25 of the Best Cottagecore books to read in Spring

Searching for Cottagecore books to read? Here are the absolute best cottagecore books to read in Spring.

Instagram right now has me wanting to live in the forest, bake bread and pick wildflowers. Cottagecore is the soothing aesthetic I need in my life right now. Especially with Spring fast approaching. What more could you want than to put on Folklore and read a good book? So I’ve compiled a list of Cottagecore books to read in spring (plus get my free printable reading journal).

I asked book lovers on social media to share their favourite Cottagecore books. And they had some incredible recommendations. I’ve picked out the top responses to help write this post. I’ve also included all books I’ve personally read and can recommend. So, here are the best Cottagecore books to read.

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This post is all about the best Cottagecore books to read in Spring

What is Cottagecore?

Cottagecore exploded in popularity online recently, amid the pandemic. And it’s no wonder. Cottagecore embraces rural life.

Cottagecore romanticises simple, sustainable and slow living. It focuses on the countryside and off-screen hobbies.

Think crafts, growing your own foods, and flowers.

The best Cottagecore books to read in Spring

Cottagecore books – Classic Books to read in Spring

Heidi by Johanna Spyri

If you’re looking for an easy to read classic

If you’re looking for aesthetic Cottagecore books then look no further than the Puffin in Bloom Hardbacks. These books have the most stunning hardback covers. They would look adorable on your bookshelves or in Instagram photos.

Heidi is a childhood favourite of mine. It’s a perfectly cosy and cottagecore inspired story.

Heidi is an orphan and she goes to live in the alps with her grouchy grandfather. I cried my eyes out when reading this one.

Read the Good Reads summary

Buy Heidi on Book Depository

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

If you’re looking for beautiful garden imagery

The secret garden was another one of my childhood favourites. I love the idea of a magical secret garden.

 Some childhood classics are better when you don’t revisit them. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this when I reread it.

The plot centres around Mary Lennox. She is a young English girl who returns to England from India.  She discovers a charming walled garden. But it’s always kept locked.

The Secret Garden is a classic but it’s also a children’s classic. And that makes it much easier to read.

Get The Secret Garden 

Read the Good Reads Summary

Anne of green gables by L.M Montgomery

The most quintessentially cottagecore character

I’m not sure I could write a post on Cottagecore books to read without mentioning Anne of Green Gables.

A great choice for Anne with E fans.  You should read the original book series if you love the Netflix series.

Anne of Green Gables follows Anne Shirley. She’s is an orphan girl who goes to stay with the Cuthberts

From Start to finish – this is a delightfully charming read. The characters and the plot both hold a very special place in my heart.

Buy Anne of Green Gables here

Read the Good Reads Summary

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

If you’re looking for whimsical and unique worldbuilding

It’s the cover. Just look at it  Even if you’re not planning on reading this one then the cover alone would look stunning in your bedroom. There are so many beautiful versions of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland online.

The imagery is adorable with tea parties, roses and talking animals. It follows Alice who falls down a rabbit hole. And she finds herself in the absurd world of wonderland.  This book is pure magic whether you are old or young.

Get Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland here

Read the Good Reads Summary

The Hobbit by J. R. R Tolkien

If you’re looking for a charming adventure story.

The Hobbit is the most charming adventure story set in Middle Earth. It was an easy choice for a blog post on Cottagecore books.

The novel follows Bilbo Baggins. He is A Hobbit who lives in The Shire. One day he meets the wizard Gandalf and goes on an adventure.

This is the most charming adventure story. Also, the imagery in the hobbit – particularly around food is lovely. I want to be able to eat seven meals a day much like a hobbit. And hobbit holes sound adorable.

Get The Hobbit here

Read Good Reads Description

The Complete Tales of Beatrix Potter

If you’re looking for a a bit of nostalgia -a series of magical children’s tales about animals

The Tales of Beatrix Potter is another series that is quintessentially cottagecore.

The books follow a series of animals such as Peter Rabbit, Squirrel Nutkin and Mrs Tiggy Winkle.

These would make a perfect gift for children and adults. But the stories are so magical and whimsical that anyone could enjoy them.

These stories are a classic and absolutely timeless. They really stand the test of time. And the illustrations are absolutely perfect.

Good Reads

Buy on Book Depository

Cottagecore books – Fiction

Princess Princess Ever After by Katie O’Neill

If you’re looking for an LGBTQ+ graphic novel

Princess Princess Ever After is as an LGBTQ+ middle-grade graphic novel. I’ve listed a few graphic novels by Katie O-Neill on this list because the illustrations are just so beautiful.

 Whether you’re looking for a short, easy read, LGBTQ+ books to read or a super pretty book that fits the cottage core aesthetic – you will absolutely love this book.

It’s about a princess, Sadie, who is locked in a tower and is rescued by another princess, Amira. Also, Amira rides a pink unicorn.  It’s just as queer and lovely as it sounds.

Buy Princess Princess Ever After

Read the Good Reads Description

Tea Dragon Society by Katie O’Neill

If you’re looking for an adorable middle grade graphic novel

Another seriously adorable middle grade graphic novel by Katie O-Neill. The illustrations are painfully adorable. If you love graphic novels or middle grade – you should seriously check this one out.

It follows Greta a blacksmith apprentice. One day she finds a lost tea dragon in the marketplace. Greta learns about the dying art form of tea dragon care-taking from the kind tea shop owners.

This book is adorable, impossibly cute and heart-warming.  Not only is it a beautiful book with a lovely message. But it stars people of color, people with disabilities and LGBTQIA+ characters.

Get The Tea Dragon Society

Read the Good Reads Synopsis

In an Absent Dream by Seanan McGuire

If you’re looking for enchanting worldbuilding

The beautiful book cover initially attracted me to this book. The story is captivating. And it was really unlike anything else I’ve read.

Katherine Lundy is six years old.  she realizes that her entire life is planned out for her. She is going to be quiet, and studious, and keep to herself, and maybe one day she will be a librarian  One day she discovers a door in a tree. And it changes her life.

A beautifully crafted and incredibly well done series. It reminds me of a fairytale. There is also an audiobook version on Scribd which was a very enjoyable listen.

Get In An Absent Dream

See the Good Reads Page

Wild Beauty by Anna-Marie Mclemore

If you’re looking for an intriguing plot and beautiful garden imagery

Please can we take a minute to appreciate that beautiful cover? Also, the book is equally beautiful.

It follows women who tend the grounds of La Pradera. The lush gardens enchant guests from around the world. But they have a tragic legacy. If they fall in love – their lovers vanish. But one day a strange boy appears in the gardens.

This book features queer women of colour and is an own voices read. The writing is beautiful, the story is captivating and it’s heart-breaking. You will feel so many different emotions while reading it. And the imagery around the gardens is absolutely perfect for spring.

Get Wild Beauty Here

Go to the Good Reads Page

The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner

 If you love Jane Austen and quaint English Novels

It’s a delightfully quaint English novel set in a quiet village named Chawton – the village where Jane Austen lived with her family.

The property is in danger of being sold to a golf course consortium. A small group of citizens take on the difficult task of maintaining the estate. And so the Jane Austen Society is formed.

If you’re looking for some escapism – this is the book for you. A seriously charming story with beautiful writing.

 If you love Jane Austen you will especially love this book.  The shared love of Jane Austen’s work drives the narrative. And also the relationships between the characters.

Buy the Jane Austen Society here

Visit the Good Reads Page

The House at Riverton by Kate Morton

If you’re a fan of Downton Abbey

I read this one years ago. But I remember absolutely loving this book. It’s a comforting read and great for escapism. And it gives me Downton abbey vibes.

The House at Riverton is set in England in between wars. It’s a historical fiction that also has mystery elements to it.

It’s set in a sprawling country estate in the English countryside. It also has family secrets and mystery.

Buy The House at Riverton

Read the Good Reads Summary

My not so perfect life by Sophie Kinsella

If you’re looking for a romantic comedy set in the English countryside

My not so Perfect life follows Katie who has a job in London. She hates her boss Demeter because she has this seemingly perfect life.

One day she loses her job. And she has to live with her dad on a farm.

So, she sets up the farm to be a BnB. And she actually ends up doing pretty well. But then one day Dementor and her family show up.

This is a light-hearted rom-com set on an English farm in the countryside. It also shows how you can never understand what someone’s life is alike. A message that feels especially relevant. With social media, it’s so easy to compare your worst day to somebody else’s highlight reel.

Get My Not So Perfect Life

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An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson

If you’re looking for autumnal cottagecore vibes

An Enchantment of Ravens is a recent discovery of mine. And it would also be a great pick for Sarah J Maas fans.

It follows Isobel who creates stunning portraits for the dangerous fair folk. One day she creates a portrait of the Autumn Prince. But she makes a deadly mistake.

I loved the imagery in this. And the focus on art and craft in the book. I instantly really loved Isobel. She’s down to earth, practical and incredibly kind.  The world is incredibly beautifully described with whimsical imagery.

Get An Enchantment of Ravens

See the Good Reads Synopsis

Ash by Malinda Lo

If you’re looking for an LGBTQ+ Cinderella retelling

Ash is a book I’m always torn about. But I had to include it because I love the cottagey world building in this book.

Ash is a lesbian Cinderella retelling. It follows Ash who is dealing with the grief of losing her parents. She falls in love with the king’s huntress.

I loved the descriptions of the world such as the woods and the fae. I instantly really loved the King’s Huntress. But, I wish that the romance had been a little better developed. However, this is a cosy read and offers great escapism. It’s pretty short and you could easily read this in one sitting.

See the Good Reads Page

Buy Ash here

Silver in the Wood by Emily Tesh

If you’re looking for an LGBTQ+ story with magical forest imagery

I saw this book recommended on Riley Marie’s Youtube Channel. And I’m so glad she recommended it.

This book follows a forest guardian. He is tasked to look after the forest. A man moves into the house in the forest. And they fall in love.

From the very start, the writing was beautiful. And the imagery in the forest is whimsical and enchanting.

If you like the cottagecore aesthetic you’ll probably really enjoy this book. I listened to the audiobook. And the duology is only 5 hours so it’s a really quick listen.

Good reads

Listen to Silver in the Woods on Audible

The Complete Brambly Hedge by Jill Barklem

If you love Beatrix Potter and whimsical illustrations

This book series is so whimsically cottagecore. The illustrations inside are very reminiscent of Beatrix Potter. They are filled of beautiful images of animals doing cottagecore activities such as baking.

Brambly Hedge is a collection of children’s stories. It follows a village of mice who have different adventures. It follows the village through the seasons and chronicles the adventures they have.

The stories and village seem to focus on simple living. There are lots of references to sewing and baking.

Good Reads

Buy on Book Depository

The Girl who drank the moon by Kelly Barnhill

If you’re looking for a book about a kind witch who lives in the forest

This has a really magical story concept. And the world-building is super whimsical.

Every year the people of the Protectorate leave a baby as an offering to the witch who lives in the forest. They hope to keep her from terrorizing the town.

But the witch Xan is kind. She rescues the abandoned children. And delivers them to welcoming families on the other side of the forest.

I listened to the audiobook which was incredible. The narrator did a really good job with the voices of the characters and really bought Fyrian, Glerk and Xan to life.

Buy on Book Depository

Good Reads

This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron

If  you’re looking for cottagecore sapphics, family secrets and magic

This Poison Heart follows Briseis. She has a magic gift where she can magic tiny seeds grow into rich blooms with a single touch.

Her aunt dies and wills her a dilapidated estate in rural New York. And it’s there she must uncover her family’s heritage and secrets.

Greek mythology was woven seamlessly into the plot of this book. And the mysteries keep you intrigued until the end of the book. I especially loved the relationship between her moms.

This Poison Heart

Good reads

Non-fiction Cottage Core Books

The Little Book of Cottage Core by Emily Kent

If you want to learn some cottagecore skills

This was an easy inclusion in this blog post. This book focuses on cottage core skills. And the idea behind this book to target people who want to relax. In particular, through the simple things in life.

If you love crafts and DIY style hobbies then I highly recommend his book for you.  It focuses on traditional cottage core skills such as baking bread, embroidery and cross-stitch.  A great choice for beginners to crafting. It would also make a lovely gift.

Buy The Little Book of Cottagecore

Good Reads Synopsis

The modern embroidery studio By Lauren Holton

If you want to learn embroidery

I can’t be the only person obsessed with embroidery at the moment? I keep seeing it all over Instagram. And every time I see embroidery online  I think it’s beautiful.

It’s an excellent hobby to pick up while you’re stuck at home. And it’s an excellent way to distress. Modern embroidery patterns fill this book. It also has information on color theory which really sets it apart from other books on embroidery.  It’s beautifully laid out and the patterns are exquisite.

Good Reads Summary

Buy on Book Depository

River Cottage Every Day by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

If you’re looking for some sustainable recipe inspiration

I absolutely love this book. The illustrations, photos are recipes are excellent.

The River Cottage Philosophy is to get closer to the source of your food. And to also understand where it comes from. This book simplifies the river cottage philosophy for everyday family life. And it shows how it can suit anyone.

 It’s another book that would make a fantastic gift. A fantastic pick if you love cooking or cookery books.

Buy River Cottage Everyday

Good Reads

Vintage Roses by Jane Eastoe

If you’re searching for a gorgeous coffee table book

The photography in this book is incredibly beautiful. And I had to recommend it to you. I first saw Hayley from An Enchanted life recommend this book in a beautiful post on books about flowers.

Georgianna Lane is responsible for the stunning visuals. And I think this would make the most charming coffee table book to flip through.

Information of beautiful varieties of roses fills the pages of this exquisite book. It has information on many different varieties of roses, the history and helpful tips on how to care for them.

Buy Vintage Roses

Good Reads

The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking

If you love a cosy night in

The Little Book of Hygge is cosy in a book.

Denmark is the happiest country in the world. That is down to hygge. Hygge is the practice of creating intimacy to the cosiness of the soul to taking pleasure from the presence of soothing things.

This is another book that would make an excellent coffee table book because the illustrations, cover and quality are excellent.

Buy The Little Book of Hygge

Read the Good Reads Description

Fine Little Day by Elizabeth Dunker

If you want a craft book with stunning photography

This is another book with different crafts. The photography inside this book is absolutely stunning. Elizabeth Dunker wrote this book. And it originally started as a blog.

The aesthetic and style in this book are perfect. Dunker clearly has an exquisite and well-trained eye.  An excellent craft book with folky, traditional and cottagecore vibes.

Buy Fine Little Day

Good Reads

Those were my picks for cottagecore books to read in Spring

Whether you’re a bookworm, Cottagecore fan or are looking for some aesthetic Cottagecore books – I hope you found a new book to read!

What books give you Cottage core vibes? Also, what are your recommendations for books to read in Spring?

This post was all about Cottagecore books to read in Spring

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