Hey, friends!
Fall is approaching very quickly and school starts in a week and a half for me. I’m looking forward to it but also sad that summer is coming to an end. A lot of you seemed to enjoy my spring & summer reading list, this one is less themed and more books I want to read during the last bit of summer/fall instead of books that are actually about fall, but there will still be some cozy reads!
Enjoy finding some new books for your tbr list!
1. caterpillar summer by gillian mcdunn
I picked this up at Barnes & Noble on my birthday trip and I’m already part-way through it. Such a sweet book and I’m looking forward to read it to finish out the summer!
This book is all about reconnecting with your family, a younger brother with special needs, summer vacation, and friendship.
2. when i hit the road by nancy j. cavanaugh
Another book I found at Barnes & Noble! This story looked sweet and since I’ve enjoyed other books that are told in this style, I thought I’d give it a try.
Told in journal entries, When I Hit the Road explores making unexpected friends, multigenerational relationships, and finding out that maybe journaling your adventures isn’t so bad after all.
3. the penderwicks on gardam street by jeanne birdsall
A cute and cozy audiobook I’m going to listen to this fall! I’ve already read & listened to it multiple times but I love re-reading it during the fall since it reminds me so much of things I did as a kid (and still do): soccer on Saturday mornings, adventures with the neighbors, exchanging school work, and scheming with siblings.
4. dawn chandler by eliza noel
This is an indie book that I’ve heard very mixed reviews about so we’ll see if I like it or not. Either way, it’s going to be neat to read a book that a teen homeschooled young author wrote.
Blurb: This story follows Dawn Chandler, a middle schooler who’s parents decide to homeschool her and then announce they are moving to a small town called Lone Pine. Before making the final moving decision, the Chandler family visits Lone Pine, a small town between Mt. Whitney and Death Valley. While there, Dawn and her siblings become acquainted with their eccentric great uncle, explore the new area, and meet a large homeschooling family. All of this makes the ‘vacation’ more bearable. Still, Dawn isn’t sure if she can make the move and leave everything she’s familiar with behind. Can Dawn learn the values of faith, family, and contentment?
5. anne of green gables series: books 6 – 8
In my first book list, I mentioned I wanted to read Anne of Green Gables. I read it in April, and since then, I’ve read the rest of the series up to book 6. I’m still waiting on my library to get me book 6, but I am so excited to finish it but I’m also going to be sad once it’s over. Thankfully, books were written to be re-read, right?
6. the vanderbeekers ever after by karina yan glasser
The last book in The Vanderbeekers series releases on September 19th, and I’m so excited to read it, but also worried because the blurb is a little nerve wracking. See what I mean below:
The Vanderbeekers are looking forward to the wedding of two of their favorite people! But when one of the siblings receives a dire diagnosis, instead of preparing for a celebration, the family is suddenly spending their time at the hospital. And soon they are helping a newly-made and critically ill friend, even as they struggle with how their own lives have turned upside down.
7. ashes to asheville by sarah dooley
This book is currently sitting on my shelf at home, waiting to be returned to the library or asked to renew it. And I went on vacation without remembering to do either of those things. So! I’m planning on reading it when I get home.
This book seems beautifully sad, following two sisters. Their adventure takes one disastrous turn after another, but their impulsive journey helps them rediscover the bonds that truly make them sisters.
A heartrending story of family torn apart and put back together again, Ashes to Asheville is an important, timely tale.
8. pax, journey home by sarah pennypacker
I read Pax last spring, and I’ve been waiting since then to read the sequel. I’m not huge on animal books but Pax was a different story because Pax wasn’t just about an animal but it had a beautiful theme involved.
It’s been a year since Peter and his pet fox, Pax, have seen each other. Once inseparable, they now lead very different lives. When one of Pax’s kits falls desperately ill, he turns to the one human he knows he can trust. And no matter how hard Peter tries to harden his broken heart, love keeps finding a way in. Now both boy and fox find themselves on journeys toward home, healing—and each other, once again.
9. nothing else but miracles by kate albus
This book seems right up my alley. I love World War 2 books, both intense and heartbreak stories – The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom, anyone? – but also books that display the trials and problems of how life was in the U.S.
Living on their own on Manhattan’s Lower East Side while their Pop is off fighting in World War II, twelve-year-old Dory Byrne and her brothers discover an abandoned hotel that proves a perfect hideout just when they need it most.
10. when the world was ours by liz kessler
This book is pre-World War 2, but from the sounds of the blurb, a lot of is about the pain they were already facing, even three years before the war began. One of my historical-fiction loving-friend’s recommended this to me and I’m excited to read it.
Inspired by a true story, When the World Was Ours is an extraordinary novel that is as powerful as it is heartbreaking and that shows how the bonds of love, family, and friendship allow glimmers of hope to flourish, even in the most hopeless of times.
now, it’s your turn!
What book are you reading right now? Are you looking forward to fall?
Right now, I’m sitting at a cute little coffee shop writing this blog post (because I had to meet my deadline on another writing project so this post was written at the very last minute, aka 2 hours after it should be published), sipping an iced chai latte while the rain pours outside. It feels awfully cozy and gives me all the autumn vibes!
Bella Waugh says
Fun post Pearl!! Yes I can’t believe fall is so soon!! It’s still sooo hot down here in TN so it doesn’t feel like fall yet! XD Looks like you have a lot of fun reads lined up!!
Pearl says
So happy you enjoyed it, Bella! It’s nice and cool down here, at least for today, but I know we’re going to get a lot of warm days before fall actually arrives. XD
Bella Waugh says
Oo lucky!! Yeah it’s still so hot and humid but apparently it’s supposed to get into the 70°s next week so that’s progress!! XD
Ariana says
Rain?!? Yikes, that is autumn sounding!
All of these books sound so fun 🙂 I especially remember reading Rilla of Ingleside when I was younger, and enjoyed it very much (although there is heartache as well!).
I am looking forward to autumn, although it feels like summer wasn’t even here at all! XD I’ll have ot stop by the river or something before it’s too cold.
Pearl says
Haha, it didn’t last long though! It’s already sunny and my mom is trying to convince me to go swim. XD
Aww, that makes me more excited to read it. (What is a good book without heartache and tears though?) I hope you have a lovely rest of your summer!
RJ says
I loved Caterpillar Summer, but I totally forgot what it was called, so thank you for reminding me! 🙂 This was a fun read, and I hope you enjoy all of your books!
Pearl says
Aw, thanks, RJ! Did you enjoy Caterpillar Summer when you read it?
Anastasia says
These look like fun books! I didn’t know there was a final Vanderbeeker book coming out! That’s exciting but also nervewracking!
Pearl says
Yes, for sure! I knowww. Have you read the others in the series?
Lucy says
These books look great! I LOVE Rilla of Ingleside! It’s sweet, but really sad!😥
Pearl says
I agree! Oooh, that makes me more excited to read it! (:
Lorelei Angelino says
Those books look so cute!!
Pearl says
Aw, thanks, Lorelei!
Marilyn says
I just finished The Star That Always Stays by Anna Rose Johnson and What Katy Did By Susan Coolidge. I am now reading What Katy Did At School and What Katy Did Next. I am going to read a few of The American Girl books and start on my Christmas books. Have a great fall,my favorite season.
Marilyn
Pearl says
I loved The Star that Always Stays. Anna Rose Johnson is so sweet! I remember loving the American Girl books. (: You too, Marilyn!
Marion says
I have read “The Cabin Faces West’,Gathering Of Days,”The Star that Always Stays” . Will start a re-read Of American Girl “Saige’ Fall is the best with it’s clear skies and crisp air .
Marion
Pearl says
Oooh, the Cabin Faces West! That was one of my favorites. Is Gathering of the Days a Janette Oke book? It sounds familiar! I agree. Have a lovely day, Marion!
Lizzie says
The V’s ever after!!!!! I’m so excited for that book!
Pearl says
YESSS, ME TOO.
Charlotte Mills says
Love this post!!! I am SO excited for fall, it’s my fave season! Such cozy vibes <3
Pearl says
Thank you, Charlotte!! I agree. 😀
Katie James says
Okay so this was so fun to look through! I love the Penderwicks (Penderwicks in Spring is my favorite) and Rilla of Ingleside is my fave of the Anne books. I absolutely love it. Hope you enjoy!
Pearl says
Yay, I’m so glad you liked reading it! The Penderwicks is the best for sure. I’ve heard that from a lot of people and I’m really excited to read Rilla of Ingleside!
Lillian Keith says
What a great list! I’m especially intrigued by Nothing Else But Miracles and Ashes to Asheville. We’re currently reading The Cay, by Theodore Taylor.
Pearl says
Ooh yes, those were the ones that I was really looking forward to reading! I haven’t heard of that one before but I just checked it out! Thanks for sharing, Lillian!
Katja Labonté says
Girl, this list looks SO good!!
Pearl says
Aw, thank you!!