What's Dawn Devouring Lately?
November 2025
November sweeps in with shorter days, chilly nights, and that cozy feeling that something magical is on its way. The scent of cinnamon and pine begins to linger, candles flicker a little longer, and suddenly reading by the glow of a Christmas tree feels like the perfect way to end the day. Whether you’re finishing your fall reads, getting a head start on holiday stories, or simply curling up with a comfort book and a mug of something warm, November invites us to slow down, savor the season, and make time for a little bookish joy before the holiday rush begins.
Until Next Month!
Happy Reading! 🍂🍁📚
The Academy By: Elin Hilderbrand & Shelby Cunningham
I’ve read many of Elin Hilderbrand’s novels set in Nantucket, so I was especially excited to pick up her latest that was co-written with her daughter. This story takes place at Tiffin Academy, a fictional college prep boarding school, where drama runs high among both students and faculty. A mysterious app begins revealing everyone’s secrets, and a new junior transfer student finds herself caught right in the middle of it all.
The book wraps up with a few lingering questions, but fans will be happy to know a sequel is already confirmed, following many of the same characters into their senior year. If you enjoy campus settings, juicy secrets, and all the newest lingo of teenage life, then this is a book for you. I gave it 🤩🤩🤩 1/2 on the devourscale.
Christmas Presents By: Lisa Unger (Audiobook)
Let the holiday reading begin! This story is the perfect mix of cozy holiday charm and chilling suspense. Just days before Christmas, Madeline Martin, owner of a charming small-town bookshop, is approached by a true crime podcaster who wants to revisit the horrific events from her past. As a blizzard closes in, long-buried secrets start to surface—and readers are pulled into a decade-old mystery that’s impossible to put down. If you like books set during the holiday season that also focus on solving mysteries, then this is a book for you. I listened to the audio version of this book and looked for any opportunity to keep on listening. Being only 5 hours and 40 minutes in length, I devoured it in five days and gave it a 🤩🤩🤩🤩 on the devour scale.
Wreck By: Catherine Newman
After reading Sandwich last year, I couldn't wait to return to Rocky’s world and Wreck did not disappoint. Set two years later, we reconnect with Rocky and her family as they navigate the messy, beautiful realities of midlife. This character driven story thoughtfully explores relatable themes like health scares, shifting family dynamics, grief, and anxiety all with warmth and a touch of humor.
The cozy fall setting, complete with a Thanksgiving gathering, makes it the perfect seasonal read. If you enjoy books with authentic, imperfect characters, real life challenges, and humor woven throughout, then this is a book for you. I gave it 🤩🤩🤩🤩 on the devour scale and I am hoping that Newman continues with the series.
Recipe for a Perfect Wife By: Karma Brown
Don’t let the charming cover fool you,I certainly did. I expected a cozy romance, but instead discovered a smart, layered story that explores female ambition, empowerment, and rebellion. Told in dual timelines, one set in modern day, the other in the 1950s, it weaves together the lives of two women connected by the same house and their yearning to "have it all."
In the present, Alice is determined to write a novel and finds unexpected inspiration when she uncovers a vintage cookbook and heirlooms left behind by a former resident. In the 1950s storyline, Nellie spends her days baking, gardening, and trying to be the perfect wife, yet quietly dreams of something more. As the stories unfold, the author beautifully connects their parallel struggles, revealing secrets, sacrifices, and the timeless tension between duty and desire. If you love dual timelines, hidden secrets, and a dash of revenge, then this is a book for you. I gave it 🤩🤩🤩 1/2 on the devour scale. I felt the ending was a bit rushed and would have liked to know a bit more.
A Bookshop Christmas By: Rachel Burton (Audiobook)
This charming Christmas romance is set in the heart of a cozy family-owned bookshop. Megan Taylor, a young widow, is struggling to keep the shop and her spirit alive while navigating her grief. Enter Xander Stone, a prize-winning author with a grumpy exterior and a heart that slowly warms. After a literal bump into you moment at the market, their lives begin to unexpectedly intertwine.
The story offers many beloved romance tropes including enemies to lovers, one bed forced proximity, and of course, a wonderfully sweet happy ending. I listened to the audiobook (about 8.5 hours) and loved how well the narration captured the personalities of both characters.
If you enjoy books set in bookshops, a grumpy-but-charming male lead, and a strong yet tender heroine, this is one to add to your holiday reading list. I gave it 🤩🤩🤩🤩 on the devour scale.
A Home for the Holidays By: Tayor Hahn
I read this book last year during the month of December. I really liked that it wasn't your typical Holiday Rom-Com and instead revolved around real world issues and problems. The book begins right before the holidays when Mel is notified that her mom has passed away unexpectedly, her current boyfriend breaks up with her, and she has no where to live. Never fear, Barb, her mom’s estranged friend shows up and not only helps Mel heal but also helps her learn about her mom’s past. If you like books with mother- daughter relationships, friendship, and tied up with happy endings, then this is a book for you. I gave it 🤩🤩🤩🤩 on the devour scale.
The Beast in Me (Netflix)
Author Aggie Wiggs has receded from public life since the death of her young son, unable to write, a ghost of her former self; but she finds an unlikely subject for a new book when the house next door is bought by Nile Jarvis. Netflix's latest psychological thriller, The Beast in Me, is one of those shows that will definitely have you at the edge of your seat. There's a lot of secrecy, hidden alliances, and heavy gaslighting going on throughout the show. You're forced to question how reliable of a narrator famed author Agatha Wiggs actually is. Is billionaire real estate tycoon Nile Jarvis actually a killer? Or is she projecting her anger and blaming everyone but herself? Could she be the monster? Watch Trailer Here
Down Cemetery Road (Apple TV) - New Episodes on Wednesdays
When a child goes missing in the aftermath of a house explosion, a concerned neighbor teams up with a private investigator to find them; as secrets unravel and a military conspiracy emerges, chaos ensues on South Oxford's sleepy suburbs. Watch Trailer Here
Leanne Morgan: Unspeakable Things (Netflix)
On the heels of her smash-hit Netflix debut, "Leanne Morgan: I'm Every Woman" (2023), and starring in the new Netflix sitcom Leanne (2025), comedian Leanne Morgan returns with her highly anticipated second stand-up special, "Leanne Morgan: Unspeakable Things"—premiering November 4, only on Netflix. In Unspeakable Things, Leanne opens up about everything—from newfound stardom and family life, to trying CBD for the first (and last!) time—serving up the real, relatable, and cheeky stories fans love. Watch Trailer Here
Vitamin String Quartet - It Feels Like Christmas
Vitamin String Quartet is teaming with Decca Records for the release of IT FEELS LIKE CHRISTMAS, their latest collection of soon-to-be Christmas classics. This album reimagines some of the most-beloved holiday hits with VSQ’s one-of-a-kind sound and arrangements. The 13-track set is a uniquely singular take on modern-day holiday favorites. The first single from the festive set is a reimagining of 80s Christmas classic “Last Christmas” by Wham!. Other treasured classics being given the VSQ treatment include Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas”, Ariana Grande’s “Santa Tell Me”, and “Mistletoe” by Justin Bieber. All of these and more are crafted into a wondrous brew that features ebullient, virtuosic twists, as well as enchanting, wintertime reflections. As VSQ breathes new life into these holiday classics, they’ve created a collection of music that is set to become the go-to instrumental Christmas album for years to come. Spotify Link to Album
