Jenna Bush Hager’s Top Book Club Picks for Fall: ‘I Cannot Think of a More Perfect Book’
From witchy fantasy to Gothic mystery, these picks are perfect for cozy-season reading
Key Takeaways
- Alice Hoffman's new novel ‘The Witches of Cambridge’ is a Read With Jenna pick.
- Jenna devoured Chris Whitaker's mystery ‘All the Colors of the Dark’ in a weekend.
- Jenna compares ‘The Children’ by Melissa Albert to Donna Tartt's ‘The Secret History.’
Jenna Bush Hager just announced her September book club pick, and it’s a spooky-fun read, perfect for the season. But that’s not the only Read With Jenna pick that’s ideal for the colder months of the year. Since creating her book club in 2019, Jenna has chosen a variety of cozy reads that transport you to lands filled with falling leaves, pumpkins and maybe even some spooks. To discover Jenna Bush Hager’s favorite books for fall, keep scrolling!
‘The Witches of Cambridge’ by Alice Hoffman
Alice Hoffman, best known for writing Practical Magic, is back with a brand new fantasy novel that is the newest Read With Jenna pick. Set in 1950s Massachusetts, the plot follows Ava after she arrives for her first year of college and meets Lauren—her opposite in almost every way. When they’re recruited by the mysterious Lilith Society, the two begin uncovering their hidden legacies. But as secrets emerge, new dangers threaten everything they thought they knew. (Out September 8, 2026)
Why Jenna loves it: “I cannot think of a more perfect book to welcome us to fall. It’s a novel about love, friendship and finding your power.”
What early readers are saying: “Alice Hoffman never failed me, and this book is no exception. The interwoven stories of past and present that appear within this book flow effortlessly, and the journey of each character is flawless in execution. There is nothing about this book I didn’t love or enjoy. I might even re-read it in the fall, just to find my way back to Lilith House and Cambridge.”
‘All the Colors of the Dark’ by Chris Whitaker
This July 2024 Read With Jenna pick has all the makings of a perfect fall read: a small town shrouded in mystery, a string of unsolved disappearances and an atmosphere thick with dread. Set in 1975 Missouri, the plot follows a string of girls who have vanished without a trace. When the daughter of a wealthy family becomes the next target, Patch, a local boy with one eye, steps in to help. His decision sets off a chain of events that will change his life—and the lives of everyone in their small town—forever.
Why Jenna loves it: “I read it over a year ago, but it has stayed with me in such a beautiful way. It is so beautiful. It is fast-paced, I know it looks kind of big, but I read it in a weekend—one weekend. I know you all will love it too. I can’t wait for you to read All the Colors of the Dark.”
What readers are saying: “All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker is a knockout—a 5-star triumph that hooked me from its opening pages and never let go. This book left me moved and eager to share it with others. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves epic stories with heart, mystery and characters who stay with you. I’m still thinking about it, and that’s the mark of something special.”
‘The Cloisters’ by Katy Hays
The spellbinding 2022 Read With Jenna pick unfolds inside New York’s famed Met Cloisters. When Ann Stilwell lands a curatorial job there, she’s eager for a fresh start. She joins a group of researchers studying divination, but when Ann discovers a hidden 15th-century tarot deck rumored to predict the future, intrigue spirals into obsession and deadly secrets. An atmospheric, immersive page-turner practically made for a crisp fall evening curled up under a blanket.
Why Jenna loves it: “I have recommended it to everybody that I possibly can because I feel like it’s the perfect mystery. It reminds me of The Talented Mr. Ripley, but with twists that are Gone Girl. It’s a story about female ambition and what’s permissible when one person is born on Park Avenue and given everything, and the other person has to work hard for what they want.”
What readers are saying: “This novel captivates me. It has everything I love blended in a novel from the historical background to a suspenseful mystery steeped in tension with dark Gothic vibes and hallelujah, a really good ending! It’s incredibly well researched and the author should be proud of what she has produced. It’s a big winner for me and one I highly recommend.”
‘The Irish Goodbye’ by Heather Aimee O’Neill
This October 2025 Read With Jenna pick is practically made for autumn: it’s set around a family Thanksgiving and steeped in the kind of bittersweet nostalgia that only cooler weather and holiday gatherings can bring. The Ryan sisters—Cait, Alice and Maggie—have been estranged for years. Two decades ago, a tragic accident on their brother Topher’s boat shattered their family. Now, reunited with their parents for Thanksgiving, they must confront the past and find a way forward. This family saga is the ultimate curl-up-on-the-couch read for the season—perfect for anyone who loves a story that feels like coming home for the holidays.
Why Jenna loves it: “They return for a Thanksgiving weekend to all be under one roof, and just as families know better than anybody, old patterns come out. We find out about a tragedy that has left these sisters reeling, but it also is full of love and hope and humor.”
What readers are saying: “The Irish Goodbye is a beautifully written and engaging story about a complicated family. I first fell in love with the cover, and when I began reading, I grew attached to each character. This story is brief, yet complete, and I’m looking forward to what’s next from Heather Aimee O’Neill!”
‘The Children’ by Melissa Albert
This June Read With Jenna pick trades beach reads for something darker—exactly what fall calls for. After a fire destroys her childhood home, only Guinevere, her brother Ennis and their mother’s unfinished manuscripts survive. Years later, Guinevere lives off her mother’s name while Ennis has distanced himself from it. But when he unveils a new art installation called Mother, dark rumors surface—and long-buried family secrets threaten to destroy them both.
What Jenna says: “Not since Donna Tartt’s Secret History have I loved a book filled with such magic and mystery as I have with Melissa Albert’s The Children.”
What readers are saying: “I absolutely loved this book; it struck a deep chord with me. It’s the kind of story that leaves you thinking long after the last page, making you desperately want to talk about it. I will definitely be binging the rest of the author’s backlist.”
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