I love fall, y’all.
And today is the big day – fall 2022 has arrived! Here in the South, we’ve had an interesting taper to summer. August, usually the most miserable month due to oppressive temps and hair-curling humidity, was cooler than July. When September arrived, there was a beautiful chill in the mornings. Indeed, we’ve been blessed.
My house already looks like a pumpkin patch exploded everywhere. The first day of September is not only my parents’ wedding anniversary but when I happily string the fall garland and lights and deck out the downstairs with an aura of apples, pumpkins, maple and cinnamon spice. That in between process of summer ending and winter’s dormancy offers as much hope for rebirth as spring. I’m learning to take each season in as fully as possible for God has made everything beautiful in its time. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
(Photo I took at Panorama Orchards in Ellijay)
In October, my husband and I make our annual trip to Panorama Orchards in Ellijay, “Apple Capital of Georgia,” to feast on handmade fried apple pies and secure our purchases of apple cider, apple cider donuts, apple butter, pumpkin butter, sweet potato butter, fresh apples and other veggies. This year, I’m hoping that my parents are able to accompany us on our excursion to catch the leaf-peeping with us.
(Photo I took on the Georgia Mountain Parkway)
While I’m still waiting for the leaves to turn into their blazing glory of gold, red and amber, I’ve been busy brewing Harney and Sons Pumpkin Spice tea and indulging in apple cream cheese bundt cake in anticipation of fall’s arrival – an annual treat. It’s a little like waiting for Santa, or in this case, The Great Pumpkin!
(Photo of my cake – Click on the image to take you to the recipe!)
However, I’ve come across a personal dilemma on the reading front.
Skimming through my Kindle and my paperback and hardcover book libraries, I’ve been hard pressed to find autumn-themed romances. While I have located a few, most either take place at the seaside in the summer or are enchanting Christmas reads, complete with falling snow and wool caps.
As much as I love to read these types of stories, I’d love to find a good old-fashioned romance against a backdrop of college football, corn mazes and pumpkin patches. I’d even be interested in reading a historical romance or cozy mystery where the couple and leaves are falling!
What do you love about autumn? What autumn-themed reads do you love most?
If you have any suggestions for me, please comment below! I’d love to hear your suggestions. Connect with me on Goodreads and Bookbub to share favorite reads!
NOTE: I only read clean/sweet that can include contemporary romance, historical romance, cozy mysteries, women’s fiction, Southern fiction and romantic suspense.
Happy Fall, Y’all!
Sophie
Sophie Leigh Fox 