15 Cozy Books to Read by the Fire This November

As November’s chill sets in, there’s nothing quite like cozying up by the fire with a great book. It’s that time of year when we need stories that warm our hearts and stir our imaginations. Whether you’re in the mood for a spellbinding fantasy, a heartfelt romance, or a touch of mystery, we’ve curated a list of 15 cozy reads that are perfect for those quiet, fireside evenings. 

From whimsical adventures to heartwarming tales of love and friendship, these books promise to make your November reading truly unforgettable. So, grab your favorite blanket, a cup of hot chocolate, and let’s find your next cozy, captivating fireside read!

The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer

The Lost Story is a captivating blend of fantasy, adventure, and deep friendships that will resonate with fans of The Chronicles of Narnia and stories of second chances. Fifteen years ago, best friends Jeremy and Rafe vanished in a West Virginia forest, only to return with no memory of their journey. 

Now, haunted by the past, Jeremy, a renowned investigator, is asked by Emilie to find her missing sister—leading him back to the magical realm that changed him. Together, they must face old secrets to rediscover hope, friendship, and a way home.

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Before the Coffee Gets Cold is best described as a reflective novel exploring human connection, memory, and the power of second chances. Set in a small Tokyo café, a special seat allows patrons to briefly visit the past—but only under strict conditions, including returning before the coffee cools. 

Four visitors each use this chance to reconnect: a woman faces her ex-lover, a wife seeks closure with her husband, a sister yearns for a final conversation, and a mother meets the daughter she never knew. This story is a powerful reminder to cherish the moments that shape our lives.

The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan

This touching and enchanting novel celebrates friendship and love. For years, Anthony Peardew has collected lost items, each with an untold story, hoping to find redemption after losing a keepsake from his late fiancée. Now, nearing the end of his life, he entrusts his mission to his assistant, Laura. 

As Laura works to reunite these objects with their owners, she forms close bonds with quirky neighbor Sunshine and charming gardener Freddy, finding a new purpose along the way. The Keeper of Lost Things reminds us of the magic in everyday connections and the beauty of keeping promises.

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune

Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a heartwarming story about love, resilience, and found family. Set on Marsyas Island, Arthur Parnassus has created a safe haven for six magical children he hopes to adopt, drawing from his own experiences as an orphan. With support from his partner Linus and friends Zoe and Helen, Arthur is determined to give his charges the love and security they deserve. 

However, when a new child arrives, Arthur faces a crucial challenge to protect his family’s unity. This is a touching exploration of acceptance, courage, and the power of human connection.

Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand is a heartfelt novel about love, honor, and breaking through societal norms. Set in a quaint English village, Major Ernest Pettigrew, a reserved English gentleman, finds his quiet life upended as the death of his brother brings him closer to Mrs. Jasmina Ali, a Pakistani shopkeeper with whom he shares a love of literature and a deep connection over shared losses.

As their bond grows, the village’s cultural prejudices emerge, testing their courage to defy tradition. This witty and poignant tale explores the resilience of love and the beauty of embracing differences.

The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst

The Spellshop is a cozy, magical tale for those of you who cherish stories of community, second chances, and self-discovery. Kiela, a book-loving, reclusive librarian, escapes with her sentient spider plant friend, Caz, after a revolution disrupts her life at the Great Library of Alyssium. 

Returning to her neglected childhood island, she opens a spellshop, offering magic to uplift her struggling neighbors despite the risks. As she bonds with her charming neighbor and the townspeople, Kiela discovers that the truest magic lies in friendship, courage, and building a life full of love and connection.

This cozy tale was included in our Magic Halloween 2024 box, along with five adorable gifts that brought this magical story to life!

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna 

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is a heartwarming story about the magic of found family, unexpected love, and finding where you truly belong. Mika Moon, one of Britain’s few witches, lives a solitary life to keep her powers hidden. But when her playful “witch” videos online attract the attention of Nowhere House, she’s invited to teach three young witches to control their magic. 

Embracing this new adventure, Mika discovers a home among quirky caretakers and a guarded librarian, Jamie, who sees her as both a risk and a revelation. A cozy, magical journey of love, courage, and belonging, which was incredibly popular as our Sweet Halloween 2022 pick!

Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree

Legends & Lattes is a cozy, feel-good fantasy about new beginnings, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams. After a long career as an orc barbarian, Viv trades her sword for a coffee pot, determined to open the first café in Thune. 

With a magical artifact, grit, and a dash of enchantment, Viv faces challenges from old rivals and city obstacles but gains loyal friends who become like family. As she builds her café, she creates more than just a business; she creates a home. This heartwarming tale celebrates community, second chances, and the simple magic of a shared cup of coffee.

Funny Feelings by Tarah DeWitt

This witty, heartwarming romance is perfect for readers who love stories filled with laughter, emotional growth, and the grumpy-sunshine dynamic. Funny Feelings stars the rising comedian Farley Jones, who has to pretend to date her best friend and manager, Meyer Harrigan, to pursue her dreams. But Meyer and his daughter Hazel mean everything to her, making this “fake relationship” far from simple. 

As their act stirs up hidden feelings, Farley and Meyer’s friendship deepens into something real. With humor, warmth, and genuine characters, Funny Feelings celebrates love, vulnerability, and the joy of finding laughter and connection in unexpected places.

Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman

This mesmerizing story is about the deep bond between sisters, the resilience of love, and the quiet magic woven through life’s challenges. The Owens women have long been blamed for every misfortune in their Massachusetts town, cursed by whispers of witchcraft. 

Sisters Gillian and Sally, raised by their eccentric aunts, take separate paths to escape their heritage—yet their connection remains unbreakable. When they’re drawn back together, they face love, loss, and their shared past. Practical Magic is perfect for those who believe in the power of family, destiny, and the hidden magic in us all.

A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers

A Psalm for the Wild-Built is a wonderful story that explores the search for purpose and the beauty of simple existence. In a future where humanity’s needs are met, and robots have long retreated to the wilderness, a wandering tea monk unexpectedly encounters a robot on a mission to understand human needs. 

Their journey together unfolds as a gentle exploration of life’s complexities, revealing joy in connection and discovery. Perfect for those of you who enjoy thoughtful, heartwarming sci-fi, this novel offers a hopeful, tender look at companionship and the interconnectedness of all things.

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden

Perfect for fans of atmospheric tales, The Bear and the Nightingale delves into themes of identity, morality, and the quest for meaning against the backdrop of the Russian wilderness. At its center is Vasilisa, a young girl caught between old folklore and her stepmother’s strict devotion to modern beliefs. 

When troubles strike her village, Vasilisa feels the tug of ancient magic that might be their only salvation. With hidden gifts and newfound courage, she confronts dangers lurking in the forest, embarking on a journey of self-discovery. 

The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore

Set in the charming town of Dream Harbour, The Pumpkin Spice Café is a cozy, feel-good romance with just a hint of mystery, perfect for those who love small-town stories and the warmth of autumn. Jeanie leaves her dull desk job to take over her aunt’s café, bringing an upbeat spirit—and her love for pumpkin spice lattes—that quickly stirs up the town. 

However, Logan, the brooding local farmer, isn’t thrilled about Jeanie’s cheerful presence. Though despite his gruff exterior, he can’t help being drawn to her optimism. This heartwarming tale of love and community will leave you craving a cozy café escape and a happily-ever-after.

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

In The Thursday Murder Club, four spirited seniors—Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron—spend their Thursdays investigating cold cases in their peaceful retirement village. But when a local developer is found dead, the group suddenly has a live mystery to solve. 

Despite their age, this unconventional quartet is clever, resourceful, and more than ready to outwit the police if it means cracking the case. Filled with wit, charm, and plenty of twists, this cozy mystery is perfect for readers who love engaging whodunits and a lovable cast of characters, proving that age is just a number.

The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields 

The Honey Witch is a whimsical fantasy romance filled with magic, self-discovery, and a charming sapphic love story. Marigold Claude, a Honey Witch-in-training, learns to craft enchanted honey for love spells under her eccentric grandmother's guidance. But there’s a twist—Marigold’s powers come with a curse that prevents anyone from falling in love with her. 

When skeptic Lottie Burke visits Marigold’s cottage, she challenges her disbelief and finds herself captivated. As dark magic stirs, Marigold faces a choice: embrace love and risk her magic, or uphold the curse. Perfect for fans of cozy, romantic fantasy.

Conclusion

So this November, make time to relax, get cozy, and escape into a good book (or a few!). After all, the best way to enjoy the season is with a captivating story by your side and the warmth of a fire to light the way. 

Here at Once Upon a Book Club, we understand that sometimes we need to be spoiled, and our book subscription boxes do just that. So why not take some time out for yourself each month with one of our beautifully curated book boxes featuring a newly released novel and exciting surprise gifts that bring the book to life? Subscribe now and save!