There is just something we love about cozy fall reads. It could be the crisp fall air, the earlier sunrises, or just the comfort of curling up with a book and forgetting the world after a long shift. For healthcare travelers, reading is the perfect way to relax, recharge, and bring a little piece of familiarity and home on assignment. Whether you pack the hardbacks, download them on your Kindle, or queue up the audiobook for your commute, here is a fall reading bucket list, full of new releases and some timeless classics.
🍂 New Book Releases for Fall 2025
1. Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
The sequel to the smash hit Fourth Wing, this fantasy novel is topping fall reading lists everywhere. If you’re looking for a thrilling escape filled with dragons, romance, and adventure, this is a must-pack!
2. Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll
Inspired by real-life crime, this gripping novel dives into the untold stories of women caught in the path of a serial killer. A page-turner that will keep you hooked on chilly November nights.
3. The Exchange by John Grisham
Grisham’s long-awaited sequel to The Firm delivers all the legal drama and high-stakes suspense you’d expect. Perfect if you love fast-paced thrillers
4. Holiday Romance by Catherine Walsh
A sweet, cozy rom-com about friendship, love, and the magic of the holiday season. Lighthearted and fun, exactly what you might need after a long day.
📚Cozy Classics to Revisit This Fall
Sometimes, nothing beats the comfort of a familiar favorite. These cozy classics will make great companions to curl up with on chilly fall nights:
- Little Women by Louisa May Alcott: Following the March sisters through love, loss, and growing up, this classic captures the warmth of family and the spirit of the holiday season. A perfect read for chilly fall evenings.
- Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery: Anne’s optimism, imagination, and zest for life are infectious. With descriptions of autumn in Avonlea, this book feels like a cozy cup of cocoa on a chilly day.
- Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling: Magical castles, crackling fires, and seasonal feasts make this series a favorite fall reread. Each book offers that back-to-school feeling that fits perfectly with autumn.
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: If you’re looking for sharp wit, romance, and timeless storytelling, this classic is always a winner! It’s light enough to pick up between shifts but rich enough to draw you in fully.
🕵️♀️Mysteries & Thrillers for Chilly Nights
Fall is the perfect season to cozy up and lean into atmospheric thrillers and eerie mysteries. Add these to your fall reading bucket list if you’re craving some thrills and suspense.
- The Secret History by Donna Tartt: A group of eccentric college students become entangled in a murder, told through the dark academia vibes and haunting prose. It’s a slow-burn, cerebral, and immersive book, great for readers who want a book to sink into on long travel days.
- The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson: This gothic classic tells the story of a group of strangers brought together in a supposedly haunted mansion. Its creeping dread and psychological depth make it perfect if you want a spooky atmosphere without gore.
- None of This is True by Lisa Jewell: A modern psychological thriller about a podcaster who befriends a woman with a disturbing past. As secrets unravel, the story takes dark and unexpected turns. Quick, twisty, and impossible to put down, it’s ideal for quick reads between shifts.
💖Lighthearted Escapes
Sometimes during cozy season, you want to escape into a feel-good book. One that puts a smile on your face. These uplifting stories are perfect for winding down after a stressful shift:
- Book Lovers by Emily Henry: A romance between a cutthroat literary agent and a small-town editor who just might be her opposite. Witty, charming, and full of heart, it’s a rom-com in book form that feels like watching your favorite cozy movie.
- The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna: Think Practical Magic meets Found Family. This story follows a lonely witch who finds herself teaching 3 young witches in need of guidance. This book is whimsical and heartwarming. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a cozy fantasy.
- Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory: When a woman accompanies her daughter on a work trip to England, she unexpectedly finds romance with a member of the royal household. With holiday cheer and sweet romance, this book feels like the literary version of a Hallmark movie.
🎧Audiobooks & E-Reads for Healthcare Travelers
Books can take up valuable room; between that and long travel days and shifts, it can be hard to sit down with a physical book. Luckily, digital reading is right at our fingertips, making it easy to keep your fall reading bucket list handy. Some of our favorites are:
- Kindle Unlimited: Download books before you hit the road and always have a library in your pocket.
- Audible: Great for flights, commutes, or even workouts. Turn downtime into storytime.
- Libby: Free e-books and audiobooks with your local library card. A budget-friendly way to keep new reads coming, even while on assignment!
💭 Final Thoughts
This fall reading bucket list is all about balance, from page-turning thrillers to cozy holiday romances. Whether you’re relaxing after a long shift, passing time on a travel day, or spending the holidays away from home, these cozy fall reads will bring comfort and entertainment wherever your assignment takes you. So, get a cup of cocoa or cider, pull on a cozy sweater, and let some of these stories keep you company this fall.
