No doubt about it–Fall is my favorite season! I love the crisp blue sky that yields warm days and cool evenings. The lower humidity that charges me up with a burst of energy. Tossing my shriveled up, sad, sorry plants out and replacing them with mums and pumpkins and gourds. That first batch of homemade soup. Football games. Sweaters. Changing leaves. New books.
Of course, new books!
I’ve got several to recommend. But I also thought I’d toss in some of my favorite fall finds first (swoon-worthy alliteration, don’t you agree?)
Oh, and don’t stop reading before you get to the end because I want to update you on all the novel news…There’s a lot!
Fabulous Fall Finds
And just look (below) at this cute multi-colored knit pumpkin! I bought five of them (they’re only about 6″ across and about 4″ tall) and have set them on our entryway stairs…They’re so perky and festive there! I could use them either as part of a centerpiece on my fall table or piled up in a basket on our island, too. I love all the muted fall colors–they’re a little different, too. You know by now that I like different!! You can order them here. They were 40 percent off when I got them at Hobby Lobby.
Books You’ll Love…
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese (pub date May 2, 2023) Remarkable! Oh, my goodness the language is absolutely beautiful and the story epic. It takes place over seven decades and three generations. Themes of family, illness, family inheritance, medicine, love, religion–everything of life!–all unspooling in the setting of an evolving India. Tender, sad, hopeful, gripping. Wonderful characters that you’ll love.
None of This is True by Lisa Jewell (pub date Aug. 8, 2023) Great writing by Lisa Jewell. Terrific character development and perfect pacing kept me reading past my usual lights out. I rarely read suspense or thrillers because it’s way too easy to scare me–I’m a big chicken. But I’ll definitely check out more of Jewell’s work. Read my full review here.
Who We Are Now by Lauryn Chamberlain (pub date Aug. 8, 2023) Graduating from college, starting your first job, making those first important choices, negotiating friendships—all that and more waits for you in this novel. Well-written and told from multiple points of view, the book stretches over fifteen years, beginning in 2006. Read my full review here.
It All Comes Back to You by Melissa Wiesner (pub date Aug. 22, 2023) Wiesner explores themes of “found” family, learning to trust, friendship that develops into love, and persevering despite hardship. Heartbreaking and heartwarming, this is a romance that offers satisfaction. Read my full review here.
Under a Gilded Sky by Imogen Martin (pub date Sept. 15, 2023) When 14-year-old Mary-Lou drags a bedraggled stranger home for care, her older sister Ginny knows she can’t turn him away. She also knows the folks in the small Missouri town near their farm don’t need one more thing to add fuel to their gossip. Despite the risk of a ruined reputation, compassion—and some quick thinking—wins the day. And my heart. Read my full review here.
North Woods by Daniel Mason (pub date Sept. 19, 2023) Maybe not for everyone, but for me this book was an acquired taste. I sipped the first few pages and wasn’t sure I was going to like it. But the strong writing kept me drinking. And I’m glad I read it all. It’s melodious, poetic, wildly creative, and masterfully executed. The tale, which hinges on the inhabitants of a modest house in the New England woods, unfolds over the course of many years, beginning with the Puritans. Read my full review here.
Ready, Set, GO!
September is chock-full of action for me. First, a trip to Birmingham to see our kids and granddaughters (Did I tell you another’s on the way?!?!). Then, the day after we return, my book club’s meeting at my house to discuss Toward the Corner of Mercy and Peace! I’m hoping everyone loved it, but I’m also suspicious about getting their honest opinion! LOL! Next, I’m speaking to two groups–the El Arbor Garden Club and some folks at Jackson Oaks. After that, it’s off to visit our kids in Charlotte–the four grandsons live there. And, finally, to Chicago for the Women’s Fiction Writers Association’s 10th Anniversary Conference. WHEW! All fun, though!
Hey, before you go, please leave me a comment about what you’ve been reading. I love a good rec and since I’ll be on the road so much, I’ll need some good ideas. THANKS!
Tracey Buchanan
Awww, you’re sweet!
Leslie Watkins
Always love the fall season, too. Thank you for the book recommendations . Copies of your book are already packed for my sisters to read as we cruise this month. Can’t wait to see them connect the dots since they spent early years in Paducah during Minerva’s heyday!
Tracey Buchanan
Hope y’all enjoy your cruise! Thanks for sharing Mrs. Minerva!
Cathy Hancock
Such a beautiful picture of my beautiful friend!! Saving all your book suggestions—you always increase my literary IQ with your recommendations!!!