Is there really a better season for books than fall? The chill in the air makes us all want to grab a cup of tea and curl up with an enticing read.
Fortunately, several great books hit the shelves this month, so we have plenty of options to choose from in terms of fresh literature. Here are five of the most highly-reviewed releases from October.
The Ragged Edge of Night by Olivia Hawker
Hawker's book takes an emotional ride through World War II Germany. A Franciscan friar is ripped from his school by the Nazis and relocated to another area, where he marries a widow. Both lives are forever changed by the havoc of war, and they must search for the light even in the darkest of times.
"Harrowing and yet life-affirming, told in the richest, most eloquent prose, The Ragged Edge of Night is one of the World War II novels that will stand out and be remembered.” - Rhys Bowen, New York Times bestselling author of The Tuscan Child
Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas
After more than ten years of planning and writing, the entire Throne of Glass series is now available for purchase. The hit young-adult series culminated with the seventh book, Kingdom of Ash, which just became available last week. If you haven't checked out this high-fantasy series full of magic, mystery, romance and incredible characters, grab all seven books and start binge-reading today.
“Sarah J. Maas turns a corner from sprawling epic to thrilling psychological fantasy... A worthy new chapter in the Throne of Glass saga.” - HuffPost
The Library Book by Susan Orlean
On April 28, 1986, a fire alarm went off in the Los Angeles Public Library, marking the beginning of a disastrous blaze that burned for more than seven hours. Thousands of books were consumed and hundreds of thousands were damaged. In an effort to revisit the fire's investigation, as well as what was lost, Orlean weaves a story that covers journalists' reports, testimonies from the staff, and of course, books.
“A sheer delight... Orlean has created a book as rich in insight and as varied as the treasures contained on the shelves in any local library.” - Chris Woodyard, USA Today
Every Breath by Nicholas Sparks
The best-selling romance author is back again, and this time, he's telling the story of Hope Anderson and Tru Walls. Hope has been dating her boyfriend for six years with no wedding plans in sight, and her father recently got diagnosed with ALS. She decides to use a week to revisit her family's cottage and prepare it for a sale while making difficult decisions about her future. Tru, on the other hand, is in the area investigating the strange mysteries of his mother, who passed away long ago. The two meet, and a tale of enduring hope and chemistry ensues.
"Sparks is known for crafting sweeping romances that make readers feel deeply and believe in the power of love... Sparks confirms his gifts... in this thoughtfully researched and spellbinding story of love that defies time, a tale both heartbreaking and heartwarming." - Booklist
Killing Commendatore by Haruki Murakami
From the acclaimed author of IQ84 comes the story of a thirty-something portrait painter in Tokyo. He's been abandoned by his wife, but when he finds a mysterious painting in his attic that he's never seen before, he opens the door to a series of strange events. Imaginative and stunning, this new novel will certainly surprise you.
“No ordinary trip; get ready for a wild ride.” - Entertainment Weekly
What did you read in October? Give us recommendations in the comments!