Unboxing My Latest Book Haul (September 8)
Book Mail: A Roundup of the Book Mail I Received Last Week
It’s only the second week of September, but my book mail has already turned this crisp autumn week into something magical. The new book releases arrived like old friends knocking on the door, each one begging to be added to my ever-growing TBR pile. I can’t help but smile as I unwrap my book haul—so many book recommendations tucked inside those envelopes, and they all promise to be the best books of 2025. It’s the little things, really, that make my heart race: a cozy afternoon ahead with a stack of fresh books, each one a doorway to new worlds I can’t wait to explore.
Where to Buy These Books:
I want to note that I do not get paid to do these posts, I just love authors and the book industry. However, they do take time and energy to create. If you want to donate a few dollars to my coffee fund, which keeps this blog going, you can do so here: https://venmo.com/AshleyHasty or here: http://paypal.me/hastybooklist.
What I Wore:
In early September, with the sunlight still warm but the air hinting at change, wearing a white square neck top with green pleated shorts feels like the perfect main character outfit—fresh, confident, and effortlessly chic. Paired with your everyday gold hoop earrings and signature herringbone necklace, it’s main character fashion that blends personal style inspiration with fashion for self-expression. As you settle in with a fresh stack of book mail, discovering character-driven novels, books for self-discovery, and stories that inspire confidence, you can feel your main character mindset kicking in. This is main character aesthetic books and clothing in action—style that reflects your best self, paired with books that remind you of your own strength and possibility. In this moment, you’re not just reading—you’re living your main character life, one perfectly chosen outfit and one inspiring page at a time.
This Week’s Book Mail Includes:
The Pursued by Corey Mead - In The Pursued by Corey Mead, a woman’s years-long battle with a violent stalker takes an unexpected and chilling turn when the terrifying truth is uncovered in the last place anyone would have dared to look—right under the police's nose.
Sunday or the Highway by Cindy Fazzi - In Sunday or the Highway by Cindy Fazzi, bounty hunter Domingo faces a deadly twist when a seemingly simple case of helping a lovestruck heiress uncover the truth about her past turns into a high-stakes mission filled with unexpected dangers and dark secrets.
Danger No Problem by Cindy Fazzi - In Danger No Problem by Cindy Fazzi, bounty hunter Domingo is back on the trail of his most elusive target yet, Monica Reed, only to discover shocking secrets that force him to question everything he thought he knew about loyalty, justice, and his own heart.
The Man in the Stone Cottage by Stephanie Cowell - In The Man in the Stone Cottage by Stephanie Cowell, Charlotte Brontë uncovers a hidden secret about her sister Emily's life and love, challenging everything she thought she knew about her sister's world, as she grapples with the complexities of perception, loss, and the bonds of family.
Hurricane Heist by James Ponti - In Hurricane Heist by James Ponti, the Sherlock Society dives into a decades-old mystery when a hurricane uncovers a body tied to a famous heist, unraveling dangerous secrets that someone will go to great lengths to keep hidden.
Please Don't Lie by Christina Baker Kline and Anne Burt - In Please Don’t Lie by Christina Baker Kline and Anne Burt, a young woman seeking a fresh start in the Adirondacks soon realizes her isolated new life hides dark secrets—and escaping her past might lead her into even greater danger.
The Grave Artist by Jeffery Deaver and Isabella Maldonado - In The Grave Artist by Jeffery Deaver and Isabella Maldonado, Homeland Security agent Carmen Sanchez and security expert Jake Heron race against time to stop the twisted "Honeymoon Killer," whose horrifying obsession with grief has made them his next targets.
My Perfect Family by Khadijah VanBrakle - In My Perfect Family by Khadijah VanBrakle, sixteen-year-old Leena’s dream of a big family unravels when she discovers a Muslim grandfather and aunt she never knew, leading her into a web of secrets, generational conflict, and tough choices between loyalty and her own identity.
The Deep Well by Laura Creedle - In The Deep Well by Laura Creedle, April Fischer must confront the chilling secrets of her past and the cult obsessed with her fate, as she unravels the truth behind the massacre at the Copperton mine and the mysterious voice that told her to fly.
For the Rest of Us by Dahlia Adler - In For the Rest of Us edited by Dahlia Adler, fourteen acclaimed authors share heartfelt and diverse stories that celebrate the many ways holidays are observed, highlighting the richness of cultural traditions from Lunar New Year to Juneteenth and beyond.
By Invitation Only by Alexandra Brown Chang - In By Invitation Only by Alexandra Brown Chang, a hardworking teen and a nepo baby collide at the world’s most exclusive debutante ball in Paris, where ambition, rivalry, and unexpected alliances could change both of their lives forever.
Smoke in the Cypress by Owen Pataki - In Smoke in the Cypress by Owen Pataki, a wounded Napoleonic veteran is thrust into a web of political intrigue, danger, and resistance as he journeys to Louisiana to rescue a noblewoman and finds himself caught between the looming War of 1812, pirate alliances, and a fight for freedom in the swamps of New Orleans.
Leta Pearl's Love Biscuits by Arlon Jay Staggs - In Leta Pearl's Love Biscuits by Arlon Jay Staggs, a small-town teacher returns to her Alabama roots, where old wounds, a political campaign, and her mother’s mysterious love-laced biscuits stir up gossip, emotions, and long-hidden secrets.
The Macabre by Kosoko Jackson - In The Macabre by Kosoko Jackson, struggling artist Lewis Dixon is thrust into a globe-trotting adventure involving magical paintings, dark history, and a dangerous mission to destroy cursed art—while discovering his true power and battling his own demons along the way.
Play Nice by Rachel Harrison - In Play Nice by Rachel Harrison, a stylish influencer returns to her haunted childhood home, only to uncover dark, terrifying truths about her past and the sinister presence that may have always been lurking there.
Knife in the Back by Karen Rose - In Knife in the Back by Karen Rose, a woman framed for a crime she didn’t commit must confront her past and protect her son as a former cop turned investigator helps her fight back against the criminals who have tormented her—and uncover the truth that could change everything.
Asshole by Rob Tonkin - In Asshole by Rob Tonkin, the author takes readers through his tumultuous rise in California's 70s music industry, exploring how childhood trauma, a broken family, and a career built on survival shaped his journey toward redemption and self-realization.
The Ascent by Allison Buccola - In The Ascent by Allison Buccola, a woman haunted by her childhood in a mysterious cult must confront dark truths when a stranger claiming to have answers to her past shows up on her doorstep, threatening the fragile life she’s built.
Wilderness Mother by Deanna Barnhardt Kawatski - In Wilderness Mother by Deanna Barnhardt Kawatski, the author recounts her thirteen years of pioneering motherhood in the remote Ningunsaw Valley, building a life with her hermit husband while raising her children in the stunning isolation of Northern British Columbia, all while confronting personal and relational challenges in a way that resonates deeply in today’s world.
The Earl That Got Away by Diana Quincy - In The Earl That Got Away by Diana Quincy, a second-chance romance unfolds as Naila Darwish reunites with the man she once loved, now a wealthy and titled earl, and must navigate the lingering tension, regret, and undeniable chemistry between them in this steamy Persuasion retelling.
Good Night, Ninjas by Sanae Ishida - In Good Night, Ninjas by Sanae Ishida, Little Kunoichi the Ninja Girl and her pet rabbit resist bedtime with playful ninja antics, from sneaking treats to a pajama fashion show, before finally surrendering to sleep in this adorable, culturally enriched board book.
Bebe Ama a Abuelita Baby Loves Grandma by De La Vega Martinez - In Bebé Ama a Abuelita / Baby Loves Grandma, a heartwarming bilingual board book, babies and toddlers explore the special bond between grandmothers and their grandkids through playful moments, mealtime, and city adventures, all while celebrating diverse grandmas from various Latin American and U.S. backgrounds.
How the Hell Did I Not Know That? by Lucie Frost - In How the Hell Did I Not Know That? by Lucie Frost, a woman navigating the confusion of postretirement life embarks on a journey of curiosity and self-discovery, finding meaning in the small wonders of the world while tackling midlife stagnation with humor, trivia, and a touch of irreverence.
If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia - In If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia, a recently divorced woman struggling to run her late mother’s bed and breakfast in small-town Vermont finds herself drawn to her charming, pastry-making, single dad neighbor—despite her plans to leave in three months and pursue a new life in Seattle.
Pitcher Perfect by Tessa Bailey - In Pitcher Perfect by Tessa Bailey, a charming NHL rookie and a no-nonsense softball pitcher enter a fake-dating arrangement that turns into a sizzling enemies-to-lovers romance, leaving them questioning if their growing feelings are real or just part of the game.
Gabriela and his Grace by Liana De La Rosa - In Gabriela and His Grace by Liana De La Rosa, a scandalous alliance between a daring heiress and a destitute duke leads to a fiery romance that challenges their carefully laid plans and forces them to confront the truths they’ve been running from.
The Burial Place by Stig Abell - In The Burial Place by Stig Abell, former London detective Jake Jackson’s peaceful country life is upended when a long-buried mystery resurfaces during an archaeological dig, forcing him to confront the shadows of his past and unravel a chilling case.
Sweet Heat by Bolu Babalola - In Sweet Heat by Bolu Babalola, Kiki Banjo, a podcast host navigating career setbacks and a complicated love life, is forced to confront her fiery chemistry with her ex when they reunite as Maid of Honor and Best Man at a wedding, making her question if she's ready to risk her heart again.
The Emotions by Jean-Philippe Toussaint - In The Emotions by Jean-Philippe Toussaint, European Union analyst Jean Detrez grapples with the intersection of love, loss, and political upheaval as he reflects on the past and anticipates an uncertain future, all while questioning how much of his life and memory can truly be understood.
Forgotten by Raja Shehadeh and Penny Johnson - In Forgotten by Raja Shehadeh and Penny Johnson, the authors explore the forgotten memorials and neglected places of historic Palestine, delving into the complex history of memory, erasure, and the preservation of Palestinian heritage amid the ongoing conflict and the legacy of the Nakba.
People Watching by Hannah Bonam-Young - In People Watching by Hannah Bonam-Young, a small-town woman’s quiet, introverted life is upended by the arrival of Milo, a charismatic wanderer, who sparks an unexpected and passionate connection that challenges her to step out of her comfort zone and face her deepest fears.
A Rather Peculiar Poisoning by Chrystal Schleyer - In A Rather Peculiar Poisoning by Chrystal Schleyer, a tangled love triangle turns deadly when Wes, the man Eloise loves, is poisoned during a family celebration, leaving his twin brother Easton and other suspects scrambling for answers in a dark and atmospheric mystery filled with secrets and betrayal.
Lauryn Harper Falls Apart by Shauna Robinson - In Lauryn Harper Falls Apart by Shauna Robinson, a high-achieving woman’s meticulously planned life unravels when she’s sent back to her small hometown to help revive a struggling fall festival, forcing her to confront her past, her mistakes, and a second chance at love.
The Summer War by Naomi Novik - In The Summer War by Naomi Novik, a young witch must confront the consequences of a curse she accidentally cast on her brother, trapping him in a life without love, while navigating a centuries-old war to find a way to undo the spell and heal the fractured world around them.
Love Walked In by Sarah Chamberlain - In Love Walked In by Sarah Chamberlain, a bookshop revitalizer and a stubborn store owner clash over the future of a failing London bookstore, but as they work together, their growing connection could rewrite both their futures in ways neither expected.
Every Step She Takes by Alison Cochrun - In Every Step She Takes by Alison Cochrun, a woman seeking escape from her mundane life embarks on a transformative journey along Portugal’s Camino de Santiago, where a chance encounter with her seatmate Mal sparks both self-discovery and an unexpected romance.
From Language to Language by Souleymane Bachir Diagne - In From Language to Language, renowned Senegalese philosopher Souleymane Bachir Diagne explores the transformative power of translation as a tool for cultural exchange, bridging divides and fostering dialogue in the face of colonialism and linguistic inequality.
The Women of Artemis by Hannah Lynn - In The Women of Artemis by Hannah Lynn, the fierce and untold story of Otrera and the rise of the Amazons unfolds, as a young woman breaks free from abuse and leads a revolt that challenges the power of men and gods alike, forging a new world for women.
The Stranger in Room Six by Jane Corry - In The Stranger in Room Six by Jane Corry, a woman seeking a fresh start at a care home is drawn into a web of secrets and dark history, as a mysterious figure in room six watches closely, determined to uncover truths that could destroy them all.
The Ever King by LJ Andrews - In The Ever King by LJ Andrews, a vengeful, scarred king uses his enemy’s daughter as a pawn in a brutal quest for revenge, only to find his heart at risk as their dangerous game takes an unexpected turn.
The Trouble with Fairy Tales by Plum Johnson - In The Trouble with Fairy Tales, Plum Johnson reflects on the complexities of love, independence, and self-discovery, sharing the humorous and poignant journey of reinventing herself through the roles women often play, from daughter to mother, wife, and writer.
Scabmuggers by Yvonne Martinez - In Scabmuggers, Yvonne Martinez draws on her own experiences at Harvard’s Trade Union Program to reveal the deep divisions of racism and misogyny within the labor movement, exploring the struggles marginalized workers face in fighting for their rights and the possibility of uniting under a shared cause.
The Great Forgotten by K.L. Murphy - In The Great Forgotten, K.L. Murphy weaves a gripping tale of love, loss, and a forgotten tragedy, as a young woman in 1988 uncovers the intertwined lives of five men and the devastating impact of a 1918 train wreck that changed everything.
Only Way Out by Tod Goldberg - In Only Way Out by Tod Goldberg, a failed thief’s botched heist becomes a crooked cop’s chance at redemption, as a tangled web of deception, greed, and dangerous secrets leads to a thrilling, high-stakes collision where there’s only one way out—and it’s not what anyone expects.
Lit by Tim Sandlin - In Lit by Tim Sandlin, Kasey Cobb’s quiet life in a small Wyoming town is upended when he saves a drunken author from a book-burning mob, leading him into a whirlwind of eccentric characters, murder, and a quest for love that might just be his undoing.
