Spring is often associated with flowers blooming and birds singing. In some areas, rain and storms are also parts of spring. No matter the weather, I always enjoy a good book with the perfect cozy vibes.
In my opinion, what makes a book cozy is not how the characters or setting are portrayed. Instead, the best cozy vibes come from the books I enjoy rereading as much as the first time I read them. In other words, my perfect cozy books are my comfort books.
Some people prefer one genre when they pick their comfort books. Others, like me, have comfort books across genres. Deciding what book to read depends on my mood and the weather. If it is raining, I’ll read a mystery or dark fantasy. If it’s sunny, then it’s romance or light-hearted fantasy. So here is my list of cozy books perfect for springtime.
1. The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Young orphan Harry Potter has made the most magical discovery: He’s a wizard! He learns that he defeated the Dark Lord as an infant and is known as The Boy Who Lived. Enrolled at Hogwarts, the school for witches and wizards, Harry soon realizes foul play is afoot. The Dark Lord, Voldemort, has returned with a vengeance. As he makes his way through school, Harry and his friends embark on thrilling adventures in an attempt to finally put an end to Voldemort.
It goes without saying that Harry Potter is a comfort series for many, me included. It’s enjoyable for all ages and transports you to a magical world filled with wondrous beasts and creatures. This series is one that I never get bored of, and I’ve read it more times than I can count.
I would recommend this book as a comfort read because its vibes are peak coziness. Between the fantasy elements, lovable characters, and vivid settings, this is a series that can be revisited time and time again during all the rainy or sunny spring days.
2. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
Pippa Fitz-Amobi sets out to solve a five-year-old case: the murder of Andie Bell, thought to have been killed by her deceased boyfriend, Sal Singh. Pip, however, doesn’t believe Sal killed Andie, and she sets out to prove everyone wrong with the help of Sal’s younger brother, Ravi. As the two get closer to the truth, Pip starts receiving threatening messages urging her to stop looking into the case. Undeterred, Pip’s investigation slowly turns into an obsession, and she uncovers something entirely unexpected.
I consider this series a cozy read because it will keep you engaged. It’s perfect for rainy days when you want to curl up with a blanket and tea. What I love most about it is that I find new details every time I reread it, which makes it more enjoyable.
This series is for those who enjoy suspense during a cozy reading session, especially if it’s raining outside. It also has the perfect fall vibes.
3. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Hazel Lancaster has a terminal illness and knows her time on Earth is limited. One day, at her support group, she meets the handsome Augustus Waters, whose outlook on life turns her world upside down. As the two bond over their shared situation, they discover that living with a terminal illness doesn’t have to be so bad and that you can find happiness in the darkest times.
What I love most about this book is that it confronts the reality of living with a terminal illness while stressing that even if you know your fate, you should live life to the fullest.
If you haven’t read it, I’ll keep the spoilers to a minimum, but I will say that if you enjoy a tearjerker, this book is for you. The romance will have you swooning but then crying so hard that your tears stain the pages. It’s great to read on a sunny day while the birds sing. The positive feeling outside will balance the heartache you feel at the end.
4. One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
Elspeth Spindle has a secret. She is infected with magic, and a horrible monster lives in her head (nicknamed the Nightmare). One day, she meets a mysterious highwayman and discovers that he is the King’s treasonous nephew. After making a deal that could expose her secret, the two must work together to collect all 12 Providence cards to stop the spread of dark magic. But Elspeth must also face the reality that the Nightmare is slowly taking over her mind.
When I first bought this book, I was skeptical. I had heard mixed reviews about it and honestly didn’t think I would like it. However, much to my surprise, I loved it. While more recent than the other books on this list, it’s my favorite genre: dark fantasy, enemies to lovers, and fake dating—the perfect combination for a cozy spring read.
It has a unique magic system and interesting characters you can’t help but love. If you live in an area where it rains during the spring, I encourage you to check it out.
5. Never Lie by Frieda McFadden
Tricia and Ethan are newlyweds searching for their dream house. They seem to find the perfect one: a remote manor owned by a psychiatrist who vanished a few years ago. However, after a winter storm traps the pair inside the house and odd things begin to occur, they begin to question whether this is the right place for them after all. While exploring, Tricia finds a secret room filled with recordings from previous patients. She starts listening, and the secrets pour out, revealing the horrifying truth.
This book hooked me from the beginning. I love it when authors leave little hints throughout the narrative, but some twists completely threw me for a loop. My one complaint is that it wasn’t long enough, but it’s still a great read for those who love mysteries and thrillers.
Reading it is like being on a rollercoaster; you have no idea which direction the plot will take you. If you live in an area where it rains and storms during springtime, I highly recommend this one — you won’t be able to put it down.
6. Until We Meet Again by Renee Collins
Stuck at her summer home in Massachusetts, Cass wants nothing to do with all the garden parties and snooty country clubs. Walking along the beach one day, she meets a mysteriously handsome boy who is nothing like the other guys she knows. As the two get to know one another, they realize they are from two different times and that the beach connects them. Intrigued by Lawrence, Cass digs into his past and learns about the tragic ending waiting for him. She decides she will do everything in her power to prevent it from happening, even if they can never see each other again.
This book had been sitting on my shelf for a while before I read it. At first, I wasn’t sure what to make of it. It seemed like your typical teenage romance book. But as I got into it, I realized I had been missing out. It made me feel all giddy inside, and the ending, though I did expect it, was sad enough to make me shed a few tears.
While this book may seem more summer-y than spring, I had to include it because its different elements make it the perfect cozy read no matter the season. The romance is adorable, and the time-travel aspect is well thought out. If you’re looking for a light-hearted book that may elicit a few tears, give it a try.
Whether you experience rain or sunshine during spring, cozying up with a good book is always the best way to spend your day. Maybe this list will help you find your new favorite cozy book.