The Ultimate Cottagecore Reading List
7/27/2025
If you’ve ever dreamed of living in a quiet cottage surrounded by wildflowers, warm tea, and shelves full of whimsical reads—welcome, kindred spirit. Cottagecore isn’t just an aesthetic. It’s a feeling. A slow, intentional rhythm of life where every moment feels like a scene from a storybook.
Whether you’re already a fan of this charming lifestyle or just dipping your toes into its dreamy waters, this list of cottagecore-inspired books (plus matching wallpapers!) will help you escape into soft, magical worlds—one page at a time.
1. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
A timeless classic filled with hidden keys, forgotten gardens, and unexpected friendships. The imagery alone will transport you to misty mornings and blooming meadows.
2. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Anne’s unfiltered imagination, love for nature, and cozy island home make this the ultimate cottagecore read. Bonus: it pairs perfectly with a cup of chamomile tea.
3. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
Heartwarming, magical, and a little quirky. This book feels like a warm hug in literary form. It’s the whimsical cottagecore fantasy you didn’t know you needed.
4. A Year in the Woods by Henry David Thoreau
For those who crave a more grounded, nature-based cottagecore experience. Thoreau’s musings on simplicity and solitude feel more relevant than ever.
5. The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
A dreamy, lyrical fantasy about portals, stories, and freedom. With vintage vibes and rich prose, this one’s for the cottagecore reader with a love for layered narratives.
🌿 Bookish Break
Take a little breather, friend. If you love cozy reads, you might just fall in love with my book-themed shirt collection at Havenread. They're soft, charming, and designed for book lovers who dream in stories. ✨
6. The Little Book of Cottagecore by Emily Kent
Not a novel—but a must-have. It’s full of practical and poetic inspiration to help you slow down, create with intention, and embrace a cottagecore life.
7. The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim
Four women escape the greyness of London to a blooming Italian villa. This quiet novel radiates gentle transformation and floral bliss.
8. Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier
A fairy-tale retelling with Eastern European folklore, dancing sisters, and forest magic. It’s gentle and atmospheric—perfect for autumn nights.
If you love stories with cozy vibes and cottagecore energy, you might also love the designs I’ve made for fellow book lovers.
Feel free to take a peek at my shop—it's filled with bookish shirts that feel just as comfy as a warm cup of tea.
🍂Before You Go
