In the spirit of full disclosure, I have to admit that I am one of those basic girls who loves everything about Fall. However, my love of cooler weather, colorful leaves, and all things spicy began years ago so I am just now learning that I am part of an extensive and enthusiastic sisterhood. While some girls love pumpkin spice lattes and yoga pants, I’m more enamored by the coziness of being indoors once again. Lounging next to a roaring fire, under a comfy blanket with the drone of Sunday football in the background is one of the single greatest places to read any of these marvelous novels.

THE WORKING VS. STAY-AT-HOME MOTHER CHALLENGE

A Window Opens by Elisabeth Egan

In Elisabeth Egan’s polished and eloquent first novel, her highly relatable leading lady, Alice Pearse, thinks she has it all: a husband she adores, children who make her laugh every day and an easy part-time job working for a lively magazine. When her husband loses his composure and impulsively quits his job at a big shot law firm, Alice feels compelled to find full-time employment outside of the home. Her struggle to find balance between an innovative yet rigid new publishing company and being as present as she can be for her family create mind-numbing strain at times. Add a horrible health crisis with one of her parents and we find Alice desperately hanging on to her formerly happy life. Is Alice stuck in this infinite grind or can she make choices that lead to a more gratifying and harmonious life?

THE RELUCTANT INTERNET SENSATION MOM

Goddess of Suburbia by Stephanie Kepke

An overachieving PTA committee leader and exhausted mother of four active children finds herself the target of a paparazzi frenzy in her upper-middle class Long Island town. As a devoted people-pleaser, Max recorded a sex tape with her husband Nick for his private viewing when he’s away on business trips. However, a leak has caused the tape to become a viral sensation and has put Max and Nick’s marriage in jeopardy. To make matters more complicated, Max’s old high school flame, who shattered her heart and trust, has moved back into town. Amidst the turmoil that her spirited children are going through with their mother’s newfound celebrity and the massive stress on her once mundane life, can Max steer herself into a brighter, genuine future or is she destined to flounder under the scrutiny?

THE UNPREDICTABLE DYSTOPIAN

The Heart Goes Last by Margaret Atwood

This stunning new novel by Margaret Atwood veered around unexpected turns and kept me guessing until the end. We’re introduced to a timid married couple, Stan and Charmaine, who have taken residence in their cramped car after a world changing economic breakdown. Perpetual running from the pursuit of violent gang members and unstable wanderers who want their highly coveted car have driven the pair to a state of despair. After seeing an ad for a new community that seeks to create a social model that provides jobs, homes, and security, Stan and Charmaine jump at the chance to live this new normal life at any cost. However, what lies below the surface of this refuge is anything but safe. Does this unnerved couple have what it takes to survive in this spine-chilling new society?