, its cold/snowy and it is a heartfelt book that you’ll want to hug when you finish it.

The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

Look at this cover, doesn’t it give you fall vibes? This is a historical fiction book set in the 1930s and follows five extraordinary women and their remarkable journey through the mountains of Kentucky. My favorite part of the book was the relationship between the women. How they stuck for each other and overcame so many things together. I hugged this book when I finished it. This was a Reese Witherspoon book club pick last year.

Publication Date: October 2019

My Rating: All the stars for the giver of stars! (5 Stars). Check out my review here.

Why is this a good fall/winter read? It is set in the mountains, it is heartfelt and addresses some heavy topics. The cover is perfect for the book and it gives me fall vibes.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz

Have I told you about this book? I’ve been talking about it since before I read it. I loved this book and I can’t recommend it enough. I had to include a YA book in this category because they are usually heartfelt and emotional. The audiobook is narrated by Lin Manuel Miranda and I can’t recommend it enough!

Publication Date: February 21, 2012

My Rating: 5 Stars. My review is coming soon!

Why is this a good fall/winter read? This is an emotional and beautiful book. It can be read all year long but I also think its perfect for fall.

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

I haven’t read this book yet but I will be reading it this fall. It’s been on my TBR forever and it comes highly recommended. I loved The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah so I am very excited to read another one of her books. This book is set in Alaska in 1974 so another historical fiction for you.

Publication Date: January 2018

Reviews: I am linking some reviews from my trusted sources. Check out this review from Jennastopreading and this review from Bibliophilly_. These are some of my trusted bookstagramers.

Why is this a good fall/winter read? It is historical fiction which I love in the fall and again look at that “fall looking” cover. I have been recommended to read this in the fall by many friends.

Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi

I am so excited to read this book. It is one of my most anticipated books of the year and I was happy to see that it is Jenna’s Book club pick for this month! This is a is a powerful, raw, intimate, deeply layered novel about a Ghanaian family in Alabama. I know its going to give me all the feels.

Publication Date: September 1st, 2020

Reviews: I am linking some reviews from my trusted sources. Annie, the owner of The Bookshelf, said this was her top book of the year so far. Check out her thoughts on her podcast “From the front porch“.

Why is this a good fall/winter read? Literary and heavier fiction books also scream fall for me. I personally can’t wait to read this one this fall!

The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis

This is another book that I haven’t read but I am super excited to read it this fall. I trust GMA book club’s recommendations and this was their pick last month. This is another historical fiction novel with dual timelines set in 1913 and 1993 at the New York public library. Something about the library setting screams fall to me!

Publication Date: August 2020

Reviews: I am linking some reviews from my trusted sources. Check out this review from Lauralovestoread.

Why is this a good fall/winter read? It is historical fiction which I love in the fall and the library setting gives me fall and winter vibes. I am so excited to read this book.

Suspense/Mystery Vibe

This category includes suspense and mystery book that are atmospheric and great for the fall. I don’t read super scary books so there aren’t super creepy or spooky. I’m including some books I’ve read and some that I am super excited to read in the upcoming months. I’ve indicated whether I’ve read the book or not in the summary.

The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James

If you are looking for a creepy book with ghosts but that its not too scary this is the book! I loved the dual point of views/timelines and the creepy vibe. I don’t typically read ghost books but I really enjoyed this one. Aaron also read it and liked it.

Publication Date: February 2020

My Rating: 4 Stars. Check out my review here.

Why is this a good fall/winter read? It is creepy, there’s ghosts and lots of suspense. I think this is a great thriller and a ghost book that I actually liked.

The Guest List by Lucy Foley

When I think of a fall atmospheric book I think of this book! I loved this thriller. I loved the setting, the characters and the twists. This was a Reese Witherspoon book club pick earlier this year. One of my favorite things about this book was the atmosphere the author created. Set on a remote island off the coast of Ireland. Its creepy but not too creepy and its so well written that you really feel like you are in the island at this wedding.

Publication Date – June 2, 2020

My Rating – 4 Stars. Check out my review here.

Why is this a good fall/winter read? The setting is what makes this book a great fall book. It is very atmospheric and if you are looking for a fall thriller this is it!

Miracle Creek by Angie Kim

This was one of my favorite books I read last year. I just love Angie Kim so much. There are so many layers to this book. The topics covered include, the sacrifices parents make to protect their children and immigration. This book kept me guessing! At the end of each chapter I thought I knew who committed the crime and I kept changing my mind constantly. How Angie is able to do that is so impressive.

Publication Date – April 16, 2020

My Rating – 5 Stars. Check out my review here.

Why is this a good fall/winter read? This is a great suspense book that will keep you engaged!

Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson

Aaron and I both loved this book! We are big Peter Swanson fans (thou we still have to read The Kind work killing which apparently its his best!). This book is a book lover’s dream! I loved that the main character managed a bookstore and all the book references. However, beware if you want to read one of the eight books the murders are based on, you may not want to read this yet because the endings get spoiled.

Publication Date – March 3rd, 2020

My Rating – 5 Stars. Check out my review here.

Why is this a good fall/winter read? This is one of my favorite thrillers!

The Whisper Man by Alex North

Aaron loved this book! He gave it 5 stars and says I have to read it. For those that are looking for a more scary book this is for you. I may have to only read this one during the day. I am excited to read it this year and discuss it with Aaron.

Publication Date – August 20, 2019

Reviews: I am linking some reviews from my trusted sources. Check out this review from Slreadsbooks.

Why is this a good fall/winter read? This is a dark and suspenseful thriller! I’ve seen many reviews say that it is scary.

When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole

This is a great book that just came out! I really enjoyed this book, it is a slow burn but the plot kept me engaged the entire time. I couldn’t wait to find out how it ended. This book has a little bit of everything: good character development, suspense, some creepy atmosphere, a love story, and a twisty ending.

Publication Date – September 1st, 2020

My Rating – 4 Stars. Check out my review here.

Why is this a good fall/winter read? The setting and the ending make this a great fall mystery to read.

Holiday Cozy Reads

In the winter there is nothing better than reading a cozy romance. These all fit my romance taste. I am not into the super cheesy hallmark movie type books (nothing wrong with those its just not my style). There are not all necessarily set during the holidays but are great to read at that time. For the books I haven’t read I’m linking to the goodreads pages so you can read more about these. I’ve included a mix of backlist and new books.

One Day in December by Josie Silver

This is my all time favorite Winter book! I haven’t read anything other books that scream holiday romance without being too cheesy. This was a Reese’s book club pick a while back as well so it has her stamp of approval. It is set in London, in December obviously, but it follows the love story over a longer period of time. If you only read one book from this list make it this one!

Publication Date – October 18, 2018

My Rating – 5 Stars. Check out my review here.

Why is this a good fall/winter read? This is the perfect winter book in my opinion. It is the perfect romance story without being too cheesy and it is set in London during the holidays.

The Dinner List by Rebecca Serle

This is a book I read before I started my bookstagram account and blog and I loved it! I love Rebecca Serle’s writing so much and even thou this is not set in the holidays it gave me similar feelings as when I was reading One Day in December. The cover I’m showing here is the UK cover but I like it better than the US one. I even ordered a copy of this edition of the book to add to my shelves!

Publication Date – September 11, 2018

My Rating – 5 Stars. I just realized I haven’t reviewed this book so review coming soon!

Why is this a good fall/winter read? Most of the book is set in a cozy New York City restaurant. It deals with topics of love, loss, family, friendship and forgiveness.

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

This book is a delight! I read this with my IRL book club and really liked it. It is a great romance but not too cheesy and it is set part in London and part in the US. I also gave me some hope for our country which I think we all need right now.

Publication Date – May 14, 2019

My Rating – 4 Stars. I just realized I haven’t reviewed this book so review coming soon!

Why is this a good fall/winter read? This is a great cozy romance story without being too cheesy. It is part set in London so it is delightful.

Recommended for You by Laura Silverman

You know I had to include a cozy YA since I am super into this genre this year. This is how the book is described: “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before meets You’ve Got Mail in this charming and hilarious rom-com following two teen booksellers whose rivalry is taken to the next level as they compete for the top bookseller bonus.” Based on that description I’m all in and I can’t wait to read it.

Publication Date – September 1,2020

Reviews: Check out goodreads reviews here.

Why is this a good fall/winter read? Its set in a bookstore during Hanukkah!

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

This book’s cover just screams winter and I am into it! Also its been described as similar to Gilmore Girls which is one of my favorite tv shows so I can’t wait to read it this holiday season. This is a full-hearted novel about a big-city baker who discovers the true meaning of home and that sometimes the best things are found when you didn’t even know you were looking

Publication Date – October 7, 2017

Reviews: A lot of my trusted sources have rated this book 5 stars but haven’t written a review. Check out goodreads reviews here.

Why is this a good fall/winter read? Look at that cover! Also anything described as similar to Gilmore girls gives me all the fall/winter vibes.

Modern Love by Daniel Jones

So this book doesn’t fit any categories but it is a great book to read around the holidays in my opinion. It is a collection of essays about modern love and I loved it so much! There is also a TV show so if you read this you can watch that after. Get your tissues ready!

Publication Date – September 3rd, 2019

My Rating – 5 Stars. Check out my review here.

Why is this a good fall/winter read? These stories are all amazing, some heartbreaking and some just so joyful. I think its perfect for the holidays.

I hope you enjoy this fall/winter reading guide and that you find some great books to read this season. Let me know in the comments if there are any you’d add to this list.