Cozy up with 8 fall books that feel like ‘Gilmore Girls’ and ‘Practical Magic’

1. “The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches” by Sangu Mandanna

If you love Practical Magic’s blend of everyday magic and heartfelt relationships, this one’s for you.
The story follows Mika Moon, a lonely witch who’s invited to teach three young witches how to control their powers. What follows is a story filled with found family, vulnerability, and slow-burn romance.

Like the Owens sisters, Mika learns that love — not secrecy — is the most powerful magic of all. Mandanna’s prose sparkles with warmth, and her cozy cottage setting will make you want to move in.

“This is the kind of story that feels like a hug wrapped in moonlight.”

2. “Evvie Drake Starts Over” by Linda Holmes

Think Gilmore Girls with a touch of New England melancholy. Set in a coastal Maine town, this novel centers on Evvie Drake, a young widow whose life changes when a down-on-his-luck baseball player moves into her guest apartment.

Holmes’ dialogue crackles with wit, and her portrayal of grief and healing is beautifully understated. Much like Lorelai and Rory’s fast-paced conversations, the book balances humor with heartache — and a deep sense of community.

If Stars Hollow were a real place, Evvie would fit right in.

3. “The Witches of Moonshyne Manor” by Bianca Marais

Imagine Practical Magic meets The Golden Girls. This vibrant novel follows five aging witches whose coven faces foreclosure — and they’ll need all their charm and chaos to save their beloved manor.

Marais’ book is full of sharp humor, feminist fire, and wild adventure. Beneath the spells and schemes lies a moving exploration of friendship, aging, and resilience.

It’s a reminder that you’re never too old to conjure a little trouble — or a little magic.

4. “Book Lovers” by Emily Henry

If you ever wished Lorelai Gilmore had her own rom-com, this is it. Emily Henry’s Book Lovers follows Nora Stephens, a no-nonsense literary agent who reluctantly spends a summer in a small town with her sister — only to fall for her professional rival.

With sharp banter, sisterly love, and a knowing wink at every rom-com trope, Henry delivers a story that’s as witty as it is heartfelt.

Nora is the kind of heroine who might sip her third coffee of the morning while reading under the gazebo in Stars Hollow.

5. “The Rules of Magic” by Alice Hoffman

A prequel to Practical Magic, this novel delves into the lives of the Owens siblings — Franny, Jet, and Vincent — before the events of the original book.

Set in 1960s New York and Massachusetts, Hoffman’s writing hums with nostalgia and quiet power. Readers learn how the family curse began and why love always seems both dangerous and irresistible for the Owens family.

“For those who believe that love and magic often share the same spark.”

This is required reading for anyone who can’t resist a black cat, a spellbook, and a story about family resilience.

6. “Pumpkinheads” by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks

A cozy graphic novel that perfectly captures fall’s playful spirit. Best friends Deja and Josiah work their final shift at a pumpkin patch before heading off to college.

It’s charming, visually gorgeous, and heartwarming in all the right ways — think Gilmore Girls meets a fall fair montage.

Rowell’s dialogue shines with humor and nostalgia, while Hicks’ illustrations make you feel the crunch of leaves beneath your feet. It’s short, sweet, and perfect for an afternoon read with a slice of pumpkin pie.

7. “A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon” by Sarah Hawley

If you’ve ever wanted Practical Magic to have a spicy romantic comedy twist, look no further.

The story follows Mariel Spark, a young witch who accidentally summons a demon — not for destruction, but for fake dating. What unfolds is a funny, steamy, and surprisingly tender story about self-worth, boundaries, and embracing your power.

Hawley’s worldbuilding has the quirky energy of Stars Hollow, if everyone there had a secret spell or two.

8. “Before We Were Strangers” by Renée Carlino

Though not magical in the literal sense, this romance captures the emotional depth and nostalgia of a Gilmore Girls reunion episode.

Told through letters and memory, it follows Grace and Matt, college sweethearts who reconnect years later after life has taken them in very different directions.

Carlino’s writing is lush and intimate, exploring how timing can make or break a love story. It’s the literary equivalent of walking through your hometown after years away — everything familiar, yet changed.

Honorable Mentions for Ultimate Fall Vibes

The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry — for readers who love layered storytelling and a touch of magic realism.

Autumn by Ali Smith — a poetic, meditative reflection on change and connection.

The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling — a fun, witchy rom-com perfect for a stormy October night.

Final Thoughts: The Season of Cozy Storytelling

Autumn is more than a season — it’s a mood. It’s coffee shops and book stacks, candlelight and nostalgia. These eight books (and a few extras) embody that spirit, blending love, friendship, and a touch of the extraordinary.

Whether you lean toward Gilmore Girls’ quick-witted realism or Practical Magic’s enchanting sisterhood, each of these stories invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and fall in love with storytelling all over again.

“Some stories don’t just entertain — they remind us that warmth, humor, and a little magic are the best ways to weather the chill.”

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