As the leaves begin to turn and cozy reading weather returns, we’re spotlighting three unforgettable novels that stirred our hearts, challenged our minds, and kept us turning pages long past bedtime. These stories—each rich in character, emotion, and insight—remind us why we fall in love with books in the first place.

From the feminist fire of Atmosphere and its soaring tribute to women in space, to the bittersweet romance and political intrigue of The Summer We Ran, and the haunting beauty of City of Night Birds set in the world of Russian ballet—these are not just good reads, they’re soul-stirring journeys. Whether you’re listening on the go or curled up with a cup of tea, these five-star picks will stay with you long after the final chapter.

 Smart, Emotional, And Inspiring: A Five Star Read

I don’t usually devour books in a single sitting, but Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid, completely swept me away. And by book, I mean audiobook. I laughed, I cried, and I couldn’t wait to keep turning the pages—or in my case, keep listening. It’s been years since a book had this kind of effect on me.

At its heart, Atmosphere is a story about ambition, love, and the invisible hurdles women have always had to clear just to be taken seriously. Taylor Jenkins Reid captures both the exhilaration and the cost of being a woman breaking barriers in the 1980s NASA space program. The feminist themes are woven in seamlessly—never heavy-handed, but powerful enough to make you stop and think.

The characters are sharp, layered, and unforgettable. Joan Goodwin, the thoughtful professor who dares to chase the stars, feels both relatable and extraordinary. Her fellow astronauts, especially the enigmatic Vanessa Ford, create a dynamic cast that makes the story feel alive. The love story—unexpected, tender, and deeply human—gives the novel its heartbeat. Yes, there’s a plot twist you might see coming, but it still lands with an emotional punch.

The audiobook deserves its own praise. Julia Whelan and Kristin DiMercurio don’t just narrate—they perform. Their voices painted vivid pictures in my mind, to the point where I could almost see the characters in front of me. I was genuinely frustrated whenever I had to pause listening, which is a rare thing for me.

I’ve read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and thought it was good, but Atmosphere is on another level. It’s smart, emotional, and inspiring. For me, it’s an easy 5 stars—a book that will stay with me for a long time. GET THE BOOK.

Roni Jenkins, managing partner, The Three Tomatoes, Glen Cove, NY

A Beautiful Story About the Choices We Make

Audrey Ingram’s The Summer We Ran is a touching and emotional dive into love, ambition and the choices we make as a teenager.  Ingram explores how a single summer can ripple through decades and how choices made when we are young can still hurt us as adults.

This story is set against the backdrop of a gubernatorial race in Virginia.  It alternates between the summer of 1996 and the present day, giving both Tess Murphy and Grants Alexanders viewpoints.  Tess is from a working-class background and Grant from wealth and privilege.

In the summer of 1996, Tess and her mother moved to the house of a very affluent family, where her mother had gotten a job as a cook for the summer.  Tess at the age of 17, has always been outspoken and often gets into trouble with her mother for her candid views.   Her mother gave her two rules for the summer – keep quiet and stay out of trouble.  Tess is offered a job to work in the gardens at the mansion, her mother sees this as an opportunity for her to stay busy and out of trouble.  Grant is 18 years old, home from boarding school for the summer.  Tess is well- aware of how different their lives are, but she is interested in him.  They do fall in love and spend the summer together.

When it is time for Grant to return to school, the relationship changes.  There is also much disapproval from Grant’s father.  The summer ends with secrets and betrayals.  Fast forward to 2021, Tess and Grant are now running political campaigns to become the governor of Virginia.  They are both married, and neither their spouses nor the public knows about their 1996 summer romance.  They have not kept in touch or even spoken since their relationship ended in the summer of 1996.

Ingram has written such a beautiful story with all the emotions and feelings—happiness, sadness, grief, anger and betrayal.  I really loved this book, could not put it down.  A page turner for me.  First time reading an Audrey Ingram book, but I have her other two books to read soon.  I highly recommend this five-star read.   Plus, it has a gorgeous cover.  I was also very excited I got to attend two of Ingrams books events this summer. GET THE BOOK.

~Francene Katzman, advocate for parents of children with addicitons, Richmond, VA

A Vivid Character Study and Profound Meditation on Artistic Obsession

City of Night Birds, the novel by Juhea Kim, delves into the ruthless world of Russian ballet through the life of Natalia Leonova, a former prima ballerina who returns to St. Petersburg in 2019 following a career-ending injury. Addicted, broken, and haunted by her past, she must confront both her traumatic legacy and the people who shaped her rise and fall.

From Natalia’s girlhood at a prestigious St. Petersburg ballet school to the vicious egos and unforgiving traditions of Moscow’s famous Bolshoi to the elitest world surrounding Paris Opera, we see her life unfold with moments of breathtaking glory blended with a consuming darkness.

As a flawed and fragile woman, the emotional complexity of Natalia drives the narrative. She is fanatical and disciplined, simultaneously distant and vulnerable. Her principal relationships are complicated even as they influence the trajectory of her career – the charming yet inscrutable Sasha (Alexander), the manipulative Dmitri Ostrovsky, and childhood friend Nina.

The world of ballet emerges in every realistic depiction of rehearsal, performance, and backstage dynamic. We are totally drawn in through the descriptions of training, physical strain, and performance artistry. Kim captures the fleeting moments of Natalia’s pure artistic brilliance, when her body isn’t hers but a thing of pure ballet, so that we feel her ecstasy as well as her devastating crash back to earth, an endless striving for perfection that lasts a single moment.

City of Night Birds stands out as a vivid character study and profound mediation on artistic obsession. The book explores the cost of art and the value of it, both to the artist and to the world who engages with it. You will enjoy this read If you are fascinated by the discipline and beauty of ballet or are interested in contemporary Russian culture. GET THE BOOK.

~Joan Pagano, Owner, Joan Pagano Fitness, NYC