Nov. 12. By Lyn Muldrow. It’s autumn, the time of year when leaves are falling, sweaters are calling, and time on the couch feels sublime. Here are a few staff picks to set the mood if you’re looking for a cozy read to accompany the season of slowing down, resetting, and renewal.

Squash & Pumpkin: #SquashGoals,

By G.G. McQueen (children)

We all know that pumpkin is the star of the season, but acorn squashes need love, too! What’s a squash to do when a pumpkin takes the spotlight? This heartwarming tale of friendship and self-discovery will spice up your kid’s life.

Verity Vox & The Curse of Foxfire

By Don Martin (young adult)

Harry Potter fans meet Verity Vox! In this story, a magical apprentice saves the town of Foxfire and the fate of magic, not through strength, but cunning and connection. A masterclass in world and character building, it’s a YA title that will delight all ages. Adventure awaits!

If It Makes You Happy

By Julie Olivia (adult romance)

There’s nothing cozier than a bed-and-breakfast owner falling in love with the hot neighbor and baker next door, set in a small town during the fall. This low-stakes romance and dip into nostalgia is very Gilmore Girls, with a slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance sure to heat up a chilly night.

Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers

By Jesse Q. Sutanto (adult mystery)

Vera will need more than her usual cup of tea when she discovers a man dead in her tea shop. As an amateur sleuth, she’s used to solving puzzles—and juggling life as a mother to her single adult son. Now, she’s determined to uncover the killer lurking in San Francisco’s Chinatown. This cozy mystery brews suspense, humor, and charm, and it’s the kind of story you’ll be eager to “spill the tea” about to your friends.

Stop by the library this fall– in addition to sharing new and popular titles, we offer baby, toddler, and preschool story times, children and teen art clubs, book clubs, pottery workshops, and more!

Lyn Muldrow is a library associate with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library in Cornelius.