Fall is my favorite season. Last week the weather finally changed so it officially feels like autumn where we are . We can see the leaves beginning to change colors and its wonderful to consider living somewhere again where that change in season occurs. I love the cool crisp air and the enjoyment of hot beverages again. I love apple cider and pumpkin goodies and butternut squash soup. The first sprinkles of rain begin and I can wear boots again. The scarves and sweaters emerge from the closet.
For me, fall is the most magical and wonderful time of year. I just want to get cozy under a blanket with a book and a cup of tea or begin knitting Christmas gifts or write about a magical town. Some of my favorite paranormal book series would be perfect to read during this season.
Cozy Witchy Mysteries
I love Barbra Annino’s Stacy Justice Mysteries. The first book of the six book series is Opal Fire, currently only $1.99 for the kindle version. Stacy Justice is a journalist who was raised by her Grandmother and Great Aunts (The Geraghty Girls), all known witches. She must embrace her magical destiny to solve an arson crime with the help of her familiar, a great dane named Thor. I’m a sucker for a dog sidekick and I love getting to know the family especially the Geraghty Girls! This series stays fun, light, and cozy.
I recently discovered Bailey Cates’ Magical Bakery Mysteries. The first book, Brownies and Broomsticks, was part of this month’s mid month review. I’m currently reading the second book, Bewitched, Bothered, and Biscotti. The series follows Katie Lightfoot who discovers her witchy heritage after relocating to Savannah, Georgia and opening a bakery with her aunt and uncle.
I also enjoyed Janet Evanovich’s Wicked series. The first book is Wicked Appetite. The series follows Lizzy Tucker (another baker) and recent transplant to Salem, Massachusetts. Treasure hunters are after her as she is the key to finding the seven deadly sins in the form of stones. The series started strong, however, Wicked Appetite came out in 2010 and only two other books have been published since, the last one written by a coauthor.
Paranormal Mysteries
One of my favorite mystery authors is Charlaine Harris. I’ve read just about every book she’s written. The Southern Vampire Mysteries, which True Blood is loosely based on, are great. There are 13 books in that series that set up an amazing paranormal world in Bon Temps, Louisiana and follow the adventures of Sookie Stackhouse. Her lesser known 4 book Harper Connelly series is even better. The first book is Grave Sight. After a rough upbringing including being struck by lightening, Harper develops a supernatural gift. She is able to sense and communicate with the dead. She and her stepbrother travel around the US helping solve cold cases with her unique power.
Magical Trilogies
Chelsea Fine’s Archers of Avalon Trilogy is one of my favorite young adult trilogies. The first book is Anew, currently only $0.99 for the kindle version. The trilogy follows Scarlett, a girl with amnesia, as she discovers her past and why she’s drawn to two mysterious brothers. There is sort of a love triangle in the series but I thought it was a very original one with how everything plays out. The series is hard to describe without giving too much away. At first I thought it was a case of finding the right story at the right time with how much I enjoyed the series but I recently read the books for a second time and I was just as absorbed with the plot and characters. It is definitely one where you’ll want to have all the three books to read back to back.
I have enjoyed two of Nora Robert’s magical trilogies – The Circle Trilogy and The Three Sisters Trilogy. The books follow her usual pattern containing a love story between the two main characters of each part. The Circle Trilogy deals with an ancient fight between humans and vampires as well as other worlds. The Three Sisters Trilogy follows a group of three witches trying to break a 300 year old curse to save their island.
A touch of magic
Sarah Addison Allen is another favorite author of mine. She doesn’t write series but all of her books have the same surreal magical element to them and are set in North Carolina. My favorite is Garden Spells following the Waverly sisters, who are known for their unique skills. It does have a sequel, First Frost, which I recently read, loved, and reviewed. I also really enjoyed reading The Sugar Queen. One of the characters in that story has certain books pop up and find their way to her whenever she needs them.
How do you feel about fall? What are your favorite autumn reads?
