9 Cozy Cottagecore and Small-Town Escape Books to Read This Spring

Spring is the perfect time to embrace stories that transport you to quaint villages, charming bakeries, and countryside retreats. Whether you love the cozy aesthetics of cottagecore or the warmth of small-town romance, this list is filled with heartwarming books that offer the perfect escape. From flower farms to cat cafés, these books capture the magic of new beginnings, community, and love.

Books That Will Transport You to a Cozy Escape

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House by Laurie Gilmore

World-renowned chef Archer trades fine dining for small-town life, running a pancake restaurant while raising his daughter, Olive. When free-spirited Iris becomes their live-in nanny, sparks fly between them in this cozy, heartwarming romance.

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Cake Off the Cat Café by Rachel Rowlands

Shy baker Clem enters a high-stakes baking competition and finds herself competing against Lucas, the charming owner of a rival café. A heartwarming romance where love and confidence rise like the perfect cake.

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The Cosy Croissant Café by Jane Linfoot

Betty wants nothing more than peace at her seaside cottage with her rescue Shetland pony, Pumpkin. But when her sister’s crumbling marriage threatens the family home, she finds herself clashing with Miles Appleton—her brother-in-law’s best friend and an infuriatingly attractive pastry chef. As Miles tempts her with the flakiest croissants she’s ever tasted, Betty must decide if fighting him is worth it—or if aligning with the talented baker could bring more than just mouthwatering treats.

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The Flower Farm by Rachael Lucas

Beth Fraser has poured her heart into transforming Applemore House’s walled garden into a thriving flower farm, but financial pressures force her to find new ways to sustain her business. Meanwhile, Jack McDonald arrives in the village with his own mission—to turn his outdoor activity center into a safe space for troubled teens. Their paths clash, and initial tensions run high, but as they navigate small-town skepticism and personal challenges, they may just find common ground—and something more.

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New Beginnings in the Irish Village by Michelle Vernal

Imogen Kelly trades the hustle of Dublin for a fresh start in Emerald Bay, taking on an interior design job at the grand Benmore House. She hopes the return will rekindle memories—and perhaps something more—with her first love, Lachlan Leslie. But fate has other plans when she finds herself working alongside Ryan O’Malley, the mischievous childhood classmate she never expected to see again. As old sparks fly in unexpected directions, Imogen must decide if the home she’s creating is just in her work—or in her heart as well.

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The Finders Keepers Library by Annie Rains

With her life in disarray, Savannah Collins heads to Bloom, North Carolina, to stay with her beloved Aunt Eleanor, a retired librarian who runs the Finders Keepers Library from her garden. When a storm damages the little library and the garden set to host a wedding in just three weeks, the town rallies to restore it. Alongside neighbor Evan Sanders, Savannah finds solace in books, community, and unexpected connections. As new opportunities and challenges arise, she must decide if Bloom—and the people she’s come to love—are her true home.

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Strawberry Lane by Jodi Thomas

When Starri Knight rescues Rusty O’Sullivan from a car wreck on the same road where her parents died, she believes fate has brought them together. With the help of her aunt, Ona-May, she works to convince Rusty that life is worth fighting for. Meanwhile, an unexpected inheritance reveals a family Rusty never knew he had, sending him to Honey Creek in search of lost siblings. As he navigates newfound relationships and the possibility of love, Rusty must learn that belonging isn’t just about family—it’s about opening his heart to it.

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The Tanglewood Flower Shop by Lilac Mills

Leanne, the owner of Tanglewood Flower Shop, is stunned when she earns a spot on Budding Stars, a high-stakes floristry competition. As the pressure mounts, she finds unexpected support in Rex, the town’s new park ranger. Their friendship begins to bloom into something more—until Rex’s ex resurfaces with surprising news. With a demanding competition, unexpected challenges, and a tempting new job offer, Leanne must decide whether her future lies in Tanglewood or if it’s time to start fresh elsewhere.

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Late Bloomer by Mazey Eddings

When winning the lottery turns Opal Devlin’s life upside down, she escapes to a failing flower farm in Asheville, hoping for solitude and a fresh start. But her plans are immediately challenged by Pepper Boden, the farm’s rightful owner, who refuses to leave. Forced into an uneasy cohabitation, Opal and Pepper clash at every turn, but their heated arguments soon spark something deeper. As they navigate their differences, they must decide if they can build something lasting—both for the farm and for their unexpected connection.

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Why These Books Are Perfect for Spring Reading

• Cottagecore aesthetics: Cozy settings with flower farms, cafés, and small-town charm.
• Slow-burn romance: Relationships that unfold with warmth and depth.
• Feel-good escape: Books that transport you to places filled with community, fresh starts, and comfort.

Related Content

Looking for more springtime reads? Check out these book lists:

• Spring-Themed Romance Recommendations
• Springtime Cozy Mysteries
• Small-Town Single Dad Romance
• Small-Town Grumpy Sunshine Romance

Conclusion

If you love cozy romances and small-town stories, these books will make the perfect addition to your spring reading list. Which book are you adding to your TBR? Let me know in the comments.

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