Imagine sipping tea by a crackling fire, your favorite cozy blanket wrapped around you, as the whispers of faerie lore fill the air. That’s the enchanting atmosphere Heather Fawcett crafts in Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries. To celebrate this beautifully whimsical historical fantasy, I’ve curated a playlist that perfectly matches the book’s relaxing, cottagecore vibes.
Whether you’re exploring the magical woods, taking notes on faeries in an old journal, or simply unwinding in your own little nook, these tunes will transport you to Emily’s world of folklore and whimsy.

The book📖

Synopsis
A curmudgeonly professor journeys to a small town in the far north to study faerie folklore and discovers dark fae magic, friendship, and love in the start of a heartwarming and enchanting new fantasy series.
Cambridge professor Emily Wilde is good at many things: She is the foremost expert on the study of faeries. She is a genius scholar and a meticulous researcher who is writing the world’s first encyclopaedia of faerie lore. But Emily Wilde is not good at people. She could never make small talk at a party–or even get invited to one. And she prefers the company of her books, her dog, and the Fair Folk.
So when she arrives in the hardscrabble village of Hrafnsvik, Emily has no intention of befriending the gruff townsfolk. Nor does she care to spend time with another new arrival: her dashing and insufferably handsome academic rival Wendell Bambleby, who manages to charm the townsfolk, get in the middle of Emily’s research, and utterly confound and frustrate her.
But as Emily gets closer and closer to uncovering the secrets of the Hidden Ones–the most elusive of all faeries–lurking in the shadowy forest outside the town, she also finds herself on the trail of another mystery: Who is Wendell Bambleby, and what does he really want? To find the answer, she’ll have to unlock the greatest mystery of all–her own heart.

The playlist 🎶
- “Ljóð í sand” – Árstíðir
A hauntingly beautiful piece that evokes the serene landscapes of Iceland, perfect for immersing yourself in faerie folklore. - “Fairy Dance” – James Newton Howard (Peter Pan soundtrack)
Light and sprightly, it captures the wonder and playfulness of faerie encounters. - “Willow” – Taylor Swift
Enchanting and intimate, much like Emily’s quiet moments of discovery in her cottage. - “Aurora Borealis” – Adrian von Ziegler
Majestic and mysterious, evoking the magic of the northern lights and faerie tales. - “The Secret Garden” – Loreena McKennitt
Mystical and evocative, like stepping into a hidden faerie glade. - “Riversong” – Ludovico Einaudi
Gentle and calming, like the sound of a stream winding through the woods. - “Into the Meadow” – Priscilla Ahn
Dreamy and light, like a sunny day spent exploring the countryside. - “The Faerie Realm” – Troels Folmann (Fable soundtrack)
Whimsical and mysterious, evoking a world just beyond the veil of reality. - “Dreamcatcher” – Philip Wesley
Gentle and introspective, much like Emily’s meticulous research and reflection. - “The Enchanted Glade” – David Arkenstone
Rich and magical, capturing the depth and wonder of faerie folklore.

Why these songs?
Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries is a story brimming with charm, folklore, and the cozy magic of a bygone era. This playlist captures that spirit with a collection of ethereal instrumentals, dreamy vocals, and whimsical melodies. These songs reflect the essence of cottagecore—a world of mossy forests, quiet journaling in a sunlit nook, and faerie mischief. Each track adds a layer of atmosphere, bringing the book’s enchanting world to life.
Whether you’re immersed in Emily’s faerie adventures or simply unwinding with a warm cup of tea, these songs create the perfect backdrop for your own whimsical escape.

What songs make it onto your holiday playlist? Let me know in the comments or share your favorites on Instagram—tag me @heavenlybookish so we can exchange magical tunes! And if you haven’t already, grab a copy of Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries and get into the whimsical, cottagecore spirit with me! 🎶✨

