14 books to cozy up with this fall

When an ambitious small-town party planner is tasked with planning an autumnal-themed bash for her bestie’s 30th birthday, she decides the best venue around is a pumpkin farm with a grumpy-yet-irresistibly-handsome owner. It’s a classic enemies-to-lovers romance, but with immaculate fall vibes.

Fans of Yellowface, get ready for a dark academia fantasy in which two grad students must put aside their rivalry and make their way to the underworld to save their professor’s soul—hopefully without costing their own. The word “Katabasis” comes from Ancient Greek and literally means “descent,” which is fitting for this particular style of hero’s journey. But Kuang’s sixth book is also exploring an inner voyage to confront repressed memories, deep-rooted fears, and psychological suffering.

Attention historical fiction lovers: this one is for you! Jodi Picoult’s latest page-turner is based on the 16th century English courtesan and first female professional poet, Emilia Bassano, who some scholars suggest may have been Shakespeare’s muse and possibly even the true author behind some of his beloved plays. This story follows Emilia’s journey as well as that of a modern playwright descendent who is also faced with the possibility of having her work celebrated while another writer takes the credit. Could it be a family curse?

Readers have waited eight years for another novel from the author of The Da Vinci Code, but Robert Langdon’s next adventure is finally here! In this story, the symbology prof travels to Prague and is thrown into a thrilling race through dual worlds of futuristic science and mystical lore. It’s twisty and thought-provoking, and classic Dan Brown.

She may be considered “the queen of beach reads,” but her 33rd novel finds Hilderbrand in her very autumnal back-to-school era. If you loved The Perfect Couple (in print or on Netflix!), you’ll be taken by this scandalous story that unfolds at a New England boarding school. It’s fresh, buzzy, and full of teen drama. And we love that it’s co-written by her daughter.

If a fall-themed rom-com about second chances, found family, and the more wholesome side of the internet sounds like your cup of apple cider, you will enjoy this playful novel. When a struggling vet student rescues a golden retriever, she ends up saving herself, too—and meeting a handsome, dog-loving neighbour in the process.

Named a most anticipated book by everyone from New York Times to Vogue, and a finalist for the 2025 Kirkus Prize, The Wilderness is being called an era-defining novel. It follows five Black women over two decades of friendship, as they move through the high stakes period between young adulthood and midlife, navigating careers, relationships, motherhood and more.

A forensic pathologist returns to her hometown, a place obsessed with Halloween and infamous for a string of violent deaths linked to the holiday, when her father, a US Senator, is reported missing. With October 31 fast approaching, she must face her difficult past in time to rescue her dad. If you like spooky, you’ll be delightfully frightened by this debut thriller.

The sequel to the 2019 campus horror hit, Bunny, is already one of THE books for fall. If you haven’t gotten around to reading book one yet, no problem: We Love You, Bunny works as a stand-alone novel, too. It opens with the protagonist, Sam, being kidnapped by her campus frenemies (a crew of creepy rich girls who call themselves “Bunny”). They are unhappy with how they have been portrayed in Sam’s new novel and are ready to set the record straight.

If your version of cozy involves spine-tingling suspense, the latest from the author The Girl on the Train deserves a spot on your bookshelf. The setting alone gives us the chills: Eris, an island with only one house, one inhabitant, one way out. Unreachable from Scottish mainland for twelve hours each day. Phew!

In this debut second-chance romance by a Canadian author Joss Richard, fate throws estranged ex-roommates June and Adam back together when they unexpectedly inherit the New York City brownstone they once shared. With four weeks until the property is officially theirs, June–reeling from the cancellation of her hit TV show–finds herself back in the city she swore she left behind, forced to live alongside the man she hasn’t spoken to in five years. Between shared meals, late-night conversations, and the golden glow of autumn in Manhattan, old wounds resurface along with undeniable sparks. Can they confront the heartbreak that tore them apart—or will history repeat itself?

Whether you are drawn to the simplicity of a timeless grilled cheese, or a crazy hot mess like the Hawaiian Pizza Sandwich, this cookbook contains page after page of mouth-watering ideas. From breakfast sandwiches to open-faced options, re-imagined classics, fancy takes (like The Wild Duck) and even dessert sandwiches (hello My Favorite Ice Cream Sandwich!). Whatever you decide to try, you’ll have a delicious meal in the palm of your hand.

If you’re craving a comforting classic like Vij’s Chicken Korma, a playful twist like Gnocchi with Garam Masala Tomato Sauce, or something unexpected like Indian Tiramisu, My New Indian Kitchen offers page after page of vibrant, approachable recipes. From light bites to hearty mains, modern riffs to timeless favorites, each dish reflects Vikram Vij’s signature flair for blending tradition with imagination. With 80 recipes designed for the home cook, you’ll discover a world of flavour that is inspiring and delicious.

If you’ve ever wanted to bring bold, aromatic Indian flavours to your everyday table, Indian Food Is Easy by Vijaya Selvaraju makes it simple. With approachable techniques and accessible ingredients, Selvaraju guides you through dishes that are as nourishing as they are delicious–perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend feasts alike.