Wondering what to read now? If you’re looking for book suggestions, look no further! Here are all the hot new October 2019 book releases for you. I’ll let you know what I’ve read, what I can’t wait to read, and what’s getting all the attention this month.
Ugh, I feel like the world’s worst book blogger here. In the last two months, all I’ve managed to post are the monthly new releases.Hopefully, I get my act into gear soon, but until then I hope you enjoy these new October 2019 book releases. The titles this month are just about as good as the September releases, which is saying quite a bit! The new books out this fall have been spectacular, so you might want to start taking notes for your Christmas shopping lists.
Just look at these October highlights:
- A hot new YA novel already optioned for the big screen
- Two sequels to award-winning books
- A new illustrated Harry Potter novel
- Three historical fiction novels from amazing authors
Have I got you interested? Then keep scrolling to see our picks for the best of the September 2019 book releases.
October 2019 Book Releases – Advance Review Copies
The Giver of Stars
Jojo Moyes
From the author of Me Before You, one of my top sob-worthy books, comes a new October 2019 book release that will charm you. Set during the Great Depression, Englishwoman Alice Wright marries a handsome American and finds herself transplanted to rural Kentucky. To escape her unhappy home life with her withdrawn husband and overbearing father-in-law, Alice agrees to become a traveling librarian, riding around the countryside bringing books to local residents. In her new job, she meets other fierce women and gains lasting friendships. Add in plenty of drama, love stories, corrupt businessmen, and even murder, and you have the perfect light historical fiction for anyone who wants a Hallmark Channel style novel to read this fall.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Penguin Random House. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Grace Year
Kim Liggett
Already snagged by Universal to become a major motion picture, The Grace Year is this fall’s hottest new young adult novel. This The Handmaid’s Tale meets Lord of the Flies story’s setting is the male-dominated oppressive Garner county. Every year, all 16-year-old girls spend their “grace year” in seclusion so that their magic burns out of them. Before they go, eligible bachelors select brides. Tierney James knows she will never be a chosen wife, nor does she want to be, and dreams of someday changing this dystopian society. Yet in her grace year, Tierney begins to wonder: Do women even have magic? I loved how thought-provoking Tierney is as she contemplates her society. With plenty of action that moves the plot along quickly, I devoured this novel in a night and can’t wait to see the movie!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Cilka’s Journey
Heather Morris
In the sequel to her highly successful novel The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Heather Morris takes on another remarkable true story. After surviving Auschwitz, sixteen-year-old Cilka finds herself convicted for collaborating with the enemy. Consequently, she is sentenced to a Siberian gulag where the horrors start all over again. Yet there she meets a doctor who helps her find a purpose in her suffering by caring for the injured of the camp. A tale of love and hope even in the most desperate circumstances, Cilka’s Journey is a fictional work based on a true story.
Although technically a sequel, you can easily read Cilka’s Journey as a standalone novel. While the details of Cilka’s story are more fictional, since Heather Morris wasn’t able to ever meet her, the story itself is inspiring. At first, I struggled with the story, since it’s depressing to think of someone surviving the Holocaust just to be thrown into a Siberian labor camp. But the story perfectly hits all the correct emotional notes – not overly depressing or emotional, but still conveying the remarkable nature of Cilka’s life. A great story that makes me desperate to read The Tattooist of Auschwitz.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Book of the Month – October 2019 Book Releases
I just joined The Book of the Month Club this year, and I’m so excited to start getting books every month.
Here’s how it works – each month, they pick 5 books and you get to choose one book. If you want to add any extra books, then you get them at a discounted price. Each month is usually a mix of new releases and advance copies of unreleased books.
Join Book of the Month and get a discount on your first book!
The Fountains of Silence
Ruta Sepetys
For the October 2019 book releases, Ruta Sepetys returns with an October book of the Month Club selection. Known for taking on almost forgotten historical settings, Sepetys tackles another dark period of history. Despite its fascist dictatorship a Francisco Franco, Spain continues to allure tourists in the late 1950s. Ready to embrace his mother’s Heritage through photography, Texan Daniel Matheson arrives in Madrid full of hope. When he meets Ana, one of the hotel maids, his life irrevocably changes. The truth about Franco’s reign and the lasting repercussions of the Spanish Civil War, Ruta Sepetys mixes family drama, love, and heartbreak into a fascinating historical setting. I loved her World War II historical fiction tale Salt to the Sea, and can’t wait to read this one as well.
Highly Anticipated October 2019 Book Releases
The Guardians
John Grisham
In his latest thriller, John Grisham takes on the case of a wrongfully convicted man. Over two decades ago, a jury convicted Quincy Miller for the murder of his lawyer Keith Russo. However, someone framed Miller, and Cullen Post, the founder of innocence group Guardian Ministries, takes up his case. As Post works to overturn Miller’s conviction, he realizes much more is going on. Powerful people do not want the truth of Russo’s murderer revealed, and they are willing to do anything to keep their secrets.
The Way I Heard It
Mike Rowe
Best known as the host of the tv show Dirty Jobs, Mike Row charms with this collection of entertaining short stories. Each story showcases Rowe’s signature wit as he recalls anecdotes from his life and from interesting historical figures. Each tale is very short, just 3-5 pages generally, and leaves you guessing who the story is about until the very end. If you are looking for a lighthearted nonfiction pick, be sure to pick up this October 2019 book release.
Imaginary Friend
Stephen Chbosky
I’ve seen Stephen Chboksy’s new book all over the book blogging community, but I’m not afraid to admit that I am too scared to pick up a copy. After escaping her abusive husband, Kate Reese settles in out-of-the-way Mill Grove, Pennsylvania, with her 7-year-old son Christopher. Just as they are starting to get settled, Christopher vanishes without a trace, only to appear six days later in the woods. Now Christopher has an imaginary friend and a mission – to build a treehouse in the woods before something horrible happens. If you love horror or just want to see if Chbosky can repeat the success of The Perks of Being a Wallflower, this new book release is for you.
Twice in a Blue Moon
Christina Lauren
For the second time this year, writing duo Christina Lauren has a new romance book out. During a whirlwind vacation, Tate Jones falls hard for her very first love, Sam Brandis. For the first time, she feels completely comfortable sharing her hopes and dreams and darkest secrets. Thus, Sam’s betrayal shatters her world. Now a dozen years later, Tate unexpectedly meets Sam on the set of her first big break in acting. Tate must confront all those old feelings and find out if she can ever forgive him. Can love strike twice in a blue moon?
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Illustrated Edition
J. K. Rowling
One of the most anticipated October 2019 book releases would have to be the illustrated version of the fourth Harry Potter book. With gorgeous images by Jim Kay, you’ll fall in love with the Harry Potter books all over again. My youngest kids love seeing the pictures even though they can’t read the words. The best book in the series, in my opinion, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire takes you into Harry’s fourth year at Hogwarts where he must face thrilling new challenges in the Triwizard Tournament.
The Body
Bill Bryson
Another highly anticipated nonfiction entrant in the October 2019 book releases is Bill Bryson’s The Body. Similar to his bestselling A Short History of Nearly Everything, Bryson uses his brilliant writing to enlighten readers on his latest subject. In his newest work, Bryson explores the human body – the amazing physical and neurological functions that make us who we are. A great read for science lovers or anyone wanting books that make you smarter, Bryson is sure to entertain just as much as he educates.
What October 2019 Book Releases are You Most Excited to Read?
What books can you not wait to get your hands on this month? Did I miss any October 2019 book releases that you are anticipating? As always, let me know in the comments!
More New Book Releases: