From the Front Porch, Episode 545

September 2025 New Release Rundown
Aired: September 4, 2025
Host: Annie Jones
Guest: Erin (Online Sales Manager, The Bookshelf Thomasville)

Episode Overview

In this lively episode, Annie Jones and Erin share their hand-picked selections of the most exciting new book releases for September 2025. This installment is full of cozy fall energy, honest insights about the realities of running an indie bookstore, and the poignant pleasure of discovering books perfectly suited for the seasons ahead. Annie and Erin each bring three recommendations (with a sprinkle of bookish banter), delve into what makes each title unique, and share glimpses into life at The Bookshelf (including maternity leaves, writing a book, and dreams of boarding school adventures).

Key Discussion Points & Book Picks

1. Setting the Scene: Bookstore Life & Autumn Anticipation

• Annie notes the recent “wonky” season at The Bookshelf, with both her and Olivia out for maternity, and her own book written in April.
• The team is excited for fall, eager to return to the comforts of books and podcasting.
  “I look forward to fall every year, but this year… I am looking forward to getting back in the swing of things. And podcasting is one of those things.” — Annie (03:04)

2. How to Shop the Episode

• All books mentioned are listed at bookshelfthomasville.com (search “episode 545”).
• Use code NEW RELEASE PLEASE for 10% off these titles.
• Annie plugs the Fall Literary First Look (September 10 via Zoom), a seasonal event to preview autumn’s best books.

September New Releases: Annie & Erin’s Picks

Annie’s Pick #1:

Buckeye by Patrick Ryan
Out now

• Historical epic following two couples through WWII, Korea, and the Vietnam War in small-town Ohio.
• Unique element: one character communicates with the dead; not magical realism, but thoughtfully grounded.
• Annie finds comfort in reading about uncertain times:
  “It’s weirdly nice to know, oh, this has happened before, it will happen again. …There was something about this novel that I also found really comforting as I watched these characters and these couples endure not only the everyday events of their life… but also the larger global events.” — Annie (07:27)
• For fans of: The Women, In Memoriam, Florence Knapp’s The Names
• Predicted to be “a celebrity book club pick” (08:29)

Erin’s Pick #1:

To the Moon and Back by Eliana Ramage
Out September 2

• Follows Stephanie Harper, determined to become the first Cherokee woman astronaut; explores identity, family trauma, intersectionality.
• Touches on Cherokee heritage, family estrangement, and queer identity.
• “If you really do like the behind the scenes of NASA, of space, of a mission, you’ll get some of that here. But it’s much like Taylor Jenkins Reid Atmosphere, where the focus is on the people and the relationships… not a Project Hail Mary or anything.” — Erin (11:06)
• Kirkus starred: “There are three novels worth of material here.” (12:07)
• Erin notes it’s “heartbreaking and heart wrenching” and “a lot to take in, but it was all good.”
• For fans of: Taylor Jenkins Reid, relationship-driven space stories

Annie’s Pick #2:

Little Movements by Lauren Morrow
Out next week (mid-September)

• Debut novel about Laila, a Black dance instructor at an arts center in Vermont, grappling with race, identity, and expectations in a predominantly white New England community.
• Explores being tokenized and wrestling with authenticity vs. expectation.
• Annie compares its “behind-the-scenes” aspect to writerly novels like Yellowface:
  “...might be to dance what the writerly world was to something like Yellowface, where you’re dealing with some racial tension in these predominantly white industries.” — Annie (17:21)
• Noted for its evocative Vermont setting and nuanced character study.

Erin’s Pick #2:

At Last by Marisa Silver
Out September 2

• Character-driven novel about two mothers-in-law, Evelyn and Helen, thrown together at their children’s wedding weekend.
• Moves back and forth in time, peeling layers of the women’s complicated relationship and personal histories.
• “Nothing happens, really. But it’s those kind of books, to me, that make the most impact sometimes because they really, you know, dive deep into these characters and you’ll remember them.” — Erin (21:44)
• For fans of Anne Tyler and “stories about strong, funny women, women who are maybe not likable.”
• A quick, memorable 228-page read.

Annie’s Pick #3:

The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand & Shelby Cunningham
Out September 16

• YA/adult crossover set at a New England boarding school, co-written by Elin Hilderbrand and her daughter Shelby.
• Centers on juniors at Tiffin Academy, including both student and faculty perspectives; inspired by Shelby’s real-life boarder experiences.
• Feels like a yearlong elevated teen soap opera, with elements of The Holdovers in balancing adult-student storylines.
• Did you know?: This is book one of a duology (“expect loose ends!”).
• “Much like those who can’t dance, read about it. Those who didn’t go to boarding school, also read about it.” — Annie (25:08)
• Annie raves: “I had a great time. …If you’re a little worried about, like, oh, teenage protagonists… there are lots of teacher characters and admin characters throughout the book too.”
• For Hilderbrand fans old and new.

Erin’s Pick #3:

The Book of Guilt by Catherine Chidgey
Out September 16

• Unread by Erin but highly anticipated.
• Alt-history: Hitler was assassinated in 1943 and WWII ended early, no clear winners.
• Set in 1979 England at Sycamore Homes—government orphanages for “war orphans.” Three triplet boys are rehomed when the program is cut.
• Hints at “creepy scientific experiment aspects,” in the vein of Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro.
• “It is a thought experiment. Like, what would happen? What are the ramifications of things if things had gone differently?” — Erin (32:05)
• England setting, alternative history, and light dystopian themes.

Bonus Moments & Memorable Quotes

• Erin on reading dance books:
  “No, it’s like—when you’ve been that close to it, it’s not glamorous anymore.” (17:01)
• Annie on seeking fall ambiance in Georgia:
  “That’s really what I want out of my fall reading, is I just want it to feel like fall because it really doesn’t here.” (18:12)
• Banter about boarding school dreams (“those who can’t go, read!”) and behind-the-scenes writing of The Academy (27:55–29:09).
• Both hosts are refreshingly honest about DNF’ing, length preferences, and life as book professionals.

What the Hosts Are Reading Now

• Annie: One Golden Summer by Carly Fortune
• Erin: A Rather Peculiar Poisoning by Crystal Schleier
  (35:36)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Bookshelf & Podcast Life Update: 02:33–04:44
• Book #1: Buckeye: 04:50–08:23
• Book #2: To The Moon and Back: 08:55–13:02
• Book #3: Little Movements: 14:36–18:03
• Book #4: At Last: 18:57–22:21
• Book #5: The Academy: 22:54–29:09
• Book #6: Book of Guilt: 29:15–32:45

Tone, Style, and What Makes This Episode Engaging

• Warmly conversational, occasionally self-deprecating, authentic Southern bookstore chat.
• Honest, spoiler-free, and fun—packed with professional insight but never snobby.
• Previews both buzzy blockbusters and intriguing under-the-radar gems.
• Full of autumnal longing (“striving for sweatshirt and shorts weather”), relatable bookworm quirks, and friend-to-friend authenticity.

How to Purchase or Learn More

• Go to bookshelfthomasville.com and search for episode 545 for the booklist and preorder links.
• Use code NEW RELEASE PLEASE for 10% off.

Notable Final Quote

“I really am super excited about fall books and already I’m literally making notes of the two I need to download and move to the top of my TBR after we’re done with this show.”
— Annie (32:50)

For more from Annie, Erin, and the team, subscribe to From the Front Porch or follow The Bookshelf on Instagram @bookshelftville.