Picture this: You’re nestled in a sunlit nook, surrounded by at least four cats and a Chihuahua on your lap, your head, and even your shoulder reading your favorite cottagecore books on a budget. Oh wait, that’s just my furry family members. A soft knitted throw wraps around you as you sip chamomile tea. You’re lost in a book that whisks you away to rolling meadows and enchanted woodlands. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, my fellow cottagecore dreamers, it’s time to stock your bookshelves with stories that embrace the slow, simple life, all without breaking the bank.
But here’s the best part: there’s no need to spend a fortune! I’ve rounded up some of the most beloved cottagecore books and where to buy them used at the best prices. Because let’s be honest, nothing’s more cottagecore than giving a pre-loved book a new home.
Here are five charming cottagecore books on my must-buy list! Let’s build our dreamy, cozy bookshelves together, one enchanting read at a time.
Top Cottagecore Books for a Cozy Read
Contents
1. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
This childhood classic is basically the blueprint for cottagecore. A hidden, overgrown garden? A sprawling countryside manor? A young girl discovering the beauty of nature? Yes, yes, and yes!
Where to Buy It Cheap:
- ThriftBooks – Often under $5!
- Amazon – Often under $5.
- Better World Books – This is Affordable and supports literacy programs.
- Library Book Sales – A hidden gem for finding classics at a bargain.
2. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
If Anne Shirley isn’t the original cottagecore queen, I don’t know who is. Her love for puffed sleeves, wildflowers, and poetic ramblings about nature make this book an absolute must-read.
Where to Buy It Cheap:
- eBay – Great for vintage editions!
- AbeBooks – A treasure trove for secondhand books.
- Local Used Bookstores – Check their bargain bins!
3. The Little House on the Prairie Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder
If you’ve ever dreamed of baking bread from scratch or sewing your own clothes (even if you never actually do it), this series is for you. It’s the ultimate cozy homesteading inspiration.
Where to Buy It Cheap:
- Facebook Marketplace – People often sell full sets for cheap!
- BookMooch – Trade books with others for free.
- Garage Sales & Estate Sales – You’d be surprised what you can find.
4. The Cottage Fairy Companion by Paola Merrill
Written by YouTube’s Cottage Fairy, this book is like a warm hug filled with cozy, whimsical inspiration for slow living and simple joys. Perfect for those who dream of forest walks and homemade herbal tea.
Where to Buy It Cheap:
- PangoBooks – A great app for buying secondhand books.
- Mercari – Tons of used books at budget-friendly prices.
- Barnes & Noble Used Section – Yes, they sell used books too!
- You can also sell your books at Barnes & Noble if you need to make room for more.
5. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Because let’s be honest, a proper cottagecore book list isn’t complete without a little Austen. Romantic strolls through the English countryside? Swooning over broody men in waistcoats? Sign me up.
Where to Buy It Cheap:
- Depop – Surprisingly great for vintage books!
- World of Books – UK-based but ships worldwide.
- Thrift Stores – Always check their book section!
Bonus: Where to Hunt for Cottagecore Books on a Budget
If you’re on the prowl for more cozy reads, here are some extra tips:
✨ Library Sales – Most libraries sell books for $1 or less.
✨ Little Free Libraries – Take a book, leave a book!
✨ BookSwaps – Check local Facebook groups for book trading.
✨ Project Gutenberg – Free digital copies of classics like Little Women!
So go forth, bookish cottagecore souls! Fill your shelves with charming tales, save some money, and keep the cozy vibes alive.
What’s your favorite cottagecore book?
Pride and Prejudice is one of my all-time favorite books. Nothing feels more cottage-y than that!
I agree. I love that bòok.
I can’t think of a series more fitting of cottage living than Little House on the Prairie. It’s one of my favorite book series.
I love the books and shows. Right now Amazon Prime, members can get season 1 of Little House on the Prarie free. I’ll have my popcorn and hot cocoa flowing as I spend my weekend watching it.
I read all of these, and I’m so glad to know you agree that these books are cozy. They’re my comfort zone. I could read them again and again because they make me forget of all my real-life problems.
A good book can help me forget my back pain. These especially.
Beautiful choices, GRL! I would like to explore the links you provided for the cottage books.
There are some really good budget friendly books on all of the sites.
What a fun theme for a list of books! Thank you for ensuring these were all very affordable.
You’re welcome. Preloved thrifted finds are the best.
Such a lovely selection of books . They make a great reading list .
I agree and thank you. Happy page flipping.
As an avid book lover, I love this post! Definitely adding more books to my TBR after this.. Thanks for sharing these great finds for such classics
You’re welcome and thank you. I’m a compulsive reader, lol. I read everything (except instructions ugh).
Amazing selection, thank you so much…I read Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice years ago and I’ve been thinking about reading it again. It’s such a good one.
It’s one of those I read every few years as well.
These are great suggestions for the cottagecore aesthetic, I’d love to look into these more and get more recommendations. Pride and Prejudice is a classic and fits very perfect!
There are some fun lighthearted books in the list.
I am only recently familiar with the cottage core term, but only as far as decor. This is fun, to come up with books that fit the cottage core theme. I love the Secret Garden!
After my (failed) back surgery and the chronic pain I live with, now and forever, having a simplistic cottagecore lifestyle helps me get through it all.
The Secret Garden is one I havent read yet but I’m planning to. I’ve read good reviews on it.
That’s a great list. Cozy reads don’t have to be expensive, and budget-friendly finds make them even more enjoyable ♥
Thank you. I used to buy all of mine at thrift stores and Goodwill but gosh, they’re almost as much as new books around here. If I’m going to pay their prices I’d rather buy them new.
Ooh! I will surely save all these links you gave us. I am starting to read as my hobby!
It’s a great hobby to have fo help us relax.
These books would be so perfect to read in a little cosy corner, tucked up with a blanket and a cup of hot chocolate.
Yes, that sounds heavenly. Let me share how I make my hot chocolate so you can try it sometime if you want. I use milk and Nestle Quick and cook until it is almost boiling. Then, I add it to my cup with whipped topping, chocolate sauce, and a dash of cinnamon. There’s nothing better than a hot cuppa with a cozy blanket and a good book.
So glad you included Jane Austen in your list, this year we are celebrating 250 years since her birth!
Oh wow I didn’t realize it had been that long.
I loved the secret garden and Anne of green gables as a kid and have fond memories of them. I’m really not an Austen fan (I was forced to read too much of it in school) haha, but otherwise some great picks x
Aww, I don’t recall every have to read certain books in school but that’s not to say I didn’t have to, lol.
The recommendations are spot on, with classic tales like The Secret Garden and Anne of Green Gables perfectly fitting the cottagecore vibe.
I agree and thank you so much.