Arrowheads, it’s that beautiful time of year again! ❤

As a fall fanatic, last year, I compiled a list of my fall book recommendations from years past. For 2026, I’m adding a few more to my rec list that I’ve read within the past year.

If you missed 2025’s post, you can find it here. Now, let’s discuss the autumnal reads I’ve discovered over the past year.

Heirlooms and Homicide (Hearts Grove, #1) by Danielle Collins

If you’re in the mood for a cozy mystery with no language or spice, Heirlooms and Homicide has got you covered! The first book in Collins’s series follows a woman named Henrietta who owns an antique shop. She gets recruited by a friend to assist him with a case involving a missing girl and an antique puzzle box. While I’ve struggled to enjoy some cozy mysteries in the past, I found this one to be funny and the characters endearing. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series (hopefully soon!) and returning to Hearts Grove.

The Letter Tree by Rachel Fordham

Though I honestly can’t remember what season this book is set in, I read it last fall, and the cover screams fall, so it’s getting added to the list. XD

The Letter Tree is a clean historical romance novel set in 1920s Buffalo, New York that follows the adult children of rival shoe manufacturers as they (unknowingly) correspond via letters left in the hollow of a tree at the Buffalo Zoo. If you’re a fan of You’ve Got Mail and don’t mind books that feature a dash of Romeo and Juliet, add this to your fall TBR!

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

I know this gothic classic is on just about every fall book recommendation list ever made, but it’s for a dang good reason! This book follows an orphan named Jane as she grows up, deals with a toxic family system, goes to boarding school, and ends up as the governess for Thornfield Hall, an estate owned by Mr. Rochester. Strange things happen at Thornfield Hall, which makes for a spooky setting. Paired with the dynamics of Jane’s relationship with Mr. Rochester, the story has some psychological elements that’ll keep you turning pages. I found this to be a very accessible read, so if you’re looking for a classic to read this fall, give Jane Eyre a try! Though it’s chunky page-wise, please don’t be intimidated by it.

Shady Hollow by Juneau Black

If you’ve watched BookTube over the past few years, I’m sure you’ve seen this book recommended a time or two. I was convinced to try this cozy mystery based on the hype, and I’m so glad I did! Shady Hollow follows woodland creatures who live in the small town of Shady Hollow as they try to solve the murder of a grumpy toad. If you’re in the mood for a book that screams COZY, go ahead and grab yourself a coffee and a blanket and settle down for this short read. I cannot wait to continue this series!

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

I was gifted the And Then There Were None and Other Classic Mysteries bind up from Barnes & Noble last Christmas by my parents and I’m currently making my way through the second featured book, Crooked House. While I can’t determine if it’ll end up on my fall book recs post for next year yet (though there’s a strong possibility!), I finished And Then There Were None recently. This was my first book from Agatha Christie and I instantly became a fan of her writing! Christie’s most famous standalone mystery sets the standard for the locked room trope within the mystery/thriller genre and will keep you on the edge of your seat. I was nervous about picking up this classic, but found the writing style to be accessible and engaging from start to finish.

Content warning: While there is no spice in this book, strong language is used sporadically, including God’s name in vain at least once.

On the Flip Side by Allyson Kennedy (AKA, Yours Truly!)

Last month, I published a new standalone contemporary Christian YA novel that features mild suspense elements. Following dual POVs from twin sisters as one navigates a relationship with a dangerous narcissist and the other is praying for God to intervene, On the Flip Side starts off in November and ends on Christmas Day. While there are a few autumnal references, like celebrating Thanksgiving, throughout the book, I’m mainly recommending it for the suspense aspect. If you’re a teen who loves gritty books that feature secrets and family drama all while staying clean and wholesome, I’d be honored if you checked this out. 🙂

Talk to Me, Arrowheads!

Have you read any of these books? What are some recent autumnal reads that you’d like to recommend? Please share them in the comments!

Aim high, stay strong, and always hit your mark.

-Allyson 😀