Welcome to a new month, and a new edition of What We’re Reading, featuring recommended books and recipe pairings from Page & Pairing's in-house editors and readers. As we head toward the bustle of the holidays, it's the perfect time to slow down and take some time to enjoy a good book that offers a cozy escape or something to fuel a lively book club discussion.
Kelly, our senior editor and marketing manager, took an interplanetary journey with female protagonist Jazz aboard Andy Weir’s Artemis. Taylor returned to Australia’s Pirriwee Peninsula with Liane Moriarty's sequel Big Little Truths, a Reese's Book Club pick! Mollie couldn’t put down Noelle W. Ihli’s latest thriller Last to Drown, and yours truly breezed right through The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, which is a great choice if you’re looking for a fast-paced read with dual timelines and plenty of Hollywood glamour.
As usual, we’ve selected some seriously delicious food and drink pairings. Want to try something new? Check out the recipe for Maqloubeh pie from the Oldest Kitchen in the World. This savory Middle Eastern upside-down rice casserole that’s perfect for fall. If you enjoy the classics, try a Gibson cocktail that'll transport you straight to 1950s Hollywood. Whether you’re looking for great food, great drinks or a great book, we've got you covered. Without further ado, here are this month's recommended reads.
Artemis
by Andy Weir
Kelly's Pick
I am a huge fan of the Project Hail Mary audiobook, so I happened upon this book by Andy Weir that I wasn't familiar with. The main character, Jazz, is a porter on the moon who moonlights (get it) as a smuggler.
Since she is originally from Saudi Arabia, I paired this book with a cookbook FULL of great recipes, including one for a really cool upside-down savory pie called Maqloubeh.
Liquor is kinda a big deal in Artemis - especially Scotch. Since Jazz ends up sampling Scotch on a few occasions, a scotch sampler felt only right for a drink pairing. I think it would be super fun to have a Scotch tasting at book club with various ones to try out! If you like sci-fi or any story with a big moral dilemma, I think you'll enjoy this read.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Liz's Pick
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo kept me thoroughly entertained. Each husband has his own arc, which ties into Evelyn's life story. The plot keeps moving and the pages keep turning. You'll be guessing about journalist Monique Grant's connection to the story until the very end.
If you enjoy fast-paced reads, old Hollywood glamour and strong female leads, this is one I would recommend. I've paired it with a gin/vermouth Gibson like the ones Evelyn sips in the book, plus a Cuban ham and white bean stew that reminds her of the caldo gallego her mother used to make in Hell's Kitchen.
If you're in a book club, this read will give you plenty to talk about! My only regret was that I finished it so quickly.
Big Little Truths
by Liane Moriarty
Taylor's Pick
All the women from Pirriwee (and all their drama, of course) are back in Lianes's first sequel! Big Little Lies was an instant hit and national phenomenon with a TV adaptation to boot. And deservedly so, IMHO!
I set a reminder on my phone to join the queue to borrow from the library the day it was released and I'm so glad I did.
While you don't necessarily need to read the first book or watch the show, it definitely enhances this reading experience.
The Last to Drown
by Noelle W. Ihli
Mollie's Pick
Noelle has never missed on a thriller. I love how strong her female lead characters, and this one has a great twist!
Travel with Kaia and 20 strangers for a once-in-a-lifetime rafting trip in a remote area with a dark history.
Last month, we asked our email subscribers to share some of their latest reads. Here are some authors that are trending according to book lovers like you.
- First up is Shannon Samantha, the bestselling British fantasy and dystopian writer behind The Bone Season series.
- Lee Child, the writer behind Jack Reacher, is another favorite.
- Katie Fforde, yet another British writer, is also trending. Perhaps you want to check out her September 2026 romance novel A Cottage in the Country.
- The late Sophie Kinsella, known for Confessions of a Shopaholic, is also recommended by our readers.
As Jane shared, these authors offer a little suspense, a little romance and plenty to keep your TBR interesting this fall. If you subscribe to our email newsletter, hit reply and let us know what books you have enjoyed recently. If you don't subscribe yet, consider this your sign to join us!