1. "The Pumpkin Spice Cafe" by Laurie Gilmore
If BookTok enthusiasts are passionate about anything other than reading, it’s pumpkin spice season. Honestly, what’s better than curling up with a book titled “The Pumpkin Spice Cafe” with a pumpkin spice latte?
If you love a grumpy x sunshine romance trope, you’re in for a treat with this one. When Jeanie’s aunt gifts her the beloved Pumpkin Spice Café in the small town of Dream Harbor, Jeanie jumps at the chance for a fresh start away from her desk job. Logan is a local farmer who avoids Dream Harbor’s gossip at all costs, but Jeanie’s arrival disrupts Logan’s routine, and he finds himself inexplicably drawn to her. Watch this story play out to see if Jeanie’s upbeat attitude wins over the grumpy-but-gorgeous Logan.
2. "The Golden Spoon" by Jessa Maxwell
Critics and BookTok lovers continue to say that this read is the perfect combination of Clue and The Great British Bake Off, meaning that I will be picking this up immediately. The Great British Bake Off premieres every year around this time, making this the perfect time to read this all-night page-turner.
Every summer for the past ten years, six bakers head to the grounds of Grafton, the leafy and imposing Vermont estate that is not only the filming site for “Bake Week.” As the baking competition commences, things begin to go awry. At first, it’s merely sabotage—sugar replaced with salt, a burner turned too high—but when a body is discovered, everyone is a suspect.
3. "The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living" by Louise Miller
Transitioning for a bit over to all of you Hallmark movie lovers, this book is actually also set in Vermont and is centered around a pastry chef, but definitely has a lighter tone to it. If you’ve watched and love the show “Hart of Dixie,” this city to country girl transition trope will be on your five-star list.
Livvy, an esteemed Boston baker, makes a reluctant move to the Vermont countryside, where she takes up a position as baker for the Sugar Maple Inn, little knowing that its owner, Margaret, has other plans for her. There is some romance, a little mystery, but mostly this is a story about friendship and family. Cozy up with a knit throw and some warm apple cider, and let us know what you think of this one!
Livvy, an esteemed Boston baker, makes a reluctant move to the Vermont countryside, where she takes up a position as baker for the Sugar Maple Inn, little knowing that its owner, Margaret, has other plans for her. There is some romance, a little mystery, but mostly this is a story about friendship and family. Cozy up with a knit throw and some warm apple cider, and let us know what you think of this one!
4. "The Housemaid" by Frieda McFadden
With fall also comes spooky season, and it would be witchy of me not to include a complete and total thriller on this list. BookTok has been going absolutely bonkers over this one, with Frieda McFadden becoming one of the most popular authors on socials.
The story delves into the life of Millie Calloway, a young woman with a troubled past who finds herself employed as a housekeeper for Nina Winchester, a wealthy woman grappling with mental health issues. Readers are taken on a suspenseful journey, unraveling the dark secrets hidden within the walls of Nina Winchester's mansion.
5. "The Other Woman" by Sandie Jones
Finishing off with a Reese’s Book Club pick, this is the perfect thriller to read during the infamous fall wedding season. Ever heard of a man falling in love with a wonderful woman, but his pesky mother won’t back off?
Emily thinks Adam is perfect; the man she thought she'd never meet. But lurking in the shadows is a rival; a woman who shares a deep bond with the man she loves.If you are in search of a slow burn for fall, this book starts as a sappy romance that quickly turns dark with a plot twist that will leave you speechless.
If we didn’t cover your preferred genre in this list, there are dozens of recommendations for the best fall reads on TikTok; all you have to do is type in “Fall BookTok Recs” into the search bar and that will lead you to your next TBR list!