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August is that magical in-between month — warm afternoons still whisper of summer, but there’s just enough crispness in the morning air to make you dream of cozy sweaters and pumpkin spice. For book lovers, it’s the perfect time to balance sun-soaked paperbacks with the first hints of moody autumn reads.
Here’s your guide to soaking up the best of both seasons — and a few essentials to make the transition extra cozy.
Step 1: Finish Out Summer Strong
Before you trade in your beach reads for witchy thrillers, give your summer TBR one last hurrah.
Our final-splash favorites:
- Every Summer After by Carley Fortune – Second-chance romance wrapped in nostalgia.
- Happy Place by Emily Henry – Friendship, love, and summer house vibes.
- One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle – Heartwarming and transportive.
Summer pairing: A big iced coffee in our 16oz Sipper Glasses keeps the summer mood alive.
Step 2: Ease Into Cozy Season
It’s never too early to sprinkle in some autumnal reads — especially those that bridge summer’s energy with fall’s coziness.
Perfect bridge reads:
- The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna – Found family with a magical twist.
- The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow – Historical fantasy with strong sisterhood themes.
- A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham – A thriller to give you those crisp-night chills.
Cozy pairing: Slip into our Library Mode All Day Every Day Sweatshirt for those early cool mornings.
Step 3: Refresh Your Reading Nook
As daylight fades earlier, your reading corner becomes your safe haven. A quick seasonal refresh makes all the difference:
- Swap lightweight throws for chunky knit blankets.
- Add warm-toned string lights or a flickering candle.
- Keep your current reads in a Hello Milo Bookish Tote Bag for easy access.
Step 4: Stock Your Drinkware for Both Seasons
Iced lattes in the afternoon, hot cocoa at night — August is a mixed-beverage month. Make sure your mug and glass game is ready for both.
For iced drinks: The Reader Sipper Glass keeps your cold brew looking cute.
For hot drinks: Our Enemies to Lovers Mug is perfect for your PSL debut.
Step 5: Build Your “Bridging the Seasons” TBR
Here’s a short reading list that blends the best of both worlds:
- Beach Read by Emily Henry – Romantic and witty, with enough depth to carry into fall.
- Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree – Cozy fantasy with coffee shop charm.
- The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager – Summer setting + suspenseful chills.
📚 Final Thought: August is your permission slip to live in two seasons at once — iced coffee in one hand, blanket in the other, and a stack of books that take you anywhere you want to go.