20 Most Heartwarming Thanksgiving Books Every Adult Should Read

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Honestly, I tend to recycle books during big holidays because I have a few favorites that always put me in the right mood and spirit. 

For Thanksgiving in particular, there are certain books I always end up rereading because they just feel like home.

For this article, though, I decided to go a step further and read even more Thanksgiving-themed books. 

I also got some great recommendations from friends and a few websites online to help me compile this list of the very best Thanksgiving books for adults.

I’ve already written a post about the best Thanksgiving books for children – those are safe, heartwarming reads you can enjoy with your kids. 

But in this list, I’m focusing on books meant for adults. They explore deeper themes and emotions, so they’re definitely not written at a child’s reading level.

Either way, all of these books are truly amazing. 

I handpicked them myself after reading several others, and these stood out as my absolute favorites. 

I genuinely believe everyone should read at least one of them when Thanksgiving rolls around.

They capture the true spirit of the holiday while still feeling cozy, warm, and perfectly suited for the season.

The Briar Club by Kate Quinn

This book is perfect if you love deep friendships and hidden secrets. 

Set in 1950s Washington, D.C., The Briar Club follows a group of women living together in a boardinghouse, each with a story and a secret. 

When Grace, a mysterious widow, moves in, she brings them all together until a shocking event changes everything. 

It’s beautifully written, emotional, and filled with the kind of quiet strength that makes you think about loyalty and courage. 

I think it’s a wonderful Thanksgiving read because it celebrates connection and the power of finding family in unexpected places.

Giving Thanks by Susanne Ash

This one feels like a warm hug. It’s a sweet second-chance romance about Matt and Rachel, who meet again on Palmar Island after years apart. 

She’s back home for Thanksgiving with her two kids, and he’s still carrying a torch for her. 

I really loved how heartfelt it is – there’s healing, hope, and that cozy small-town charm that fits Thanksgiving perfectly. 

It’s clean, wholesome, and full of warmth that will show you how love sometimes circles back at just the right time. 

This book makes you want to curl up with a blanket and a pumpkin pie.

A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote

This short story is tender and nostalgic, and even though it’s about Christmas, it’s perfect for Thanksgiving too. 

It’s about a little boy named Buddy and his elderly cousin, Miss Sook, as they make fruitcakes together in rural Alabama. 

The story feels like a quiet moment in time – simple, heartfelt, and full of love. 

Every time I read it, it reminds me how holidays aren’t about big celebrations but about the people and memories that stay with us. 

It’s one of those stories that makes you feel grateful for the small, beautiful things in life.

Bad Boy Bachelor Thanksgiving by Weston Parker and Ali Parker

If you want something spicy and fun this Thanksgiving, this book is it.

Treyton is a boss who’s terrible at keeping assistants until he hires Macy, a strong, determined woman from a pumpkin farm. 

Their chemistry is instant, and watching their professional relationship turn romantic is just deliciously entertaining. 

It’s steamy, cheeky, and perfect when you want something light and playful between all the Thanksgiving chaos.

I like this one because it doesn’t take itself too seriously – it’s just good, flirty fun that’ll make you laugh and maybe blush a little too.

A Quilter’s Holiday by Jennifer Chiaverini

This story is warm, gentle, and full of heart – just like the quilts the Elm Creek quilters make together. 

On the day after Thanksgiving, these women gather to sew and share stories about love, family, and gratitude.

Each woman’s quilt block holds a story, and together, they create something truly meaningful.

I love how this book captures the beauty of friendship and the quiet joy of being thankful. 

It’s cozy, calm, comforting, and the kind of story that makes you slow down, reflect, and appreciate the people in your life. 

The Irish Goodbye by Heather Aimee O’Neill

This beautiful family story set over Thanksgiving weekend is emotional and deeply touching.

Three sisters return to their childhood home carrying secrets, guilt, and old wounds. 

As they face their past, they slowly learn about forgiveness and love.

It’s tender, raw, and full of heart, the kind of book that makes you reflect on family and how messy and beautiful it can be. 

I think it’s a great Thanksgiving read because it’s about coming home – literally and emotionally – and finding grace in the people who know you best.

Once Upon a Thanksgiving by Holly Jacobs

This is such a sweet, feel-good story that makes you believe in second chances and unexpected love. 

Samantha is a hardworking single mom juggling life and a Thanksgiving pageant, and then she reunites with her childhood friend Harry, who’s now the school principal. 

Their friendship slowly turns into something more, and it’s just heartwarming to read. 

I love how full of warmth and family this book feels – perfect for the Thanksgiving season. 

Eliza Starts a Rumor by Jane L. Rosen

This one is about four women whose lives intertwine because of one little rumor.

Eliza, who starts it all, is dealing with loneliness and anxiety, and her small online lie ends up connecting women in unexpected ways. 

I really love how this story shows the strength and humor that comes from female friendships. 

It’s a touching, feel-good read that fits perfectly with the Thanksgiving mood of connection and community.

Threshing of Straw by Kim Carton

Set in 1960s Georgia, it follows young Macey May and her family, all holding secrets that shape their lives.

It’s about love, loss, and the things we try to protect the ones we love from. 

The writing feels deeply emotional and real. 

I found it especially fitting for Thanksgiving because it makes you reflect on family – their flaws, their sacrifices, and how much love sits quietly underneath it all. 

It’s a beautifully written story that lingers long after you close the book.

A Lakeside Thanksgiving by Leeanna Morgan

Barbara is determined to save her family’s inn, and Theo, a journalist starting over, wants peace but they both end up finding more than they expected in each other. 

It’s charming and hopeful, and I loved how it combines a bit of business drama with heartfelt romance. 

This is a great Thanksgiving read when you want something uplifting and cozy. 

It leaves you feeling thankful for second chances, new beginnings, and love that feels like home.

I hope your Thanksgiving goes beautifully and that you’re well-rested and ready for whatever comes next. 

If you love reading, make sure to carve out some quiet time for yourself and read any of these books. They’re perfect for the season.

And if you have a child you’d love to gift a book to, or you just want to encourage your own child (or a child around you) to read more, definitely check out my other post about the best Thanksgiving books for children. 

It’s full of heartwarming and fun reads they’ll absolutely enjoy.