I'm just about done with this novel. Although it deals with a dark time, it tells a hopeful, empowering story about how we can help each other through hardships. Compestine lives in California, but she grew up in Wuhan, which makes the tale feel especially authentic.

2. The Boy Who Cried Bear by Kelley Armstrong—In this second installment in the Haven's Rock series, Casey and Eric have accepted a family into their hidden Yukon town for the first time. No one is used to having kids in their midst, so when 10-year-old Max claims to see a strange bear-man prowling the woods, no one takes him very seriously. Then, the boy disappears. As Casey and Eric comb the forest for the child, they come across ominous clues that indicate a killer is in their midst. While they search frantically for answers, they face another unexpected challenge: Casey is pregnant. Can the two of them find Max before it's too late? Are they ready to be parents when they can't even keep track of one small boy? What does a baby mean for their future and that of their town?

Haven's Rock is a spinoff series of Armstrong's popular Rockton series. I've loved all the books, especially on audio, so I'm enjoying this one in that format as well. Thérèse Plummer is an excellent narrator. She performs Casey and Eric so well!

3. Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris by Paul Gallico—I've heard good things about this heartwarming novel and it fits a reading challenge prompt I need to check off, so I'll be reading it soon. It's about a humble English charwoman who falls in love—with a sumptuous Dior dress. Finding the elegant garment sets her on a quest that has her saving every pound she makes until she's got enough to go on a life-changing journey to Paris, where she changes her life and those of plenty others along the way. Sounds like a delightful read!

4. Dead Tired by Kat Ailes—The Expectant Detectives kept me royally entertained, so I'm excited to read this sequel. It's about a group of pregnant women who meet at a class for expectant mothers and, unexpectedly, became amateur sleuths who successfully solve a murder together. One year later, the moms are exhausted, desperate for some much-needed rest. An eco-protest provides a convenient escape, but when one of their fellow protesters is killed, the sleepy parents find themselves channeling their inner Nancy Drews once again...

5. A Cruel Light by Cindy MacMillan—When a young woman is brutally murdered, it rocks her small town to its core. Just when memories of the slaying are starting to fade, an eerie painting of the victim is discovered during the renovation of the local parsonage. An art expert is hired to clean the portrait while a local detective hunts for clues in its depths. The pair soon realize that the killer will do whatever it takes to cover their tracks. Can they find answers before they become murder victims themselves?

6. All Better Now by Neal Shusterman—This YA thriller concerns a virus that is running rampant. Although it starts with a fever, its long-term effects include personal peace, contentment, and happiness. Not everyone is thrilled with these results, especially those who make big money off people with depression, stress, and worry. Soon, they are trying to convince the populace that too much happiness is not a good thing. Two teens who are confused by the mixed messages determine to find the truth behind the virus and its effects. Can an overabundance of happiness in the world truly be a bad thing?

7. The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose—I loved both The Maid and The Mystery Guest, so I'm all in for this holiday-themed Maid novella. Molly Gray has always loved Christmas. She's looking forward to celebrating the special season with her beloved boyfriend, Juan Manuel. When a gift exchange at the Regency Grand Hotel goes wrong, however, it leaves her questioning the people she thought loved her most. Molly has always had trouble reading people and knowing whom to trust. Has she made a critical mistake once again?

8. Homeless Bird by Gloria Whalen—This National Book Award winning YA novel sounds interesting. I'm not sure exactly when it takes place, but it's about a 13-year-old girl who's being married off by her parents. When she realizes they've been horribly deceived about the situation, the brave young woman vows to take charge of her own future. 

9. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens—I read or listen to this holiday classic every year to get me into the Christmas spirit. The audiobook narrated by Tim Curry has become my go-to version lately. It's fantastic!

10. Gone to Hot Pot by Vivien Chien—Thanks to a reading challenge prompt (what else?), I need to read a book sold only in digital format. This novella, #9.5 in one of my favorite cozy mystery series, fits the bill. Lana Lee, the main character and usual narrator in the Noodle Shop Mystery books, is away at a restaurant convention. Megan, Lana's roommate, is left in charge of her dog, Kikkoman. When Megan decides to drop by Asia Village with the pup in tow, she never dreams the pooch will run away and become hopelessly lost. Even with everyone in the community helping, Kikko is nowhere to be found. Where in the world is Lana's beloved pet and can they find him before she returns?  

There you are, ten more books that I'm eager to enjoy this Fall. Have you read any of them? What's on your Fall TBR list? And what titles have you read or avoided because of hype? I'd love to know. Leave me a comment on this post and I will gladly return the favor on your blog. I also reply to comments left here.