What do we want? A cosy night in! When do we want it? Now!
Oh yes, I am in full-on cosy mode. It helps that I’ve been ill this weekend so I’ve been wrapped up in bed most of the time anyway, but I am really in the mood for a long evening spent with a hot chocoloate, a fluffy blanket, and a good book.

Personally, I think there are some book genres that lend themselves to cosiness and Autumn evenings more than others, and in this post, I’ll be sharing my top 3 suggestions of genre, along with a few book recommendations.
All book titles are linked to their pages on the Book Depository website. I love the Book Depository and would always recommend it over other online book retailers. For full disclosure, please note that all links to the Book Depository in this post are affiliate links. This costs you no extra money, but means that if you buy the book I earn a small commission.
1. Historical Fiction
Historical fiction is, for me, a go-to autumnal genre. Something about lavish castles, royal courts and family drama just gets me hooked for a long evening reading session. My favourite historical period to read about has always been the Tudor period, or the Elizabethan era. For that reason, my number one recommendation for a historical fiction read this Autumn is the Philippa Gregory classic, The Other Boleyn Girl. Far superior to any of the film adaptations, Gregory’s book is a romantic and mysterious read that will keep you turning the pages for hours on end. (Bonus TV recommendation: The Tudors! Who remembers that show? My absolute favourite!)
2. Fantasy/High Fantasy
Much in the same vein as historical fiction, the vast settings, sword fighting and elfish charm of fantasy is perfect for a cosy night of reading. Sometimes you can’t beat a dwarvish quest or a battle for the throne, and there’s something about classics such as Lord of the Rings that have that wintery feel to them. Plus, fantasy novels are usually quite lengthy books, which means you need the long winter nights to get stuck into them!
I would of course recommend the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and The Hobbit. (How gorgeous is this box set?! I’ve got my on this for sure!)
I would also recommend reading the A Song of Ice and Fire series, aka ‘Game of Thrones’. If you’re brave enough that is! These are weighty books, packed full of detail, but well worth the commitment if you can stick with them. Let’s just hope George R. R. Martin eventually gets round to writing the next book!
3. Chick Lit
As much as I have a few fundamental issues with the term ‘chick lit’ (perhaps a discussion for another day!) I do think that this lighthearted, feminine genre has a place on this list. When the cold dark nights are drawing in and the balmy summer evenings filled with mojitos are long behind us, a feel-good romantic comedy can be just the remedy.
The summer holiday reads you see advertised everywhere in July and August aren’t my first choice for a September read, but there are a lot of great ‘chick-lit’ titles out there that I like to reach for when I want a relaxing night in with a glass of wine and a bar of chocolate. My recommendation would be the ultimate in funny-girl icons, Bridget Jones.
There they are, my recommendations for a cosy night in of reading and relaxing. What would be your number one recommendation?
hugs
The Self-Care Sloth
x
I definitely veer towards historical fiction this time of year! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read and reread all of Phillippa Gregorys Tudor novels, but they’re just so good on a cold dark day. Sophie Kinsella would be my next go to for an easy autumn read.
Cordelia || cordeliamoor.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad it’s not just me! I love the Tudor novels, especially at this time of year 🙂
LikeLike
Great post! I usually go for chick lit style books for coat nights under the blanket- especially those that have a Christmas theme somewhere in there as it’s my fav time of the year!
Melanie | http://www.frasersfunhouse.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds good! I bet you’re on the countdown to Christmas already! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Deffo pretty much all year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Its made me feel all autumnal reading this list. I am definitely for my cosy reads this time of year x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay I’m so glad! So ready to cosy up with a book 🙂
LikeLike
I love reading historical fiction! I’ve been reading a lot set in victorian britain, but currently my favourites are about the american civil war. An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole is my absolute favourite and I’d recommend it to anyone interested in historical fiction!
I also really like the first Bridget Jones book, but as the series goes on I prefer the movies to the books. I’m not sure why but they just seem to lose their charm the further we get in the series.
I’ve found that classics have put me in a autumn/wintery mood. I’m reading Jane Eyre right now and Pride & Prejudice is next on my list!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooh good call on the classics! Frankenstein has been high on my list for ages so I might read that. I’ve never read Pride & Prejudice, let me know what it’s like!
I’ve never read any American historical fiction, mostly because I don’t know anything about that era of history. Maybe I’ll give your recommendation a go. Thanks for the great comment! 🙂
LikeLike
I couldn’t agree with your recommendations more! You chose several of my all time favorites and now have me wishing it wasn’t 90 and muggy out so I could curl up with hot cocoa and read. Guess I can make due with iced tea.
Great piece!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! 🙂
LikeLike
Historical fiction and fantasy – you’ve got me there! My need to curl up with a book just grew. I’m looking forward to the hot chocolate and fluffy blanket type of weather now. Lovely post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love all of these book choices! I also loved The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory. I read that one staying in a cottage in summer in Granada, near the Alhambra where part of the book was set. Would be great any time of year though 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooh I haven’t read that one – maybe I’ll put that on my TBR list for the warmer months 🙂
LikeLike
I loved “The Other Boleyn Girl” and all the Bridget Jones books! I’m currently reading “How Do You Like Me Now” by Holly Bourne.. it’s been dubbed as a modern Bridget Jones and it’s really insightful, especially for our modern lives and the blogging generation. I’m really enjoying it and it’s certainly making me think!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds interesting, I’ll have to give it a look!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have to admit I’ve never really considered historical fiction but the way you make it sound so perfect. I have a soft spot for castles and drama and anything regal. I’ve never read The Other Boleyn Girl but I’ll definitely be checking it out! I tried reading the first in the ASOFAI series but for some reason I kept putting it down – does it get better the further along the series you get? I don’t want to end up getting so confused with the different points of view either haha. I’m awful at recommending (that’s pretty bad for a book blogger, isn’t it?) but what I’ve read recently are among some of my favourite books, especially This Mortal Coil by Emily Suvada, which is kind of a dystopian, as is Scythe by Neal Shusterman. And Caraval by Stephanie Garber is a really interesting fantasy novel. I was hooked from the beginning!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely give it a go, I love a good historical romp! 🙂
I think if you found the first ASOIAF tough then the rest of the books will be worse! I must admit I found them really tough at times – there are so many different points of view! Worth it for a great story though.
I really want to read Caraval – it’s on my list of books to get my hands on soon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Chick lit for me all the way. I am actually not a great book reader as I only read chick lit and self help books rarely. I love collecting books which is different from reading them. I am trying to Somewhat to create a new habit where I need to start reading atleast 3-5 pages a day to get started and increase it in 1 chapter a day when I’m comfortable with it. I love how booklovers or bookworms get to share stories about the books they have read and the lessons they have learned. I should get started.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am a huge book collector!
Definitely get reading though – it makes you enjoy and value those books so much more! Sounds like a great plan, a little bit every day is good.
And reading chick lit and self help doesn’t make you less of a reader! Everyone enjoys and chooses different genres 🙂
LikeLike
Great post. I love historical fiction and I’m partial to a bit of chick lit too! 🙂
Nicola
http://nicshealthylife.co.uk
LikeLiked by 1 person
I definitely enjoying fantasy books this time of year and The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit have always been favourites of mine. I’ve never read the Song of Fire and Ice books but really enjoy the Game of Thrones TV show so they are on my TBR list.
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] Curling up with a good book. (Have you read my post on The Best Book Genres for a Cosy Night In?) […]
LikeLike
[…] Here are some cosy reading recommendations. […]
LikeLike
[…] time you’re ill and stuck in bed, try to see the upside. If you can, read a book. Or watch Netflix, or listen to a podcast. Enjoy whatever hobbies or relaxing activities you never […]
LikeLike
[…] Read a book. Of course this was going to top my list! Nothing beats curling up with a good book for an afternoon. In the winter, grab a blanket on your sofa. In summer, grab a blanket and spread it on the grass! Lose yourself for a few hours in a good book. (If you need some recommendation, try this post.) […]
LikeLike
[…] Keep BusyPerhaps the most obvious tip if you’re waiting for something – keep busy! If you’re job prospects are resting on your phone ringing, the worst thing you can do is sit and stare at it all day! Make sure it’s on loud and you have signal, then just put it to one side and find something else to do.It could be a hobby, a film, a day out with family or friends, whatever works to take your mind off the thing you’re waiting for. For me, reading a good book usually does the trick. If you’re looking for some reading recommendations, try this post. […]
LikeLike