Autumn is here! Books to help you transition from summer to fall

Here at Novel Neighbor, readers ask us to build a reading list based on factors as far ranging as age and location to big milestones and life circumstances.

Recently, Casey asked us for recommendations to help transition from summer to fall, writing, “I started pulling out sweaters before realizing how many weeks away true sweater weather is! I won’t even let myself get a pumpkin spice latte until it’s below 75 degrees outside. I am a big mood reader and can’t bring myself to start fall reading early, so I’m looking for some perfect books to help transition from summer to fall. Think: Taylor Swift’s 'Folklore' vibes.”

We have some perfect book recs to hit the spot during this liminal time!

“Vampires of El Norte” by Isabel Cañas

This gothic western is set in 1840s Mexico, but if you’re scared of horror, don’t worry, you’ll be able to handle this one. Underneath the things that go bump in the night is one of the most deeply romantic stories we’ve read in a while.

Check out: USA TODAY's weekly Best-selling Booklist

This story follows childhood best friends Nena and Néstor who have been reunited after nearly a decade apart. As they work through their past to chart a future together, they must also survive attacking armies, familial obligations and supernatural threats. This is the absolute perfect bridge between summer and fall!

“Sirens & Muses” by Antonia Angress

We love the idea of a sad girl campus novel easing you into fall because it’s back to school season. This story follows four students at an elite art school in New York City struggling to find their identities as individuals and as artists. This book delves deep into class, youth and integrity –– this sits on our staff favorite shelves year-round.

“The Roughest Draft” by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka

Don’t be fooled by the cartoon cover, this novel packs a punch. This is a second chance romance about two literary darling co-writers who ended their partnership on bad terms –– and they haven’t told anyone why.

When they are forced to reunite for one final book, they hole up in the small Floridian town they wrote their last book in to try to recreate the magic… and figure out what went wrong between them. This book is full of so much summertime sadness and romantic tension. Written to be read during this time of year!

USA TODAY is thrilled to partner with independent bookstore The Novel Neighbor to help you discover the best books while championing indie booksellers.

With the relaunch of USA TODAY’s Best-selling Booklist, Novel Neighbor and friends at BookShop.org are curating enlightening and entertaining content. Discover our recent book recommendations and book-ish articles. Then, since what book lovers want most is another great read, sign up for a customized Mystery Box and monthly book subscription.