Today | One More Thing

by Jim Collar

Don’t let anyone tell you that Labor Day weekend is summer’s last hurrah. In the Fox Cities, September is summer’s bonus month. 

Sure, the kids are back in school, but there’s still plenty of time for outdoor fun before temperatures slide into fall. September is packed with opportunities to put an exclamation mark on the warm-weather season, and our outdoor music stages save some of their best for last. 

Get started at Fox Jazz Fest. Held Sept. 5-6, the free, two-day festival features both local talent and world‑class performers. The sights are as good as the sounds, with the stage set up near Lake Winnebago at Jefferson Park in Menasha. Matt Wilson’s Good Trouble headlines on Saturday evening, while New Jazz Underground closes the festival on Sunday.

Just down the road, the Calumet County Fair turns up the volume from Sept. 4-7 in Chilton. While carnival rides and agricultural exhibits bring many to the gates, its music lineup has grown into a legitimate draw. This year’s fair includes top regional acts such as Driftwood, Vic Ferrari, Spicy Tie Band, and Johnny Wad. Country star Kip Moore performs Sunday night.

Pairing craft beverages with live performances always makes for a great night out. Head back to Menasha’s Jefferson Park Sept. 10 for Brews on Bago. Enjoy music from Carbon Road, beverages from Stone Arch Brewpub, yard games, and food trucks from 5-8 p.m.

Then, Sept. 18-19, put on something green and get to Appleton’s Jones Park for Irish Fest Fox Cities. It’s a lively cultural celebration that’s built on a foundation of some incredible music.

Gaelic Storm returns as the Friday headlining act. Starting as a pub band, they gained a national following after appearing in the blockbuster film Titanic. 

Skerryvore also returns to Irish Fest Fox Cities and is all the way from Scotland. A four-time winner of Scotland’s Live Act of the Year award, they seamlessly blend pop music with traditional Scottish sounds, including bagpipes, accordion, fiddles, and whistles. They’ll perform before Gaelic Storm on Friday and headline the Saturday lineup.

Finally, the month ends with one of Appleton’s biggest annual events. Put on your walking shoes and bring an appetite to Octoberfest Sept. 25-26. It starts Friday with License to Cruise. Come for the show cars and stay for a performance by Boogie and the Yo-Yo’z at Houdini Plaza from 6-9 p.m. 

Saturday’s main event provides a who’s who of great Fox Valley bands across five stages. Highlights include The Glam Band at 3 p.m. at the west end of College Avenue and Kyle Megna & The Monsoons at 4 p.m. at Houdini Plaza. This year, Octoberfest added a country stage at the corner of College Avenue and Morrison Street, with Nashville Pipeline headlining at 4 p.m.

You could consider September as an encore to a great summer. In the Fox Cities, it’s more of a grand finale. Get out and soak up every last moment.

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This article was originally published in the September 2026 issue of Appleton Monthly Magazine.

by Alyssa Johnson

Women Making a DIFFERENCE

Five years ago, the Women’s Inspire Awards were created to celebrate women whose impact often happens quietly, behind the scenes. Over the years, we have had the privilege of sharing the stories of remarkable women who lead with heart, serve without expectation, and make our community stronger every day. Their journeys remind us that some of the most meaningful contributions are made not for recognition, but because someone simply sees a need and chooses to help.

That couldn’t be more true of this year’s honorees. They inspire our children, strengthen connections, support those facing difficult circumstances, and help move the Fox Cities forward. While their paths and contributions may differ, they share a common purpose: improving the lives of the people around them. Their dedication to service, leadership, and community impact is evident in everything they do.

Each woman featured in these pages was nominated by someone who witnessed that dedication firsthand and wanted to shine a light on the difference she makes. Their stories are a powerful reminder that inspiration often comes from the people beside us every day: our coworkers, neighbors, mentors, friends, and family members.

We are honored to share these stories with you and offer a glimpse into the lives of six extraordinary women. We hope their journeys inspire you as much as they have inspired us. We also encourage you to think about the women who have inspired you — the individuals whose kindness, leadership, and generosity often go unnoticed but deserve to be celebrated.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the Women’s Inspire Awards over the past five years. This event would not be possible without our nominators, sponsors, volunteers, attendees, and community partners.

And to this year’s honorees: thank you for allowing us to celebrate you. Your impact is immeasurable, and our gratitude is beyond words.

With gratitude,

Alyssa Johnson and Amanda Krueger

Alyssa and Amanda are proud to support and uplift the women who make our community stronger every day. Thank you to American National Bank Fox Cities for believing in this mission, and to Jon Croce and Appleton Monthly Magazine for giving us the opportunity to celebrate these remarkable women! 

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Kristin McCormack-Schroeder

Arts Advocate | Storyteller | Community Connector

Kristin has spent her career helping people connect through the arts. As Senior Manager of Brand Engagement at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, she helps share the stories behind performances, programs, and initiatives that bring the community together. Through creativity, communications, and a deep appreciation for the arts, she plays a key role in creating experiences that leave a lasting impact.

Kristin is passionate about the power of storytelling and the unique ways the arts can inspire connection, learning, and understanding. Whether someone is attending their first performance, discovering a new perspective, or participating in a community program, she believes meaningful experiences have the ability to bring people together and strengthen communities. 

One of Kristin’s greatest passions is helping grow the P.A.C.’s Viewpoint Speaker Series, which brings influential voices and thought-provoking conversations to the Fox Cities. She is inspired by opportunities to create spaces where people can broaden their perspectives, engage with new ideas, and leave feeling inspired. She also remains committed to ensuring the arts are accessible, welcoming, and meaningful for all members of the community.

Kristin credits Maria Van Laanen, president and CEO at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, as one of her greatest professional influences. Having worked alongside Maria throughout much of her career at the P.A.C., she has witnessed firsthand the impact of thoughtful, visionary leadership. Kristin describes Maria as someone who leads with both heart and expertise — always willing to listen, offer guidance, and invest in the growth of others. Watching Maria help shape the P.A.C. into the organization it is today reinforced Kristin’s own belief in the power of connection, community, and servant leadership.

“The things that challenge you are often the things that help you grow the most.”

— Nominated by Erin Kelsey

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Melissa Toshner

Educator | Advocate for Striving Learners | Champion for Student Success

Melissa has dedicated nearly 25 years to helping students reach their full potential. As associate director of special education for the Appleton Area School District, she supports educators, students, and families while helping to ensure every learner receives the opportunity, encouragement, and resources they need to succeed.

Melissa’s passion for special education began early in her teaching career when she discovered a love for understanding how students learn differently and finding creative ways to help them grow. She is inspired by the challenge of meeting learners where they are and helping educators create pathways for success. Whether supporting teachers in the classroom or helping guide district-wide initiatives, Melissa remains focused on one goal: ensuring every student feels valued, capable, and supported.

She is especially passionate about empowering the educators who work alongside students every day. Melissa often credits the teachers, support staff, and administrators around her for their heart, perseverance, and commitment to helping children thrive. She believes some of the most meaningful moments in education happen in small daily victories that eventually lead to lasting growth.

The educators she works with continue to inspire her through their compassion, resilience, and unwavering dedication to students. Their example is a constant reminder of the difference one caring person can make in a child’s life.

“If you’ve got grit and you’ve got heart, you can learn everything else.”

— Nominated by Carrie Willer

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Dawn Ruchala

Community Impact Leader | Connector | Advocate for Opportunity

Dawn has built a career around creating meaningful opportunities for others. As senior community engagement manager at U.S. Venture, she helps lead initiatives that strengthen communities, support nonprofit organizations, and improve lives throughout Northeast Wisconsin. Through her work with the U.S. Venture Open and Basic Needs Giving Partnership, she helps connect generosity with causes that are making a lasting impact on children and families across the region.

What drives Dawn is a belief that opportunity can change the trajectory of a life. As the first person in her family to pursue higher education, she worked hard to create a future that looked different from the one she knew growing up. Earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree required perseverance, determination, and a commitment to continuous growth — qualities that continue to shape her leadership today. Having experienced firsthand how education can open doors, Dawn is passionate about helping others discover what is possible for their own future.

Dawn is especially passionate about helping children and families build brighter futures. Whether through fundraising, community partnerships, or volunteer leadership, she is motivated by the opportunity to create pathways for success and connect people with the resources they need to thrive. She believes meaningful change happens when people come together around a shared purpose and use their gifts to lift others up. 

Dawn credits her mother as one of her greatest inspirations. Her mother’s resilience, determination, and ability to connect with people helped shape Dawn’s own approach to leadership and service. Those lessons continue to guide her as she works to ensure future generations have the same opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed.

“Keep focused on the big goals that you set for yourself because you’re going to accomplish all of them and then some.”

— Nominated by Beverly Fesing

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Andrea Bartel-Riffle

Retired Educator | Community Volunteer | Advocate for Our Vulnerable

Andrea has spent her life helping others. After a 39-year career in education, she continues to serve the community by supporting individuals experiencing some of life’s most difficult challenges. As assistant shelter manager with the St. Joseph Catholic Church Emergency Shelter, Andrea brings compassion, patience, and a deep commitment to helping others feel seen, supported, and valued.

Andrea’s passion for service is rooted in the values she learned growing up in a large family and close-knit community. After retiring from education, she became increasingly aware of the housing challenges facing individuals and families throughout the Fox Cities. Believing that safe, stable housing is foundational to well-being, she felt called to become involved. Through her work with the emergency shelter, she helps connect people with resources, support, and opportunities that can help them take steps toward greater stability and independence.

Whether helping children in the classroom or individuals experiencing homelessness, Andrea approaches each person with empathy, patience, and respect. She has become a trusted advocate for many of the people she serves, helping them navigate appointments, access resources, and overcome barriers that can feel overwhelming. Andrea understands that lasting change often happens through small, steady steps, and she remains committed to walking alongside people as they work toward brighter futures.

Andrea is inspired by the many generous people she has encountered throughout her life, individuals who quietly give their time, energy, and support to help others. Their example continues to motivate her and reinforces her belief that strong communities are built through compassion and connection.

“Knowing you have someone who has your back is a real confidence builder. Not everyone has that, and that’s why showing up for others matters.”

— Nominated by Melanie Mailand, 2024 WIA recipient

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Amy Bertram

Business Leader | Community Supporter | Family-First Entrepreneur

Amy knows that life doesn’t always follow the path you originally planned, and that can be a beautiful thing.

Originally a special education teacher, Amy stepped away from her career to focus on raising her children, embracing the role of full-time mom during a season when her family needed her most. As life evolved, so did Amy’s vision for what was possible. Alongside her husband, Ben, she helped build Fiberglass Solutions into a successful, growing business, eventually stepping into a leadership role she never originally imagined for herself. 

Amy is passionate about creating opportunities, not only for her family and employees, but also for her community. Known for her willingness to jump in, support local organizations, and help bring people together, she believes leadership is less about recognition and more about making a positive impact on the people around you. Whether in business, at home, or through community involvement, she approaches every challenge with determination, humility, and a commitment to continuous growth. 

One of Amy’s greatest sources of inspiration is her family. Working alongside her husband has given her a unique appreciation for partnership, perseverance, and shared goals. At the same time, she hopes her children see something bigger in her journey: that it is never too late to learn something new, take a different path, or become the person you are meant to be. Her story is a reminder that success isn’t always about following a plan; sometimes it’s about having the courage to embrace the unexpected.

“Life doesn’t always follow the path you originally planned, but that doesn’t mean it won’t lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.”

— Nominated by Ben Bertram

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Leah Suprise

Community Volunteer | Foster Parent | Advocate for Families and First Responders

Leah has dedicated her life to helping others feel supported, valued, and cared for. As executive director of Project SIX, she works alongside first responders, families, and community members to provide meaningful support during both everyday challenges and life’s most difficult moments. Beyond her leadership with Project SIX, Leah has spent nearly a decade serving local families through her work with the Girl Scouts and has opened her heart and home as a foster parent, helping children feel safe, supported, and loved.

Leah’s commitment to service is deeply personal. Throughout her life, she has experienced challenges that shaped her perspective and strengthened her appreciation for the people who offered guidance, encouragement, and support along the way. Those experiences reinforced her belief that even the smallest act of kindness can make a lasting difference and continue to influence the way she serves others today.

Whether through Project SIX, foster parenting, the Girl Scouts, or countless volunteer efforts, Leah is passionate about ensuring people know they are not alone. She believes some of the most meaningful acts of service happen in everyday moments — showing up, listening, offering a helping hand, and reminding someone there is hope ahead. Her dedication to lifting others up has strengthened countless lives throughout the community.

Leah credits two high school teachers, Mr. Jack Wendt and Miss Linda Radke, as some of the most influential people in her life. Their encouragement, belief in her potential, and willingness to invest their time helped shape the person she is today. Their example continues to inspire her commitment to helping others recognize that their story is still being written and that their circumstances do not determine their future.

“I wouldn’t be where I am without the people who showed up for me, and I hope to be that person for others.” 

— Nominated by Sarah Peterson

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What brought you to your work?

Kristin: My career has taken a few different paths, but the common thread has always been creating experiences that bring people together. I started in entertainment marketing and public relations, worked with sports organizations and live events, and loved seeing how a shared experience could create excitement and connection. That passion eventually led me to the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. Being able to connect people through storytelling, creativity, and the arts has been incredibly rewarding, and I still get excited seeing someone experience the P.A.C. for the first time.

Melissa: I knew pretty early in college that I wanted to go into special education, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. What intrigued me was trying to figure out how to help learners when the typical approach wasn’t working. It became this challenge of, “How do I help this student succeed?” That opportunity to meet students where they are and help them grow is what has kept me going for nearly 25 years.

Dawn: I originally thought I would work for an advertising agency after studying marketing at UW-Madison. Instead, I found myself on the client side, working in marketing, communications, and events. Over time, I realized what I enjoyed most wasn’t marketing itself. It was bringing people together around a purpose and creating something that made a difference. That eventually led me toward community engagement and the work I do today.

Andrea: Many people have been touched by homelessness or housing insecurity in some way, whether through a family member, friend, or neighbor. I’ve always been interested in affordable housing because housing is such a key component of stability. I grew up with a home. I grew up knowing where my meals would come from. After I retired, I attended a meeting at church about homelessness and affordable housing, and my passion just grew from there.

Amy: I always assumed I would spend my career teaching. When I stepped away from teaching to stay home with our children, it opened the door to a path I never expected. My husband had always dreamed of owning a business. I remember him coming home one day and saying, “If we’re going to work this hard, we’re going to do it for ourselves.” What started as his dream became something we built together as a family, and it completely changed the direction of my career.

Leah: My passion for helping others comes from the people who showed up for me throughout my life. Growing up, first responders were often some of the people who made me feel safe and reminded me things were going to be okay. Teachers, mentors, and community members did that for me too. Those experiences stayed with me. Whether through the Girl Scouts, foster parenting, or Project SIX, I’ve always felt called to give back and be that person for someone else.

What motivates you on your most challenging days?

Kristin: Seeing the impact our work has on people is always a cup filler for me. 

The P.A.C. is so much more than a place where performances happen. It creates opportunities for people to learn, connect, and experience something meaningful. Watching someone discover a new perspective or leave feeling inspired reminds me why this work matters.

Melissa: I am surrounded by incredible educators every day. 

When I’m having a hard day, I go into classrooms. I watch teachers do what they do best. That’s where the magic happens. Seeing the care, compassion, and perseverance they bring to students reminds me why this work matters and why it’s worth continuing to fight for every learner.

Dawn: I’ve always been gritty. 

If something is challenging, I’m going to figure out a way to get it done. But more importantly, I try to keep things in perspective. Any challenge I’m facing at work is small compared to what many of the families we’re helping are experiencing. Remembering our mission and the people we’re serving helps keep me focused.

Andrea: My faith really drives me. 

I’ve learned that I can only do my small part and trust that others will step forward to do theirs. The older I’ve gotten, the more I’ve realized what really matters. It’s how we treat one another. It’s the love we share and the ways we care for others. That’s what keeps me going.

Amy: I’ve learned that I need to break things down into steps. 

When things feel overwhelming, I focus on what absolutely has to get done first and what can wait. It sounds simple, but it has helped me manage a growing list of responsibilities and keep moving forward. You can’t do everything at once, and that’s okay.

Leah: Giving back. 

When I got sick, I was overwhelmed by the number of people who reached out, sent cards, and showed support. I didn’t realize how many people I had impacted because I never do it for gratification. I do it because we should be doing it. That reminder and those connections keep me going.

What do you envision for the future of your work?

Kristin: I’m excited to continue creating opportunities that bring people together through the arts. The growth of the Viewpoint Speaker Series has been especially rewarding because it brings unbelievable stories to our community and gives people the chance to broaden their horizons. 

I’m also passionate about continuing to expand accessibility efforts so everyone feels welcome and able to experience the arts in a way that works for them.

Melissa: I want to continue developing RISE, supporting our teachers, and advocating for special education funding. 

I’m also passionate about helping grow the profession. By the time I’m ready to step away from education, I want to know I’ve helped prepare and support the next generation of educators so they’re ready to carry this work forward and continue advocating for students.

Dawn: I see tremendous opportunity ahead. 

Through the U.S. Venture Open and the Basic Needs Giving Partnership, we’re in a position to make an even greater impact throughout Northeast Wisconsin. There is so much opportunity and impact we can have in bigger, broader ways throughout the region, and that’s what gets me excited.

Andrea: Of course, I’d love to end homelessness, but there will always be new challenges to address. 

What I hope for most is a community that continues to come together to support one another. We are only as strong as our most vulnerable members. If we can bring people together, lift each other up, and help people move forward with dignity and hope, we’ll all be stronger because of it.

Amy: We definitely plan to keep growing, although I’m usually the one saying, “Let’s figure out where we’re at first.” 

What excites me most is helping preserve and grow small businesses that may not otherwise have a succession plan. There are so many good businesses in Northeast Wisconsin whose owners are ready to retire, and we love helping continue what they’ve built while creating new opportunities for employees and families.

Leah: I want to make Project SIX bigger. 

I want it to be something that continues long into the future and reaches even more first responders and families. I also want to do more for youth aging out of foster care because I’ve been there and understand how important support can be. Ultimately, I want people to know they have someone in their corner.

What would you tell your younger self to inspire her?

Kristin: Take more chances.

I wish I would have studied abroad. I wish I had worried less about getting everything right. Looking back, I’d tell myself not to be afraid to fail, to stay curious, and to keep learning. Some of the most meaningful growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone and trust yourself.

Melissa: Keep going.

Keep your faith. Trust God’s plan. Even in really dark places, those experiences can shape you and refine you into a better version of yourself. Looking back, some of my most difficult seasons taught me lessons I never could have learned otherwise.

Dawn: Keep focused on your goals.

I always had big goals for myself and kept setting new ones every time I reached another milestone. Looking back, I would tell my younger self: keep focused on the big goals you set for yourself, because you’re going to accomplish all of them and then some.

Andrea: Believe in yourself and trust yourself.

Don’t be afraid to try new things, and don’t worry so much about what everyone else might say or do. Find out who you are, know your strengths, and believe in them. You can make a difference just by being who you are.

Amy: Take advantage of every opportunity.

You never know which person you’ll meet, what experience you’ll have, or how a situation will impact your life years down the road. Every little connection matters. Stay open to possibilities, trust your gut, and surround yourself with good people. Things may not always make sense in the moment, but they often come full circle.

Leah: Don’t be so angry. People are only trying to help you.

For a long time, I was upset because life didn’t seem fair. Looking back now, I realize everything I went through shaped who I am. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and the impact I’ve been able to make in the lives of others outweighs the difficult things I experienced growing up.

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This article was originally published in the September 2026 issue of Appleton Monthly Magazine.

by Natasha Winkler

There is a subtle shift that takes place across the Fox Cities as September unfolds. The high-energy, open-air pulse of midsummer, the packed outdoor concerts, the crowds wandering through city plazas, the lingering evening walks along the Fox River — all begin to soften into something quieter and more introspective. As crisp autumn breezes sweep through the streets, our daily scenery naturally contracts. We trade sunlit picnic tables for indoor booths, and we begin searching for warm, welcoming corners where we can pull up a chair, order a hot drink, and stay a while.

This annual autumnal migration isn’t just a reaction to the dropping temperature; it is a fundamental human search for connection. In urban sociology, these essential indoor sanctuaries are known as “third places.” And as September settles over the Fox Cities, these public living rooms become a true focal point for our local community.

The Anatomy of the “Third Place”

The term “third place” was coined in 1989 by the late sociologist Ray Oldenburg in his seminal book, The Great Good Place. Oldenburg proposed that a healthy, functioning human life relies on three distinct geographic realms:

• The First Place: The home, our private, domestic sphere of family and personal solitude.
• The Second Place: The workplace, our professional environment governed by tasks, deadlines, and economic production.
• The Third Place: The informal public gathering space, the low-pressure, welcoming environment where people gather simply for the pleasure of company, conversation, and shared presence.

Oldenburg warned that modern suburban life was increasingly driving Americans into a fragmented “two-step pattern” of living: commuting back and forth between home and work, completely bypassing the shared public sphere. Without third places, he argued, civic life privatizes, loneliness rises, and the social fabric that binds a community together begins to fray.

To qualify as a true third place, a space must possess a few distinct qualities. It must exist on neutral ground, where individuals can come and go freely without the obligations of hosting. It must be accessible and accommodating, low-profile in its physical design, driven by a playful and conversational atmosphere, and, above all, populated by “regulars” who give the space its distinct soul.

The Power of Leveling

Perhaps the most crucial characteristic Oldenburg identified in a great third place is its role as a “leveler.”

In our first and second places, social status, income, job titles, and political affiliations dictate much of how we interact with one another. A corporate executive sits in a corner office; a trade worker is on a job site; a college student is in a lecture hall. But when those same individuals step through the door of a downtown coffee shop, a local diner, or a neighborhood tavern, those artificial social hierarchies vanish.

At a communal counter, status is stripped away. The professor sitting with a laptop shares a multi-plug outlet with a local electrician reading the morning paper. The retired paper mill worker strikes up a conversation about the changing autumn foliage with a young graphic designer waiting for a pour-over coffee.

In an era where modern life increasingly pushes us into online echo chambers and socioeconomic silos, our local third places force us to look each other in the eye. They remind us that we share a physical geography, a climate, and a collective destiny with people whose lives and viewpoints look entirely different from our own.

While summer invites us to scatter across parks, trails, and backyards, September draws us back into proximity. The cities’ local independent gathering spots, from cozy coffee houses with mismatched armchairs to neighborhood nooks, community library spaces, and generational diners, all step up to fulfill an essential psychological function.

Think about the sensory comfort of entering one of the Fox Cities’ third places on a brisk September morning:

• A warm, dark-roasted aroma hangs in the air.
• The hiss of steam from an espresso machine frames the ambient hum of acoustic music.
• The predictable chime of the front door opening, followed by a barista calling out a regular customer’s name before they’ve even reached the register.

Those moments of recognition — being known by name in a space that isn’t your house and isn’t your office — are a powerful psychological anchor. Sociologists refer to this as “thin ties”: the informal, casual acquaintanceships we maintain with the people who inhabit our daily routines. We may not know their middle names or their life histories, but seeing their familiar faces in the booth across from us every Tuesday morning provides a deep, subconscious sense of safety, stability, and belonging.

Protecting Our Local Community Living Rooms

It is easy to view coffee shops, neighborhood cafes, and public gathering rooms simply as commercial transaction spaces, a place where $5 buys a cup of coffee or a muffin. But that view misses the forest for the trees.

The real commodity being generated in these spaces isn’t caffeine or baked goods, believe it or not; it is social capital. Third places are the incubation chambers of local culture. They are where neighborhood block parties are first planned, where local artists pitch joint exhibitions, where grassroots charitable initiatives take shape, and where simple human empathy is practiced daily over shared tables.

However, true third places are fragile ecosystems. They require our active presence and intention. In a digital world that constantly incentivizes us to stay on the couch, order groceries via an app, and stream content in isolation, choosing to put on a jacket, walk down the block, and sit among our neighbors is a quiet act of civic dedication.

As the leaves turn amber and the mornings grow crisp across the Fox Valley this month, resist the urge to immediately retreat into total isolation. Seek out a local public living room. Buy a cup of tea, find a comfortable seat, leave your phone in your pocket for 20 minutes, and really take in the vibrant, diverse human landscape of the community you call home.

Our third places are waiting for us, and the coffee is already brewing.

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This article was originally published in the September 2026 issue of Appleton Monthly Magazine.

by Casey Marion

It’s that time of year when pumpkin spice lattes seem to almost magically appear in hand, and chunky sweaters find their way out from the back of the closet. If you’re anything like me, the moment the calendar flips to Sept. 1, you’re dusting off Halloween decorations and dreaming of pumpkin patch visits. Perhaps digging out those nostalgic 1990s rom-coms or immersing yourself in DIY decor is how you celebrate. Or maybe you prefer snacking on kettle corn while glued to the slasher on your television screen. No, don’t split up! Or maybe, like me, you wish to experience all this time of year has to offer. Diving headfirst into the season seems to be the best way to enjoy it.  No matter what you’re popping into the DVD player (you can pry my Blu-ray from my cold, dead hands, Netflix!), there’s just something undeniably comforting about wrapping up in a warm blanket, watching the colors start to change outside, and curling up with a good book. 

As a self-proclaimed autumnal literature enthusiast, I’ve spent the last few years gathering all the best reads for the season. Whether you love cozy, low-stakes, small-town romances à la Gilmore Girls, heartwarming historical fiction, or bone-chilling horror, this list has something for you. After all, autumn reading doesn’t have to mean terrifying thrillers that will have you double-checking the locks on your doors. It can be slow, thought-provoking historical fiction, sweet romances with just enough spice to have you pulling at your cable knit sweater and asking, “Is it hot in here?”, or anything in between. There’s really no wrong way to spend a crisp autumn afternoon with a book.

From debut authors just getting their start to novels in the process of being turned into blockbuster movies, every single one of these books holds a special place in my heart. Some are cozy, some are creepy, and some may have you questioning why you decided to read them alone at night. There are books for those looking to get lost in a charming little town, books for those craving something mysterious, and books for anyone who wants to spend the season completely immersed in the fantasy of another world.

So, if you’re browsing for your next five-star read, trying to get through your TBR (to-be-read list), or simply searching for something that feels like the literary equivalent of a crisp autumn afternoon, I hope you find something here. Grab your favorite sweater, make yourself a warm PSL (pumpkin spice latte), and settle in. There are plenty of stories waiting to make their way onto your autumn reading list.

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Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman

From bestselling author of Bird Box, Josh Malerman’s Incidents Around the House is a chilling horror story told through the eyes of 8-year-old Bela, a girl who values her family above everything: Daddo, Mommy, Grandma Ruth, and Other Mommy. Other Mommy is different. She looks like Bela’s mother and sounds like her too, but there’s something wrong about her presence. Every day, she asks Bela the question: “Can I go inside your heart?” What begins as a strange, friendly question soon turns horrifying as Other Mommy becomes impatient. Reckless, violent, and bolder, she needs an answer. Bela must cling to the ties that bind family together before it’s too late.

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett

Emily Wilde is NOT good with people. Books? Sure. Her dog, Shadow? Of course. But not people. A highly educated professor at Cambridge, Emily’s research of all things Faerie has led her to a small northern town called Hrafnsvik. It is there that she gets a feel for the savory locals, their culture, and runs into none other than her longstanding academic rival, Wendell Bambleby. Wendell has a habit of throwing off her research and getting in her way as she searches for an elusive group of faeries. This low-stakes fantasy is the perfect autumnal escape for readers looking for something magical, charming, and cozy.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

Mika Moon is one of the last witches left in Britain. She’s gotten this far by knowing how to responsibly use her magic and how to keep her head down — mostly. Mika has a secret social media account she uses to “pretend” she’s a witch. That changes when she receives a mysterious letter asking her to teach three young witches at Nowhere House. Reluctantly, Mika goes and quickly becomes enamored with the students and staff, including the handsome house librarian, Jamie.

The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave

Half a decade ago, Heather’s husband, Owen, disappeared. Since then, she’s taken her stepdaughter and moved far away from the hurt, focusing on healing. But then Owen shows up when she least expects him, and danger follows closely behind, threatening everything she’s built.

Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee Baker

After witnessing her sister’s brutal murder, Cora thinks she’s experienced the worst this life has to offer. That is, until deceased bats begin showing up at her job. Cora is haunted by the last thing the murderer said to her before fleeing the scene: “Bat Eater.”  

Too Old for This by Samantha Downing

When retired serial killer Lottie Jones answers her front door, the last thing she expects to see is an investigative journalist. Suddenly, she’s being asked about crimes committed decades ago. To Lottie, there’s only one logical next step to ensure she keeps her freedom: come out of retirement.

Final Girls by Riley Sager 

Quincy belongs to a club no one wants a part of. She’s a final girl. Alongside Lisa, the sole survivor of a sorority massacre, and Sam, who escaped a notorious serial killer while working the night shift at a local inn, the three are the only ones left alive to tell their stories. It’s been 10 years since Quinn went camping with her friends and returned completely alone. She’s spent the past decade healing, starting a baking blog, and meeting her soon-to-be fiance, Jeff. But when Lisa is found dead, and Sam shows up on Quinn’s door, things change. Someone is hunting the final girls — and won’t stop until there’s no one left.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern 

The Night Circus is one of those reads that sticks with you long after you turn the final page. Magicians Celia and Marco belong to the Night Circus, a magical cirque show that appears with no warning, for one night only. Their entire lives, Celia and Marco have been groomed by their mentors to fight in a duel. Unbeknownst to them, only one can survive. As tensions rise and the night of the big show looms closer, Celia and Marco begin to fall for each other. They must navigate their newfound feelings while preparing for the fight of their lives. Written in beautiful prose, The Night Circus is an autumn must-read.

The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling 

This sweet and sassy paranormal romance is the perfect way to kick off the spooky season. After a bad breakup, Vivienne, a witch from Graves Glen, Georgia, curses her evil ex-boyfriend, certain no real harm could come to him. Nine years later, Rhys returns to Graves Glen, and strange things begin happening. The town is under attack by unexplainable entities. It’s up to Vivi and Rhys to break the curse before the town is completely overtaken. 

If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio

Oliver Marks is released after 10 years in prison for a crime he may or may not have committed. A decade ago, he was among thespians. When a gruesome murder occurs, Oliver and his fellow actors must put on the performance of a lifetime.

The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham

Today is move-in day at Tiffin Academy, a well-known, party-friendly boarding school. But soon, a popular new app begins blowing up phones at Tiffin Academy, revealing secrets about everyone from staff to students. No one is safe from its encompassing reach. 

This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum 

Benny and Joy host a comedy survival podcast with millions of listeners. But when Joy and her husband go missing, all eyes turn to Benny. Through Joy’s unpublished memoir, secrets emerge that could finally reveal exactly what really happened the night she disappeared.

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Anatomy: A Love Story by Dana Schwartz

This is the perfect historical fiction romance for anyone who doesn’t mind a little body horror. The novel follows Hazel, a woman determined to become a surgeon in the early 1800s. After getting kicked out of a lecture because she’s a woman, Hazel makes a deal with her professor: If she can pass the medical examination, she can enroll. That’s where Jack comes in. Jack is a “resurrection man” who spends his days digging up graves. Normally, his job is easy. Except now, strangers are lurking around the cemetery, and people in Edinburgh are disappearing. It’s up to Hazel and Jack to uncover the mysteries around them before it’s too late.

Never Lie by Freida McFadden 

Largely regarded as Freida McFadden’s spookiest work, Never Lie is a great book to add to your autumn reading list. The novel follows young newlyweds Tricia and Ethan as they begin searching for their forever home. When a nasty storm strands them at a particularly creepy house, they scour the estate for something to cure their boredom until the blizzard passes. They discover the house belonged to Dr. Hale, a psychologist who went missing years prior. They stumble upon a room filled with audio cassette tapes of Dr. Hale’s sessions. One by one, Tricia plays them, slowly learning what exactly happened to Dr. Hale — uncovering secrets she wishes she’d never heard.

Bunny by Mona Awad

Samantha can’t stand the girls in her writing class. They call each other Bunny and look like clones. But when Samantha receives an invitation to come over, she can’t help but feel curious. Monstrous things happen at the Bunnies’ house, changing Samantha’s reality forever.

Nothing More to Tell by Holly Jackson

Brynn returns home after four years following her teacher’s murder. Now an intern at a true-crime show, she’s determined to find what police couldn’t: who did it? With her ex-best friend as the key witness, Brynn uncovers secrets that could change everything forever.

Accidentally Amy by Lynn Painter

In an act she isn’t proud of, Isabella takes a latte that isn’t hers. Holding a cup labeled “Amy,” she runs into a kind, gorgeous man. On her first day at her dream job, she realizes that the handsome stranger is her new boss. 

The Secret History by Donna Tartt 

Credited with being the inspiration for the dark academia aesthetic, Donna Tartt’s The Secret History is a great read for the colder months. At an elite liberal arts college in New England, a handful of misfits form a group around one of the university’s more eccentric professors. In this small society, new norms are created, and in time, new morals. Told in beautiful prose, this novel expertly intertwines elements of a thriller with philosophy and psychology. Fans of Kill Your Darlings and Dead Poets Society will find much to love in this heartbreakingly thought-provoking novel. This is a story that will stay with you long after the final page.

Wrong Place, Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister 

In the early hours of Halloween, Jen watches her teenage son commit a gruesome murder. Horrified, she’s helpless to do anything but watch as her son is arrested and dragged to the police station. Exhausted, she falls asleep, only to wake up and discover that the murder hasn’t happened yet. It’s Halloween again, and she has the chance to prevent this horrible atrocity from occurring. As the days go on, Jen continues waking up in the past — first days, then months, then years before the murder. Deep in the past, something is set up so her son becomes a killer — and Jen must find it and put an end to it.

If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia

Set in the late 1990s, this autumnal romance brings nostalgia akin to classic rom-coms. Michelle is licking her wounds after a nasty divorce when she takes over her family’s bed & breakfast in Copper Run. Enter Cliff, a handsome, single dad next door who seems to embody the town itself. Michelle warms to Cliff as the days pass and the weather gets colder. What started as neighbors blossoms into friendship. But it’s the other feelings that might end up hurting her.

The September House by Carissa Orlando

Every September, Margaret and Hal’s house becomes haunted. After four years, Hal seemingly can’t take it anymore and vanishes. Their daughter, Katherine, travels to search for her father, unaware of horrors lurking in the house. As the search continues, the haunting becomes worse.

Slasher Summer by E.L. Chen

A group of friends reunite in their rural hometown, famously known as the backdrop to one of Hollywood’s greatest slasher films. However, fiction and reality begin to blur as they realize they’re being hunted and fall into the notorious roles found in slasher films.  

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

Tradwife influencer Natalie spends her days promoting her lifestyle to millions of followers, despite the army of help behind the camera. However, she wakes up one day living the reality she’s spent years masquerading in, only to discover life isn’t what it seems.

The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James

I stumbled on The Sun Down Motel while shopping around for my next read, and it did not disappoint. Vivienne Delaney was only 20 years old when she disappeared. She had been working the night shift at the Sun Down Motel, just as she’d done every day for the past few months. Viv had been looking into a recent string of murders and presumably got too close to the truth. Thirty-five years later, her niece Carly takes it upon herself to find Viv — even when that means working at the same motel, staying in the same apartment, and looking into the same strange events that happened long ago.

Fall Into Temptation by Lucy Score

Anyone who has been scanning the Great Reads section for a while knows that I love anything by Lucy Score. Fall Into Temptation, the second installment in the Blue Moon series, is no exception. Gianna Decker, a newbie to the small town of Blue Moon, wasn’t looking for love. That is, until she spotted handsome bachelor Beckett Pierce, who just so happens to be her landlord, the town mayor, and her father’s girlfriend’s favorite son. With all these connections, it’d be impossible to stay away from him, right? As if having him as her landlord wasn’t complicated enough, his chemistry makes staying away even harder.

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

This novel is a classic, and for a very good reason. Shirley Jackson takes readers through the horrors of Hill House in this paranormal gothic mystery. The Haunting of Hill House follows four protagonists, each seeking out the manor for different reasons. As they comb their way through Hill House, horrors are unleashed, and each must grapple with the sinister psychological evil lurking within. Atmospheric, unsettling, and deeply haunting, this is a classic that deserves its reputation.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

Addie LaRue has spent centuries being forgotten. In 1714, she struck a deal that allowed her to live forever. But immortality has a price: Everyone she meets forgets her. She lives alone, traveling the world, until she meets a man who remembers her name. 

Crave by Tracy Wolff

After her parents’ death, Grace moves to Alaska to attend Katmere Academy, run by her uncle. She soon realizes that monsters are walking among her — vampires, werewolves, and dragons posing as everyday humans. But surviving her new school may be harder than she ever imagined.

Home is Where the Bodies Are by Jeneva Rose 

When estranged siblings Beth, Nicole, and Michael reunite after their parents’ passing, they begin sorting through the couple’s belongings. They discover an old VHS tape showing their father covered in blood while their mother helps him hide a body. Suddenly, everything they knew changes.

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This article was originally published in the September 2026 issue of Appleton Monthly Magazine.