Between The Pages | Autumn & Christmas Reads

🍂 🍁Cozy Up: My October Festive Autumn & Christmas Reads! 🎄🎁🎄🍪🍵

Hello, bookworms!

I am so excited to finally share my October Reads & Recommendations with you! I know it might feel a little early, but I couldn’t wait any longer to kick off the festive season and get some holiday reads on your radar. Consider this a head start on your cozy reading list, giving you plenty of time to check out a few of these gems before the holidays truly arrive.

Now, for the slightly unbelievable part: I don’t know how I managed it, but I read a whopping 18 books in October! 🎉

Because of that massive number (and because I absolutely do not want to bore you!), this post will be split into two parts. Today, we’re diving into the first batch of recommendations.

Nearly all of the books I devoured this month have that perfect seasonal glow, taking us on a journey from charming autumn settings all the way through to heartwarming Christmas cheer. (There are just three exceptions, which I’ll be adding to the end of this first post.)

You’ll find a mix here: some of these were incredibly sweet and heartwarming, others had a few heart-wrenching spots, and a couple even took me a moment to get into, but I am so glad I gave them a chance because they turned out to be excellent!

As you know, I always seek out clean reads. If I happen to come across a ‘sexy’ spot, I always either stop reading or skip over those parts if the overall story is just too good to put down. In those cases, I’ll be sure to include a note for you so you know exactly what to look out for.

Ready to see what made the list? Let’s get started! Take a look!

Autumn In Brandford by Lyn Corvet (via Kindle Unlimited)

The book Autumn In Brandford by Lyn Corvet is a story about a woman finding a new path and a chance for healing after a period of personal crisis.

The main character is Wilhelmina “Mena” Prescott, who is at a crossroads in her life, dealing with strained family relationships and the discovery of her husband’s affair. She is facing two difficult choices: remaining in her unhappy marriage or moving forward entirely alone.

However, the unexpected death of her grandfather opens up a third, unexpected road.

• The Cottage: Mena receives a letter from her grandfather on the day of his funeral, requesting she go to his long-forgotten cottage on Brandford Beach to gather his precious belongings.
• The Journey: Seeking time to think about her future, Mena takes this third path, traveling from Connecticut to Delaware.
• The Surprise Gift: She soon discovers that the letter is more than a simple request. Her grandfather has not only given her ownership of the beloved cottage but also a chance to reconnect with her past and the grandfather she hadn’t known since she was a child.
• Healing and Romance: Through his cards, letters, and the kind people of Brandford Beach who loved him—including the handsome Chase Harper—Mena is given the opportunity to heal and to envision a future she never thought possible.

Essentially, Autumn In Brandford is a romantic journey of self-discovery that demonstrates how a gift from the past helps the protagonist mend her broken heart and find a new beginning.

Autumn at Apple Hill by Angie Ellington   (via Kindle Unlimited)

The book Autumn at Apple Hill by Angie Ellington is a delightful “sweet opposites attract” romantic comedy set in the picturesque fall season.

Here is what the story is about:

A Fresh Start: The main character, Elise Jacobs, is recently divorced and is seeking a significant life change. She returns to her hometown of Landover, Maine, to take over and operate a charming Bed and Breakfast she inherited from her grandmother, nestled within the rolling hills of an orchard.

The Inn’s Revival: Elise cherished her childhood memories spent there and is determined to give the inn a fresh start and restore it to its former grandeur as summer transitions into autumn.

The Obstinate Guest: Her efforts are complicated by the arrival of a handsome, wealthy guest, Luke Donovan. Elise is immediately on guard, stereotyping him as a “wealthy narcissistic type” she’s dealt with before.

A Different Path: Luke, however, is secretly looking for a fresh start himself. He wants to trade his banking career for a “bon appétit” life, with hopes of opening a bistro in the charming town where he spent his own childhood summers. His brief stay at the B&B is quickly consumed by the “obstinate innkeeper.”

The Autumn Magic: Against the backdrop of apple picking, wine tasting, and a local festival, the book explores whether a little fall magic at Apple Hill will manage to cast a spell on these two strong-willed people who initially seem to be at odds.

Ultimately, it is a heartwarming story about second chances, finding love when you least expect it, and the beauty of autumn in a quaint small town.

A Secret at Windmill Cottage by Kristin Harper (via Kindle Unlimited)

The book A Secret at Windmill Cottage by Kristin Harper is a heartwarming story that blends romance, mystery, and second chances against a beautiful autumn setting.

Here is what the story is about:

• The Reluctant Return: The main character, Caitlin, inherits her Aunt Lydia’s beloved cottage on Dune Island, which features a quaint adjoining windmill. Caitlin used to love visiting, but a life-changing and traumatic event involving a guest years ago caused her to flee the island and vow never to return.
• The Final Request: Despite her troubled memories, Aunt Lydia’s will leaves Caitlin the cottage along with a mysterious final request: she must renovate the windmill.
• A Chance for Healing: Returning to the island for the first time in years, Caitlin finds solace in the familiar charm of the place—strolling in the crisp autumn air and baking in her aunt’s kitchen. She also starts to develop a spark with the handsome local carpenter, Shane.
• The Secret Uncovered: As the renovation of the windmill begins, Caitlin and Shane uncover an old, handwritten note hidden away. The note was written by the same girl Caitlin met all those years ago, and it contains a shocking revelation.
• Confronting the Past: This discovery forces Caitlin to question everything she thought she knew about the tragedy that caused her to leave. She must decide if she has the courage to uncover the whole truth, face the past, and stay on the island—or if she will run away again.

Ultimately, it is a story of a woman finding healing, unexpected love, and a new perspective by confronting a long-buried secret that unlocks the key to her future.

Booked For One by Ayanna Rose (via Kindle Unlimited)

Booked For One is a charming, small-town romantic comedy centered on an “accidental” double-booking in a cozy coastal cottage.

The story follows two heartbroken individuals seeking escape:

Amira Ellison: Her world is shattered after finding an engagement ring in her boyfriend’s drawer—intended for another woman. Seeking peace and solitude to figure out her next steps, she flees to a remote cottage in coastal Maine.

Malik Carter: A gorgeous chef whose dreams, savings, and trust were lost when his D.C. restaurant failed. The very same Maine cottage was intended to be his private refuge to “lick his wounds.”

The Mix-Up:

Amira arrives to find the kitchen already occupied by Malik, who is making perfect coffee and even better breakfast. Their rental agent claims it’s a simple booking mix-up, forcing them into a situation of forced proximity.

The Plotting Town:

As Amira and Malik spend time together, they develop an undeniable chemistry. However, they soon realize their “accidental” meeting might be the work of the town itself. The locals of Evergreen Bay—including the coffee shop owner, the bookstore owner, and the delighted Mrs. Henderson—are heavily invested in making sure the pair stays together, hinting at the cottage’s romantic history and creating “coincidental” encounters.

The Central Conflict:

Trapped inside the cottage as storm clouds gather over the coast, Amira and Malik must confront their growing suspicion that their meeting was a setup. The central question is whether these two people, both desperately running from recent heartbreak, can risk loving again, especially under the watchful, plotting eyes of the entire town.

It’s a heartwarming story about second chances, letting go of the past, and finding hope (and true love) in a place intended only for solitude.

Pumpkin Everything by Beth Labonte (via Kindle Unlimited)

The book Pumpkin Everything by Beth Labonte is a charming, sweet, small-town romance set against the quintessential backdrop of autumn.

Here is what the story is about:

• The Protagonist’s Dilemma: Amy Fox, a horror novelist, is dealing with a broken heart, a massive case of writer’s block, and a newfound aversion to “all things pumpkin spice” after calling off her fall wedding.
• The Unexpected Return: Her life is upended when she gets news that her grandfather, who lives 500 miles away in her hometown of Autumnboro, New Hampshire, has broken his wrist after literally driving through the front windows of a donut shop. Amy has no choice but to return to check on him, as failing to do so could lead to him being moved to assisted living and the sale of her beloved childhood home.
• The Worse-Than-Pumpkin-Spice Problem: Amy dreads her return, but what she dreads even more is a reunion with Kit Parker—her childhood best friend, her first love, and the whole reason she initially skipped town.
• Second Chance, Secret Threat: As Amy settles back into the fall-themed town and begins to reconnect with Kit, a second chance at romance seems possible. However, the connection is threatened because Kit is holding on to a secret—one that just might unravel everything Amy is trying to rebuild in Autumnboro.

Essentially, it’s a heartwarming story about coming home, dealing with past heartache, and finding a second chance at love amid the quaint, pumpkin-spiced chaos of a perfectly autumnal small town.

Falling Inn Love by Erin Branscom (via Kindle Unlimited)

The book Falling Inn Love by Erin Branscom is a heartwarming, second-chance romance with cozy fall vibes, often described as having a “Hallmark movie” feel.

Here is what the story is about:

• The Heroine’s Grief: Beth is a struggling romance author who is trying to find her place in the world after the unbearable tragedy of losing her family. She is unable to find peace and is constantly on the move, unwilling to let her guard down or allow anyone into her heart.
• The Unexpected Rescue: While traveling, her car breaks down, leaving her stranded by the side of the road in the small town of Freedom Valley, New Hampshire. She is rescued by Evan, a strikingly handsome, bearded, flannel-wearing innkeeper.
• The Innkeeper’s Struggle: Evan, a former Marine, took over his family’s inn, The Golden Gable Inn, after the sudden loss of his father. He is struggling financially to keep the inn afloat.
• The Arrangement: Since Beth is low on funds, she agrees to help Evan run the inn in exchange for room and board. She intends for the stay to be temporary, maintaining her emotional distance.
• The Battle for Her Heart: Evan is immediately drawn to Beth and sees a future with her, determined to be the man who can give her the love she deserves. He works hard to tear down the emotional walls she has built up, even using the rescue of a pair of abandoned puppies to melt her heart and convince her to stay.

The story is a sweet, emotional romance about dealing with grief, healing, finding “found family,” and taking a second chance at love in a charming small-town setting.

Note: I had to skip over a sexy scene near the end of the book.

Three not related to autumn or Christmas

The Bookshop of Secrets by Kerry Barrett (via Kindle Unlimited)

The book The Bookshop of Secrets by Kerry Barrett is a historical mystery and romance set in a fascinating city during World War II.

Here is what the story is about:

The Setting and Protagonist: The story begins in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1938. The main character is Lara Hope, who arrives in the city seeking a new start after her father’s death and hoping to find the family she has never met.

The Secret Bookshop: With war storming across Europe, neutral Lisbon is a hub for refugees and spies. Lara finds solace and a job in her landlady Bea’s tranquil, sprawling bookshop. However, when Lara witnesses a customer secretly swapping a book, she quickly realizes the shop is a front and not all it seems.

The Spy Network: Lara’s talents (she was raised by a theater director and is skilled at mimicry and drama) are noticed by a British Intelligence agent. She is plunged into a labyrinthine world of espionage and façades, joining a team dedicated to deceptive warfare and spreading fake news to confuse the enemy.

The Stakes: Leading a dangerous double life as she navigates this world of spies, patriots, refugees, and even dubious royalty, Lara faces immense risks. The story follows her journey as she makes new friends, gets caught up in unexpected romance, and decides if she is prepared to risk everything for this new life and mission.

Ultimately, it is a gripping tale of identity, courage, and finding belonging and love amid clandestine warfare during a pivotal moment in history.

The book Secrets of the Cottage by the Sea by Rebecca Alexander is a dual-timeline mystery and historical romance that explores long-buried family secrets uncovered in a remote island setting.

Here is what the story is about:

• The Inheritance: Ellie Roberts is shocked to inherit a cottage on a remote Scilly Isle from someone she has never heard of: Patience Ellis. Overwhelmed with questions, Ellie travels to the isolated island to find out why Patience left her this legacy.
• A Familiar Feeling: Upon arriving at the whitewashed cottage, Ellie finds it strangely familiar. She has a faint, powerful memory of her beloved, deceased mother in the window seat overlooking the sea. This sparks her determination to uncover the truth about the cottage and its connection to her past.
• The Uncovered Past: Determined to find answers, Ellie teams up with the enigmatic local, Branok Shore. Together, they discover an old dresser belonging to Patience, filled with letters from the Second World War.
• The World War II Secret: These letters unveil a shocking secret from the past, specifically the story of a brutal storm during the war. On that dark night, an injured soldier begged Patience for help and forced her to make an impossible choice.
• The Truth Revealed: The present-day narrative follows Ellie as she and Branok grow closer, while the historical letters gradually reveal the long-hidden truth about Patience’s life, the soldier, and the deep, life-changing connection the cottage has to Ellie’s own family history.

Ultimately, the book is about a woman putting the fragments of her life back together by solving a mystery that spans generations and uncovering the shocking secrets hidden within the walls of a beautiful seaside cottage.

The Best of Us by Robyn Carr (via Kindle Unlimited)

The book The Best of Us by Robyn Carr is the fourth installment in her Sullivan’s Crossing series, featuring multiple interconnected love stories in the small mountain town of Timberlake, Colorado.

The story primarily focuses on two separate, but related, romances:

Leigh and Rob’s Story (The Main Couple)

Dr. Leigh Culver moved to Timberlake for a change of pace, enjoying her work as the resident family physician. She is not actively seeking a relationship, especially after a devastating breakup in her past.

Rob Shandon is a handsome widower, local pub owner, and single father of two boys.

The Conflict: Leigh and Rob begin a passionate, casual relationship after he brings his injured son to her clinic. Their chemistry is undeniable, but the relationship is complicated when Leigh discovers she is unexpectedly pregnant. Rob thought he was done raising a family, and Leigh, protective of her heart, questions if great chemistry is enough to build a stable future on. They must confront their different life stages and expectations to determine if they can find common ground to raise their baby.

Helen and Sully’s Story (The Second Chance Couple)

Helen Culver is Leigh’s beloved, independent aunt who raised her. A successful mystery writer, she is now retired and traveling the world, determined to live life for herself and never be tied down again.

Sully is the kindhearted owner of the local campground and general store, Sullivan’s Crossing.

The Romance: When Helen visits Leigh, she is taken to Sullivan’s Crossing, where she meets Sully. Despite their differences, they form a deep and abiding friendship that soon blossoms into an unexpected late-in-life romance.

The Struggle for Independence: This new love is challenged when Helen realizes Leigh has plans for her to help raise the new baby. Helen must choose between the independence she has finally achieved and the deep, beautiful connection she has found with Sully.

The book is a heartwarming, emotional story about finding unexpected love at different stages of life, navigating the complexities of family and commitment, and choosing to live one’s “best life” in the picturesque Colorado mountains.

Note: There were a few sexy scenes I had to skip over.

And that wraps up Part One of my colossal October reading list! 📚 I hope these first six (+3) autumn and festive reads have given you some wonderful ideas to cozy up with as the days get shorter. From small-town charm and seasonal magic to historical secrets and second chances, there was certainly a lot to love this month. Thank you so much for reading, and please stay tuned for the next installment, where I’ll share the final nine books and round out my incredibly successful (and slightly shocking!) month of reading. Happy reading, and I’ll talk to you soon!

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