Happy Fall, my bookish friends!

I’ll admit my goodbye to summer was an unusually reluctant one. Despite the challenges and disappointments brought on by COVID-19, this summer turned out to be an unexpectedly good one.

On the other hand, saying goodbye to summer means saying hello to fall — and who doesn’t want that? I’m certainly among those who count fall as a favorite season. For one thing, books! Cooler temps invite more opportunity to settle in and curl up with a great one. An undeniably good thing!

But then comes the challenge of finding the right book to read. If you’re a mood reader like me, reading a book in the right season is just as important as finding the right book itself.

I’m here today to nudge you in the right direction by naming several titles that jump out at me as ideal reading for fall– whether because of a fallish setting or a sense of new undertaking, which always seems so fall-like to me.

Each book on this list resides on my shelves, which means I’ve read it cover to cover and loved it. I’ve included here a mix of Christian, crossover, and mainstream titles. Some reside on the lighter side of the spectrum (Rainy Day), some on the heavy (Let You Go). The latter end may be grittier than appeals to some. I haven’t included trigger warnings here, but when in doubt, take a peek at other reviews, or shoot me an email and I’ll be happy to share my more detailed thoughts. As always, if I’ve previously reviewed it on this blog, I’ve linked to my original post for more in-depth info.

Every one of these is a story of redemption that embraces my readerly ideal of celebrating beauty amidst the brokenness. Crossing my fingers that you’ll find a seasonal favorite or five on the list.

Here’s to falling into happy reading!

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Rainy Day Sisters by Kate Hewitt. Winsome characters, romance-worthy setting, and enough relationship drama to keep readers up at nights. Perfect for women who enjoy wholesome fiction that explores the complex emotions of family relationships. A delightful treat to swallow whole on your next curl-up-beside-the-fire-with-a-cuppa rainy day.

When We Were Worthy by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen. Cleverly plotted and peopled with finely drawn characters, this quick-paced novel reveals the author’s keen insight into the hidden workings of the human heart. While she does not sidestep the major heartaches of life, Marybeth handles the emotional fallout with grace and deeply relatable pathos.

The Day I Died by Lori Rader Day. This was for me a read-it-in-a-weekend book. Well-developed characters, complex relationships, steady pacing, and storytelling flair with just enough of a literary bent to be lovely without hijacking the story. Masterfully done.

Her Memory of Music by Katherine Scott Jones. Yep, this one is mine, but I can’t help but include it here because of its fallish maritime setting and the mysteries of its plot. Here’s what Jolina Petersheim, bestselling author of The Outcast, had to say about it: “Her Memory of Music is so fine-tuned, it reads more like a veteran novelist’s tome than a debut. Heavy topics are addressed with a nimble hand, propelling the story’s momentum to a riveting climax.”

Called: My Journey to C.S. Lewis’s House and Back Again by Ryan Pemberton. A story about story. And about calling, faith, doubt, fear, heartache, and–ultimately–understanding and triumph. This deeply personal yet widely appealing memoir is ideal not only for C.S. Lewis fans, but also for all those who long to follow their calling.

I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh. Brilliantly executed suspense to keep you glued to your reading chair. One of the knockout hits of 2016, I find myself recommending this thriller more than any other, both for its wow factor and broad audience appeal. Eerily atmospheric and terrifically suspenseful, it’s nearly unputdownable.

Christy by Catherine Marshall. If any novel celebrates beauty amidst brokenness, it’s this one. Genre-defying, Christy is a toothsome novel to sink into — and to find yourself in. [Note: if you’re tempted to judge this book by previous exposure to the television series based on the book — please resist. From tone to characters and plotlines, it is not the same at all.] Read the book, friends, read the book. Marvel at its timelessness and the way it still has the power to touch hearts. 

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P.S. Coming soon — my list of recent audiobook faves!