Fall vibes: 8 reads that perfectly capture that autumn feeling

With the first official week of fall upon us, it’s hard not to think about cooler temperatures, crunchy leaves, and warm blankets with hot drinks. Personally, I’m excited for a reason to bake and drink all the apple-flavored things. You read that correctly: apple—not pumpkin. I said what I said.

But fall’s arrival also means it’s also the perfect time to curl up with a good book, and sometimes, you just want a book to match the vibes of the season. Whether it’s a cute rom-com, a cozy fantasy, or an engaging mystery, Libby has plenty of options for the cool evenings that will be here before we know it.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
🎧 Audiobook

I was late to the party to read this book, but it immediately became one of my favorites. It follows Mika Moon, a witch living in Britain who has been told to keep her head down and stay away from other witches for her entire life. How does she compensate for this? By making online videos with a witchy feel, as anyone of a certain age might do. It’s not the perfect life, but it suits her fine until she receives an unexpected message asking her to travel to a place called Nowhere House and teach three young witches how to control their magic. When she arrives, she not only finds three children, but an eccentric former actor, two delightful caretakers, and a grumpy librarian that she somehow can’t stop thinking of.

This is perfect for fans of the found family trope in books like The House in the Cerulean Sea and The Gilded Wolves.

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
🎧 Audiobook

Admittedly, Ashley Poston is one of my favorite contemporary romance authors and I’ve made a tradition of re-reading this book every fall. I’d call this book vaguely spooky in the way Casper the Friendly Ghost is spooky. Does it have ghosts? Yes. Is it going to leave you traumatized? Probably not.

Florence Day is a ghost writer for a prominent romance author. Her inspiration has been lacking entirely after a breakup that leaves her more than a little soured on love. After a phone call she never wanted to receive, she must go home to help her family decide where to bury her father. When she gets home, however, she finds a ghost standing in front of the family funeral parlor, just as confused about why he’s there. Plot twist: Florence can see and speak to ghosts, just like her father. In short, if you need a book to give you a little hope and maybe kick you in the feels, don’t overlook this one.

The September House by Carissa Orlando
🎧 Audiobook

Even though we’re not into October yet, plenty of people are already celebrating spooky season. What better way to get in the mood than a spooky book?

In this debut from 2023, Margaret and her husband have just bought a large Victorian house at a surprisingly reasonable price. What could possibly go wrong? Other than the walls dripping blood every September, ghosts of former residents appearing, and everyone being terrified of the basement. Most people would get out of dodge. Margaret, however, is determined to stay. Her husband, Hal, however, has had it and decides to get out while he still can. Then he stops returning calls, and their daughter arrives to look for her missing father with no knowledge of the supernatural or what might be living in her mother’s house. This is a great blend of genres that is best read on a rainy day, and maybe with a light or two on.

Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
🎧 Audiobook

A tale of a lonely girl who collects cups and stows away to save a friend from a dangerous adventure? This has great vibes for a cool autumn day with a blanket and a sunset.

Tress lives on an isle with an emerald sea and prefers a simple life of collecting cups given to her by travelers and listening to stories from her friend Charlie. But when Charlie is sent away to find a bride and disaster strikes, Tress must summon the courage to leave the only home she’s ever known and save her friend.

I picked this up on a whim and was pleasantly surprised. Finding out it was based on The Princess Bride makes me love it even more. If I had to describe it in one word, I think it’d be whimsical—a perfect complement to everything I love about fall.

Magnolia, Fall issue

If you’re looking for something to add to your fall vibes, whether through food, décor, or entertainment, the Fall 2025 issue of Magnolia is worth checking out. The apple cider bar made me immediately want to wander through an orchard and fill a basket to make some of the amazing cider-based drinks. An iced caramel apple sparkling cider? Yes, please. As I said, apples are my weakness in the fall. If you’re looking for easy recipes that will add to the coziness of fall, the sheet pan recipes sound amazing to throw together for a rainy, quiet night in. And obviously, comfort food is a must, which is why I was more than a little excited to see recipes for leveled-up toasted sandwiches. I love grilled cheese as much as the next person, but sometimes you need a little more.

Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
🎧 Audiobook

Many classics fit perfectly with the fall weather, but none mix autumnal and spooky quite as well as this book.

Two teens in a quiet town in Illinois sneak out of their homes one night to see an evil carnival that has come to town and prey on its innocent citizens. But amid the mystery and terror, it's hard not to get lost in the poetic language Bradbury uses to describe fall and the season's arrival. Great for anyone looking to get a head start on spooky season!

The Secret History by Donna Tartt
🎧 Audiobook

Set during the fall and winter, The Secret History is moody with a distinct New England vibe. And who doesn’t love to see the colors change on the coast in the fall?

The story focuses on a close-knit group of college students who are all studying the classics and have their own fascinations with some less-than-ethical hobbies, including murder. This may not be a book that leaves you feeling cozy, but it will satisfy the urge for a good mystery and thriller as we dive headfirst into rainy nights. It’s also very morally grey, so proceed with caution as you tread into the world of dark academia and privilege.

If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia
🎧 Audiobook

Look, if this cover doesn’t immediately put you in the mood for fall or make you start singing Sheryl Crow, then I don’t know what to tell you. If, however, your fall traditions include curling up with blankets and watching Gilmore Girls, pick up this book and I promise you won’t be disappointed.

This book tells you exactly what it is—starting with the cover. Michelle’s life is turned upside down when she’s asked to take over her mother’s bed-and-breakfast for three months, until her sister can step in. That means putting her career on hold and moving to the small town of Copper Run, where she has no idea how to run a bed-and-breakfast. Luckily, her neighbor Cliff seems to have life all figured out and offers a helping hand that quickly turns into something more. It’s full of familiar tropes, but I devoured it as quickly as I would a Hallmark movie—and honestly, I wish it were one.

*Title availability may vary.

If you’re looking for more books with fall vibes to get you through the season, head over to the Libby app for even more options for the next chilly fall evening.

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