I'm not sure about anyone else's household but in mine, as soon as the glitterballs of Strictly Come Dancing appear on our TV, a knowing look is shared and the clock quietly starts ticking down to Christmas.

But don't panic! We still have time to enjoy the new Autumn TV schedule (Bake Off is back too) and catch up with our reading as the nights begin to draw in. Whether you're looking for something cosy and romantic or spine-chilling and creepy ahead of Halloween, take a look at the books we've love through September. 

Fiction Books of the Month

Our Fiction Books of the Month category has been ull of brilliant new books this month with some past loves returning with brand new editions. Keep reading to see more about the fiction we've been reading this month or click here to find more recommendations. 

Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney - Beautiful? Yes. Serious? Definitely. I loved it. Barriers and all. Magnum opus. Without a doubt.

NICK by Michael Farris Smith - From devastation and death in WWI France, to devastation and debauchery in Frenchtown, New Orleans, this is a dazzling character study of Nick Carraway before The Great Gatsby

Black Reed Bay by Rod Reynolds - The launch of an explosive, brand-new series from much-admired Rod Reynolds featuring Detective Casey Wray, a complex and convincing new addition to the American Noir pantheon.

The Joy and Light Bus Company by Alexander McCall Smith - In Alexander McCall Smith’s 22nd visit to the wonderful "No 1 Ladies Detective Agency" Precious Ramotswe, with ever present Mma. Makutsi, investigates seemingly small issues that have wider ramifications.

The Dragonfly Sea by Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor - This sumptuous voyage of a novel takes in coming of age experiences, cultural conflict and sweeping tides of history as it traverses Kenya, China and Turkey. Magical.

Find You First by Linwood Barclay - A hugely entertaining and thrilling novel by one of the best, this is a reading feast!

The Return by Nicholas Sparks - Find secrets, explore sorrow, and solve a mystery as you weave your way through this relationship tale from one of the great storytellers.

How to Raise an Elephant by Alexander McCall Smith - A ray of sunshine... slow down, relax, and enjoy this delightfully charming addition to the No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series.

Men Don't Cry by Faiza Guene - An enthralling, ingeniously comic character-driven portrait of North African diasporic life and cultural conflicts in contemporary France - unreservedly brilliant.

Non-Fiction Books of the Month

Our hand picked non-fiction titles for September include a focus on nature, travel and an insight into Howard Marks or Mr Nice with details curated by his daughter. Keep reading to find out more about each book or click here for more non-fiction recommendations.

Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake - This absolutely fascinating LoveReading Star Book about the wonder of fungi is quite simply an eye-opening must-read.

Becoming Mr Nice by Amber Marks - Featuring a staggering depth of visual archival material curated by his daughter, this makes the perfect companion to the one and only Howard Marks’ Mr Nice autobiography.

Nala's World by Dean Nicholson - The ultimate feel-good read about rescued kitten Nala joining one man on his solo bike trip around the world.

Debuts of the Month

This month's debut selection has history, mystery, relationships and thrillers to keep you warm or send a chill down your spine. See why our experts loved them and click here for a wider debut selection.

Everything is Beautiful by Eleanor Ray - A wonderfully huggable and uplifting debut featuring Amy and her house that is full to overflowing with keepsakes.

Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake - Truly fascinating, this is one of the most surprising books I’ve read in a while.

Untraceable by Sergei Lebedev - Beautifully written, this political spy thriller from Russia is an exciting, penetrating, absolute whammy of a read.

The Silence of Scheherazade by Defne Suman - At once breathtakingly sweeping and textured with alluringly fine detail, this beautifully written story set in the Aegean city of Smyrna in the lead up to WWI is a sumptuous tour de force.

History by Miles Jupp - A funny, warm-hearted, bittersweet novel in which a history teacher is driven to confront the unravelling of his life.

Nala's World by Dean Nicholson - A hugely glorious bundle of feel-good, Nala’s World comes with beaming smiles of recommendation from me.

The Long, Long Afternoon by Inga Vesper - A breath-taking, chromium-shiny, tale of how dark the sunniest places can be and how very desperate things can get in a cracking slice of dark Americana

My Name is Jensen by Heidi Amsinck - This character-driven, Scandi-noir thriller has style, atmosphere and charisma by the sled-load.

eBooks of the Month

Whether you want a new book for your commute or your on the look out for all of this month's recommended books, our eBooks of the month will have something for you and looks good in aany format. Read a snippet of our Expert's thoughts or click here for more digital diamonds

Park Life by Tom Chesshyre - Park Life is a stroll through 50 of the world’s most loved urban green spaces and a passionate celebration of their value in our lives.

The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang - Page-turning and pulsating, this is a (sexy) modern love story that’s more than your average boy-meets-girl

Terms of Restitution by Denzil Meyrick - This gritty, gripping gangland stand-alone crime thriller from the author of the bestselling DCI Daley series, is a wild ride you won’t want to miss.

Rizzio by Denise Mina - Seduction, secrets, duplicity and power play - this exceptional novella reimagines a true story of murder in the court of Mary, Queen of Scots, with style, charisma and page-turning prowess.

The Ex-Husband by Karen Hamilton - Set on a super yacht cruising the Caribbean, this addictive, atmospheric thriller reels with ghosts and grubby secrets from the past.

V for Victory by Lissa Evans - This consummately engaging, amusing story of daily life, secrets and personal subterfuge in 1944 London is a distinctly characterful joy.

Liz's Picks of the Month

Liz Robinson returns this Setpember with a high quality collection of books as usual. From crime fiction to something altogether different, take a look at this months recommendations or click here to find any past recommendations you may have missed. 

Daggers Drawn by Maxim Jakubowski - A seriously top-notch collection of stories from some of the winners of the Crime Writers’ Association Short Story Dagger.

The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman - A fabulously twisty crime novel that also sits in our feel-good and humorous categories, what more could you ask for?

The Cat Who Saved Books by Sosuke Natsukawa - A gorgeous simple and thought-provoking read for any book-lovers out there, it would make a perfect gift too.

Several People Are Typing by Calvin Kasulke - Provocative, darkly amusing, and quirky as heck, this book highlights the absurdities of office life with aplomb.

Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake - This absolutely fascinating LoveReading Star Book about the wonder of fungi is quite simply an eye-opening must-read.

Find You First by Linwood Barclay - A hugely entertaining and thrilling novel by one of the best, this is a reading feast!

A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins - An achingly tense and thrilling character-led mystery that spears lives haunted by grief and betrayal.

Star Books

Ahh, our Star Books section. These books and the category name speaks for its-self. Our shining stars of the month. Our ride or die reads. If you're still in a quandry about which book to read (or maybe what to read first) look no further. And if you want more recommendations, including the occasional sneak peek about books we'll be shouting about in the future, make sure to keep an eye on our Star Books page

If you enjoyed this, click here to read more Book Chat blogs or here to read the latest book news articles.