{"id":226329,"date":"2026-08-30T21:00:15","date_gmt":"2026-08-30T21:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/?p=226329"},"modified":"2026-08-30T20:06:49","modified_gmt":"2026-08-30T20:06:49","slug":"best-books-new-jersey-authors-fall","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/best-books-new-jersey-authors-fall\/","title":{"rendered":"14 New Jersey-Based Books to Add to Your Fall TBR"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"custom_featured_image\" style=\"display:none;\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/best-books-new-jersey-authors-fall-300x200.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"best books new jersey authors fall\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/best-books-new-jersey-authors-fall-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/best-books-new-jersey-authors-fall-768x511.png 768w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/best-books-new-jersey-authors-fall.png 1000w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/best-books-new-jersey-authors-fall-585x390.png 585w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/best-books-new-jersey-authors-fall-263x175.png 263w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div><div id=\"custom_category\" style=\"display:none;\">reads<\/div><p>As the air grows crisp with autumn, it\u2019s time to build your fall <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hobokengirl.com\/new-jersey-books-summer-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">reading list<\/a>, and what better way than to load it with books written by and for New Jerseyans. We can\u2019t think of a better way to spend a cozy fall day than <a href=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/jerseyshore\/book-reading-spots-jersey-shore-nj\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">curled up with a good book<\/a>. <strong>Keep reading for our favorite New Jersey books to add to your fall TBR.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-226341\" src=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/best-books-new-jersey-authors-fall.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"450\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/best-books-new-jersey-authors-fall.png 1000w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/best-books-new-jersey-authors-fall-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/best-books-new-jersey-authors-fall-768x511.png 768w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/best-books-new-jersey-authors-fall-585x390.png 585w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/best-books-new-jersey-authors-fall-263x175.png 263w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Books by New Jersey-Based Authors<\/h2>\n<h3><em><a href=\"https:\/\/brucespringsteen.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Born to Run<\/a><\/em>, Bruce Springsteen<\/h3>\n<p>If you haven\u2019t already read The Boss\u2019s memoir, consider this your sign to add it to your fall TBR. While fans of Bruce Springsteen\u2019s music are sure to enjoy his lyrical stories and reflections, they will be even more special to those familiar with the places he writes about, namely Freehold and Asbury Park.<\/p>\n<h3><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theelirallo.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Does Anyone Else Feel This Way?<\/a><\/em>, Eli Rallo<\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-226330 \" src=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Does-Anyone-Else-Feel-This-Way.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"450\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Does-Anyone-Else-Feel-This-Way.png 1000w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Does-Anyone-Else-Feel-This-Way-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Does-Anyone-Else-Feel-This-Way-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Does-Anyone-Else-Feel-This-Way-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Does-Anyone-Else-Feel-This-Way-585x585.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DOxCPqmiQ4G\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@eli.rallo<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<p>Author and influencer Eli Rallo\u2019s second book is an essay collection that dives into the complex emotions that come with the \u201cquarter-life crisis\u201d often experienced in one\u2019s mid-twenties. Eli also just announced her first novel, <em>I Hope Eden Reads This<\/em>, which is set to release in April 2027. Until then, you can catch up on the Monmouth County native\u2019s prior work.<\/p>\n<h3><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.harlancoben.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Plot Twist<\/a><\/em>, Harlan Coben<\/h3>\n<p>New Jersey\u2019s own <a href=\"https:\/\/www.themontclairgirl.com\/harlan-coben-montclair-september-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Harlan Coben\u2019s newest book<\/a> is set to release on September 8th. This deeply personal memoir explores the beloved author\u2019s life story as well as his creative process when it comes to writing. Fans of Harlan\u2019s other work will love this peek behind the curtain.<\/p>\n<h3><em><a href=\"https:\/\/alexialafata.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">She Used to Be Nice<\/a><\/em>, Alexia LaFata<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-226336 \" src=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-She-Used-to-Be-Nice.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"450\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-She-Used-to-Be-Nice.png 1000w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-She-Used-to-Be-Nice-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-She-Used-to-Be-Nice-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-She-Used-to-Be-Nice-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-She-Used-to-Be-Nice-585x585.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DNnmMdGuCYZ\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@alexialafata_<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<p>New Jersey native Alexia LaFata\u2019s debut novel tells the story of Avery, who must confront the man who raped her in college when, years later, he is the best man in her best friend\u2019s wedding. As the wedding approaches, Avery has to decide whether she can finally bring herself to tell the truth about what happened that fateful night.<\/p>\n<h2>Books Set in New Jersey<\/h2>\n<h3><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linnymack.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Changing Tides<\/a><\/em>, Linny Mack<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-226338\" src=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Changing-Tides.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"450\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Changing-Tides.png 1000w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Changing-Tides-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Changing-Tides-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Changing-Tides-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Changing-Tides-585x585.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Photo Credit: Linny Mack<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Set in the charming seaside town of Cape May, New Jersey, Linny Mack\u2019s debut novel depicts both love and loss. Main character Sophie Bennett flees to Cape May after discovering that her husband is having an affair and that his mistress is pregnant with his baby. Sophie gets to know her Cape May neighbor Liam Harper, whose own tragic past has left him guarded. As these two navigate their own losses, they have to decide if falling in love again is worth the risk.<\/p>\n<h3><em><a href=\"https:\/\/saraconfino.com\/book\/dont-forget-to-write\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Don\u2019t Forget to Write<\/a><\/em>, Sara Goodman Confino<\/h3>\n<p>Set in1960, <em>Don\u2019t Forget to Write<\/em> follows the story of Marilyn Kleinman, who is shipped off to her great-aunt Ada\u2019s house at the Jersey Shore for the summer. To her surprise, great-aunt Ada isn\u2019t the \u201chumorless septuagenarian\u201d that Marilyn expected. As the summer unfolds, Marilyn discovers herself and must decide how she wants to move forward with her life. This coming-of-age story is a great pick for anyone who spent their adolescent summers at the shore.<\/p>\n<h3><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.francescacocchi.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Have a Great Summer<\/a><\/em>, Francesca Cocchi<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-226331 \" src=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Have-a-Great-Summer.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"450\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Have-a-Great-Summer.png 1000w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Have-a-Great-Summer-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Have-a-Great-Summer-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Have-a-Great-Summer-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Have-a-Great-Summer-585x585.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DYzHwmkywUw\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@francescaa_nicolee<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<p>This is our pick for a book to read if you\u2019re mourning the end of the summer season. <em>Have a Great Summer<\/em> follows Lina, a local wedding columnist who finds herself enlisted to cover her ex-boyfriend&#8217;s wedding. The story is told using dual timelines and follows both Lina\u2019s present-day struggles and her teenage romance.<\/p>\n<h3><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.caitlinmullen.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Heather<\/a><\/em>, Caitlin Mullen<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-226332 \" src=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Heather.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"450\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Heather.png 1000w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Heather-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Heather-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Heather-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Heather-585x585.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DZpcLBlFcfl\/?igsi=eXBieGhlMTJzMXBv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@caitlin_e_mullen<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Heather<\/em> is set in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, which are rumored to house the Jersey Devil. In 1994, twin sisters Annabelle and Sabrina Riley go missing after Anabelle discovers Sabrina\u2019s secret affair with an older man. Years later, Police Chief Callie Hauser uncovers new details from this tragic cold case that alter her perception of everything. This gripping mystery is a great book for a fall day.<\/p>\n<h3><em><a href=\"https:\/\/jasonrekulak.com\/hiddenpictures\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Hidden Pictures<\/a><\/em>, Jason Rekulak<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-226333 \" src=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Hidden-Pictures.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"450\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Hidden-Pictures.png 1000w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Hidden-Pictures-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Hidden-Pictures-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Hidden-Pictures-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Hidden-Pictures-585x585.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CdGyy84JJVG\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@jasonrekulak<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<p>In this supernatural thriller, we follow Mallory Quinn, who takes a job as a babysitter for Ted and Caroline Maxwell in Spring Brook, New Jersey. While the job starts out better than she imagined, it begins to take a dark turn when Mallory\u2019s charge Teddy\u2019s drawings begin to depict sinister scenes that allude to a long-unsolved murder, and Mallory must face the possibility that these drawings are coming from a supernatural force.<\/p>\n<h3><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/by\/nick-corasaniti?eafs_enabled=false\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">I Don\u2019t Want to Go Home: The Oral History of the Stone Pony<\/a><\/em>, Nick Corasaniti<\/h3>\n<p>Anyone who\u2019s seen a show at the iconic Stone Pony will enjoy this engaging book that details the venue\u2019s storied history, with direct quotes from Jersey legends such as Bruce Springsteen, Jack Antonoff, and Southside Johnny. <em>New York Times<\/em> national politics reporter Nick Corasaniti covers the history of the Stone Pony from its inception to current day. This book is best read on an Asbury Park <a href=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/jerseyshore\/best-boardwalks-jersey-shore-new-jersey\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">boardwalk<\/a> bench on a warm fall day.<\/p>\n<h3><em><a href=\"https:\/\/jinwoochong.com\/i-leave-it-up-to-you\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">I Leave It Up to You<\/a><\/em>, Jinwoo Chong<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-226334 \" src=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-I-Leave-It-Up-to-You.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"450\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-I-Leave-It-Up-to-You.png 1000w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-I-Leave-It-Up-to-You-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-I-Leave-It-Up-to-You-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-I-Leave-It-Up-to-You-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-I-Leave-It-Up-to-You-585x585.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DVa_qkLgKob\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@jinwoochong<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>I Leave It Up to You<\/em> is set in Fort Lee, New Jersey, where Jack Jr. returns to his family\u2019s struggling sushi restaurant that he had left behind for an advertising career in Manhattan. As he navigates his changing roles, Jack Jr. grapples with whether to chart his own path or to return to his former life.<\/p>\n<h3><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rileysagerbooks.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Middle of the Night<\/a><\/em>, Riley Sager<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-226335 \" src=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Middle-of-the-Night.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"450\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Middle-of-the-Night.png 1000w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Middle-of-the-Night-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Middle-of-the-Night-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Middle-of-the-Night-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Middle-of-the-Night-585x585.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DJ4MwhwuCLX\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@riley.sager<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<p>Princeton local Riley Sager sets <em>Middle of the Night<\/em> in a quaint town in suburban New Jersey. In this psychological thriller, we follow Ethan, whose best friend, Billy, goes missing in the middle of the night while the pair are camping in Ethan\u2019s backyard. Thirty years later, Ethan returns to his childhood home and begins to experience strange occurrences in the middle of the night. He begins to piece together what really happened to Billy all those years ago.<\/p>\n<h3><em><a href=\"https:\/\/courtneypreiss.com\/books\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Welcome Home, Caroline Kline<\/a><\/em>, Courtney Preiss<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-226337 \" src=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Welcome-Home-Caroline-Kline.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"450\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Welcome-Home-Caroline-Kline.png 1000w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Welcome-Home-Caroline-Kline-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Welcome-Home-Caroline-Kline-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Welcome-Home-Caroline-Kline-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/newjersey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/fall-book-Welcome-Home-Caroline-Kline-585x585.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DXMvzMOjc4Z\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@cocogolightly<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<p>Asbury Park local Courtney Preiss\u2019s debut novel is set at the Jersey Shore, where the female protagonist moves back to her hometown following a disastrous breakup and a health scare from her father. Rather than ask her to be his caretaker, her father asks her to fill his role as third baseman on a local men\u2019s softball league. While home, she also runs into her hometown crush and first love, forcing her to reconsider the life she had once planned. This book is both funny and heartwarming, making it the perfect feel-good addition to your fall reading list.<\/p>\n<h2>Bonus<\/h2>\n<h3><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/822953\/worth-playing-for-by-katie-gergel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Worth Playing For<\/a><\/em>, Katie Gergel<\/h3>\n<p>Hoboken-based author Katie Gergel\u2019s debut rom-com, inspired by survivor-style reality TV, follows a woman who reluctantly takes her identical twin\u2019s place on a reality competition show. But when she fakes a strategic relationship with another contestant, who also happens to be her first love, there\u2019s more than the prize money at stake.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Fun fact:<\/strong> Author Katie got engaged at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hobokengirl.com\/little-city-books-proposal-hoboken-nj\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Little City Books in Hoboken<\/a>, where her friends arranged a surprise proposal centered around her forthcoming book.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>readsAs the air grows crisp with autumn, it\u2019s time to build your fall reading list, and what better way than to load&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":455,"featured_media":226341,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[4,45,15,40],"tags":[9,43,7,12],"class_list":["post-226329","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle","category-new-jersey","category-people","category-the-local-girl","tag-lifestyle","tag-new-jersey","tag-people","tag-tlg"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.3 (Yoast SEO v28.3) - 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