My September reading wrap-up came with few books and some variation.
While this was a much slower month because I was acclimating back to work, I removed one book from this wrap-up, and would’ve had five otherwise. It was my first, and possibly final, dark romance book. With a subpar plot and twist that could be seen a mile away, the only real reason to read it was the “intimacy.” Even that couldn’t save it, and I ended up giving the book three (generous) stars.
Regardless, I happily saved my reading count at the end of the month when I dove back into it. Some new favorites sprung up, too.
4. Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
Published January 1, 1987
Rating: 4 stars
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Survival, Middle Grade, Children’s
Summary: Brian, a thirteen-year-old boy, is in a small prop plane on his way to visit his estranged father when the pilot has a heart attack. Forced to crash-land in the vast wilderness, Brian must survive with only the clothes on his back and the hatchet his mother gave him. With no special knowledge of the woods, he learns to turn adversity into strength and fight through his fear. Meanwhile, this alone time is perfect stewing for his parents’ impending divorce the Secret he knows about his mother.
It’s become important to me to re-read books I either read as a child in school or were read to me. Hatchet was one that my third (or fourth?) grade teacher read to us, so when I saw the 30th edition of it at Barnes & Noble for ten dollars, I jumped on it. I think the book is interesting, just slow and not exactly my current interest. It’s simple on its survival angle, but the abrupt ending somehow feels perfect and complete. Parts of it are frankly genius while others seem outrageous. I could easily see why it would be read by or to young children. It’s a good, easy read, and I rated it with four stars of neutrality.
3. Warriors Graphic Novel: The Prophecies Begin #3 by Erin Hunter (author), Natalie Riess and Sara Goetter (illustrators)
Published September 30, 2025
Rating: 5 stars
Genres: Fantasy, Cats, Graphic Novel, Children’s
Summary: The uneasy harmony between the four Clans has been thrown into chaos. ShadowClan has chosen Tigerclaw, now Tigerstar, as their new leader, and he begins his plans for vengeance. New threats come in different forms, with ThunderClan, RiverClan, WindClan, and ShadowClan suffering. With all of them on the brink of battle, it’s time for Fireheart to face his destiny.
So while I technically finished this on October 1st, I started it on the last day of September and nobody can stop me from including it in this wrap-up. It was stellar! This was the final book in The Prophecies Begin graphic novel adaptations, and I think all of them hit the mark. The art is gorgeous and executed so well. Even the small changes or negatives didn’t cut my excitement for this down. To read my full review (with spoilers) click here.
2. Bloom Town: Exodus by Ally North
Published July 11, 2024
Rating: 5 stars
Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Western, LGBTQ+, Lesbian, Adult
Summary: Abby Proctor made her choice, the only one that allows her the freedom and love she seeks. She races back towards Wry to save Joey “JT London” Taylor, the outlaw she’s fallen in love with, and her newfound family she’d sacrifice for. Except, Joey disappears. Abby focuses instead on herself and picking up the pieces Joey left behind, but still keeps her eyes peeled for the love of her life.
The sequel to my number one read of the month, I was surprised at how little Abby and Joey interact in it. While this does bump it down to number two, it definitely improved the impact of the overall duology. Reading Abby struggle to care for a new family while finding herself was heartwarming to say the least. The world was expanded too, with a new setting. It deals with grief and anger in beautiful, poignant ways. The characters continued to reach new depths, with a lovable tracker thrown into the mix. I was emotional during the read in all the best and right ways. Bravo to that final line, too.
1. Bloom Town: Genesis by Ally North
Published July 11, 2024
Rating: 5 stars
Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Western, LGBTQ+, Lesbian, Adult
Summary: A preacher’s daughter and an outlaw on the run get mixed up in this historical western romance. Abby Proctor is kidnapped from a train on the way to California and her new life by the infamous and devastatingly attractive Joey “JT London” Taylor. Running from certain oppression, Abby vows she will escape her captor, but a larger conspiracy is at the core of her kidnapping and she finds herself drawn to Joey and this life around her. She has to decide who she trusts and what life to follow.
An outrageously good new favorite of mine that included an enemies-to-lovers romance between two women, found family, some mystery, and deep characters. I became obsessed with the Wild West world the North created in the story; from the setting to the cast of believable background characters, it was all fleshed out. The intimacy scenes were varied and interesting, while the push-and-pull of Abby and Joey had me nearly tearing my hair out. I fell in love with Lewis and the children too, with their different personalities. The only downside was the slowness in the beginning, but it felt like a fair trade-off to the speed that the middle to end took. It is definitely a book of surprising discovery and tenderness, along with that vicious outlaw lifestyle. The horses were a plus.
Check out my other monthly wrap-ups: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August
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