Books of the Month October 2020

L. M. Montgomery, the author of Anne of Green Gables has been quoted as saying "I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers" and many people would agree with that sentiment. Whether it's the autumn colors, the holiday season looming ahead or simply the excitement of trick or treating, there's something magical about October. Of course, for our readers, October was another great month to lose themselves in a good book. Here are the best books of the month for October 2020.

Best Romance

Can't Take My Eyes Off You

by Kait Nolan

Can't Take My Eyes Off You by Kait Nolan is a small town romantic suspense novel about Miranda Campbell and Ethan Greer. Miranda is a doctor who left her life in Chicago behind to make a real difference in the small town of Wishful while Ethan is a former US Marshal who is new to the job of Chief of Police in the same town. Both of them are still trying to find their place in Wishful and while their interest in each other is mutual they are not exactly ready for a serious relationship yet. However, when Miranda's life is threatened by a series of escalating events Ethan tries to put all his effort into keeping her safe without pushing her away.

Best Action & Adventure

Mind Masters: Awakening

by Bridget McQueen

Bridget McQuen combines elements of science fiction, action, and adventure in her thrilling novel, Mind Masters: Awakening. It is set in a world where viral nanotechnology has caused global telepathy, which means nobody can lie anymore and your thoughts are no longer yours. The protagonist, Magan, hides in a forest cabin with a group of survivors as humanity tear each other apart. However, she has to learn how to master her thoughts and become a fierce warrior as she embarks on a quest to stop one who can mind-control others.

Best Mystery & Thriller

Elusive

by Sara Rosett

Elusive by Sara Rosett is the first book in her On The Run International Mysteries series. The protagonist, Zoe Hunter, is a free-spirited adventure seeker who revels in how delightfully unpredictable her life is. However, things take a darker turn for Zoe when her ex, Jack, vanishes along with several million dollars from his business. When Zoe discovers that the FBI considers her to be a person of interest in the case she skips town to find some answers of her own. Zoe quickly finds herself in a world of deception and murder where she can't trust anyone. However, she's determined to find answers even if she uncovers more and more questions along the way.

Best Children's Book

Thomas Holland Series Prequel

by K. M. Doherty

Children of all ages who loved the Thomas Holland trilogy will absolutely adore this prequel by K. M. Doherty. It is set in the world of Elfhaven and features a broken, magically gifted elven girl in the lead role. Her name is Avani and she has an important role to play in the prophecy of Tom Holland. This book features everything great about the fantasy genre but is written in a way that younger readers can understand and enjoy.

Best Young Adult

Eve

by Patti Larsen

Eve by Patti Larsen is the first book in The Eternal Daughter series of young adult novels. The protagonist, Eve, is the daughter of Samael and Isis, who are the gods of Death and Life respectively. This makes her different from her angelic siblings and makes it very difficult for her to do the jobs that she is supposed to do. Eve is disheartened by continuously failing at what everyone expects from her, but when she accidentally interferes with the Loom of Creation she finally begins to understand who she really is.

Best Fantasy

A Fistful of Evil

by Rebecca Chastain

A Fistful of Evil by Rebecca Chastain is the first book in the Madison Fox Adventure series. Madison has an ability called "soul sight" which she thought was merely a distasteful affliction, but much to her shock discovers that it's actually a weapon for battling evil. She has no choice except to master her ethereal powers when she is roped into a job that she doesn't really want. Unfortunately, Madison doesn't have a clue what she is doing, which is not good in a profession where monsters actively hunt you and deadly experiences are the norm.

Best Historical Fiction

Don't Put The Boats Away

by Ames Sheldon

Don't Put the Boats Away by Ames Sheldon is a historical fiction novel that is set in the aftermath of World War II. It tells the story of the Sutton family who is trying to rebuild their lives after the death of one of their members, Eddie, during the war. The novel takes place over the span of twenty-five years as the remaining members of the family attempt to rebuild their lives and have to deal with everything from divorce to alcoholism in the process. However, it is not just an intimate look at the lives of people touched by the war, but also a book packed with well-researched historical details.

Best Horror

Dark Nights and Candlelight

by Gregory Miller

October won't be the same without some good horror stories and with 31 tales Dark Nights and Candlelight by Gregory Miller served as the perfect countdown to Halloween. Gregory has perfectly captured the magical spookiness of Halloween in these tales and most of them are so riveting that readers struggle to stick to just one a day. There's plenty of variety too, so fans of the genre will definitely find plenty of new favorites in this collection.

Best Literary Fiction

Home Is Where The Heart Is

by Casey Dawes

Home Is Where the Heart Is by Casey Dawes is the first novel in the Rocky Mountain Front series. It is the story of an international photojournalist named CJ Beck who can no longer take a steady picture. She is forced to return stateside for some rest but struggles to find the peace that she needs. Not only is the therapy forcing her to relive the worst year of her life, but her family's ancestral ranch is under threat by outside financial forces. If all of that wasn't enough the man who broke her heart is also back in town, which is a painful reminder of how her life could have been.

Best Science Fiction

The Lure of Infinity

by Stan C. Smith

The Lure of Infinity by Stan C. Smith is the first in the Bridgers series of science fiction novels. Bridgers are people like Infinity Fowler, elite fighters and survival experts who make a living protecting tourists bridging to alternate worlds. Desmond Weaver is one of these tourists who has booked the excursion of a lifetime to complete his Ph.D. in evolutionary biology. Desmond and his two college roommates use Infinity as their assigned trainer and bridger, but nothing could prepare any of them for the world teeming with lethal predators where they end up.

Best Paranormal

Switching Hour

by Robyn Peterman

Switching Hour is the first book in the Magic and Mayhem series by Robyn Peterman. The protagonist, Zelda, is a witch who is out on parole with limited powers after she was convicted of killing her talking cat. She's given a mysterious mission that she has to complete before All-hallows Eve or she will be turned into a mortal. The problem is she has no idea how to complete this mission and has to deal with a sexy egotistical werewolf who thinks she's his mate to boot. Switching Hour is a great book for readers who enjoy their paranormal stories with a healthy dose of humor.

Best Non-Fiction

The Network of Time

by Alon Halperin

Ever wonder if time is real or if it is just an illusion? The Network of Time by Alon Halperin seeks to help with the understanding of time and reality through philosophy, history, and physics. While it is a fascinating and complicated subject the book is written in simple, clear language, so it doesn't matter whether you are a professor of physics or know nothing about the subject. The author explains everything that you need to know in a captivating book. Not many books can explain such big ideas in such an easy to understand manner, which makes this one highly recommended.