September was by far the month in which I read the fewest books, even though it didn’t feel that way to me. I’m definitely getting into fall-themed reading with mysteries and books featuring witches. But as always, I try to review a variety of genres to keep it interesting. I hope you find a book review below that catches your interest.

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Excellent (4.5 – 5 Stars)

The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion Vol. 3

Published Date: August 2020

Genre: Historical Fiction

How I Read: Audio

I’m not going to go into detail because you need to start with Emma’s first journal (see August’s reviews). As a warning, the first journal is boring! You must keep going; it gets better and better. I can’t wait to continue this series – there are 8 books but they are super short.

The House Witch

Published Date: June 2022

Genre: Fantasy

How I Read: Audio

A completely delightful and funny read. This is the first in a trilogy. I plan on reading the next two books when I need a guaranteed reading win.

Finlay is a male witch whose powers center around the house. He has just been hired as the head cook for the King of Daxaria and is trying to keep the fact that he is a witch secret, but it’s proving to be harder than he thought.

The staff is irritated by him but his delicious food and standing up for those in lesser positions gain him a group of allies who have his back.

A war is on the horizon and when the king finds out who Finlay’s father is, the king might try to use him to his advantage. There is spying, a little romance (no spice), a cat’s pov, a royal mage, and a lot of magic.

Great (4 Stars)

A Death in Door County

Published Date: September 2022

Genre: Mystery

How I Read: Paper

I really enjoyed this mystery. It is not scary (which I appreciate) and I didn’t guess the ending for a long time, certainly not all the details. Written by a local author, it is fun to read a story that takes place in Door County.

Morgan is hired as a cryptozoologist by the police chief of Washington Island to help solve some mysterious deaths. Is there an undiscovered animal hiding in the water or is there another explanation for bite marks and crushed bodies?

The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau

Published Date: June 2025

Genre: Historical Fiction

How I Read: Paper

In this dual timeline historical fiction, Colette is a girl from a family descended from Robin Hood. Currently, her mother is stealing from the Germans in Paris to fund the French Resistance to help Jews relocate. Now it is Colette’s turn to learn the thieving ways but when her mom gets emotional over a take and gets caught, life changes forever.

Colette will spend the rest of her life searching for answers to what happened to her younger sister the night her mother was arrested by the Germans.

It’s a mystery of missing jewels, missing people, and secrets. Everything is solved in the end and is wrapped up tidily (almost too much for me – I don’t like when everything is completely unbelievable). This interesting WWII story is one I could put down and pick back up later; it’s not too graphic or haunting. The jewelry part was a fun addition.

Good (3.5 Stars)

I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen

Published Date: August 2025

Genre: Self-Help

How I Read: Audio

I enjoy following the author (@naptimekitchen) on Instagram. The book is filled with anecdotes from her life, which were fun to read. The advice was nothing groundbreaking. I think we are all guilty of falling into comparison traps at times, especially with the rise of social media.

The chapter about her husband and how your husband can’t be everything is one of the best. He can’t be the most reliable, Type A planner as well as a super spontaneous guy.

The book had good reminders; it was a fast read, but I could do with zero religious references (there aren’t too many). Overall, it didn’t really do anything for me.

A Curse Carved in Bone

Published Date: May 2025

Genre: Fantasy

How I Read: Paper

I felt book two did not match book one. The first book was so much better in my opinion. In this one, it took a long time to get to the action and the twist was weird to me.

Freya wants to alter her fate so she goes to see Bjorn’s mother (a seeker) for answers. Freya has not forgiven Bjorn for his lies.

There is a lot of death, fighting, gods, and magic as secrets are revealed and the story goes on. Will she be able to change her fate or will she be the ruination of them all?

Forever and Back

Published Date: April 2025

Genre: Romance

How I Read: Kindle

This story felt extremely immature. The married couple doesn’t communicate and makes incredibly rash decisions. Plus, secret keeping from spouses is a red flag – not a turn on! I know this book was meant to be relatable (burnt out, underappreciated mom) but it wasn’t.

June is a stay-at-home mom to a teen girl about to graduate and young twin sons who drive their teacher up the wall. Her husband, Camp, is the town hero. An almost pro baseball player, he is now the athletic director and baseball coach – adored by all but he is never home.

June is drowning and has had enough. She is going to get a divorce and get a job within the realm of photography – a passion she hasn’t touched since college. Camp is blindsided and is not going to let her go that easily, especially not with his rival back in town. If you need a predictable, cheesy read this could work.

Want to check out more of my favorite books? Take a look at my August Book Reviews and Ratings!