Happy October 1st! I’m so ready for cozy nights by the fireplace with my book and knitted blanket. Fall didn’t hold back here this year. We went straight into the cooler temps, which is amazing! The leaves are changing, the nights are getting darker, and all I want to do in the evenings is relax and read. Thank goodness for the book club! 😊
I absolutely loved September Bookclub. It was so fun when I’d get messages about the books, and I’m so happy you enjoyed them as much as I did. Honestly, every book in the September club was incredibly hard to put down! I’m lucky that Kyle likes to read as much as I do because we spend our evenings reading together on the back patio, and we even went on a weekend getaway just to sit by the fire and read. With all the crap on T.V. nowadays, a book is the perfect escape.
Don’t forget to enter this month’s giveaway! 
I wanted to keep the books a bit spookier this time because it’s October! I only chose three books for this month’s list because it’s a busy month for me and I know adding another book will put me behind on projects. If you’re looking for a fourth book, maybe try some of my recent favorites! Or if you missed any of September’s books, check those out!
some recent favorites:
The Delima
Where The Crawdad’s Sing
Someone We Know
The Great Alone
The Invention of Wing
October Book Club Picks Are:
The Good Demon: It wasn’t technically an exorcism, what they did to Clare. When the reverend and his son ripped her demon from her, they called it a “deliverance.” But they didn’t understand that Clare and her demon—known simply as Her—were like sisters. She comforted Clare, made her feel brave, helped to ease her loneliness. They were each other’s Only.
Now, Clare’s only comforts are the three clues that She left behind:
Be nice to him
June 20
Remember the storiesClare will do anything to get Her back, even if it means teaming up with the reverend’s son and scouring every inch of her small, Southern town for answers. But if she sacrifices everything to bring back her demon, what will be left of Clare?
The Sun Down Motel: Something hasn’t been right at the roadside Sun Down Motel for a very long time, and Carly Kirk is about to find out why in this chilling new novel from the New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of The Broken Girls.
Upstate New York, 1982. Viv Delaney wants to move to New York City, and to help pay for it she takes a job as the night clerk at the Sun Down Motel in Fell, New York. But something isnʼt right at the motel, something haunting and scary.
Upstate New York, 2017. Carly Kirk has never been able to let go of the story of her aunt Viv, who mysteriously disappeared from the Sun Down before she was born. She decides to move to Fell and visit the motel, where she quickly learns that nothing has changed since 1982. And she soon finds herself ensnared in the same mysteries that claimed her aunt.
The Heretic’s Daughter: Salem, 1752. Sarah Carrier Chapman, weak with infirmity, writes a letter to her granddaughter that reveals the secret she has closely guarded for six decades: how she survived the Salem Witch Trials when her mother did not.
Sarah’s story begins more than a year before the trials when she and her family arrive in a New England community already gripped by superstition and fear. As they witness neighbor pitted against neighbor, friend against friend, the hysteria escalates — until more than two hundred men, women, and children have been swept into prison. Among them is Sarah’s mother, Martha Carrier. In an attempt to protect her children, Martha asks Sarah to commit an act of heresy — a lie that will most surely condemn Martha even as it will save her daughter.
This is the story of Martha’s courageous defiance and ultimate death, as told by the daughter who survived.
I’m so excited to get started on these books! I think that I’ll start with The Heretic’s Daughter first! I’ve been fascinated by the Salem witch trials lately, so I think this will be an excellent place to start.
GIVEAWAY
I want to include a giveaway for the book club as well. I think reading is absolutely perfect paired with coffee, so I want to do a $30 ($75 for the Instagram winner) Dunkin giveaway for 3 lucky book club members! Now that the Fall treats are out, you can get cozy and start diving into this week’s books with everything pumpkin spice!
To enter, answer one of the following questions below in the comments! There will also be a winner selected from the Instagram Giveaway, so enter there as well 💜 Winners will be chosen on Friday, October 9th! ♥️
Questions for you!
- Did you read any of the September Book Club Picks?
- Which October Book Club book are you going to read?
- Where is your favorite place to read?
Oooooo girl yaaaaasss 🙌🙌 I haven’t heard of any of these before! I think I’m going to start with Sun Down Motel… it’s giving me Bates Motel Vibes and I loved the show.. next would be the Heretic’s daughter.. love stories about the Salem Witch Trials!
SAME!!!
Hi Taralynn! I know you said you enjoyed all the September books but do you have one that stuck out as a favorite?? I read the Guest List and I thought it was pretty good! I am just getting The Institute (a Stephen King novel) so that will be a scary book for me this month. Then I’ll probably jump into the Sun Down Motel one.
It’s SO SO SO hard to choose which one I liked the best. I thought about that after finishing up the last book and they are so different and unique that it’s hard to pick. I think American Dirt was really really really deep and a good read, but ahhhh I really cannot pick!!!
I love this! I read the Guest List in September and also have One to Watch on my TBR list. I have been meaning to read the Sundown Motel for so long so I’ll try to read that one in October and maybe The Good Demon. Love spooky books for Halloween! I hope you enjoy!
Can’t go wrong with the spooky books in October!
Ooooo the sun down motel looks like my choice!!
I hear it’s a good one!!
My favorite place to read is on my balcony in the morning because I get to listen to birds and stare at palm trees 🙂
um perfection
Did you read any of the September Book Club Picks? Yes!
Which October Book Club book are you going to read? The sun down motel
Where is your favorite place to read? Love reading on my porch when the weather is nice 🙂
Nothing beats a book on the porch with good weather!!
I plan on reading the Good Demon. I have already read the Heretics Daughter I really enjoyed it and hope you do too
Already loving it!!
My favorite place to read is in my Comfy chair in my bedroom. My feet on the bed and nice cup of coffee or hot chocolate on my side table. Sometimes I grab a blanket and read outside. But my number 1 place is my comfy Chair. Also just started reading Sun Down Motel!
All of these sound phenomenal! I JUST picked up Sun Down Motel, and will definitely have to check out the other 2 as well. 🙂
I’m planning on reading the Sun Down Motel! It’s been on my list for a while, and I love reading spookier material once we get into October.
Oh my gosh, all these books sound amazing! I’ve been busy with school, so I didn’t know you started a bookclub! 🙈
My favorite place to read is on a comfy seat, near a window or if it’s nice outside, I’ll read in the yard or in the sky chair.
Thank you for starting this! Will there be a place for all previous books read in your bookclub? Or should I just search for the previous months?
I love reading outside on my patio with a good latte and a big comfy sweater!!
I love the spooky reading theme for October; I already busted out my Halloween decorations!!!! I am definitely going to read The Sun Down Motel. Thank you for the recommendation, I hadn’t heard of it before!
I loved the sundown motel and am so excited about the other two! I loved the Lucy foley book last month too. 🥰📚
These all look good! Nice thriller choices Taralynn.
My FAVORITE place to read has a bunch of elements- I am reclining on my couch, pup at my feet, pandora is playing classical or piano music and there’s an open window with a beautiful scene of the current season and a cool breeze, as incense burns in the morning and I sip my coffee. I can read like that for HOURS some days!
Kicked off October with a 3.5 mile walk in the fallen golden and orange leaves with my pup and hoping to get into a bath tonight. Still working on getting restful sleep at night- I think cutting alcohol out at night might be important because I have noticed I have not slept well at all this week with evening drinks 🙁 I’m really hoping to get myself feeling healthy and energized this month. I’ve got a stack of books picked out for our romantic mountain getaway near home this weekend!
I will definitely be reading The Heretic’s Daughter this month! It sounds like a gripping story and I am also fascinated about the Salem Witch Trials. The Good Demon also sounds intriguing. Can’t wait to get my hands on these and cuddle up in a warm blanket by the window 🙂
I love to read on my porch swing, especially with wine or coffee. I’m going to check out all three reads, thanks!
All of your September book club reads are on my library hold list. Libraries just reopened here in the last couple of months, so hopefully I can start getting books more quickly. I have read The Sundown Motel – it’s not the type of book I would normally pick out, but I loved it!
I prefer to read in bed. It’s how I relax for sleep!
The sun down motel will probably be the book I would read because is the one that sounds the least scary 😂 and my favorite spot to read is in my room because I am less likely to get distracted there:)
Oh, gosh, I absolutely LOVE these picks! I am actually a published author but haven’t put anything out in a while because I’ve been working on a tale about a cabin in the woods that I just can’t seem to finish…I am hoping these (and everything else about spooky season!) will give me the inspiration I need!
Did you read any of the September Book Club Picks?- no but I am on hold at the library for The Guest List and Eliza Starts a Rumor! 🙂
Which October Book Club book are you going to read?- The Heretic’s Daughter. The Salem Witch Trials are fascinating!
Where is your favorite place to read? On my deck, especially with the beautiful fall weather on the east coast.
I read the Guest List and LOVED it!! I also recently finished the Great Alone – amazing book! I usually end up reading in my big, brown, leather chair. It’s like a big hug 🙂
The Great Alone was so good
I read Eliza Starts a Rumor and I was not prepared for the ending, it was so so good! For October I’m going to read The Sun Down Motel and I’m so excited to start it. I like to read in the backyard on our little patio when it’s nice outside 🙂
RIGHT? I was not expecting it either!!!
i read American Dirt and loved it!
So good!
I read The Guest List and American Dirt from last month and they were soooo good! I also read Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi and Where the Crawdads Sing.
I can’t wait to pick up all 3 of these though, I love Simone St. James. and my reading spot is on the back deck with my dog. He loves the extra ear scratches while I’m reading!
So many great books you read!!!!
The Sun Down Motel looks so good! Can’t wait to read it. 🙂
I read American Dirt and loved it!! Still waiting on The Guest List from the library. All of these October books sounds great, definitely want to read the Heretic’s Daughter
I didn’t get a chance to read any of the September books, but I am excited to read The Sun Down Motel! Now that it’s fall and the temps outside are beautiful, I love finding a cozy place outside to read!
My favorite place to read is on my sofa/recliner at home. 😁
I can’t blame ya!
My favorite place to read is, hands down, our front porch in the mornings while the sun is in it’s first golden hour. The way it hits the grass on the empty lot diagonally across from our house makes it light up in such a beautifully unique way. It’s cozy, gorgeous, comfortable, and home 💕
That sounds gorgeous, and so perfect in Iowa!!!
Happy October! I read Where the Crawdads Sing. I devoured it in 2 days and absolutely loved it! Next, I want to read The Heretics Daughter.
Wasn’t that so good!!
Wow all great choices, going to order them from my library stat!
YAY!
1. I read Eliza Starts a Rumor because that was the only one I could get my hands on, the other ones I’m still on a waiting list at the library for. I really liked it!
2. I think I’m going to try to read The Sun Down Motel, it looks suspenseful!
3. I like to read snuggled up on my couch with my pup and a cozy blanket!
I’m happy you liked that one! I was not expected such a tear jerking ending.
Love when pups join in for reading!
Woohoo, October picks! In September I read The Guest List and was obsessed. I’ve already read the Sun Down Motel, which was something I read over quarantine earlier this year and I really loved it. So I think I will start with The Heretic’s Daughter! I’m also intrigued about the Salem Witch Trials so I am pumped to start with this 🙂 I recently bought a canopy swing for the backyard so that has been my new favorite spot to read! I hope you have a great week! -Kelsey
I love reading at the park!
I need to do that more!!
I love reading outside when it’s nice out. Wintertime has to be on the coach under at least 3 blankets!
Hahaha same! and heated blankets!!
1. Yes! I’m reading The One to Watch, American Dirt is up next and I’m STILL on waitlists for Eliza Starts a Rumor and The Guest List!
2. The Sun Down Motel definitely intrigues me! I love books with dual timelines.
3. My favorite place to read .. probably my patio in the morning with COFFEE .. or late at night under the covers!
I live in Florida and there’s a secluded little patch of beach near my house I can walk to that is always deserted. It’s my favorite place to sit and read and reflect. Excited for another month of books to dive into.
That sounds amazing
I love reading outside on my back patio! And I plan to read the Heretic’s Daughter.
Started that one last night!
I’m so excited for some good books to get into the spirit of October! I (accidentally) just read a Christmas book and now I’m completely in the wrong mood 😂
I read American Dirt and One to Watch. American Dirt is probably one of my favorite books… so powerful!
I’ll also be starting with The Heretics Daughter!
Thanks for the recs & happy reading!!
I agree with you!!! I loved The One to Watch as well.
I absolutely love to read outside! There is something so peaceful and calming about it. Definitely the best way to start the day!
Me too!
Sun Down Motel for sure!! I read the broken girls it was bomb!!
That’s what I hear!
Where is your favorite place to read?
On my back deck with coffee in hand! Its my happy place
the perfect spot!
Hello, fall weather is here in PA as well! To answer question #3, my favorite place to read is outside by our creek or cozied up on our couch.
Such a perfect time of year to read outside !
So excited for this months reads! I didn’t end up reading any of the books from last month, but I did read a few others and have been listening to “Where the Crawdads Sing” and I get the hype! I just bought The Sundown Motel in my Book of the Month box and it shipped out today! I can’t wait to read it! My favorite place to read is in my hammock in the back yard, or snuggled up on the corner of our couch.
YAY!
Where the Crawdads Sing is SOOOOO GOOOOD!!!
I haven’t read any of these books (or heard of any of them), but I’m really excited to check out The Heretic’s Daughter. I love stories about the Salem witch trials and I’m excited to read it this October!!
Me too!!
I am always about reading new books. I normally only read psychological thrillers, so I am most definitely starting with The good Demon. They all sound fantastic to read and will make October more enjoyable! My favorite place to read is outside on my patio in a rocking chair or my sky chair depending on my mood, with a boiling hot cup of coffee or pot of tea!
Hi, Melissa!
That was the only genre I would read, but I’m finally getting into more!
Sounds like a cozy spot to read with tea!!
When will you be discussing/reviewing September book club?
Hi, I did little roundup of my thoughts on the September post.
I read The Guest List and absolutely loved it! The way you knew something went horribly wrong, but not what until close to the end! The Good Demon sounds SO fascinating so I’d love to read that one! Also my favorite place to read is under the market lights on my patio. Now that it’s getting chilly I’ll have to grab a blanket so I can read out there as long as possible!
Sounds like the coziest spot!!!
and the Guest List had my stomach in knots the whole time!!
The Heretic’s Daughter sounds like a great read for October! Thanks for the suggestions!
I can’t wait to read that one!
my favorite place to read is in the tub. i rarely take bubble baths but when i do i love to bring a book with me.
Yes! Same! They make it even more relaxing.
1.Did you read any of the September Book Club Picks? Yes American Dirt!
2.Which October Book Club book are you going to read? The Heretic’s Daughter
3.Where is your favorite place to read? Snuggled up in my hammock with a blanket
So relaxing!
Glad you read AD!
I missed out in September but I’m totally getting into this round in October! Starting with Bates Motel! I love reading outside on my porch or in the bathtub!
The porch is the best!
Definitely The Heretic’s Daughter! Salem is one of my favorite places and I’ve always been interested in the witch trials.
I want to go there!
These are all great picks! I definitely want to read The Sun Down Motel first! I’ve been looking for a good thriller to read this month and this one sounds intriguing. My favorite place to read is on our living room couch 🙂
My friend, Caitlin, LOVED that book! That’s why I added it. I can’t wait to read it.
My favorite place to read is in bed! I usually read for a bit before going to sleep and it’s a comfort thing for me at this point because I’ve been doing it since I was a kid 🙂
It always helps me fall asleep!
I haven’t read any of the September picks yet but The Guest List is at the top of my list as soon as I can find it at the GoodWill Bookstore! Where The Crawdads Sing and the Great Alone are both fantastic though. I’d also recommend The Silent Patient if you haven’t checked that one out yet! Loving the book club though, so I know what to add to my growing list 🙂
I read the Sun Down Motel after seeing it in one of your blog posts! It is such a good book! I’ve read the great alone, too! I look forward to reading more of your picks, you do a great job!
I read in my newly renovated bedroom. I always wanted a cozy nook to spend hours reading, so I built it myself! Despite the massive controversy around American Dirt, I still loved it! I would love to discuss these books with other people- Do you have zoom meetings or a different avenue for the discussion around your picks? I would love to hear what other people’s thoughts are!
Did you read any of the September Book Club Picks?
I didn’t get a chance to read any of the September book club picks because none of them were in my local library! I put a hold on each of them though so will read when they come around! Instead, I read The Silent Patient and Into the Water.
Which October Book Club book are you going to read?
I’m excited to read The Heretic’s Daughter! I normally don’t like historical fiction, but I’ve been really into the witch trials lately and the idea that the witch trials were just ways to punish our most early feminists.
Where is your favorite place to read?
My favorite place to read is definitely my front porch! If it’s bad weather I like to read in the chair by my front window.
I read The Good Demon start to finish in one sitting. Just ordered the other two book picks for this month. SO GOOD and cant wait for more spooky stories!
I am brand new to your Book Club so I will have to go back and see your previous picks. I actually just finished Sun Down Motel not too long ago and really enjoyed it. Perfect pick for this time of year!
My favorite place to read is EVERYWHERE. I always have a book on me. I like to get extra time reading if I’m waiting in my car or at an appointment.
I’m going to read The Sun Down Motel for this month.