I’m a mood reader and nothing makes my book loving heart happier than getting lost in a cozy story. To me, the best fall reads offer a peaceful escape and flawed but lovable characters. Bonus points if there’s a swoon-worthy hero and a low spice romance too! If you enjoy charming small-town settings, emotional depth and satisfying, happily ever afters, this list is for you.
I’m also including whether each book is available on audio, because cozy listening season is officially here. Sometimes the best way to enjoy a heartwarming story is while driving, walking, baking, or winding down at the end of a hectic day.
Here are a few cozy no spice books to add to your fall reading list.
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The Story Between Us | Falling for Flannel | Book 1 in the Maple Lake Collection by Susan May and Sarah May Warren
This is the first book in a heartwarming new series from Sunrise Publishing. It features the best friend’s older brother trope, as well as forced proximity in a charming small town. I loved that the heroine was an overworked and under-appreciated literary agent tasked with convincing a grief-stricken bestselling author to finish a manuscript that’s long overdue. There are two adorable dogs who are some of the most delightful fictional pets I’ve read about in quite sometime. I’m biased because I write for Sunrise Publishing but I think this new series is going to be a huge hit with readers who want cozy no spice books to read this fall.
The Story Between Us is no spice, inspirational, heartwarming and it’s included in Kindle Unlimited.
Falling Into Us | Heartwarming Low-Spice Romance by Denise Hunter
This is a new release that’s been on my radar for months…ever since I saw the stunning cover that’s reminiscent of an iconic North Carolina landmark. Throw in estrangement, a single dad and plenty of early 5-star reviews and I’m in! At this point, I think I’ve read every novel Denise Hunter has ever written so I’m super excited to read Falling Into Us. It’s available as an audiobook which is awesome because I love to use my Spotify account and switch between reading on my Kindle and listening when I’m on the go.
A Secret Worth Protecting | Inspirational Second-Chance Romance by Susan L. Tuttle
Single dad with twins, second chances, witness protection…need I say more? Honestly, the pumpkin patch on the cover really got my attention. I’m always intrigued by fall-themed books. I guess it’s the epitome of a cozy aesthetic. Love Inspired books always give me exactly what I’m looking for: uplifting, feel-good stories layered with my favorite tried-and-true tropes. A Secret Worth Protecting is available as an e-Book and a paperback.
Autumn by the Sea | Muir Harbor Book 1 by Melissa Tagg
I love Melissa Tagg’s writing style. This series set on the coast of Maine is truly enjoyable. I was sad when I finished the last book. The good news is, if you’ve never read the Muir Harbor series, you have lots of great reading ahead. Melissa creates complex, relatable characters and drops them into a compelling story you won’t be able to put down. Highly recommend! Get your copy of Autumn by the Sea here.
Candy Apple Kisses by Amy Clipston
My friend Amy Clipston is currently rocking the Amazon bestseller list with her cozy low-spice contemporary romance. If your ideal autumn reading plans include stories that feel comforting, emotionally satisfying and easy to sink into, Candy Apple Kisses belongs on your TBR list.
I enjoy audiobooks narrated by Brittany Goodwin so if you’d prefer to read + listen, Brittany does a great job on this opposites attract, feel-good story set in charming Splendid Lake.
Cozy Little Christmas | Small-Town Holiday Romance by RaeAnne Thayne
I adore RaeAnne Thayne’s books. Her new Christmas book is available in early October, which makes me super happy. This clean romance is set in adorable small-town Shelter Springs and includes several of the romance tropes I love: forced proximity, small-town setting, a K9 law enforcement officer, a single parent and plenty of yearning. I can’t wait to listen to Cozy Little Christmas very soon.
One Last Shot at Christmas | Clean Hockey Romance by Heidi McCahan
Writing One Last Shot at Christmas was sooo much fun! A huge shout out to my editor at Love Inspired for helping me craft a Christmas + small-town Alaska + second-chance hockey romance. I’m also super grateful that Courtney Patterson is the audiobook narrator because I love her voice too. The early reviews have been delightful which makes me extra excited to get this inspirational story into more readers’ hands.
Pre-order your copy of One Last Shot at Christmas here.
Final Thoughts on the Best Cozy Books to Read This Fall
Whether you prefer reading in print, on Kindle, or listening on audio, these low spice books are wonderful choices when you’re craving comforting, uplifting, and swoony small-town romance. If you’d like more fall reading recs, I shared 7 more here. And if you’re already building your holiday reading list (it’s never too early), I’d love for you to keep One Last Shot at Christmas in mind.
Which of these fall reads are you most excited to start reading?
