“Autumn. Time to dim the sunlight, cue the moody fog, and watch nature’s most charming story unfold.” – Angie Weiland-Crosby. I couldn’t agree more. Fall has always been my favorite season. As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like slowing down with a warm cup of tea and a page-turning book. It’s the perfect time to revisit an old favorite or discover a story that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

One of my husband’s very favorite books is the one his grandfather read to him when he was five years old. He still treasures The Monster at the End of the Book and the memories it brings back. I’m sure we all have books like that – Ramona the Pest, Are You My Mother?, The Boxcar Children, Nancy Drew ... the stories that become part of our lives and stay with us for years. That’s one of the many reasons reading is so important. Books expand our vocabulary, teach empathy, let us travel the world from our favorite chair, and, perhaps most importantly, bring people together. They spark conversations, create friendships, and remind us to slow down and connect with the people around us. Here are a few of the upcoming releases I’m especially excited about this fall. Whether you’re looking for your next great read or hoping to get a jump-start on your holiday shopping, I hope you’ll discover a book that brings a little extra joy to the season – for yourself or someone you love.

CHILDREN

A Very Cranky Christmas by Phuc Tran
Even while helping with the town’s annual tree lighting, Cranky just isn’t feeling the holiday spirit. As holiday stress begins to build, young readers are reminded of the importance of listening to friends, showing kindness, and helping one another through big feelings. The holidays can be overwhelming, even for little ones, and this heartwarming story helps children understand that it’s okay to have hard days, especially during the busiest time of year.

The Magician’s Nephew (Board Book Edition) by C. S. Lewis
The Magician’s Nephew is now available as a board book, making it the perfect way to introduce little ones to the magical beginning of The Chronicles of Narnia. With beautiful illustrations by Joey Chou and simple storytelling, it’s a wonderful addition to any child’s first library and a keepsake families can enjoy together.

Moonie and Junie: Interstellar Pen Pals by Katie Kordesh
Two girls living on different planets become pen pals after one discovers a message in a bottle floating through space. They couldn’t be more different, but as their friendship grows, they discover common ground and learn from one another. Funny, heartfelt, and full of charm, this graphic novel is a wonderful reminder that friendship can come in the most unexpected forms.

LEGO Marvel Spider-Verse: Discover Spider-Powers by Ameet
This engaging, hands-on interactive book is a wonderful way to encourage reluctant readers. With a guidebook, interactive puzzles and activities, STEM-inspired challenges, and a buildable Ghost-Spider minifigure, it combines creativity, learning, and reading into one fun-filled adventure that’s sure to be another winner.

YOUNG ADULT

Trust Fall by Lynn Painter
Lynn Painter is a YA fan favorite, and her newest book is sure to be another hit. Julia’s small-town Nebraska life is turned upside down when her family inherits a historic brownstone in New York City. Life among the elite isn’t easy to navigate, especially when she finds herself drawn to the great-nephew of the man who left her family everything. Filled with humor, romance, and plenty of underlying tension, you’ll “fall” for Trust Fall hard.

Coldfire by Chloe Gong
Chloe Gong is another perennial favorite with both YA and adult readers, and her first foray into dystopian fiction may be her best book yet. When a young soldier in 2058 is framed for a political assassination, she must fight to clear her name in a world where much of humanity now lives in a digital reality. Can the truth come out? With nonstop suspense and out-of-this-world world-building, this is one you won’t want to miss.

ADULT

American Hagwon by Min Jin Lee
National Book Award finalist and bestselling author of Pachinko, Min Jin Lee returns with another epic family saga. Spanning Korea, Australia, and California, this multigenerational story explores the sacrifices families make to give their children the very best education and opportunities. At 656 pages, you’ll get an arm workout, but the story unfolds so beautifully you’ll feel like you’re sitting at the table with these characters. My favorite book of the year!

A Court of Thorns and Roses 6 by Sarah J. Maas
The wait is almost over! Sarah J. Maas returns with the highly anticipated sixth installment in the beloved A Court of Thorns and Roses series. We don’t know much about the story just yet, but if you’ve read the ACOTAR books, you already know it’s going to be worth the wait. Fans eager to celebrate the release can join our midnight release party on October 26 – your pre-order is your ticket, and space is limited. Romance, danger, intrigue, and another unforgettable journey back to Prythian await.

Partita by Barbara Kingsolver
So many of you have read Demon Copperhead, which was beautiful and heartbreaking. This one still gets under your skin, but it feels more personal as Barbara Kingsolver lets us peek into one woman’s hopes, heartbreaks, and dreams. Through flashbacks and present-day reflections, Livia revisits the choices that shaped her life and the passion that once drove her to become a world-class pianist. You may even see a little of your own family in this one.

Ottolenghi Simple Too: A Cookbook by Yotam Ottolenghi
Want great recipes with beautiful photography and ingredients you probably already have in your pantry? This cookbook is packed with simple, flavorful meals anyone can make. It’s a wonderful gift for a college student, a new cook, or anyone looking for fresh inspiration in the kitchen. Who knows – you may even feel like a Top Chef!

The Mindful Body: Thinking Our Way to Chronic Health by Ellen J. Langer
Can adjusting your thoughts change your health? Ellen J. Langer – often called the “mother of mindfulness” and Harvard’s first female tenured professor of psychology – shares decades of groundbreaking research exploring the powerful connection between our minds and our bodies. It’s a fascinating read that may change the way you think about health.

The Rush: California Gold, the Civil War, and the Making of the Modern World by Nathaniel Philbrick
This book is going to be huge. Nathaniel Philbrick writes with such passion about parts of history we often hear about only in passing. Through fascinating people and their remarkable stories, he shows how the California Gold Rush forever changed the course of American history. Rich in detail and filled with unforgettable characters, it reads more like a novel than a history book.