My Most Anticipated Fall Reads

With crisp fall days just around the corner, I’ve been compiling my reading list for the cozy season ahead as I continue to work on my next novel. While I tend to gravitate towards reading books that are in my genre, I also like to be sure to read a handful of books each year that are outside of it.

As a writer, I think there’s a lot to be learned from books that aren’t like yours. For instance, women’s fiction doesn’t typically have plot twists but I love psychological thrillers and after reading enough of them, I found a way to incorporate a twist into Waiting at Hayden’s and shake the story up. And as a reader, it can be fun to branch out and try a book that’s not your normal go-to as well; usually doing so pleasantly surprises me!

My most recent reads were Montauk, by Nicola Harrison and Johnathan Tropper’s One Last Thing Before I Go, both of which I highly recommend. Below you’ll find the list of fall reads I’m currently looking forward to most. If you have any others on your list, let me know—especially if you are a new author or know of a new name in fiction!

After a year of being in the industry and learning the ins and outs of why we see certain books everywhere and others not so much, I’m really passionate about finding ways to highlight all books that readers of my blog will love. Often that requires recommendations from the author herself or others who know her. Happy reading!

Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren. Just say Christina Lauren and I’m listening! Add in first loves and second chances and I’m buying. Fourteen years after Sam and Tate spend an intense two weeks together only to end with Sam breaking Tate’s heart, they meet again. Tate feels the attraction but how does she make things right with the man who betrayed her—should she even try? Publication date: October 22.

Queen Meryl by Erin Leigh Carlson. Discovering entertainment journalist Erin Carlson and her novels through Instagram was like finding a kindred spirit. She’s equally obsessed with all things Nancy Meyers, Norah Ephron, and Meryl Streep and I love following along with her writing journey. I highly recommend her first book I’ll Have What She’s Having if you’re also a fan of Norah Ephron’s romantic comedies and am excited to check out her upcoming book, Queen Meryl, when it hits shelves at the end of the month. Publication date: September 24

Paper Chains by Nicola Moriarty. Truth be told I’m such a Liane Moriarty fan that I’ll read anything related to her and since this is by her sister, I’m in. But the premise would have grabbed me even without the Moriarty connection. In the beginning a sealed love letter is set in motion, being passed along by strangers until it reaches its destination. I really didn’t need to know much more than that to put this on my Must Read Fall 2019 List. Publication Date: Out now. September 3.

Life and Other Inconviences by Kristin Higgins. Following members of the bookstagram community on social media has been a great way for me to discover new reads! This was one I kept seeing on several of their feeds and am excited to curl up with being that it’s described as a heart-wrenching story about second chances!

Well Met byJen DeLuca. Another bookstagram recommendation, this love story by a debut author features an enemies to lover trope–one of my favorite in fiction. Add in the fact that it takes place in a small town and the main character questions whether her decision to stay is a pit stop or part of her life plan…(Harte of Dixie vibes anyone?!) I’m sure I’ll be flipping through the pages.

Faker by Sarah Smith. We debut authors have to support one another so Sarah Smith’s (copywriter turned novelist) entry into the world of women’s fiction is on my list. If you like the enemies to lovers trope, you’ll definitely want to include it on yours as well. Emmie admits to being a professional faker because she has to “as a 26-year-old woman working at a power tool distributor called Nuts and Bolts.” In the beginning she doesn’t have to fake her contempt for co-worker Tate Rasmussen but when work forces them to collaborate on a project she may find herself finding that feelings that were once real may now seem fake. Publication date: October 8.

Maybe in Another Life Taylor Jenkins Reid—After reading Daisy Jones & the Six, a Reese Witherspoon book club pick, I became a Taylor Jenkins Reid fan. Since then I’ve picked up several of her other books including her short story–Evidence of the Affair–which I enjoyed, and am excited to try this one next.

What Happens in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand: Last fall I met Elin Hilderbrand—one of my favorite women’s fiction authors—at Blue Bicycle Books in Charleston for a book signing for the first book in this series—Winter in Paradise. I’m looking forward to continuing to follow along with these characters in the sequel  journey with these characters. Publication date: October 3.

Slightly South of Simple by Kristy Woodson Harvey—Another voice in southern fiction and one I have yet to give a try is Kristy Woodson Harvey. She has a new book coming out in April, Feels Like Falling, but before that one hits shelves I’m going to read my way through her Peachtree Bluff Series this fall.

Waiting for Tom Hanks—I started this book already and love the narrative voice! I also can completely relate to the main character—I think I’ve seen every film by Norah Ephron a hundred times and am all about holding out for that storybook love.

The Date Night Jar by Joey Jones. His novels are described as similar to Nicholas Sparks–hence why I added Joey Jones’ books to my reading list! The Date Night Jar, Jones’ newly released book for fall is a tale of unlikely friendship between a workaholic physician and a lonely old man at the hospital on his deathbed. While he relays his own love story to her, she develops feelings for the man’s son. A book filled with secrets and unexpected twists and turns, this is one to add to your reading list.

Any other favorites?! Leave them in the comments below!