Novels starring robust players have a way of capturing my attention in ways that even a good plot can fail to accomplish. If an author creates a strong character, I will follow that character anywhere while they do anything. The following books feature dynamic, flawed, and (mostly) very human characters. The bonus is that the plots in these books are wildly entertaining as well.

Heather, the Totality by Matthew Weiner

Heather, the Totality is a surprisingly slim novel that packs a colossal punch. I admit that I have an aversion to shorter stories because I love to spend a substantial amount of time marinating in a rich saga. However, this novel sucked me in and didn’t spit me out until I reached the end. Matthew Weiner, creator of Mad Men, pumped out an exciting drama about an affluent couple who feel that they’ve fallen short of every success they believe they deserve. They channel those insecure feelings of lackluster achievement into their perfect only child, Heather, oftentimes at complete odds with one another about how to raise their flawless daughter. As Heather approaches her teen years, the couple is confronted with the biggest challenge of their lives. Can they set aside their feelings of entitlement and finally align themselves together to overcome a life threatening obstacle?

Noumenon by Marina J. Lostetter

In 2088, astrophysicist Reggie Straifer discovers an unusual structure surrounding a star many galaxies away. He proposes that this inconsistency is unnatural and could potentially be the work of another civilization in space. His petition to employ a series of spacecrafts on a mission called Noumenon to fly to the Star LQ Pyx is accepted with one problem…it will take over 100 years for the fleet to arrive at the star. In order to combat the problem, the project produces clones of each integral crew member in order to guarantee the application of the best minds for the venture. To make the mission even more complicated, time on Earth moves much faster than on the path the mission will fly so connection to their home planet will be tenuous at best. Noumenon follows each generation of humans and clones along the journey and reads more like vignettes or short stories. A sequel to this highly satisfying book will be published in August 2018.

Senlin Ascends by Josiah Bancroft

Thomas Senlin is a mild-mannered headmaster in a small town schoolhouse in Josiah Bancroft’s originally self-published novel Senlin Ascends. With the second book in this series hitting shelves in March 2018 (you can purchase the eBook now), we witness the evolution of Senlin from a meek underdog into a resourceful, intelligent and insuppressible hero. At the beginning of the tale, Senlin and his new wife Marya embark on a honeymoon trip to the Tower of Babel, a mecca of civilization containing rings of communities. The settlements in each ring embody their own cultures, laws and customs and Senlin must swiftly adapt to each sovereignty or risk grave consequences. As Senlin and Marya become separated in the chaos outside the Tower, Senlin must use his wiles to overcome dangerous and exotic obstacles in order to climb the Tower and be reunited with his wife.

Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend

In Jessica Townsend’s highly regarded children’s novel, Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow, we are introduced to a cursed little girl living in a hostile city where all children born on the day of Eventide are considered bad luck and are preordained to die at midnight on their eleventh birthdays. She spends her days being homeschooled and writing apology letters to anyone who attributes their misfortunes to her existence. While accompanying her father, Mayor of Jackalfax, to a function where other children hope to receive offers for continuing education, Morrigan is offered an unheard of amount of placements. Believing this to be a mistake, Morrigan returns home to await her demise. But as her end comes frighteningly near, the charming and mysterious Jupiter North appears and dashes her off to a magical land called Nevermoor. Here she must pass through several trials to become a student in the esteemed and illustrious organization called the Wundrous Society or face the same destiny of her birth. This book was an instant best seller and was called “A Harry Potter-esque adventure” by Time Magazine.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I have to admit that I am one of those basic girls who loves everything about Fall. However, my love of cooler weather, colorful leaves, and all things spicy began years ago so I am just now learning that I am part of an extensive and enthusiastic sisterhood. While some girls love pumpkin spice lattes and yoga pants, I’m more enamored by the coziness of being indoors once again. Lounging next to a roaring fire, under a comfy blanket with the drone of Sunday football in the background is one of the single greatest places to read any of these marvelous novels.

THE WORKING VS. STAY-AT-HOME MOTHER CHALLENGE

A Window Opens by Elisabeth Egan

In Elisabeth Egan’s polished and eloquent first novel, her highly relatable leading lady, Alice Pearse, thinks she has it all: a husband she adores, children who make her laugh every day and an easy part-time job working for a lively magazine. When her husband loses his composure and impulsively quits his job at a big shot law firm, Alice feels compelled to find full-time employment outside of the home. Her struggle to find balance between an innovative yet rigid new publishing company and being as present as she can be for her family create mind-numbing strain at times. Add a horrible health crisis with one of her parents and we find Alice desperately hanging on to her formerly happy life. Is Alice stuck in this infinite grind or can she make choices that lead to a more gratifying and harmonious life?

THE RELUCTANT INTERNET SENSATION MOM

Goddess of Suburbia by Stephanie Kepke

An overachieving PTA committee leader and exhausted mother of four active children finds herself the target of a paparazzi frenzy in her upper-middle class Long Island town. As a devoted people-pleaser, Max recorded a sex tape with her husband Nick for his private viewing when he’s away on business trips. However, a leak has caused the tape to become a viral sensation and has put Max and Nick’s marriage in jeopardy. To make matters more complicated, Max’s old high school flame, who shattered her heart and trust, has moved back into town. Amidst the turmoil that her spirited children are going through with their mother’s newfound celebrity and the massive stress on her once mundane life, can Max steer herself into a brighter, genuine future or is she destined to flounder under the scrutiny?

THE UNPREDICTABLE DYSTOPIAN

The Heart Goes Last by Margaret Atwood

This stunning new novel by Margaret Atwood veered around unexpected turns and kept me guessing until the end. We’re introduced to a timid married couple, Stan and Charmaine, who have taken residence in their cramped car after a world changing economic breakdown. Perpetual running from the pursuit of violent gang members and unstable wanderers who want their highly coveted car have driven the pair to a state of despair. After seeing an ad for a new community that seeks to create a social model that provides jobs, homes, and security, Stan and Charmaine jump at the chance to live this new normal life at any cost. However, what lies below the surface of this refuge is anything but safe. Does this unnerved couple have what it takes to survive in this spine-chilling new society?

During the unpredictable days of early summer, you never know if you’ll enjoy the warm rays of sunshine dancing across the pages of your book or if you’ll be using a flashlight to read while passing time in your basement tornado shelter. Here are a few book suggestions for the must-reads during this tumultuous time of year. These books can be enjoyed on a comfy lounge chair in the sunlight or bundled up under a blanket by the fireplace.

THE PG-RATED SEXY HISTORICAL READ

The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters

Proving that novels don’t always have to be crass to be sizzling hot and sexy, The Paying Guests shows us how it’s done. Readers are introduced to Frances Wray and her widowed mother in Post World War London. After losing all the men and servants in their formerly grand household, the impoverished ladies are obliged to take in lodgers, Leonard and Lilian Barber. Tumultuous and crumbling social change along with the newly formed cross-class friendships with the lodgers lead to explosive developments including a love betrayal, a gruesome murder and a satisfying conclusion.

CREATIVE AND BRAINY CHICK LIT

Big Little Lies  by Liane Moriarty

If you enjoyed the game of Clue as a child, you’ll quickly be absorbed in Liane Moriarty’s latest novel Big Little Lies. The setting of this comedic and lively whodunit is a typical suburban town in Australia where three young mothers are involved in a murder. Madeline is dealing with a condescending ex-husband whose new wife is the spiritual yoga instructor that all the other moms adore, Celeste is a wealthy and gorgeous mother of rambunctious and naughty twins whose husband is rarely home, and Jane is the new, much younger single mother in town. These three women participate in  comedy of schoolyard blunders and desperate choices that constantly have the reader changing opinions on who the murderer could be and why they did it. Rumor has it that Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon will be starring in the adaptation of this sinister, yet amusing novel.

THE SUPERNATURAL EPIC

The Bone Clocks: A Novel by David Mitchell

David Mitchell plunges us into several different stories connected by one character, British psychic teenager Holly Sykes. The story begins as Holly is running away from home after her parents learn she is having an affair with a loser in his twenties. As Holly angrily sneaks out of her home, her sweet and peculiar younger brother Jacko convinces her to take his spiral puzzle drawing to remind her of home. Journeying through the english countryside searching for a new life, Holly captures the attention of an evil supernatural force that challenges her grasp on reality. When her teenage misadventure is interrupted by news of a missing loved one, Holly returns home and readjusts to a brand new life that will forever be impacted by her rash decisions. If you’re looking for a lengthy, dystopian and completely original novel, The Bone Clocks is for you.

THE ORPHANED WIZARD FANTASY

Name of the Wind (Kingkiller Chronicle Book 1) by Patrick Rothfuss

If you’re fond of stories about orphaned boys who have unpredictable magical powers and spend their formative days of youth away at wizard college, then Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss will entice your familiarity of the subject. However, the similarities with the “other boy wizard” end there with this coming-of-age tale that quickly sojourns into an exciting narrative of tragedy, evil, and remarkable courage. Kvothe is a legendary magician of mythic proportions who quietly spends his days tending to his tranquil country pub. When signs of major attack are presented, Kvothe narrates the tales of his life, which include being the child of a traveling troupe of performers that were brutally slain while he hid, that led him to this point in time. Kvothe’s lifelong purpose is to figure out who murdered his family and to master the highest magical education in order to exact revenge.

THE UP ALL NIGHT HORROR STORY

The Stranger by Harlan Coben

In The Stranger, Harlen Coben shows us that panic and terror can arrive in the form of a whisper. Adam Price is a successful man living the dream with a beautiful wife, two strong sons, and a lovely home in the New Jersey suburbs. One evening, while visiting his local American Legion Hall, a stranger approaches him and whispers information into Adam’s ear that shatters his view of reality. This unknown intruder knows secrets about Adam’s wife and alerts him to her infidelity. After Adam confronts his wife with this volatile information, he quickly learns that her duplicity is the least of his problems. With this frightening wisdom, he must make critical and desperate choices that could potentially end lives with one wrong move.

THE UNRELIABLE PSYCHOLOGICAL MYSTERY

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

Often compared to Gone Girl because of its uncertain narration, The Girl on the Train is a top-notch mystery. Each day, despondent Rachel rides the commuter train to and from work in an addicted haze. Disheartened and depressed after the demise of her marriage, Rachel gazes out the window of the train and imagines the lives of people living in the homes near the train tracks. One couple in particular grasp Rachel’s attention and after naming them Jess and Jason, she imagines an idyllic and loving life. One day, Rachael witnesses events with her flawless, mythical couple that forces her to question either her sanity or the possibility of real jeopardy. After visiting the police with her scandalous and alarming information, Rachel becomes intertwined in a complex web of riddles and secrecy and ultimately makes herself vulnerable to unforeseen peril.

Kristin Finlay is a former teacher, a current freelance writer, and a mother to a rowdy gang of children. In reality, one child is a remarkable adult and the other two are sassy, awesome teenagers. In her free time, Kristin obsessively reads, grudgingly works out, and ardently saves up money for the swear jar. When not excessively grooming her mangy shih-tzu, she spends evenings and weekends with her tall, dark and handsome husband who encourages her sarcasm and is frankly responsible for her bad behavior.