What I’m Reading: October Edition

It’s finally autumn. Phew, what a summer! I’ll be back soon to chat with all of you about the roses and the garden. I HAVE THOUGHTS. But I don’t have the bandwidth to get into that right now.

Instead, I thought I’d start a new series for my fellow book lovers sharing the titles I’m enjoying this month and I’d love to hear what you’re reading, too. Let’s get started!

Wilding by Isabella Tree, Illustrations by Angela Harding

It was the detailed and colorful illustrations that made me snap up this book from our local bookstore not too long ago but the writing is equally incredible. It details the rewilding project at Knepp in the UK but the information is also applicable to use in your home garden.

A Year at the Parsonage by Ben Pentreath and Charlie McCormick

Whatever Ben Pentreath and Charlie McCormick set their minds to turns into something beautiful and this book is no exception. Every page sings. (This is one that I preordered and when it arrived I was so surprised because I forgot I had done that! Don’t you love when that happens?)

Let’s Make a Scene by Laura Wood

Romance novels are not typically my thing, but I saw this author recommended by another favorite of mine, the enchanting Marianne Keyes. Her recommendations are always reliable, so I gave it a whirl. I’m glad I did! It was well-written and a lot of fun. (moderately spicey!)

We Chase Shadows by Richard Osman

I gobble up anything written by Osman; I adore his writing style: his books are witty and clever and full of twists and turns with characters you will fall in love with. If you haven’t read any of his books yet, you’re in for a treat.

The Guest by Emma Cline

This is my first book by Emma Cline and now I see what all the fuss was about. She’s an incredibly gifted writer. The Guest had me GRIPPED, and I thought about it for days afterward which, to me, is the sign of a great novel.

Fifteen Timeless Stories by Georgette Heyer

I have this weird thing that if I read a book with a strong narrative voice before bed, I have a very restless sleep where my brain is still continuing the story. For that reason, I tend to read something soothing like Jane Austen before lights out. Thanks to a recommendation by the wonderful Philippa Gregory on her instagram, I’ve added Georgette Heyer to my bedtime reading list! (PS it’s free if you have Kindle Unlimited.)

Murder at the Manor House by Katie Gayle

This fabulous writing duo have a lot of titles but the Julia Bird mystery series is my favorite. Looking for the perfect cozy murder that takes place in the Cotswolds? Look no further.

Witches of Cambridge by Alice Hoffman

TBH, I haven’t started this one yet. It’s still sitting in my kindle library waiting for me to crack it open on Halloween. 🙂

A Mudlarking Year by Lara Maiklem

This book is a gorgeous and insightful read. If you’re a fan Diane Ackerman’s books (please go check those out if you haven’t already) and/or anything by Ian Mortimer, you’ll love Lara Maiklem’s journal of a mudlarking year along the Thames.

The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest, by Aubrey Hartman, Illustrations by Marcin Minor

I DNF a lot of books–I’m super picky–and I’ll be honest with you, I haven’t enjoyed many recently published Middle Grade books. But…as soon as I started reading this gem I was locked in. It’s so sensitively written and charming…truly a great ambassador for the genre. (Also, it received a Newbery Honor!)