October/November 2025
Volume 64 Issue 2
Fall Back Into Books
what’s in THIS ISSUE Kendall Miller Contributing Writer
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As we transition into fall, why watch someone else’s life through a screen when you can fully immerse yourself in reading? There are plenty genres and subgenres that can produce that warm and cozy vibe people seek out in the cooler months. Genres such as fantasy, mystery, thrillers, and even romance can scratch your itch for something new. If you do not know where to start, the Alvernian asked some book influencers about their favorite fall books and what is up next on their ‘to be read’ list. Book influencer Camryn Miller is currently reading ‘Pumpkin Spice Café’ by Laurie Gilmore. Though mostly reading romance, she dives deeper into fantasy this time of year. “Most fantasy have this cozy aspect to them. They normally take place in cold dark scenario to begin then once another main character is introduced the scenes turn lighter and add warmth to the story and characters,” Miller said. To find more of her recommendations, you can find her on TikTok and Instagram under the tag @ camsbookstack. A few collective recommendations for fall romance reads include: If it Makes You Happy by Julia Olivia, if you watch Gilmore Girls, this is the book for you! Can’t Help Falling in Love by Sophie Sullivan, a meet-cute followed by an accidental fake engagement, sign me up. Falling like Leaves by Misty Wilson, (young adult romance) city girl comes back to small farm town and rekindles a connection with her childhood friend. All Rhodes Lead here by Mariana Zapata, through shared hobbies, Ora and Tobias evolve from tenant and grumpy landlord to something more. You Again by Kate Goldbeck, a modern -gender swapped- rendition of ‘When Harry Met Sally’. The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore, following Hazel around town
Fantasy Book Graphic Designed by Kendall Miller
on a scavenger is Noah who has had a secret crush on her. As previously mentioned, The Pumpkin Spice Café, also by Laurie Gilmore, after taking over her aunt’s café Jeanie meets local farmer Logan. Other romance books to read this time of year would have to be football (American) romances such as Enemies, by Tijan, (adult audiences) Feuding since the sixth grade, Dusty and Stones relationship might not be all hatred after all. First Down, by Grace Reilly, a story with all my favorite troupes; forced proximity, fake dating, and golden retriever energy. The Cheat Sheet, by Sarah Adams, a wholesome read of two best friends finally falling for each other. Fair Catch, by Kandi Steiner, college romance where she is also on the football team? And they were roommates! Say You Swear, by Meagan Brandy, which received rave reviews on the Goodreads app: “No words could do this book justice. The only wrong thing with it is that it had the audacity to end.” Larissa Cambusano said in 2022. Anabeth Harper, also known as @anasannotations, has a rotation of books she rereads every season. “My go to fall book would be Harry Potter. I like something that puts me into the season and is a nostalgic story that I love to come back to for the fall. To me reading is much more relaxing than watching tv. It is better on the eyes, and I feel that it builds more skills than watching tv does.”
Harper said. Yes, you can watch all the movies, but they are based off the books. The books may have differences that are always fun to find what scenes did and did not make the cut. Fall is also a great season for fantasy reads. Some fan favorite series, the Percy Jackson (7 book) series by Rick Riordan, the Harry Potter series (8 books) by J.K. Rowling, the Throne of Glass series (8 books) by Sarah J. Maas, and the Forth Wing trilogy by Rebecca Yarros and the duology of One Dark Window and Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig. Two stand alone books include: Blood of Hercules by Jasmine Mas, and Ghost Business by Jen DeLuca. A variety of genres will be presented in October 2025’s new releases. Authors such as Frieda McFadden, known for her thrillers, and Nicholas Sparks, an author that always makes its audience shed a tear, will be publishing new books for their fans to enjoy. The Intruder, by Freida McFadden, a psychological thriller where the girl is more dangerous then the hurricane outside. Mate, by Ali Hazelwood, following the first of her kind. Half were half human, and how she faces threats coming from both kinds. The story is more centered about her relationship with the alpha of the Northwest pack. The Wrath of the Fallen, by Amber V. Nicole. Being the fourth book in the series makes this release even more awaited
as readers want to see the story of these gods continue. Remain, by Nicholas Sparks, after his sister’s death he is drawn to this woman in Cape Cod, and she claims to have the ability to see spirits and changes his beliefs on logic. Though the book will not be released until October 7, the movie adaption has already been announced and scheduled for release October 23, 2026. The Widow, by John Grisham, a murder mystery centered on a lawyer on trial and a widow needing a new will as her husband had left her a sum of money. Good Spirits, by B.K. Borison. Though not a fall related or fantasy, this novel of the ghost of Christmas past will get us through the last days of fall and transition us to the next season of winter wonderlands. The few new releases I am most excited for include the third book in the ‘Off the Ice’ series, Revolve, by Bal Khabra. After reading the first two books in the series, Collide and Spiral, and absolutely falling in love with the characters and their stories as individuals, I cannot wait to see what Khabra has written in the third book. The Defender, by Ana Huang, is the second book in the series after The Striker. This is the story of Vincent DuBois, who is the brother of the main female character of The Striker, and his Pro European football career, as well as Brooklyn Armstrong who happens to be his coach’s daughter. As someone who primarily reads romance these are the two releases I will be reading the day they are available. Ana Huang is also the author of the Twisted Series, another favorite of mine, not just a fall must read but an all-time must-read series. Hopefully, some of the books listed above will catch your attention and you will fall in love with reading instead of staring at a screen. For more recommendations and information on the novels listed visit the good reads app, you can also track your reading progress and share with friends.