Recapping October’s books and honestly, they were all really good. As the days are getting shorter, I’m finding myself reading more. There is nothing better than cozying up with a good book, a mug of tea (or glögg as it’s almost that season), and candlelight. It’s the ultimate hygge. ** Disclosure: I am an affiliate of Bookshop.org where your purchases support local bookstores. I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase on any of the links below. **

The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller

TW - Abuse, rape

I wasn’t sure how I felt about this book when I first started reading it, but once I got into it, I was IN TO IT. The story opens at The Paper Palace, the family’s summer home in Cape Cod, where Elle has just had an affair with her oldest friend while her husband is in the next room. Over the next 24 hours, we learn how this moment happened while getting a glimpse into the dysfunctional and complex family Elle grew up in. As Elle struggles with the decision of what to do next, we’re brought along on her journey through her relationships and begin to understand how the past can continue to creep into the present. I couldn’t put it down.

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

Like a hallmark movie (which I love!), with laugh out loud lines (seriously hilarious banter!), and great chemistry between the characters. Meet Nora and Charlie. Nora is a literary agent, Charlie an editor. Both have worked on far too many “happy ending, move to small town” books to know that is not the destiny for them. When they both find themselves in small town North Carolina, is this finally their chance? Are Charlie and Nora finally the heroine and hero of their own story? 

The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley

Slow to start but then you get hooked and curious. What really happened? Who’s telling the truth?  You can sleuth out a few things, but there are twists. Jess needs a change so she decides to pay a visit to her brother Ben in Paris. When she arrives, he’s no where to be found. As Jess tries to determine what happened, she uncovers the secrets of his neighbours and all is not what is seems. 

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

TW: Death, Suicide, Mental Health

A wonderful story about life and being alive for it.  The Midnight Library is a library one goes to between life and death. Nora finds herself here after a string of bad events one day and she decides the world would be better without her. The story follows Nora as “tries on” different life versions of herself and learns that even the smallest of decisions can have a large effect on not only her life but those around her. Her journey is very relatable and we’ve all wondered at some point what our lives would be like if we had made different choices, Nora gets to experience them!

The Club by Ellery Lloyd

Imagine an exclusive new club located on an island off the coast of England that you can only get to via helicopter or a few hours a day when the tide is low. It’s opening weekend and no expense has been spared for this lavish event. But there are secrets that will come out. Everyone has something to hide, the CEO, the staff, even the guests. What starts out as the most anticipated event of the year turns into murder on the island, but who did it. The story is told through various points of view, all intertwining in ways you didn’t expect, but who did it? This book kept me guessing and I loved the twists and turns throughout.

The Christie Affair by Nina De Gramont

This historical fiction tells the story of the 11 days Agatha Christie went missing in 1926. Intertwined into Agatha’s story is murder, betrayal, love, and revenge. The story is told from the perspective of Mr. Christie’s mistress, Nan O’Day. Through flashbacks and memories, we learn why she is so determined to break up their marriage. As the story unfolds, plots are revealed, twists ensue, and in the end, it all comes together beautifully. Its like watching a murder mystery come together with all loose ends tied up nicely.

Let me know what you think! Have you read any of these? What’s on your reading list?