There is a decidedly mellow vibe at The Grimoire Cafe as you walk through the doors today, like the whole of everyone there has breathed a great sigh of relief.
Outside, it’s gray, and there’s a coolness to the breeze that promises colder weather to come, but the temps are comfortable. It’s jeans-and-a-cardigan weather, a relief after weeks of heat.
Behind the bar, Tini is wiping down counters, her black and red hair in a low ponytail above her purple tee. The chalkboard beside the register reads today’s special: Orange & Black Latte.
“What in the world is an orange and black latte?” you ask when Tini turns around and gives you a smile. She’s wearing deep red lipstick, so autumnal.
“It’s my secret recipe – a take on pumpkin spice.”
Oh, well that is something you simply must try…

My kids are back at school! I know in many places, kiddos return to school in August (or even July, as with my friends in Phoenix AZ!), but here in Western Washington, public school generally begins after Labor Day.

Anyway, all this back-to-school fun (pencils and notebooks and binders, oh my!) has me thinking about books with fall vibes. Not yet spooky-season vibes (I’ll post about those soon!) but specifically school-ish vibes. Here’s my list of well-loved faves, and a few I’m adding to my list! Are any of these faves of yours? Comment and let me know (and tell me what I’ve missed!)

Faves

• Twilight by Stephenie Meyer – new school, rainy vibes. This is a no-brainer
• Binding Shadows (Tooth and Spell 1) by Jasmine Silvera – academia vibes, witches, shifters, and great sexual tension. It’s like if A Discovery of Witches (another great fall read) was with shifters instead of vampires, and way WAY less condescending.
• What Is Love by Jen Comfort – This one isn’t a fantasy, but a zany, opposites attract + rivals-to-lovers rom-com where the couple are preparing to compete in “Answers!” (a Jeopardy!-like game show.) Much pining, much quizzing, and much sexiness.
• Summoned by MB Thurman – Another that reminds me a little of A Discovery of Witches, but more accessible. Dark academia vibes, with witches (no vampires), with an Olympic Penninsula setting, as well as international locales. (Fun fact: MB Thurman owns and runs Miller Tree Inn in Forks, Washington with her husband, which also happens to be the book-accurate Cullens’ house from Twilight.)
• Shift by Elle Beauregard (shameless plug!) – While Shift takes place over the summer, the start of the school year is looming over Leah’s head throughout the book as the deadline to which she has to get control of her new “gifts” as a human shifter. Something in the series’ vibe (maybe because I wrote it during the height of Twilight fandom, and it has flavors from that era?) feels fall-ish to me.

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New to my TBR!

Here are some new releases I’m adding to my TBR this fall for all the autumnal vibes.

• Soul of Shadow by Emma Noyse
• The Secret Crush Book Club by Karmen Lee
• Love’s a Witch by Tricia O’Malley

What have I missed? Respond with your favorite fall reads, and new releases I gotta add to my list (self-promotion welcome!)

Tini’s Orange & Black Latte

This is my favorite way to make PSL at home. I like my pumpkin spice not-too-sweet. This is one of the few lattes where I prefer soy milk to other types. If you give it a try, let me know what you think!

• 2 shots espresso or 8 oz. strong brewed coffee
• 1 cup milk of your choice
• 2-3 tablespoons pumpkin puree (canned is fine)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger)
• A pinch of black pepper (this is a secret ingredient!)
• Optional garnishes: whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a drizzle of caramel sauce

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the pumpkin puree, maple syrup (or brown sugar), pumpkin pie spice, and black pepper. Stir constantly until the mixture is fragrant and a little bubbly, about 2 minutes. This step helps to “toast” the spices.
2. Slowly whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and heated through. Do not let it boil.
3. Pour the pumpkin spice milk mixture into a mug.
4. Add the espresso or strong brewed coffee to the mug and stir to combine.
5. Garnish to your liking and serve.

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