My September Reading List: Cozy Fall Reads, Manifestation Guides, and Classic Thrillers
September always feels like the unofficial start of cozy season. The mornings get cooler, the pumpkin spice lattes reappear, and curling up with a good book suddenly feels like the ultimate weekend plan. This September, I read across several genres—romance, cozy fall fiction, manifestation, business growth, and even a James Bond classic.
From Laurie Gilmore’s charming bakery romance to Ian Fleming’s iconic Thunderball, my stack had a little bit of everything. Some books swept me away completely (looking at you The Gingerbread Bakery and Fall I Want), while others challenged me in different ways. Below, I’m sharing a detailed review of each book, what I loved (or didn’t love), and whether I’d recommend it for your fall reading list.
Not shown is Manifest like a Mother - I listed to it as an audiobook.
1. The Second Home by Christina Clancy
Overview
The Second Home explores the complicated relationships within the Gordon family after the death of their parents. With Cape Cod as the backdrop, Clancy weaves a story of family secrets, betrayals, and the bittersweet power of returning home.
My Take
This one surprised me with its depth. At first, I thought it would be a simple summer-into-fall novel, but it leaned heavily into themes of grief, resentment, and reconciliation. The Cape Cod setting was atmospheric with salty air, ocean views, and that sense of nostalgia you only get when revisiting a childhood place.
The pacing did feel slow in parts, but I appreciated how Clancy built tension between the siblings. If you enjoy multi-perspective storytelling, this one delivers.
Would I Recommend It?
Yes, especially if you like layered family dramas. It’s not as lighthearted as the romances I also read this month, but it’s satisfying in its own way.
Get it here: https://a.co/d/1KAP9f0
2. The Gingerbread Bakery by Laurie Gilmore – ★ Favorite!
Overview
This was hands-down one of my favorite reads of the month. The Gingerbread Bakery is a cozy, feel-good romance centered on small-town vibes, sweet baked goods, and the kind of heart-warming storyline that makes you want to live inside its pages.
My Take
I absolutely adored this book. Laurie Gilmore captured everything I crave in a fall romance: charming characters, a sprinkle of humor, and just the right amount of slow-burn romance. I could practically smell the cinnamon sugar and freshly baked gingerbread as I turned each page.
The romance felt genuine, not overly dramatic or cliché, which made the love story even sweeter. It had me smiling from start to finish.
Would I Recommend It?
Yes, yes, and yes! If you want a book that feels like slipping into your coziest sweater while sipping a pumpkin spice latte, add The Gingerbread Bakery to your fall TBR immediately.
Get it here: https://a.co/d/4SSlFBD
3. Make Every Podcast Want You by Kimberly Spencer
Overview
This book shifts away from fiction and into personal growth. Kimberly Spencer shares practical tips on how to position yourself as a standout podcast guest. From crafting your story to delivering value on air, it’s geared toward entrepreneurs, authors, and thought leaders looking to grow their visibility.
My Take
This was a quick but insightful read. I appreciated the step-by-step guidance, especially the sections on crafting a memorable pitch and making your interview engaging for listeners. As someone who thinks a lot about branding and messaging, I found myself highlighting entire pages.
That said, the writing style leaned more motivational than tactical at times. I wished for more real-world case studies, but the inspiration factor was strong.
Would I Recommend It?
If you’re interested in podcast guesting as part of your business growth strategy, yes. This book is a solid place to start.
Get it here: https://a.co/d/72neomx
4. Fall I Want by Lyra Parish – ★ Favorite!
Overview
Lyra Parish has quickly become one of my go-to authors for contemporary romance, and Fall I Want reminded me why. This book is filled with swoony romance, just enough spice, and relatable characters navigating love and life during the fall season.
My Take
I loved this one. The writing was effortless, the romance had real chemistry, and the seasonal setting made it the perfect September read. Lyra Parish always strikes the right balance between fun banter and deeper emotional arcs, and this book delivered on both fronts.
Out of all the books I read this month, this was one I didn’t want to put down. It had me smiling, laughing, and occasionally blushing, which is exactly what I want in a romance.
Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely. If you’re looking for a fall romance that’s equal parts heartwarming and page-turning, Fall I Want is a must-read.
Get it here: https://a.co/d/aSjelcC
5. Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice by Katie Cicatelli-Kuc
Overview
With a title like that, you know this book was made for fall reading. Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice brings together the warmth of autumn, themes of self-discovery, and a sprinkle of romance.
My Take
I’ll be honest: I picked this one up purely for the seasonal vibes, and it delivered on that front. It was light, cozy, and festive. Perfect for when you want a quick read that feels like fall.
The storyline itself was a bit predictable, but that’s not always a bad thing. Sometimes you want a comforting, familiar arc, and this one fit the bill.
Would I Recommend It?
Yes, especially if you’re a mood reader who wants to lean into pumpkin spice season.
Get it here: https://a.co/d/5W6KG8V
6. A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna
Overview
This magical realism novel blends whimsical witchcraft with themes of family, belonging, and embracing one’s gifts. The inn setting made it feel like a blend of cozy fantasy and heartwarming contemporary fiction.
My Take
I loved the concept of this book. It reminded me of the kind of cozy fantasy trend that’s been growing, similar to The House in the Cerulean Sea. The innkeeping element gave it a magical, whimsical vibe that was perfect for early fall.
While I enjoyed the atmosphere and themes, the pacing dragged in a few places. Still, the message of creating space for others and finding your place in the world stuck with me.
Would I Recommend It?
Yes, if you enjoy cozy fantasy with a slower pace and heart-centered themes.
Get it here: https://a.co/d/exLQIQL
7. Thunderball by Ian Fleming
Overview
Switching gears completely, I picked up Thunderball, one of Ian Fleming’s classic James Bond novels. This one centers on a high-stakes mission involving nuclear weapons, international intrigue, and of course, the suave Bond himself.
My Take
Reading Thunderball was like stepping back into the 1960s world of espionage. Fleming’s writing is sharp, cinematic, and very much a product of its time. Some elements felt dated (especially in terms of gender roles), but the thrill of the spy story still held up.
It wasn’t my favorite Bond book, but I appreciated how different it was from everything else I read in September. Sometimes you just need an action-packed thriller to balance out the cozy romances.
Would I Recommend It?
Yes, if you’re a Bond fan or want to explore classic spy thrillers.
Get it here: https://a.co/d/25ODrEn
8. Manifest Like a Mother by Francesca Amber
Overview
This nonfiction book blends manifestation practices with relatable stories from Francesca Amber, host of The Law of Attraction Changed My Life podcast. She focuses on how moms can apply manifestation to everyday life while juggling family, work, and personal growth.
My Take
I found this book inspiring and practical. Francesca’s voice is funny, honest, and down-to-earth, which made the manifestation concepts feel approachable rather than intimidating. The mix of personal stories and actionable tips made it easy to apply what I was reading.
It wasn’t my favorite of the month (that award goes to The Gingerbread Bakery and Fall I Want), but it was one of the more useful reads. I can see myself revisiting certain chapters when I need a mindset reset.
Would I Recommend It?
Yes, especially for moms or anyone curious about manifestation and mindset work.
Get it here: https://a.co/d/91yIaZj
Final Thoughts: My September Reading Wrap-Up
September ended up being a beautifully balanced reading month for me. I had cozy fall romances (The Gingerbread Bakery, Fall I Want, Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice), thoughtful family drama (The Second Home), magical cozy fantasy (A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping), nonfiction with practical takeaways (Make Every Podcast Want You and Manifest Like a Mother), and even a dose of classic spy intrigue (Thunderball).
If I had to pick my top recommendations from this stack, it would be:
The Gingerbread Bakery by Laurie Gilmore – pure cozy perfection.
Fall I Want by Lyra Parish – swoony and seasonal romance.
Manifest Like a Mother by Francesca Amber – inspiring mindset shifts.
Whether you’re looking to lean into autumn coziness, grow your personal brand, or escape into thrilling espionage, this list has something for everyone.
