\n\n\n\n
![\"Autumn](\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1762776345918-dbc968a5fcb0?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wzMDAzMzh8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwzfHxmYWxsfGVufDB8fHx8MTc5MjcyMzIyMnww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=1080\" "\\"Autumn")
<\/a>September Reflections:<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIn honor of my recent DNF post<\/a> and because this month has been non-stop for me, I\u2019ll be a bit unconventional with the way I share my September fiction list.<\/p>\n\n\n\nI had many plans of books to read but didn\u2019t spend much time in the evening reading and my weekends were full. I also made the decision to give myself quiet space when on a walk or when I had some moments of down time (instead of listening to an audiobook).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So here are the books that I checked out from the library but had to return without reading them because of due dates:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- A Happier Life<\/em><\/strong> by Kristy Woodson Harvey \u2014 when reading other people\u2019s similar lists, this book kept popping up. It\u2019s been around for a while and its but still has a lot of attention. I will put in on next summer\u2019s TBR.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Finley Donovan is Killing<\/em><\/strong> It by Elle Cosimano \u2014 the premise of this book makes me laugh<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- At Home in Midford<\/em><\/strong> by Jan Karon \u2014 a small town romance with quirky characters, I renewed it but have several weeks wait again.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lady Tremaine<\/em><\/strong> by Rachel Hochhauser \u2014 this is the Cinderella story told from the perspective of the stepmother. I got several hours into the audiobook but had to return it before I finished. I found it compelling.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nWhat matters most to me is that I am reading often, deeply, and with enjoyment. The more I read the more I am comfortable with letting books go that don\u2019t align with my goals right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you feel like you need permission to do the same check out my DNF policy post<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nMy DNF Reading Policy<\/a><\/a><\/h4>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Yesteryear:](\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/https3A2F2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2Fpublic2Fimages2F4cf72efc-aa26-4d32-9877-3eb01d22e52d_180x180.jpeg\" "\\"Yesteryear:")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\ud83c\udfa7Yesteryear<\/em><\/strong> by Caro Claire Burke<\/a> \u2014 (satirical, psychological thriller)<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis book I did finish but spent the whole time cringing and asking \u201cwhat the f\u2014-?\u201d. The main character was shocking and not likeable at all, but being in such a close 1st person narrative made it a compelling read. Every time I walked away from it I found myself wondering what would happen next and how it all ended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The dark side of creating content on social media shown in this novel also reminded me why I took a step back from creating TikTok and Instagram posts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I liked the book even more after listening to this podcast from the wonderful Mara Eller<\/a>. The arguments she makes helped me appreciate the writing craft in this polarizing book = Yesteryear: Why Most Critism Misses The Point<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83c\udfadTheater<\/em><\/strong>:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Chris](\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/https3A2F2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2Fpublic2Fimages2F53d20c18-531b-4402-a45d-a85d01f43997_387x405.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\ud83c\udfadMurder for Two<\/strong> at The Phoenix Theatre Company<\/a> — My husband and I went on a double date to go see this play last month and we absolutely loved it. It\u2019s a murder mystery with two actors. One is the police detective and the second actor is 10 other quirky characters in a mansion. I laughed so hard that my sides hurt! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nOctober Reading Confessions:<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nBooks I added to my list:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/https3A2F2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2Fpublic2Fimages2F9eeb2f80-6f20-4d3c-aaec-939440506978_1400x2132.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\nI Miss You When I Blink<\/em><\/strong> by Mary Laura Philpott<\/a> \u2014 It\u2019s a memoir written in essays with threads of perfectionism, identity, and the pressures of modern adulthood. I loved it just as much as Bomb Shelter<\/a> (her most recent book I read in August<\/a>). She has a way with story telling that just hits me and I can relate so well. I feel seen and deeply understood reading her books.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/https3A2F2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2Fpublic2Fimages2F1b8b54a7-759f-407e-b23a-dc2cee1c8ec8_658x895.png\")
<\/figure>\nThe Printed Letter Bookshop<\/em><\/strong> by Katherine Ray<\/a> \u2014 This book felt like a breath of fresh air. It was in a small town centered around friendship and all the tropes I love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- The Unexpected Inheritance<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Handsome Outdoorsman<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Intergenerational Found Family<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Cozy Bookstore Setting<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Starting Over<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat\u2019s what books do, they are a conversation… and they introduce us to ourselves and others.\u201d<\/strong> – The Printed Letter Bookshop by Katherine Ray<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\ud83c\udfa5\ud83d\udcd6 My Jane Austen Fall<\/strong>:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/https3A2F2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2Fpublic2Fimages2Fe7f4eb48-2677-400d-83ea-4729bb820b35_220x134.gif\")
<\/figure>\n\ud83c\udf7f\ud83c\udfa5Sense and Sensibility Movie<\/strong> \u2014 First, I would love to add subtitles to movies at the theater because I am a movie reader. But, anyway, my friend and I went and we loved it!!<\/p>\n\n\n\nI really enjoy seeing George MacKay in a the role of Edward Ferrars. I liked his character in the Netflix Series: 11.22.63<\/strong> (based on the Stephen King novel about stopping the JFK assassination). The others I didn\u2019t know and I enjoyed seeing a movie with \u201cstrangers\u201d in the staring roles. The way the film was shot was very unique and added to the story telling. I also liked the emphasis on nature and costumes that felt real to the time period but not perfect. I am excited to watch it at home when its available.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nI have also had fun watching the other Jane Austen movies with my family (or alone with the dog and my favorite snacks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My daughter Lara and I decided that \ud83c\udfa5Pride & Prejudice<\/strong> (2005) is our most favorite even though that Mr. Darcy is not fully swoon worthy. \ud83d\ude1c<\/p>\n\n\n\nI love having a theme that I sink in to for a season. I will continue to my watch list as the fall moves into winter. \ud83d\udc99<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!SXY8!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F218d2459-743b-4e93-a077-a6252465793f_1021x780.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\ud83d\udcdaThe Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion<\/strong> by Beth Brower<\/a> \u2014 these Late Victorian Era books have been so fun to read! I read the first book in one evening. It felt like a Netflix show that I couldn\u2019t stop watching. Each journal entry feels manageable and draws you in so you just keep turning pages. I would definitely recommend reading the printed copy so that you can see the capitalization and structure of her journal entries. There is a visual layer that I think the audiobook would lack. <\/p>\n\n\n\nAs with anything from a different time period, I did have a few minutes of confusion adjusting to the language style and characters, but I quickly settled in. The list of characters (included at the beginning of Book 2) were super helpful to feel grounded in the story. Beth Brower<\/a> has a way of writing that keeps me reading till 1am. I spent this last weekend reading for several hours and it felt like a mini-vacation. Such a hilarious and joyful escape! I\u2019ve quickly read the first 5 books and will continue to finish the series into November.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s see\u2026 other confessions\u2026<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\ud83e\udee4\ud83e\udde9I didn\u2019t get any puzzles out yet. I pulled them down off the shelf and put them on the table, but they just sat there unopened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83c\udf72My favorite fall-themed meal that I have made so far is a Lasagna inspired soup. I found tiny meatballs at Aldi\u2019s and made an Italian noddle soup dish that my family loved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83c\udf73I haven\u2019t tried out muffin recipes yet, but I did make sour dough cinnamon rolls and an epic egg dish for a brunch that I hosted for our High School Leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udcd6 Tiny Habits<\/em><\/strong> by BJ Fogg<\/a> \u2014 Book Club is wrapping up! Niamh Celeste<\/a> and I recorded a podcast episode to finish our book conversation. It was so fun!! \ud83d\ude01<\/p>\n\n\n\n\ud83d\udcd6The Happiness Crisis: How Adversity Can Build a Resilient and Joyful Next Generation<\/em><\/strong> by Jon (Jonathan) Eckert<\/a> \u2014 This book has been challenging and stretching me in the best ways. I am excited to talk with Jon and share his insights with you all. \ud83d\ude01<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nPlease share this post with a friend!\ud83d\ude01<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Share<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n![\"onion](\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1540661670655-22024d805bba?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wzMDAzMzh8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw4fHxmYWxsJTIwcmVhZGluZ3xlbnwwfHx8fDE3OTA4OTkxNzV8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=1080\" "\\"onion")
<\/a>Photo by Paige Cody<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSo, how about you??<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nI\u2019d love to hear what you’re reading!<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nLeave a comment<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nI hope that sharing my messy lists with you here inspires you to dive into a book or watch a movie on your queue. (check out my library post for more<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\nCelebrate small wins no matter what your reading life or personal learning looks like in this season and have fun with it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udcd2\ud83c\udf42 Happy Reading \u2014<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/https3A2F2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2Fpublic2Fimages2Fb9dca496-48b2-468b-8a4b-fa59b912d1ec_1456x258-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n\u2b50consider this next step =<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u2733\ufe0fMy online course!<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s a calm, self-paced guide with tools to make a plan you feel good about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/https3A2F2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2Fpublic2Fimages2F2e6f9408-362c-46b6-bb8b-3d46af4721fe_6912x3456-1.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
I had many plans of books to read but didn\u2019t spend much time in the evening reading and my weekends were full. I also made the decision to give myself quiet space when on a walk or when I had some moments of down time (instead of listening to an audiobook).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So here are the books that I checked out from the library but had to return without reading them because of due dates:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- A Happier Life<\/em><\/strong> by Kristy Woodson Harvey \u2014 when reading other people\u2019s similar lists, this book kept popping up. It\u2019s been around for a while and its but still has a lot of attention. I will put in on next summer\u2019s TBR.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Finley Donovan is Killing<\/em><\/strong> It by Elle Cosimano \u2014 the premise of this book makes me laugh<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- At Home in Midford<\/em><\/strong> by Jan Karon \u2014 a small town romance with quirky characters, I renewed it but have several weeks wait again.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lady Tremaine<\/em><\/strong> by Rachel Hochhauser \u2014 this is the Cinderella story told from the perspective of the stepmother. I got several hours into the audiobook but had to return it before I finished. I found it compelling.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
What matters most to me is that I am reading often, deeply, and with enjoyment. The more I read the more I am comfortable with letting books go that don\u2019t align with my goals right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you feel like you need permission to do the same check out my DNF policy post<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
My DNF Reading Policy<\/a><\/a><\/h4>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\ud83c\udfa7Yesteryear<\/em><\/strong> by Caro Claire Burke<\/a> \u2014 (satirical, psychological thriller)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This book I did finish but spent the whole time cringing and asking \u201cwhat the f\u2014-?\u201d. The main character was shocking and not likeable at all, but being in such a close 1st person narrative made it a compelling read. Every time I walked away from it I found myself wondering what would happen next and how it all ended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The dark side of creating content on social media shown in this novel also reminded me why I took a step back from creating TikTok and Instagram posts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I liked the book even more after listening to this podcast from the wonderful Mara Eller<\/a>. The arguments she makes helped me appreciate the writing craft in this polarizing book = Yesteryear: Why Most Critism Misses The Point<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83c\udfadTheater<\/em><\/strong>:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\ud83c\udfadMurder for Two<\/strong> at The Phoenix Theatre Company<\/a> — My husband and I went on a double date to go see this play last month and we absolutely loved it. It\u2019s a murder mystery with two actors. One is the police detective and the second actor is 10 other quirky characters in a mansion. I laughed so hard that my sides hurt! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nOctober Reading Confessions:<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Books I added to my list:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nI Miss You When I Blink<\/em><\/strong> by Mary Laura Philpott<\/a> \u2014 It\u2019s a memoir written in essays with threads of perfectionism, identity, and the pressures of modern adulthood. I loved it just as much as Bomb Shelter<\/a> (her most recent book I read in August<\/a>). She has a way with story telling that just hits me and I can relate so well. I feel seen and deeply understood reading her books.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\nThe Printed Letter Bookshop<\/em><\/strong> by Katherine Ray<\/a> \u2014 This book felt like a breath of fresh air. It was in a small town centered around friendship and all the tropes I love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- The Unexpected Inheritance<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Handsome Outdoorsman<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Intergenerational Found Family<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Cozy Bookstore Setting<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Starting Over<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat\u2019s what books do, they are a conversation… and they introduce us to ourselves and others.\u201d<\/strong> – The Printed Letter Bookshop by Katherine Ray<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\ud83c\udfa5\ud83d\udcd6 My Jane Austen Fall<\/strong>:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\ud83c\udf7f\ud83c\udfa5Sense and Sensibility Movie<\/strong> \u2014 First, I would love to add subtitles to movies at the theater because I am a movie reader. But, anyway, my friend and I went and we loved it!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I really enjoy seeing George MacKay in a the role of Edward Ferrars. I liked his character in the Netflix Series: 11.22.63<\/strong> (based on the Stephen King novel about stopping the JFK assassination). The others I didn\u2019t know and I enjoyed seeing a movie with \u201cstrangers\u201d in the staring roles. The way the film was shot was very unique and added to the story telling. I also liked the emphasis on nature and costumes that felt real to the time period but not perfect. I am excited to watch it at home when its available.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
I have also had fun watching the other Jane Austen movies with my family (or alone with the dog and my favorite snacks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My daughter Lara and I decided that \ud83c\udfa5Pride & Prejudice<\/strong> (2005) is our most favorite even though that Mr. Darcy is not fully swoon worthy. \ud83d\ude1c<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I love having a theme that I sink in to for a season. I will continue to my watch list as the fall moves into winter. \ud83d\udc99<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\ud83d\udcdaThe Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion<\/strong> by Beth Brower<\/a> \u2014 these Late Victorian Era books have been so fun to read! I read the first book in one evening. It felt like a Netflix show that I couldn\u2019t stop watching. Each journal entry feels manageable and draws you in so you just keep turning pages. I would definitely recommend reading the printed copy so that you can see the capitalization and structure of her journal entries. There is a visual layer that I think the audiobook would lack. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As with anything from a different time period, I did have a few minutes of confusion adjusting to the language style and characters, but I quickly settled in. The list of characters (included at the beginning of Book 2) were super helpful to feel grounded in the story. Beth Brower<\/a> has a way of writing that keeps me reading till 1am. I spent this last weekend reading for several hours and it felt like a mini-vacation. Such a hilarious and joyful escape! I\u2019ve quickly read the first 5 books and will continue to finish the series into November.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s see\u2026 other confessions\u2026<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\ud83e\udee4\ud83e\udde9I didn\u2019t get any puzzles out yet. I pulled them down off the shelf and put them on the table, but they just sat there unopened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83c\udf72My favorite fall-themed meal that I have made so far is a Lasagna inspired soup. I found tiny meatballs at Aldi\u2019s and made an Italian noddle soup dish that my family loved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83c\udf73I haven\u2019t tried out muffin recipes yet, but I did make sour dough cinnamon rolls and an epic egg dish for a brunch that I hosted for our High School Leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udcd6 Tiny Habits<\/em><\/strong> by BJ Fogg<\/a> \u2014 Book Club is wrapping up! Niamh Celeste<\/a> and I recorded a podcast episode to finish our book conversation. It was so fun!! \ud83d\ude01<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udcd6The Happiness Crisis: How Adversity Can Build a Resilient and Joyful Next Generation<\/em><\/strong> by Jon (Jonathan) Eckert<\/a> \u2014 This book has been challenging and stretching me in the best ways. I am excited to talk with Jon and share his insights with you all. \ud83d\ude01<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nPlease share this post with a friend!\ud83d\ude01<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Share<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nPhoto by Paige Cody<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSo, how about you??<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019d love to hear what you’re reading!<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Leave a comment<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nI hope that sharing my messy lists with you here inspires you to dive into a book or watch a movie on your queue. (check out my library post for more<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Celebrate small wins no matter what your reading life or personal learning looks like in this season and have fun with it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udcd2\ud83c\udf42 Happy Reading \u2014<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n
\u2b50consider this next step =<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2733\ufe0fMy online course!<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s a calm, self-paced guide with tools to make a plan you feel good about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
- Finley Donovan is Killing<\/em><\/strong> It by Elle Cosimano \u2014 the premise of this book makes me laugh<\/li>\n\n\n\n