Hello Fall. I’ve missed you in all your spooky romantic magical glory.
There are many things to love about fall, from wandering fall markets to buying new coats to cozying up at home with one of your favorite fall films (or TV shows). As an ode to the best season, I compiled a list of my go-to watches and paired them with a book that gives off a similar vibe.
Each of these stories has something about them that makes them the perfect seasonal watch — like Meg Ryan's entire wardrobe in When Harry Met Sally or the charming small-town witchy vibes of Practical Magic.
Whether you're in the mood for a new watch or read, I've got you covered!
When Harry Met Sally
You Again by Kate GoldbeckWhen Harry Met Sally is the ultimate fall romance movie. From scenes set against the fall foliage of NYC to every single one of those cozy sweaters. If you're a fan of this friends-to-lovers slow burn set in New York City, then Kate Goldbeck’s You, Again hits all the right notes. We meet Ari and Josh, who get off on the wrong foot (while dating the same woman). Like Harry and Sally, Ari and Josh's banter and chemistry jump off the page. As they navigate the complexities of friendship, late-night Netflix binges, and the blurred lines between platonic and romantic, you'll find yourself drawn into this story about modern love in all its messiness. You, Again is an exploration of the journey from enemies to friends to lovers, tackling the infamous question, can men and women be just friends?
Practical Magic
Enchanted to Meet You by Meg CabotPractical Magic has had me in a chokehold since I first saw it as a teenager. The magic, the sisterly bond, the romance. If you also grew up dreaming of living in the Practical Magic house then Meg Cabot (Yes, Meg Cabot of Princess Diaries fame) has come out with a new novel called Enchanted to Meet You. The protagonist, Jessica Gold has a history of magical mishaps. So many in fact that she's been banned from the World Council of Witches. Years later, she finds herself entangled in a quest to save her town with the help of the mysterious and dashing Derrick Winters. With a blend of humor, magic, and unexpected romance, this book offers the same heartwarming, cozy vibes my witchy girls will appreciate.
+ Bonus Read: Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs - not as cozy but steeped in magical lore, sisterly bonds, and family secrets.
The Haunting of Bly Manor
A Dreadful Splendor by B.R. MyersI found The Haunting of Bly Manor riveting. A departure from season one's The Haunting of Hill House, Bly Manor is more of a classic gothic romance. The show seamlessly blended together a story of grief and romance against an unsettling and eerie atmosphere. The novel A Dreadful Splendour by B.R. Myers shares many of the same elements with hidden secrets, supernatural elements, and romance. Genevieve Timmons, a Victorian-era swindler posing as a spiritualist, faces a life-or-death proposition when offered the chance to soothe the grieving Lord Pemberton with a (fake) seance. What begins as a farce quickly becomes a quest to uncover the truth. Atmospheric and eerie, both Bly Manor and Dreadful Splendor transport you to a world where the line between the living and the dead blur.
Only Murders in the Building
Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. SutantoDo you know what also pairs well with fall? Murder. Specifically, the cozy kind that you find with shows like Only Murders in the Building. The show's heart is the characters themselves and the relationship between the three leads. If you're looking for something with a similar vibe, then try Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers. In this charming novel, meet Vera Wong, a spirited sixty-year-old tea expert who finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery in her tea shop. Just like the endearing characters in Only Murders in the Building, Vera is a lovable amateur sleuth. With her unique blend of wit, heart, and a healthy dose of nosiness, Vera's journey to catch the killer is both entertaining and heartwarming. Perfect if you're craving a cozy, character-driven mystery this fall.
oooh- love this concept! I eagerly await this feature for all four seasons (even though we all know fall is the best one 🍁🧡🍁 Great list... going right on my TBR. Now let’s see if I can read all of my fall book list before winter?