September 2022 Book Picks

It is inevitable. As soon as the calendar turns the page to September my heart belongs to Autumn. No, it is not really Autumn until the 22nd, but that doesn’t matter. At this point the shift to cooler mornings has begun and the edges of the trees are just beginning to change colors ensuring the mental seasonal shift has begun no matter what the calendar may say. Since then I have already enjoyed two homemade pumpkin spice lattes and you can find my recipe here. Additionally, two new cookbooks showed up this last week that I had ordered. Both are from Hoffman Media, and both were autumn-themed baking and cooking. In keeping with the season, I also began reading a new gothic Victorian novel. So, my September 2022 Book Picks are a bit of a mix of coffee table books and fiction.

September 2022 Book Picks

Mrs. England by Stacey Halls. With the moodier lighting of the days, I am always drawn to Victorian/gothic books. One of the big draws to this genre for me is the “show, don’t tell” me writing style that creates the tension-filled atmosphere and anticipation. When it comes to books a good setting is my preference. I like it when the author takes the time to create a mood as opposed to the fast-food approach to writing and jumping right into the story.

So, naturally, this title had an intriguing premise with the storyline of a governess, Ruby, who is engaged to look after the four children of a wealthy couple, Charles and Lilian England, at their lonely estate- a bit Bronte-ish sounding. As time goes on Ruby begins to realize things with this Edwardian family aren’t as they should be, especially with Mrs. England. But our narrator, Ruby, has her own mysteries she is holding from us that become apparent. And so, weaves the tale of two women and the secrets they are hiding in traditional English society.

Slow Cooker Everything from the editors of Taste of the South. This cooler weather cookbook focusing on crockpot recipes including a variety of recipes such as Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes, Southwestern Cornbread, and Bourbon Raisin Bread Pudding. I love my crockpot, so I was glad to find such a delightful-looking cookbook with such a variety of cooler weather-inspired recipes.

Fall Baking by Brook Bell. Fall Baking is just that with updated classic recipes such as pumpkin bread and apple cake. However, we see some newer and very yummy-looking recipes for things such as a giant pumpkin spice skillet cookie, caramel oatmeal cream pies, and pumpkin upside-down cake.