These lighthearted Christmas romance books are perfect for the holiday season. Table of Contents: The Charm of Reading Coastal Christmas Books Beach-themed and coastal Christmas books bring a fun twist to holiday reading, blending a cozy Christmas vibe with the charm of a seaside setting. If you’re like me and love escaping to a coastal village in New England or other quaint seaside towns, these stories are a perfect way to enjoy the holiday spirit with a seaside spin. You’ll still feel all the holiday magic of a typical Christmas romance book, just with a coastal twist. There’s something about reading holiday-themed stories that just makes the season feel more complete. I love how these books add a cozy, festive touch to my days, pulling me right into the warmth and wonder of Christmas through their engaging stories. They’re reminiscent of everyone’s favorite holiday TV romance movies, and a perfect way to enhance the holiday spirit, offering a bit of comfort and escapism during this special time of year. The coastal Christmas books in this list bring all the warmth and wonder we crave during the holiday season, set against a variety of beautiful seaside backdrops, like Nantucket, Cape Cod, the Outer Banks, and more. With stories of friendship, family, and love, they capture the heart of what makes the holidays so special, all while transporting you to charming small towns, coastal villages, and seaside celebrations. Whether it’s the cozy charm of a Nantucket winter or the breezy holiday spirit of a beach town, each book offers a perfect escape to enjoy the holiday season a little more fully. Cozy Coastal Christmas Books List Here’s a list of charming coastal holiday romance reads to bring a little extra warmth and joy to your season. A Ferry Merry Christmas by Debbie Macomber When a ferry breaks down in the middle of Puget Sound, Avery and Reed end up having a very different Christmas than they planned. Avery finds herself stuck on board with a mix of passengers who each have their own little dramas going on, and she even meets a sailor who brings a spark of holiday magic back into her life. Meanwhile, Reed is making an unexpected connection of his own. It’s a quick, feel-good read about those inconvenient moments that somehow end up bringing people together in the best way. Print book length: 272 pagesAudiobook length: 5 hours and 22 minutesGenres: Christmas, romance, fiction Summary:A delayed ferryboat brings people together in the best of ways during the holiday season in this enchanting Christmas novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.Avery and Reed Bond grew up sharing a close-knit relationship, weathering life’s storms side by side. Even so, Avery often finds herself exasperated by her brother’s relentless matchmaking, while Reed can’t resist teasing his sister—after all, isn’t that what siblings do?Facing their first Christmas without their beloved Grams, the woman who lovingly raised them, Reed and Avery decide to spend the holiday together at Reed’s home. However, their plans take an unexpected turn when the ferry Avery’s traveling on stalls in the middle of Puget Sound, stranding its passengers and leaving Reed waiting a now undetermined length of time for her arrival. What is at first an inconvenience threatens to ruin the plans of a number of commuters, but Avery and Reed soon discover that this unforeseen delay might end up being be a perfectly timed blessing in disguise.While stuck on the ferry, Avery meets a handsome sailor and witnesses a Christmas miracle that reignites her belief in the holiday spirit. Meanwhile, Reed runs into a coworker who’s also waiting for a family member to arrive, and sparks a surprising and delightful connection.In this tale of holiday magic, the Bond siblings find themselves taking a chance on love, proving that sometimes the best moments in life come when we least expect them.— From the publisher: Ballantine Books A Sea Glass Christmas by Davis Bunn This story follows Brody as he returns to the Outer Banks after years of sailing and trying to outrun some emotional knots he never fully untangled. Coming home at Christmastime forces him to face what he left behind, including Rae, who’s built a full but lonely life of her own while caring for her aunt and chasing down adventure wherever she can. Their reunion is layered with old feelings, personal growth, and the kind of soul-searching that happens when you’re finally honest with yourself. It’s a second-chance romance with depth, healing, and plenty of coastal atmosphere. Print book length: 256 pagesAudiobook length: 6 hours and 14 minutesGenres: Christmas, fiction, romance Summary:In the ultimate Christmas comfort read for fans of Nicholas Sparks and Karen Kingsbury, a bracing Christmas on North Carolina’s Outer Banks opens the door to a second chance at love…Some places never leave you . . .Two days before his 21st birthday, Brody Reames left the Outer Banks to fulfill his dream of sailing. For years, it’s been a liberating, wayfarer’s life, crewing on ocean-bound vessels and joining cross-Atlantic races. He knew leaving his hometown wouldn’t be forever, but to mend a disillusioned heart in Fortunate Harbor, it was for the best. Still, he never expected that a family upheaval and his loving mother’s plea would call him back. With Christmas nearing, Brody is coming home again—to a crisp chill in the air and a warm former flame . . .Some goodbyes aren’t meant to be forever . . .Attorney for the Outer Banks’ 5-star ocean-front resort and resident treasure hunter, Rae Alden has a life that is adventurous, rewarding . . . and lonely. Still struggling with recent romances gone wrong, Rae directs all her energy into her career and caring for her ailing aunt, taking respite in dawn runs along the beach. But now, after eight years, she sees Brody again. They share more than a passion for the island realm. There are memories of a lovely once-upon-a-time fling. It lasted until a fateful change of seasons—and heart.Like […]

If you’re ready to bring a bit of the beach into your home, here are some great book suggestions that your little one will love. If your toddler or preschooler loves the beach, then beach-themed books are a great way to keep that excitement going no matter the season. Whether they love splashing in the waves, digging in the sand, or just watching seagulls, there are so many sweet stories that bring the magic of the coast to life. It’s also a perfect way to engage them and enjoy some quiet time with a good book. Plus, let’s be real… anything that gets them excited to sit down with a book is a win. There’s just something about the beach that captures imaginations, and reading about it gives them a chance to experience more fun beachside adventures. If you’re looking for gift ideas for toddlers or preschoolers, a beach book is a great gift. For a fun idea, give a beach toy along with a beach book to really transport them to the coast and get them excited for an upcoming beach trip! If you don’t live near the beach, sand beach toys like sand castle molds, animal molds, shovels, and sand play sets can be just as fun in a sandbox. In this list, you’ll find that some of these books feature familiar characters that kids already know and love, which makes them even more engaging as they’ll love seeing their favorite characters in a whole new setting. Other books offer new characters that you’ll enjoy. Plus, these stories have great messages about visiting new places, family and friendship, and discovering things about being by the ocean. The colorful illustrations really draw kids in and help bring the beach to life, making it almost feel like they’re right there building sandcastles or exploring tide pools. Even if you can’t get to the beach as often as you’d like, these stories make it easy to bring some seaside magic into your home. It’s such a fun way to spark toddlers’ and preschoolers’ curiosity about beach life and give them a little escape to the shore, no matter where you are. And honestly, it’s not just for the kids – it’s fun for adults, too! Reading these books together is a great way to share your love of the beach, even on a rainy day or when summer feels way too far away. This list of fun and engaging beach books makes for great gifts for toddlers and preschoolers. Beach Books for Toddlers and Preschoolers That Are Both Fun and Engaging Snuggle up and explore the world of waves, sand, and beach scenes. You might even find yourself getting lost in these charming stories right along with your child or grandchild! A Day at the Beach with The Very Hungry Caterpillar Written and Illustrated by Eric Carle You’re probably familiar with The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and now you can enjoy a new adventure with this beach day board book with your child. The illustrations are excellent. Summary:Spend a day at the beach with The Very Hungry Caterpillar!It’s time for some fun in the sun! Play with beach toys, collect seashells, and splash in the water in this tabbed board book with easy-to-flip tabs, easy-to-read text, and easy-to-love Eric Carle art featuring The Very Hungry Caterpillar.— From the publisher: World of Eric Carle Bluey: The Beach If you’re familiar with the television show or even if you aren’t, you’ll enjoy this sweet story of a fun family day at the beach. Summary:Join Bluey for a fun day at the beach in this first picture book story from the new hit animation!Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad are at the beach. While Mum is off for a walk, Bluey discovers a beautiful shell and runs to catch up with her.What will she discover along the way in her first solo adventure?This new Bluey picture book is perfect for sharing with Bluey fans at storytime and bedtime.— From the publisher: Penguin Young Readers Curious George Goes to the Beach Written by Margret & H.A. Rey, Illustrated by Alan J. Shalleck I have a fondness for Curious George, as I read these books as a child. This beach book has the perfect amount of George’s mischief combined with a fun introduction to the beach for toddlers and preschoolers. Summary:Spend a sunny summer day at the beach with Curious George as he plays in the sand, feeds seagulls, and swims in the ocean!This storybook, featuring illustrations in the classic style of H. A. Rey, takes George on a sunny seaside adventure. Everyone's favorite curious little monkey tries lifeguarding (he loves the tall chair and binoculars), feeds some seagulls, helps a friend overcome her fear of swimming, and even makes a daring ocean rescue when the picnic basket gets swept out to sea! This edition features a fill-in-the-blank word activity and page-turn signals to guide early readers.— From the publisher: Clarion Books Related: 16 Essential Beach Toys to Keep Your Kids Entertained All Day The Sandcastle That Lola Built Written by Megan Maynor, Illustrated by Kate Berube This cute beach story is about kids working together to accomplish a goal and shows that everyone has something special to contribute. Summary:A modern, summery spin on the classic The House That Jack Built, in which Lola's day at the beach leads to new friends and a giant sandcastle.Lola is building her dream sandcastle--one with a tall, tall tower and sea glass that sends signals to mermaids. But the beach is crowded, and soon enough, a boy steps on her castle. Not to worry! Lola recruits him to build a wall. When a toddler with a bulldozer starts digging too close the walls, Lola decides he can be in charge of digging the moat. As the sandcastle grows, so does Lola's friendly group of helpers. There's only one thing that Lola doesn't want near the sandcastle: a wave! Will the new friends be able to salvage the mermaids' castle when […]

Toss one or more of these short beach books into your bag for the perfect vacation reading. Beach reads are the perfect companions for spending a relaxing day by the water, or when you’re wishing you were! Beach books are typically light, engaging, and easy to dive into, making them ideal for a laid-back reading experience.  Whether it’s a breezy romance, a gripping thriller, or a heartwarming story about friendship, beach reads captivate without demanding too much mental effort, allowing you to fully unwind. Their portability and often shorter length make them convenient to pack in your beach bag, ensuring you have a delightful escape as you relax on the sand. Short beach books are also a great way to escape during other times of the year when you’re at home, dreaming of your next beach vacation! And shorter books are especially easy to dive into. Reading short books and listening to short audiobooks can be appealing for numerous reasons. One of the most significant advantages is the ability to complete them quickly, making it easier to fit reading into your busy schedule. With less time required to finish a short book, you can enjoy the satisfaction of completing a story in one or two sittings, which can feel particularly rewarding. Another reason to want to read short books is when you’re trying to reach your reading goal. No matter your motivation, there are many fun and charming short beach books to add to your list. Explore this list of short beach books and dive into your next captivating read. Table of Contents: 14 Short Beach Books and Audiobooks For this list I’m considering a short book to be a book under 335 pages (although most in this list are under 300 pages!) and an audiobook under, or only slightly over, 7.5 hours long. 1. Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan Print book length: 320 pagesAudiobook length: 6 hours and 57 minutesGenres: beach reads, romance, adult fiction Summary:Beach Rules: Do take long walks on the sand. Do put an umbrella in every cocktail. Do NOT run into your first love.Sam’s life is on track. She has the perfect doctor fiancé, Jack (his strict routines are a good thing, really), a great job in Manhattan (unless they fire her), and is about to tour a wedding venue near her family’s Long Island beach house. Everything should go to plan, yet the minute she arrives, Sam senses something is off. Wyatt is here. Her Wyatt. But there’s no reason for a thirty-year-old engaged woman to feel panicked around the guy who broke her heart when she was seventeen. Right?Yet being back at this beach, hearing notes from Wyatt’s guitar float across the night air from next door as if no time has passed—Sam’s memories come flooding back: the feel of Wyatt’s skin on hers, their nights in the treehouse, and the truth behind their split. Sam remembers who she used to be, and as Wyatt reenters her life their connection is as undeniable as it always was. She will have to make a choice.— From the publisher 2. Sandwich by Catherine Newman Print book length: 240 pagesAudiobook length: 5 hours and 43 minutesGenres: beach reads, family, adult fiction Summary:For the past two decades, Rocky has looked forward to her family’s yearly escape to Cape Cod. Their humble beach-town rental has been the site of sweet memories, sunny days, great meals, and messes of all kinds: emotional, marital, and—thanks to the cottage’s ancient plumbing—septic too.This year’s vacation, with Rocky sandwiched between her half-grown kids and fully aging parents, promises to be just as delightful as summers past—except, perhaps, for Rocky’s hormonal bouts of rage and melancholy. (Hello, menopause!) Her body is changing—her life is, too. And then a chain of events sends Rocky into the past, reliving both the tenderness and sorrow of a handful of long-ago summers.It's one precious week: everything is in balance; everything is in flux. And when Rocky comes face to face with her family’s history and future, she is forced to accept that she can no longer hide her secrets from the people she loves.— From the publisher 3. House on the Harbor by Elizabeth Bromke This is book 1 of the Birch Harbor series, which consists of five books. All of the books in this series qualify as short books, however, for simplicity’s sake, I’m only featuring the first book here. Print book length: 218 pagesAudiobook length: 6 hours and 9 minutesGenres: beach reads, family, romance, adult fiction Summary:Four sisters. One family secret. And a chance to fix the past...Kate Hannigan is in charge of her late mother's estate, and she has a plan: divide everything evenly, including the old family house on the harbor. What she doesn't realize is that her mother changed the will. Now, a family secret hangs in the balance.Meanwhile, her sister, Amelia, a struggling off-Broadway actress, enlists her hapless construction boyfriend to help with a local project, but he's more interested in summer tourists.Second-youngest, Megan, is preoccupied with her divorce... but not too preoccupied to make a dating profile, much to her sisters' mortification.Baby of the family, Clara, is single and refuses to date. She puts her teaching job above all else. Until a crushing revelation calls into question everything she knew to be true... including her own past.Head to Birch Harbor, Michigan and visit the Hannigan sisters, who live and love on the quaint shores of Lake Huron. Birch Harbor is a romantic women's fiction series and a family saga by the author of The Farmhouse.— From the publisher 4. The Family Holiday by Shalini Boland Print book length: 256 pagesAudiobook length: 7 hours and 36 minutesGenres: beach reads, thriller, mystery, adult fiction Summary:Two families. One house swap. A vacation to die for.I can’t believe my luck as I arrive at the beautiful, white-washed Italian villa. Complete with an infinity pool and stunning views, it’s the perfect place to create special memories with my family. But as soon as we […]

How to fit listening to audiobooks into your daily life. Table of Contents: Life is busy, and it can be hard to find time to read. If you’re struggling to get through physical books and have a list of books you wish you could read, audiobooks might be your new best friend! Audiobooks are super convenient. You can listen to them anytime, anywhere, which makes them ideal for someone who is always on-the-go. They give you the opportunity to enjoy books you might otherwise not have time for. Many people find listening to audiobooks to be relaxing, since it can be a calming way to unwind, helping you to escape from the stresses of everyday life. Audiobooks can also transport you to another place and offer a sense of comfort and peace. This can come in handy when you’re doing something you don’t particularly enjoy, like household chores or commuting to and from work. Once you get in the habit of listening to audiobooks it will come naturally to pop them on throughout your day. One of my favorite features of audiobooks is that you can slow down or speed up the narration depending on your preferences and how slow/fast the narrator speaks. It’s also easy to rewind if your mind starts to wander and you need to go back. Listening to audiobooks doesn’t mean you have to give up reading paper books or ebooks. You can either read and listen to the same book at once, switching back and forth when it’s most convenient for one or the other (if you’re reading on a Kindle and using Audible, you can connect these to sync up automatically for you), or you can have one book that you’re reading and a different book that you’re listening to. When I’m reading and listening to different books at the same time I like to make sure they’re from completely different genres so I don’t get the storylines crossed, but that might not be a concern for you. It might feel strange to start listening to audiobooks when you aren’t used to it, but once you’re in the habit it’s easy to turn them on and quickly get immersed in the story. If you’re having trouble getting into a new book in audio format, try listening to an old favorite. It can help you get used to this new format and to improve your listening comprehension while multitasking, which will make listening to new books easier in the future. Another tip for listening to audiobooks is to listen to them while doing mindless tasks, like tasks that you’re doing on autopilot, instead of tasks you need to concentrate hard on or think a lot about. Overall, listening to audiobooks is a way to add a new level of enjoyment to your daily life when reading a regular book isn’t convenient. 16 Ideas for When to Listen to Audiobooks Find your audiobook groove with these ideas for what to do while you listen to audiobooks. 1. While lying in bed in the morning.  When you’re lying awake in bed but not quite ready to get up, listening to an audiobook is a relaxing way to start your day and is much better than mindlessly scrolling on your phone.  2. While you’re cooking. Whether making breakfast, lunch, dinner, or baking a dessert, this is a great time to listen to your audiobook. 3. While you’re getting ready for the day or putting on makeup.  This is an easy way to squeeze in 10-30 minutes of your audiobook, depending on how much time you spend putting on your makeup and getting ready. 4. While you’re commuting or traveling.  A train/bus/subway/ferry commute is the perfect time for listening to an audiobook. Some people also enjoy audiobooks in the car while driving, as long as you won’t be too distracted. Additionally, audiobooks are great companions for long travel days and can help pass the time on flights and road trips. 5. While you’re doing the dishes. Not everyone loves doing the dishes, but listening to an audiobook makes for great background entertainment.  6. While you’re folding laundry. The monotonous task of folding laundry is a lot better when listening to an audiobook.  7. While Exercising. This is an excellent time to listen to an audiobook and can even act as motivation to exercise if you’re excited to get back to your book. If exercising outdoors, whether walking, jogging, or running, make sure to stay aware of your surroundings. One way to do this is to only use one headphone so you can still hear what’s going on around you. 8. While doing simple tasks at work. If your job includes tasks that don’t require reading or writing, or tasks that you’re mostly doing on autopilot, then this can be a good opportunity to listen to your audiobook. If you’re enjoying these ideas about when to listen to audiobooks, check out: Seaside Stories: 12 Must-Read Beach Books 9. While experiencing insomnia.  If you’ve awakened during the night and are having trouble falling back asleep, listening to an audiobook with your eyes closed is a desirable alternative to scrolling on your phone for hours. 10. While cleaning your house. Listening to an audiobook while cleaning makes the task a lot more enjoyable. 11. While you’re waiting in line at the store. Waiting in line feels like less of a waste of time when you can get in a few minutes of your audiobook. 12. While you’re trying to get tired enough to fall asleep. If you’re someone who has trouble falling asleep because you have too much on your mind, then listening to an audiobook can be the perfect solution. Instead of focusing on your to-do list, your mind can focus on the story as you relax and drift off to sleep. You can bookmark where you started and set the sleep timer so your audiobook isn’t playing endlessly all night, making it easy to find where you left off. […]

Don’t miss out on these captivating beach books! With countless new books being published each year, the volume of books to choose from makes it nearly impossible to read them all. Readers must carefully select which books to prioritize, knowing that there are many worthy options available. And with so many new book releases each year, some inevitably get more attention than others, meaning it can be easy to miss out on the perfect beach read simply because it wasn’t on your radar. Reading books from previous years provides an opportunity to discover hidden gems that may have flown under the radar upon their initial release. Ultimately, whether you’re seeking compelling storytelling, a breezy vacation read, or a fun romance, exploring favorably-rated books from the previous years ensures that you’re engaging with books that have been proven to resonate with readers. By waiting to read new releases, you give ample time for ratings, reviews, and feedback to accumulate, offering insight into a book’s quality and appeal before adding it to your reading list. This approach allows you to make more informed decisions about which books to prioritize, which means your reading time is well-spent on titles that align with your preferences and interests. Additionally, waiting for ratings to come in can help you avoid potential disappointments by steering clear of books that may not live up to expectations. By exercising patience and leveraging the collective wisdom of fellow beach book readers and reviewers, you can maximize your enjoyment and satisfaction from your reading experiences. It’s always worth looking at books that were released in previous years because you never know if an amazing beach read is out there waiting for you. The large number of options available means there is always something new and exciting to discover. This list focuses on beach books from 2023, which was a year that had a lot of highly-rated beach books, some that didn’t get enough media attention, but perhaps deserve a spot on your reading list. 12 Beach Books to Add to Your Reading List Check out these captivating beach books from 2023 and add them to your list! Showing books 1–6 of 12 beach books from 2023 1. My Magnolia Summer by Victoria Benton Frank In New York City winter never seems to loosen its hold and for South Carolina transplant Maggie (born Magnolia after the fairest summer flower) the balmy beach weather of April back home on Sullivan’s Island feels like a distant memory. Until a phone call from her sister, Violet, changes everything. Gran, the treasured matriarch, has fallen into a coma after a car accident caused by Maggie’s troubled mother, Lily. But once Maggie returns, she finds that her hometown of Sullivan’s Island holds even more secrets. The Magic Lantern, the restaurant owned and run by generations of women in her family, is now rudderless, and her sister seems headed for a savage breakup. Once she is between the marsh grasses and dunes of South Carolina, she feels herself changing like the Atlantic tides, rediscovering the roots she left behind, and a new and different version of herself—one who can see how a minor crash into the back of a very handsome farmer’s truck may become fortunate. Or perhaps it’s even… fate? When the three generations of South Carolina women join forces—the family pillar Gran, troubled Lily, impulsive Violet, and redoubtable Maggie—anything is possible.  With stunning descriptions of the magic of the Lowcountry, this novel will transport you to a world of treasured family traditions and unexpected twists of fate.— From the publisher 2. Welcome to Beach Town by Susan Wiggs Every town has its secrets… In idyllic Alara Cove, a California beach town known for its sunny charm and chill surfer vibe, it’s graduation day at the elite Thornton Academy. At Thornton, the students are the worldly and overindulged children who live in gated enclaves with spectacular views. But the class valedictorian is Nikki Graziola, a surfer’s daughter who is there on scholarship. To the shock of everyone in the audience, Nikki veers off script while giving her commencement address and reveals a secret that breaks open the whole community. As her truth explodes into the light, Alara Cove will face a reckoning. Nikki Graziola’s accusation shakes the foundation of Alara Cove, pitting her against the wealthy family whose money runs the town. Her new notoriety sends Nikki into exile for years, where she finds fame—but not fortune—overseas as a competition surfer…until a personal tragedy compels her to return to Alara Cove. As Nikki struggles to rebuild her future, she finds that the people of the town have not forgotten her. But time has changed Alara Cove, and old friendships, rivalries, and an unexpected romance draw her back into the life of the beach town she’s never quite forgotten, and where joy and redemption may be possible after all.— From the publisher Related: Enjoy a Quick Escape With These Short Beach Books and Audiobooks 3. A Little Ray of Sunshine by Kristan Higgins A kid walks into your bookstore and… Guess what? He’s your son. The one you put up for adoption eighteen years ago. The one you never told anyone about. Surprise! And a huge surprise it is. It’s a huge surprise to his adoptive mother, Monica, who thought she had a close relationship with Matthew, her nearly adult son. But apparently, he felt the need to secretly arrange a vacation to Cape Cod for the summer so he could meet his birth mother…without a word to either her or his dad. It’s also a surprise— to say the least—to Harlow, the woman who secretly placed her baby for adoption so many years ago. She’s spent the years since then building a quiet life. She runs a bookstore with her grandfather, hangs out with her four younger siblings and is more or less happily single, though she can’t help gravitating toward Grady Byrne, her old friend from high school. He’s moved back to town, four-year-old daughter in tow, no […]

Looking for some great books to read this fall? We’ve rounded up a variety of books with fall vibes in the list below. When you think of fall, some things that probably come to mind are colorful leaves, back to school, apple picking, nights sitting around the fire pit, spooky stories, Halloween, sweater weather, and curling up with a cozy blanket to read a good book. If you’re in need of fall books to read to fit with your surroundings, we’ve put together this list of great books to read during the fall season. Fall is a great time to dive into a book. It’s getting colder outside, so you’re likely sitting on your porch with a cup of tea, wearing a warm sweatshirt, listening to the wind blow leaves around your yard, which is the perfect environment to enjoy a new book… or you’re curled up on the couch with your first fire of the season in the fireplace, making for a perfect reading atmosphere… or maybe you’re cozy in bed under layers of blankets with your bedside light turned on, and as you’re engrossed in your book you wonder if you really heard a creek in the hall or if it’s just your imagination playing tricks on you since it’s almost Halloween… This list is full of great fall books to read that will get you in that cozy autumn mood. Whether you enjoy reading suspenseful fall books that are hard to put down, or fall books about romance, or scary fall books to get you in the Halloween spirit, this list has something for you. 1 of 10 Fall Books to Read The Apple Orchard by Susan Wiggs In The Apple Orchard, Tess Delaney grew up not knowing her father, so she didn’t have a relationship with her extended family. Now an adult, she’s living and working in San Francisco when a man arrives on her doorstep informing her that the grandfather she never knew is currently in a coma. Not only that, but she’s set to inherit half of his apple orchard called Bella Vista, with the other half going to her half-sister that she never knew she had. What follows is a story of Tess finding herself, and her family, in the setting of a beautiful apple orchard alongside lots of delicious food, a historical mystery, and romance. Genres: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary Why it’s a good book for fall: Apple picking and visiting apple orchards are a quintessential fall activity, so the setting of Bella Vista apple orchard fits perfectly with this time of year. 2 of 10 Fall Books to Read Home Before Dark by Riley Sager In Home Before Dark, Maggie Hall’s family fled Baneberry Hall, their estate in the woods of Vermont, 25 years ago, after only living there for three weeks. Maggie’s father recounted the ordeal, which involved ghostly happenings and malevolent spirits, in a famous book named House of Horrors. But Maggie was too young to remember any of the events in her father’s book and doesn’t believe a word of it, or in ghosts. So when she inherits Baneberry Hall after her father’s death, she returns there to prepare it to be sold. Except now that she’s back, she’s starting to experience strange occurrences, making her question if whether what her father wrote was more fact than fiction. Genres: Fiction, Horror, Thriller, Mystery Why it’s a good book for fall: You can’t have a list of fall books without a horror option, and this reader favorite and New York Times bestseller will be even scarier when read around spooky Halloween time. 3 of 10 Fall Books to Read November 9 by Colleen Hoover In November 9, the day before Fallon is set to move cross-country, she meets Ben, an aspiring novelist. There’s an immediate attraction and they end up spending Fallon’s last day together. Ben is intrigued by Fallon, which becomes the creative inspiration he’s been looking for with his novel. They decide that every year they’ll meet each other on the same date, and continue on with their separate lives. That is, until one day when Fallon starts to wonder if Ben has been truthful with her all this time, or if he’s setting them up for the ultimate plot twist? Genres: Fiction, Romance, New Adult, Contemporary Why it’s a good book for fall: This novel revolves around the fall date of November 9th, with it first being the date that Fallon and Ben meet, and then returning to meet with each other on this same date every year. What better season to read this novel? If you’re enjoying this list of fall books, check out: Create Your Perfect Fall Bucket List With These 32 Awesome Ideas 4 of 10 Fall Books to Read Meet Me on Love Lane by Nina Bocci In Meet Me on Love Lane, Charlotte Bishop is fired from her job in New York City and is forced to return home to Hope Lake, PA, until she can earn enough money to move back to New York. She doesn’t plan on staying long or making friends. But she soon finds that Hope Lake has a lot to offer, including a great job, the opportunity to reconnect with her grandmother, prospective love interests, and a feeling of community. As Charlotte discovers the things she never knew she was missing, she also begins to discover herself, and has to decide where she really belongs. This is the second book in a series that can be read as a standalone. Genres: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary Why it’s a good book for fall: A feel-good romantic comedy is great to curl up with by a the fire with a cup of tea. And who can resist this fall book cover?! 5 of 10 Fall Books to Read The Lighthouse Witches by C. J. Cooke In The Lighthouse Witches, Liv is a struggling single mother. When she’s asked to paint a mural in a lighthouse on a remote Scottish […]