Fiction To Read if You Love Cozy Games
There’s a special kind of magic about the unique comfort of cozy games. Few things compare to that zen that comes from their soothing tasks and calming worlds. Whether it’s tending a virtual garden (Garden Life), brewing magical potions (Wytchwood), or living out family simulations (The Sims), these games provide a much-needed sense of relaxation. But those warm and cozy feelings aren’t limited to video games alone. Plenty of books capture that same gentle storytelling and warm, fuzzy feelings between their pages. From playful, magical adventures to sweet romances, here’s a list of books that will transport you to worlds as delightful as some of your favorite cozy games.
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Add to BookshelfThe Sims
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
If there’s one thing that The Sims players love, it’s drama. Few things can compare to the thrill of watching the citizens of your town become entangled in relationships and drama. It’s fun, exhilarating, and just a smidge chaotic – just like the dynamic between Poppy and Alex in Emily Henry’s New York Times bestselling novel, People We Meet on Vacation. Their friendship is based on years of inside jokes and unforgettable memories from their annual summer vacations. Until one mishap threatens to destroy everything. Henry’s witty dialogue and Alex and Poppy’s will-they-won’t-they dynamic feel like a perfectly executed Sims plot.
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$16.00Buy from Other Retailers:
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Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Simmer Down by Sarah Echavarre Smith
When Nikki DiMarco quit her dream job to help out at her mom’s food truck, she didn’t expect to clash with Callum James, a rival food truck owner who insists on parking right next to her. There’s only one way to settle the score – duke it out at the Maui Food Festival. The winner claims the beach’s most coveted spot. Like in Animal Crossing, this contemporary romance celebrates the joy of community, self-discovery, and finding your place in the world. Its laugh-out-loud moments and heart-tugging family dynamics make this story a feel-good escape.
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Dordogne
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Set in the aftermath of the Second World War, this #1 New York Times bestseller, now a Netflix feature film starring Lily James, follows Juliet Ashton, a writer, who begins to receive correspondence from members of a quirky book club on the island of Guernsey. Juliet learns about their resilience and the bonds forged during the war as she uncovers their stories. Similar to Dordogne, the novel explores themes of unearthing stories from the past while providing an intimate look at the lives of a close-knit community. It’s a gentle exploration of history and relationships packed in a warm and charming book.
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$19.00Buy from Other Retailers:
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Fields of Mistria
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
Mika Moon, a lonely witch, likes her life the way it is – quiet and predictable. But when a mysterious invitation arrives begging her to teach three young witches how to control their magic, she throws caution to the wind and accepts. Just like in the game, this story follows Mika as she forges new relationships and even dives into a new relationship. Uplifting and magical, this cozy read featuring endearing characters and found family elements will draw you into its enchanting world and leave you feeling warm all over.
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$17.00Buy from Other Retailers:
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Stardew Valley
Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout
If you love the small-town community of Stardew Valley, immerse yourself in the town of Crosby, Maine, with Elizabeth Strout’s beloved cast of characters — Lucy Barton, Olive Kitteridge, Bob Burgess, and more. With her remarkable insight into the human condition and silences that contain multitudes, Tell Me Everything is about new friendships, old loves, and the very human desire to leave a mark on the world.
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$30.00Buy from Other Retailers:
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Spiritfarer
Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao
Leave the world behind with a dreamlike fantasy novel that presents themes of life and death in a heartwarming and inventive way. In Water Moon, a woman inherits a pawnshop where customers can sell their regrets. She embarks on a magical quest when a charming young physicist wanders into the shop. Together, they must journey through a mystical world to find Hana’s father and the stolen choice — by way of rain puddles, rides on paper cranes, the bridge between midnight and morning, and a night market in the clouds.
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$28.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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Disney Dreamlight Valley
A Twisted Tale Anthology
If you love the magic of reimagined stories in Disney Dreamlight Valley, you’ll be instantly captivated by A Twisted Tale Anthology! This collection of short stories explores fascinating ‘what if’ scenarios, putting fresh spins on the classic Disney tales we know and love. Just like in the game, you’ll meet iconic heroes and villains in unexpected ways and encounter twists that make the familiar feel brand new. Whether you’re eager to see an alternate ending unfold or simply love creative Disney retellings, this book is a must-read!
Craving more Disney retellings, catch the full A Twisted Tale series!
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$18.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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Infinity Nikki
Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim
Can’t get enough of the fashion from Infinity Nikki? You’ll love this New York Times bestselling fantasy novel! In her signature lyrical and immersive writing style, Lim tells the story of Maia, a talented tailor who enters a royal sewing competition. With spellbinding adventures and a touch of romance, Spin the Dawn perfectly captures the fashion, creativity, and high stakes challenges that make Infinity Nikki so lovable. If you’re drawn to beautiful aesthetics, stunning fashions, and magical worlds, add this to your TBR list!
And don’t forget to catch the sequel, Unravel the Dusk, now available!
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$12.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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A Highland Song
The Wedding Engagement by Zoe Allison
Set against the breathtaking landscapes of Scotland, The Wedding Engagement is a delightful contemporary romance that captures the sense of adventure and discovery in A Highland Song. Just as the game immerses players in the beauty of the Highlands, Allison transports readers to charming Scotland, where love and unexpected connections unfold. Liv Holland, a schoolteacher, navigates her complicated attraction to Arran Adebayo, her brother’s best friend. When the two are asked to help plan her brother’s upcoming wedding, she must confront her true feelings headfirst.
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Unpacking
The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman
Meet Nina, a bookstore clerk who enjoys a carefully structured life and thrives on meticulously organized things. But her well-planned, peaceful world is turned upside down with the sudden appearance of a long-lost family she never knew existed. It’s not what she planned, but Nina’s new chapter in life means breaking out of her comfort zone and learning to embrace her chaotic new family. This sweet and cozy novel is perfect for anyone who enjoys the quiet, simple pleasure of bringing order to chaos while watching Nina’s story of self-discovery.
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Garden Life: A Cozy Simulator
Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams
New York Times bestselling author and TikTok sensation Sarah Adams delivers another fun and banter-filled romance novel featuring lovable characters you can’t help but cheer on. Maddie, a flower shop owner, is ready to find her perfect match, and she’s enlisted the help of Will Griffin, the sexy and tattooed bodyguard of his brother’s fiancé. Their swoon-worthy story features a fake dating relationship between grumpy/sunshine characters in a slow-burn romance. Much like tending a flourishing garden, Practice Makes Perfect is all about nurturing love, patience, and self-acceptance.
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Wytchwood
A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah Hawley
The first book of Hawley’s Glimmer Falls series is a delightful blend of magic, romance, and potion-filled chaos! Calla, a talented witch, accidentally summons a soul-collecting demon – and he wants hers. Her potion-making skills take center stage as she tries to find a way out of this magical mess. Much like Wytchwood, this whimsical rom-com embraces the charm of potion brewing while weaving humor and a heartwarming love story between its pages. With a cozy yet mischievous atmosphere, this captivating read is perfect for those who love a little alchemy in their reads.
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$17.00Buy from Other Retailers:
