Pumpkin Spice (y) Romances, Witches and Horror, Oh My!
I LOVE Fall! I love everything about it from Halloween to the leaves changing ( via Pinterest because there’s no color change in Texas- just leaves DYING), and pumpkin spice everything! Here are some books that range from slightly spooky to witchy stories to just fall vibes. I am typically more into the cozy fall read and less into the spooky stuff, but I will share the slightly spooky books I dabbled in and have enjoyed this fall season.
Witchy Books
I love witches of any kind! The ones that are brainy like Hermione to comically evil like the Wicked Witch of the West or the Sanderson sisters or the Scarlet Witch to quirky and kind ones like Sabrina or Mika Moon. Basically I support my magical ladies whether they’re awkward or chaotic evil. Do you, girl. I stan. I still stand by my feelings that Wanda isn’t all that bad, she’s just in pain!!
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna is my favorite book I read this fall! It is such a sweet and wholesome story! All of the supporting characters are also so lovable! This book is basically a warm hug. The romance has a little (pumpkin) spice too.
Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman is a classic and I see why! My mom and sister recommended I read this series and I think that made it more special because it’s just a fun story about sisterhood and women supporting women. I loved the relationships between the sisters and daughters and aunts.
Over My Dead Body by Sweeney Boo is a gorgeous YA graphic novel that’s a little spooky! It’s Harry Potter meets Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.
Spooky Books
Dark Roads by Chevy Stevens isn’t a book I would typically enjoy but I was on the edge of my seat! This book is a fictional true crime story. There’s kidnapping, attempted murder, and a long list of other felonies.
Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron is a feminist and disturbing retelling of Cinderella. This is a really interesting and poignant dystopian retelling where Prince Charming is anything but.
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson is spooky but honestly not as scary or as good as the show! I don’t think I’ve ever said that I thought the movie/show was better than the book before, but it’s true in this case!
The Fate of Mice by Susan Palwick is an anthology of feminist/horror retellings of classic fairytales. They are a bit disturbing but also valuable commentary. My sister recommended this one to me and the stories that stick out are Gestella and Ever After.
Young Adult
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman is so good! It is such a creative story that explores life and death in a way I’ve never come across before.
Coraline by Neil Gaiman is so weird in the best way. It’s a short story about bravery and appreciating what you have. The movie is delightful too!
Just Fall Vibes
These books don’t necessarily take place during Halloween but they do have holidays and their covers are very fall! These books have sort of the Gilmore Girls effect where they’re not overly spooky or witchy, but they take place during fall and give off autumn vibes.
You, Again by Kate Golbeck is a fun story that’s heavily inspired by When Harry Met Sally but modern. The female lead is bisexual and meets the male lead by hooking up with the same girl. Ari is a comedian and she is really funny! Josh took a little longer to grow on me just because he was so uptight in the beginning but they compliment each other well as they grow together.
It Happened One Autumn by Lisa Kleypas is a fun regency romance set in autumn. It really doesn’t reference the season all that much but the cover is very fall and each chapter has a fall leaf graphic! If you love Eloise or Hyacinth from Bridgerton, you’ll love this story.
