Hi friends! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet! If you’re new here, welcome to the party—I’m Flor, a millennial mom navigating life in New York City. Between juggling life as a first-time mama, working as a full-time content creator, and soaking in all those magical city vibes, I also make time for my first love… books.
Reading is my ultimate self-care, my escape from the swirling chaos of motherhood and city life, and honestly, I live for sharing book recommendations with you all. Which is exactly what we’re doing today! We’re at the 16th installment of my monthly book rec series (yes, that’s a total of 75 books I’ve recommended so far!).
With that, I’m bringing you five books that have recently stolen my heart, my sleep, and, occasionally, my laundry-folding time (no shame!). If you’re here for sassy rom-coms, heartfelt stories, or thrillers that’ll keep you up at night, you’re in the right place. I’ll be embedding the video below so you can hear my chat about these books, but if you’re a skimmer or a note-taker, I’ve got a full rundown written out for you too. Shall we get started?
Cue dramatic Netflix trailer voice Coming up next… five must-reads to cozy up with this fall.
1. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
Why you’ll love it: This book is basically a warm literary hug for anyone who lives and breathes books like I do.
Here’s the setup. A.J. Fikry runs a quaint little bookstore on a remote island. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of literature and a heart that feels… worn down. His life has been hard. His wife has died, his business is struggling, and even his prized possession (a rare collection of Edgar Allan Poe poems) has been stolen. But then, something unexpected swoops into his life, flipping it upside down and forcing him to open his heart again.
Y’all, this book got me in my feelings. It’s not just a story about books (though there are tons of literary Easter eggs you’ll love)—it’s about community, second chances, and healing. If you’ve read Zevin’s Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow (my favorite book of 2022), you’ll spot the same magical storytelling at play here.
Pro tip? Read the book first before watching the movie. That’s a hill I’ll die on.
2. The Girls Who Disappeared by Claire Douglas
Why you’ll love it: If you’re a mystery lover who thinks they’ve “seen it all,” Claire Douglas is here to prove you wrong.
This small-town thriller blew my mind in the best way. Years ago, a group of teenage girls gets into a car accident. One survives; three vanish without a trace. Now, a podcaster steps into town determined to crack the cold case. There are interviews, big secrets, and an investigation that spirals into jaw-dropping revelations.
I can’t tell you too much without spoiling it, but Douglas is so good at throwing in twists you’ll never see coming. If you devoured The Couple at No. 9 (another banger by her), this one somehow takes the suspense up a notch. It’s dark, it’s riveting, and it will make you side-eye everyone in your life. Just saying.
3. Seven Exes by Lucy Vine
Why you’ll love it: Sometimes, you just need a book that feels like sipping rosé with your besties.
Esther, our main character, stumbles upon a magazine article that claims one of your seven types of exes is the one. Intrigued, she goes full Sherlock Holmes and tracks down her past seven flames (yes, including the “overlap” and “the bastard,” lol). With her two hilarious and supportive best friends in tow, this quest leads to all the romantic mishaps you could ask for.
This book screams romcom, but with a fresh, modern vibe that feels tailor-made for anyone who’s been on a chaotic date at least once in their life (hello, us). It’s light, funny, and perfect for pulling you out of any reading slump. Plus, Esther is so relatable it hurts.
4. Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Why you’ll love it: Have you ever made a tiny decision and wondered how differently life might’ve turned out if you’d chosen the other option? This book dives into that “what if” territory in the most jaw-dropping way.
The story focuses on Hannah, who faces a seemingly small choice one night at a bar. Does she go home with her best friend? Or does she stay and reconnect with an old crush? The book splits into two timelines, following the entirely different lives that unfold based on her decision.
Taylor Jenkins Reid is a queen for a reason. I didn’t love this quite as much as The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (chef’s kiss), but it’s still packed with her trademark depth and emotion. It’s a thought-provoking read that might have you questioning your own «what ifs» by the time you finish.
5. The Marlow Murder Club by Robert Thorogood
Why you’ll love it: Imagine if Miss Marple and your quirky great-aunt teamed up to solve a murder. That’s the vibe here, and I’m obsessed.
Judith is a whip-smart, snarky 70-something who stumbles upon a murder one night while skinny-dipping (yes, iconic behavior). Despite objections from basically everyone, she grabs two unlikely partners—a vicar’s wife and a dog walker—to form the Marlow Murder Club and uncover what really happened.
It’s charming, the characters are wonderfully unconventional, and the mystery is layered enough to keep you guessing. Bonus? This is just the first book in a series. I’ve already started book two and I’m savoring every second. I need Netflix to adapt this ASAP.
What Are You Reading?
That’s a wrap on my five book picks for the month! Whether you’re craving a juicy rom-com, an unputdownable thriller, or a heartwarming literary escape, there’s a book here for you.
I’d love to hear from you in the comments (or over on my Instagram stories!). Are you planning to read any of these? Have you read anything amazing recently? I’m always in search of my next favorite, so share your recs below! Also, don’t forget to hit play on the embedded video above for the full scoop on these books (and some extra tips and side chats from me!).
Until next time, curl up with a good book (and maybe a pumpkin spice latte?) and enjoy!
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