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Hi.

Welcome to This Awful/Awesome Life! My name is Frances Joyce. I am the publisher and editor of this magazine. We'll be exploring different topics each month to inform, entertain and inspire you. Meet new authors, sharpen your brain and pick up a few tips on life, love, entertaining and business. Enjoy and please share!

October 2026 Reading Recommendations for Adults by Fran Joyce

There’s a nip in the morning air and your neighbors have their pumpkins and hay bales on their front porches. It’s time to take down that “Hello Summer” sign and get serious about what’s coming.

Settle into fall watch the leaves turn colors, sip on pumpkin spice lattes, seasonal teas, or the coffee flavor of the month.

We’re discussing women’s healthcare this month, but stress is a problem faced by all genders. Reading is a wonderful way to destress and keep our minds active. Get a jump start on destressing before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season runs you ragged. Find a cozy spot; make your favorite warm beverage and grab a good book.

We’ve selected ten books ranging from cozy fall romances to Halloween classics and a few new releases. We didn’t forget the fall cookbooks. Enjoy!

Dracula by Bram Stoker – During James Harker’s business trip to Count Dracula’s castle in Transylvania, three phantom women attack him, and the young attorney witnesses his client transform from his human form into a bat. Harker flees the castle after noticing two puncture marks on his neck resembling teeth marks. After returning home, one of Harker’s close friends experiences sleepwalking and unexplained blood loss after suffering the same mysterious puncture wounds on his neck triggering a terrifying hunt for vampires.

The October Country by Ray Bradbury – Nineteen haunting tales of dark fantasy and horror.

Witches with Benefits (A Nightshade Detective Agency Cozy Mystery) by Amanda Lee – The French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana is in danger. Freya, the vampire-witch hybrid owner of the Nightshade Detective Agency must learn to work with or at least work around a shape-shifting bounty hunter and a mysterious foundation to save her beloved neighborhood.

If It Makes You Happy: A Cozy Fall Romance by Julie Olivia – Recently divorced Michelle steps in to take over the family Bed and Breakfast after her mom passes away. She’s only supposed to stay until her younger sister finishes art school and comes back to preserve their mother’s dream. Michelle has other priorities like securing a promotion back in Seattle. She doesn’t care about making edible scones or charming her guests. Michelle is content to do the bare minimum. Unfortunately, Cliff, aka Mr. Perfect, baker/single dad next door isn’t a fan of her methods. Michelle isn’t Cliff’s biggest fan either, but his muscular flannel clad physique, delicious pastries, and adorable daughter are growing on her. What’s a girl to do?

Salem’s Fall by Rektok Ross – After James makes a costly misstep handling her first case for an elite criminal defense firm in Boston, she’s gets one more chance. She must defend billionaire Damien Blackhollow who is accused of murdering his fiancée. The more time she spends with her client, the more she wants him to be innocent. Her investigation leads to a small town where she uncovers horrifying secrets about his family and their connection with a murderous secret society. Is Damien a monster or the man of her dreams?

The Graham Effect by Elle Kennedy – How do you impress a hockey legend like Garret Graham, especially when he’s you father? Gigi wants to earn a spot on the women’s Olympic hockey team, but she won’t unless she steps up her game behind the net. The only person capable of helping her is Luke Ryder, her arch nemesis from hockey camp. Ryder wants a summer coaching spot in one of Graham’s hockey programs, but Garrett isn’t impressed with Luke’s attitude. He agrees to help Gigi, but in return she has to help him redeem his image. Can Gigi and Luke help each other out without killing each other or falling in love?

Things We Hide From the Light by Lucy Score – Police chief Nash Morgan is used to “serving and protecting” in a small town, but getting shot is more than he bargained for. Though still recovering from his injuries, Morgan is determined to find the man responsible before he shots or kills someone else, but certain townspeople who view laws as suggestions aren’t making it easy. When a beautiful, but mysterious woman moves next door, can Morgan deal with another distraction?

The Uncool: A Memoir by Cameron Crowe – The iconic journalist and filmmaker looks back on real life events that found their way into his films. Crowe’s parents banned rock and roll from their home, but Crowe developed such a great love and understanding of the genre that they eventually relented and encouraged him to pursue his passion. The Uncool offers a front row seat to legendary concerts and interviews with iconic performers from the perspective of a slightly nerdy music aficionado.

The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family by Ron Howard – Howard writes about his and his brother Clint’s experiences as child actors, mischievous teens, and finally adults raising their own families while balancing fame, Hollywood, and family.

Food to Die For by Amy Bruni – Recipes and spine-tingling ghost stories from America’s most legendary haunted places. Try them if you dare! 

October 2026 Reading Recommendations for Kids and YA by Fran Joyce

October 2026 in Pictures by Fran Joyce