The leaves are changing, the pumpkin spice latte is brewing, and your favorite reading chair is just waiting for you to curl up into. Now all you need is a great new book to get totally lost in and enjoy. Here are my latest book recommendations. There is something for everyone here! Personally, you can never go wrong with a great legal thriller by John Grisham. That new cookie cookbook? Fantastic! And historical fiction fans, do not miss Before We Were Yours.
Best Day Ever: A Psychological Thriller, by Kaira Rouda
A genuine page turner with gripping suspense, dark humor, and a holy cow ending. For fans of The Couple Next Door, this thriller is a starred review from Library Journal, and will go deep down into the danger and mystery of a faulted marriage.
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng.
Smart, engrossing, and deeply emotional suburban novel by bestselling author of Everything I Never Told You, Celeste’s latest novel is one of the most anticipated novels of the fall. Follows the story of a single mother and her daughter upending normal life in a picture perfect town, as their mysterious past comes to light.
To Be Where You Are by Jan Karon
The 14th novel in the well loved Midford Series, Jan’s latest in this bestselling series does not disappoint. Heartwarming and funny, the Kavanagh characters are back and their latest escapades are just as fulfilling as before.
Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan
Pulitzer Prize winning author Egan is back with her first dive (literally) into historical fiction. Taking place during WWII on the Brooklyn docks, the book follows the story of a young girl who becomes the first female diver on the naval yard. With a feminist heroine and gorgeous language, this sweeping and emotional story will have you thinking about it long after you’ve turned the last page.
The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman
The prequel to Practical Magic (though you don’t need to have read that one to enjoy this one), Hoffman tells the story of three siblings as they discover their own magic, and weaves it into a tale that is part historical fiction, part coming of age, and part family drama. Set in NYC in the 60s with flashbacks to the Salem Witch Trials, this is a spellbinding story Hoffman fans will eat up.
Glass Houses by Louise Penny- A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel
Wanna escape with a can’t put down mystery? Meet Inspector Gamache. Penny pens some of the best crime novels out today, and this one is no different. Complex, twisting, and with characters you will root for, this was a bestseller as soon as it was released. Glass Houses should be the only house you visit on your next weekend getaway.
The Cuban Affair by Nelson DeMille
This is a stay up all night action packed novel that follows charter boat captain and Army vet “Mac,” as he agrees to charter a ten day fishing of a trip from Key West to Cuba. Little does he know he is about to find himself in the middle of a desperate hunt for a hidden $60 million dollars somewhere in Cuba. Fast paced, funny, and well researched details of Cuba make this a great mystery.
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
If you loved Orphan Train, you should not miss this one. Compelling story loosely based on the scandal of a Memphis based adoption agency and its director, Georgia Tann- who kidnapped and sold poor children to wealthy families. The book follows a set of siblings separated as children, and the futures that bring them back together. Great book club selection.
Y is for Yesterday by Sue Grafton
Those familiar with Grafton’s “alphabet” series of mysteries know we are almost at the end. Follow our favorite quirky gumshoe Kinsey Milhone through a darker than we are used to plot, as she represents a family’s son whose reckless past is now being used against him- and for ransom. Y is another great addition to the series, and makes knowing it’s coming to an end even harder to swallow.
The Rooster Bar by John Grisham
I’ve been a devoted fan of Grisham since The Firm, and have enjoyed each and every one of of his follow up legal thrillers. Rooster Bar is another gem, and follows three wide-eyed and ambitious third year law school students who have found themselves victims of their scamming “for profit” law school, and the creepy Wall Street investors behind it. Grisham’s novels are always page turners, and offer just the right amount of legal prose to make them both smart and complex.
Any Dream Will Do by Debbie Macomber
Uplifting and inspirational Christian-ish fiction that features a delightful and satisfying romance woven in, Debbie’s latest is perfect for her devoted fans. This one has potential Hallmark Channel movie written all over it.
Dinner in an Instant by Melissa Clark
Instant Pot fans rejoice! New York Times bestselling cookbook author Melissa Clark has tackled the newest craze on modern meal making- pressure cooking! Best thing about this book besides the delicious entrees like Japanese Beef Curry, Osso Buco, Smoky Lentils, Green Persian Rice with Tahdig, and Lemon Verbena Crème Brulee, is the fact there are directions for converting all of them to a slow cooker. But having used an Instant Pot, you’ll find that having dinner on the table in under an hour is a dream come true.
What Can I Bring? Southern Food for any Occasion Life Serves Up by Elizabeth Heiskell
From baby and bridal showers to potlucks and book club, it seems we always have a place to be, and always need a meal to bring with us. This book is loaded with party perfect dishes from appetizers to desserts, all simple to make and easily transported. Beautiful photos and meals large enough for a crowd, this is a must for home cooks and eager hostesses.
Sally’s Cookie Addiction- Irresistible Cookies, Cookie Bars, Shortbread, and More by Sally McKenney
From the creator of the popular Sally’s Baking Addiction blog, comes your new favorite cookie cookbook. Ditch your grandma’s cookie recipes and dig into this gorgeously photographed and superbly organized collection of both traditional and modern cookie recipes. Try such scrumptious offerings like Warm Chocolate Chunk Skillet Cookies, Lemon Crème Sandwich Cookies, and Soft-Baked Sugar Cookie Bars. This is the only cookie book you’ll need. Great gift for new bride or mom.
The Pioneer Woman Cooks- Come and Get It! by Ree Drummond
I love all of Ree’s cookbooks, mostly because they are uncomplicated, include clear step by step photos, and offer real food with ingredients actually available in your local grocery store. This is a great addition to her collection and is filled with dinners, desserts, and everything in between that can be made with ease and little fuss.
Anxious for Nothing- Finding Calm in a Chaotic World by Max Lucado
Max is back at it with another soothing and faith filled book, meant to help us erase our fears and put our faith in Christ. This one reflects the modern and hectic busy lifestyles we are living today- the same ones that often leave is filled with anxiety, fear, and never ending worry. By tackling our anxieties with scriptural examples, Max helps us to breathe life into our wilted souls. There is also a companion children’s book available titled I’m Not a Scaredy Cat.
Shame Nation- the Global Epidemic of Online Hate by Sue Scheff
Are you a regular user of social media? Are your kids? Then you need this book and you need to talk in depth about it with them. A comprehensive and heavily researched book about the dangers and consequences we are all vulnerable to as users of the internet. A must read for high school students and college students about how to guard their digital footprint, and ensure they never become a victim of the internet’s bullies.
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