One of my favorite things to do in the springtime is sit on my front porch, put on the latest Bridgerton soundtrack on my phone, and curl up with a good book in my egg chair. And while there are many good books to choose from, in today’s post I’m giving you 6 books that are perfect for you if you love all things Bridgerton and Cottagecore. There’s something for everyone on this list – Classics, YA Fiction, & Romance.
For those of you who aren’t sure, Cottagecore is an aesthetic that celebrates rural life and slow-living activities such as baking, foraging for mushrooms, herbology, crafting, sewing, and going on picnics in nature. Fashion is also included in this aesthetic and can consist of flowy dresses, ribbons in hair, puffy sleeves, embroidered designs on everything, pinafores, overalls, anything knitted. I am absolutely obsessed with this aesthetic because it romanticizes the simple things in life like stopping to admire nature or enjoying a good cup of tea. As for Bridgerton – well, if you’ve seen season 1 and 2 on Netflix, then you already know.
Nicola and the Viscount by Meg Cabot
Nicola and the Viscount is about a 16 year old orphan named Nicola Sparks who makes her debut in her first London society season. During the season she catches the eye of Lord Sebastian Bartholomew, a handsome and wealthy viscount, and Lord Nathaniel Sheridan, a roguish viscount who keeps getting under her skin. The more she gets to know both gentlemen the more she begins to realize that she might have set her sights on the wrong viscount all along. This book is full of quick-witted dialogue and likable characters who will have you chuckling out loud. If you enjoyed season 2 of Bridgerton, you will definitely enjoy this book.
Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson
If you like proper romances that will capture your attention and keep it until the last page then this is the book for you. Edenbrooke follows the story of Marianne Daventry. When Marianne gets invited to spend some time at her twin sister’s estate in the English countryside, Marianne jumps at the chance to get away from Bath and away from an unwanted suitor. But things don’t go as Marianne plans and after a run-in with a highway and an unexpected romance, Marianne is faced with more choices than she ever imagined. I love this book because it completely immerses you in the culture and customs of Regency England just like Bridgerton.
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Like most classics, this is a story you might already know and love, but I wanted to include it on this list because nothing makes me feel more spring-y than diving into Wonderland with Alice, the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit, and the Cheshire Cat. As you probably already know, Alice follows the White Rabbit down the rabbit hole and lands into the mysterious land of Wonderland where she meets all kinds of memorable characters and has an adventure she never had dreamed of. I think this book will give you total cottagecore vibes because Alice has afternoon tea with the Mad Hatter and the March Hare and Wonderland is full of unique flowers and foliage.
The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton
If you like Pride and Prejudice and The Pirates of the Caribbean, then you’ll love this book. The book is about a prim and proper Victorian lady named Cecilia Bassingwaite who also happens to be a thief. She and her aunt are part of the notorious Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels and together they spend their days blackmailing friends and stealing treasures to add to their collection. Everything is going good until they meet Ned Lightbourne, an assassin who’s hired to kill them both. As Ned and Cecilia join forces to take down a common enemy they grow closer in more ways than one. This story is definitely one of a kind but it’s full of entertaining twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end.
The League of Gentlewomen Witches by India Holton
This book is also written by India Holton and it’s just as unique as Wisteria Society. It follows the story of Miss Charlotte Pettifer who’s part of a secret league of witches who use their powers for good. When a mysterious amulet is discovered it’s up to Charlotte and a tough pirate named Alex O’Riley to make sure that the amulet doesn’t end up in the wrong hands. The two of them go on an unforgettable adventure to steal the amulet and ultimately end up stealing each other’s hearts. If you like a book that packs a punch of action, adventure, and romance this book is perfect for you.
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
I believe that Anne Shirley-Cuthbert is the epitome of cottagecore characters. She loves all things nature, frolicking with her friends, and constantly romanticizing the simple things in life. As you might already know, this book is about the orphan Anne (“with an E”) who goes to live with Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert on the lovely farm of Green Gables. After a few twists and turns, Anne and the Cuthberts grow to love one another and become a family. This is one of my favorite books to read because it always reminds me to never take the little things for granted.
What are some of your favorite books to read in the spring? Did any of your favorites make the list?
Verse of the Day: By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth. – Psalms 33:6
