12 Seasonal Books: Pick a Book for Every Time of Year

Getting lost in a good book is one of life’s joys. For those of you who love books and the change of the seasons, here is a great book list for you. On this list, you will find some of the best seasonal books for each part of the year. If you are looking to really appreciate each season, how about a book to go with it?

Seasonal Books

Autumn Seasonal Books

Autumn is the time for fun and frightful reads. For a list of horror books, check out our Frightful Fiction reads. The following books may not be horror, per se, but rather embody an autumnal mood.

The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole

Considered to be one of the first Gothic novels, written in 1764, this novel could be read in a night. It tells the tale of Manfred and his attempts to control his family line in order to thwart an ancient prophecy.

The Fisherman’s Lady by George MacDonald

Taking place on the Scottish shoreline, this tale follows the story of Malcolm MacPhail, a local fisherman. One day, as he is about his work, there is a body discovered on the beach which begins the unraveling of a dark secret. Complete with hidden stairways, old castles, and dangerous thugs, this story has everything you could hope for in an autumn read.

The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe

Made somewhat more popular by its reference in Jane Austin’s Northanger Abbey, this tome is so packed with scenic descriptions that it could easily fit as a travel narrative. This gothic romance takes the reader from France to Italy and explores the story of Emily St. Aubert and her plight. Emily is imprisoned by Signor Montoni in Castle Udolpho after the mysterious death of her father. As she begins a secret romance, the details of her past begin to unravel. 

Winter Books

Winter is the perfect season for curling up with a good book as the snow swirls outside. The seasonal books in this section all take place during the winter and feature the beautiful snow and biting cold of this time of year.

Beartown by Fredrick Backman

Written by German author Fredrick Backman, Beartown takes place in a sleepy Swedish town obsessed with hockey. That is until a mysterious murder in the woods. Now, as the tensions and suspicions rise in this tight-knit community their livelihood is at stake.

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

Taking place in 1970’s Alaska, Leni copes with her parent’s rocky relationship by leaning on her friend, a local boy. At home, Leni tries to deal with her father, Erni, as he struggles with PTSD from the Vietnam War. As things at home get worse, Leni is caught in the crossfire between her parents and the mental illness that is tearing them apart.

Peace Like a River by Leif Enger

Reminiscent of To Kill a Mockingbird, Peace Like a River follows the story of Reuben Land as he narrates the tale of his brother’s murder trial. Rueben’s outlaw sibling escapes across the 1960’s Midwest as Reuben, his sister, and their father follow in the wake across the snowy terrain. All the time, believing in miracles. 

Spring

Ah, spring! What a relief after such short, dark days that the sun is setting later. Green buds are emerging from the trees and everything is reborn. The books in this section capture the themes of spring perfectly.

Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes

It’s been a year since her husband’s death and widowed Evvie Drake rarely leaves her large Maine home. The only comfort she has is her good friend Andy, who claims that her grief is keeping her inside. Meanwhile, a friend of Andy’s in New York is invited to visit the little New England town where he meets Evvie. From there a story of romance begins to bloom.

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

In this English classic, you will find the themes of transformation as you follow Mary Lennox, a neglected and orphaned child. She travels back from India to England and while there discovers a secret garden on the grounds. Also, on the grounds is a mysterious crying that everyone in the manor pretends to ignore.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

For more than 60 years, this American classic has been influencing the lives of people across the country. A coming-of-age story, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn follows the life of Francie Nolan as she grows up in the slums of Williamsburg, New York. Brimming with heartache and laughter, compassion and cruelty, Francie’s story is one to linger in your mind for years to come.

Summer

In summer we get the lazy dog days, poolside reverie, and memories of free time spent with friends. Summer is a time for leisure and love. 

Three Men in a Boat Jerome K. Jerome

A masterpiece that has never once gone out of print since its publication in 1889, Three Men in a Boat is an absurd and comical journey. Join J. and his friends George and Harris as they embark on an ill-prepared summer row boat trip down the Thames with a little fox-terrier in tow. From poor weather to the trouble J.’s terrier creates, this story is a non-stop jaunt from the ordinary to the ridiculous. 

Evil Under the Sun by Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie’s novels are always welcome companions on any vacation, but this one becomes particularly meta. As famous detective, Hercule Poirot, takes a seaside holiday he is once again thrown into the world of suspicion and intrigue after the death of Arlena Marshall. The flirtatious woman was at the center of much gossip and her death has caught Poirot’s attention.

Gift From the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh

A collection of meditative essays written by Lindbergh as she vacationed by the sea, this book is a lyrical delight. Drawing inspiration from the coastal scenery, this work is a contemplation on marriage, peace, and solitude. A great read for those looking to explore the philosophical.

Looking for some new secrets to living a healthy lifestyle? With this FREE A-Z guide on Living and Aging the Way You Want you can learn the ABCs of aging successfully. Download your PDF and start living the lifestyle you want.