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Must-Read Fall Books for Kids

Cozy Fall Reads for Little Bookworms

Fall is made for stories. Cooler days, colourful leaves and cozy evenings make it the perfect time to curl up together with a good book. We’ve teamed up with Penguin Books to round up a collection of picture books and reads for young readers that are perfect for the season — whether you’re looking for a new bedtime favourite, a story to bring along on your next cabin adventure or simply something new to add to your family’s fall reading list.

PICTURE BOOKS

Stray by Cale Atkinson

Release Date: September 1, 2026

A gorgeous and heartwarming picture book about a stray dog’s journey to his forever home. There are lots of perks to being a stray: no collar to restrain you, no leash to control you, no fence to contain you. Being a stray can be lonely, though. This touching story explores the meaning of home, love and trust through the eyes of a plucky street dog whose wild life eventually leads him into the caring arms of a new best friend.

Learn more or purchase your copy here

Love in Every Language by Anoosha Syed 

Release Date: September 1, 2026

A companion picture book to Anoosha Syed’s critically acclaimed debut That’s Not My Name!, this is a book about expressing love across language barriers and the universal message that actions speak louder than words. Mirha speaks English and her nani (maternal grandmother) speaks Urdu, so Mirha’s parents bridge the gap by translating for the two of them. When both of Mirha’s parents have to leave early for work one day, Nani takes Mirha to school instead, but she misunderstands Mirha’s breakfast request and forgets to pack her favorite stuffie for show-and-tell. And worst of all, she doesn’t say “I love you” back to Mirha. Mirha’s parents explain that not every language has the words for “I love you” the way that English does. But the feeling is universal, and in many cultures, actions will always speak louder than words. 

Learn more or purchase your copy here

My Neighborhood by Delano Brown and Briana Mukodiri Uchendu

Release Date: September 15, 2026

A vibrant and lyrical picture book that follows two brothers on a journey through their inner-city neighborhood, showing off the beauty and life lessons to be found within. The boys share handshakes on the sidewalk, laughter at the skate park, wisdom at the chess tables, rhythm in the dance circle, and kindness at the corner store. With each step, this lyrical picture book radiates the sounds, gestures, and bonds that make a neighborhood more than just a place to live–that make it a home.

Learn more or purchase your copy here

Whatever You Do … by Luke Pearson

Release Date: September 29, 2026

From the creator of Hilda, the award-winning comics and Netflix series, comes an irresistibly funny picture book about a tiny troublemaker who turns a family’s peaceful morning upside down — and sends them on a delightfully chaotic adventure. If a naughty-looking little gnome with a magical-looking hat turns up at your door, whatever you do . . . DON’T LET HIM IN!  When a knock at the door interrupts their breakfast, a family and their home are thrown into disarray by a cheeky little elf man. The rug has turned into pizza, Daddy is transformed into a biscuit and a funny-looking interdimensional door opens in the kitchen wall. Just when things seem to get impossibly out of hand, Mummy discovers how to put a stop to the magical misadventures of this tiny trickster for good . . . or so it seems!

Learn more or purchase your copy here

YOUNG ADULT

Demon in the Sand (Titan of the Stars, Book 2) by E.K. Johnston 

Release Date: September 1, 2026

Mad Max: Fury Road meets Alien in this exciting follow-up to the YA novel Titan of the Stars by #1 New York Times bestselling author E.K. Johnston. After the horrific events on the Titan, where ancient aliens were released on the ship and massacred or possessed most of the travelers, Dominic finds himself on the surface of Mars amidst the wreckage of the ruined vessel. He made it out alive, along with a small number of other survivors — including Ren, a smart and determined ship mechanic. Against all odds, Celeste also survived the crash . . . but that should be impossible, given she sacrificed herself to save the others.

Learn more or purchase your copy here

Golden Flight by S.K. Ali

Release Date: September 1, 2026

Concluding S. K. Ali’s powerful duology, The Keeper’s Records of Revolution, which began with Fledgling, Golden Flight returns to a divided world with war on the horizon. The Golden Flight happens once every ten years — a gala to honor elites fallen in service of maintaining Upper Earth’s powerful hold on earth’s remaining populace and dwindling resources. It’s also a party Raisa and Nayf plan to infiltrate to bring down Upper Earth for good.   Even with a known traitor, and a mysterious, ruthless avenger in their midst, pulling off a dangerous mission in enemy territory feels possible with record-keeper Khalda at the helm. However, they soon discover the toll of running a crew with competing, secretive goals: the lines between friend and foe begin to blur to violent ends. This is a great YA fantasy series from a local GTA author (who has been a past CBC First Page judge in the past.)

Learn more or purchase your copy here

A Thousand Nights edited by Nafiza Azad and Intisar Khanani

Release Date: September 8, 2026

In the mold of Arabian Nights, a groundbreaking YA anthology—featuring sixteen Muslim women writers. Tales of young people stolen away by jinn and tales of siblings rescuing one another; tales of lands encroached on by settlers and abandoned by rain; tales of magic found in caves, deserts, mountains, lakes, and, above all, in people, community, and faith. With a frame story, in which refugees on the run tell each other tales, written by Nafiza Azad and Intisar Khanani, the book features fifteen additional authors of various backgrounds, drawing on the mythologies and legends of their cultures, this extraordinary collection should appeal to lovers of fantasy and to those looking for books that center refugees and diverse narratives. (Nafiza lives in Edmonton; there is a story by Ardo Omer, based in Mississauga; Heba Helmy lives on east coast of Canada.)

Learn more or purchase your copy here

Fight Song by Kirk Van Brunt

Release Date: September 15, 2026

A talented yet cynical Indigenous teen hockey player escapes a dangerous situation in the foster care system in this powerful and timely YA novel. It’s not easy to miss Nokes Lasley, especially when she’s on the ice. Towering over the competition at over six feet tall, she routinely dominates on the right wing—and her no-nonsense approach and fiery temper have helped to solidify her reputation as a hockey superstar. Despite her tenuous situation at home, she dreams of hitting the Olympics one day and proving that she can compete in the big leagues. But suddenly, Nokes’s life is turned upside-down when her father is arrested for murder and she’s forced to enter the foster care system. Nokes bounces from home to home, from one dangerous setting to the next . . . until she decides to escape across the border to Minnesota, where the promise of a family friend with professional hockey connections far outweighs the abuse she’s experiencing in her home province of Ontario. Through careful lies, and with the help of Aiden, an attractive new friend, Nokes is able to start a new life in a new country—and, most importantly, keep playing hockey. But the past has a nasty way of catching up to her, and soon Nokes has to make a terrible choice: keep running or face her past head-on . . . and maybe even come to terms with her Indigenous heritage.

Learn more or purchase your copy here

It’s Not Over Yet by Salma Hussain

Release Date: October 13, 2026

With sixteen weeks to go to his life-altering brain surgery, teenaged film buff Wali Khan decides it’s time to turn the lens on community, family and friends in this tender yet humorous coming-of-age novel.The good news about the newly discovered tumor near his ear canal: it’s most likely benign. The bad news: surgery in four months, with probable hearing loss as a result. Starting a new year in high school with a looming life-altering surgery date forces Wali, a passionate film buff, to look inward, at his family, friends and even himself. Why is this happening to him? His Muslim father and Christian mother are supportive, yet sometimes a bit clueless when it comes to their children. His twin sisters are a mix of loving and teasing, and he bounces between spying on them and keeping their secrets. As for the new girl, Ruby Lai-Mirza, he’s just not sure he has time for a new friend. Wali may fear the end, but he’s still got a lot of living to do.

Learn more or purchase your copy here

Penguin Random House Books for Children

Some of the best fall memories are made in the quiet moments — snuggled under a blanket, listening to little voices ask for “just one more,” or watching an older reader get completely lost in a new story. Add a few of these Penguin Books picks to your family’s reading pile, pack them for your next getaway and make a little more room for storytime this fall.

BOOK YOUR FALL ESCAPE

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Kids Must-Read Summer Books

Sunshine, Stories & Summer Adventures: Books Kids Will Love

Summer is a season of adventure, discovery, and making memories outdoors. Whether you’re spending your days exploring forest trails, paddling quiet lakes, relaxing at the cottage, or simply enjoying sunny afternoons in the backyard, a great book can make every summer moment even more memorable.

With the help of Penguin Random House Canada, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite children’s books that capture the wonder of nature, friendship, exploration, and imagination—perfect companions for long summer days and cozy evenings under the stars.

PICTURE BOOKS

Tom’s Wild Ride (A Mile End Kids Story) by Isabelle Arsenault

Release Date: May 26, 2026

Tom won’t let a few mishaps keep him from becoming the cyclist he knows he was born to be; that’s what bandages are for. But his friends in the Mile End neighborhood think he needs more practice. Helping him train, they build an obstacle course to get ready for the road . . . but when Tom announces he’s ready for a longer ride, without training wheels, his friends are overwhelmed with worry! Join Tom and familiar faces Colette, Maya, Albert, Jimmy and the rest of the gang on a celebration of bike-riding and a new Mile End Kids adventure in this beautiful picture book told in graphic novel-style panels.

Learn more or purchase your copy here

My Best Friend Is a Butternut Squash by Heather Smith, illustrated by Kass Reich

Release Date: June 16, 2026

Alex’s best friend is a butternut squash. They play pretend all day long. Sometimes his butternut squash is a baby. Alex pushes him in a stroller all around town. Sometimes his butternut squash is a pirate.They have spectacular swordfights! Sometimes Alex thinks that his butternut squash might like to join the other kids in the playground, but he doesn’t want his squash to get his hopes up. What if the other kids don’t want to play with him? Then one day, they meet someone new. A new picture book from the latest Governor General’s Award winner for Children’s Literature, Heather Smith (Tig).

Learn more or purchase your copy here

The Only Way to Dance by Cristina Quintero, illustrated by Eugenia Mello

Release Date: August 18, 2026

From the author of The Only Way to Make Bread comes a new picture book that’s a sumptuous celebration of dance from around the world, from breakdancing to bhangra to ballet. What’s the only way to dance? You might dance with a group, moving together to tell a story. You might dance with family to celebrate something special. You might dance on your own to show who you are. What’s the only way to dance? Your way! This beautiful celebration of all kinds of dance will delight readers big and small. No matter how YOU like to dance, this book is for you!

Learn more or purchase your copy here

CHAPTER BOOKS & MIDDLE GRADE

Beast Ballerz (Book 1) by Wesley King, illustrated by Steve Wolfhard

Release Date: May 5, 2026

When eleven-year-old Baxter Brooks wakes up one morning with a sweet beard, he’s pumped. How many fifth graders get to sport cheek mittens in math class? It’s pretty much the greatest day of his life. But he soon realizes he’s rapidly transforming into a werewolf!  When he gives his schoolmates a real were-scare, he’s shuttled off to an academy for misfit monsters . . . and into the zany world ofbeast ball. But if Bax wants to lead the long-suffering Pugs to triumph and solve the mystery of the Extremely Inconvenient Phantom, he’ll have to learn to embrace his hairy werewolf alter ego. Yes . . . even the ankle scarves. (I realize Wesley just attended the festival this year.)

Learn more or purchase your copy here

One Mad Cat and the Missing Book by Vicky Fang

Release Date: July 7, 2026

The start of a series featuring one perennially angry cat from the new Vancouverite Vicky Fang (the Ava Lin series). Cat’s friend Hedgehog has lost his favourite book. Unfortunately for Cat, searching for her friend’s book means navigating annoying messes, smells, and crowds as she hunts for clues. When a particularly sticky clue (yuck!) leads her to the book at last (it was in Hedgehog’s locker all along?), Cat is mad, but Hedgehog is thrilled—and that’s what really matters, right? ​A graphic novel about social-emotional learning for the youngest comics readers.

Learn more or purchase your copy here

The Shadow on the Wreck (The Mizzy Mysteries #2) by Claire Hatcher-Smith

Release Date: August 25, 2026

A mysterious figure on an old fishing boat, anonymous postcards, disappearing cousins — Mizzy is thrilled to have a new mystery to solve! Mizzy, an amateur detective with Down syndrome, is spending half-term with cousins in St Jude’s-on-Sea: a seaside town struggling to accommodate an influx of refugees. When she sees a spooky shadow on a wrecked old fishing boat on the shore, she thinks she’s found her next mystery. But her cousins seem determined to keep her in the dark about their comings and goings to the wreck, and she’s left alone to help their old Greek-Cypriot grandfather Papou sort out his papers. Then an anonymous postcard arrives for Papou, featuring a picture of the old wreck and the words WHAT REALLY HAPPENS? Mizzy must solve the mystery of the postcard sender and prove once again that she is the best detective in town.

Learn more or purchase your copy here

YOUNG ADULT

Thornbird by E. Kennedy

Release Date: June 30, 2026

The highly anticipated young adult thriller about a serial killer’s daughter and her race to solve the crimes of her family’s twisted past before it’s too late—from E. Kennedy, aka New York Times bestselling romance Canadian author Elle Kennedy (the Off-Campus series). Ten years after her father—the infamous serial killer Gabriel Thorn—was caught, Ryan Shipley is back in Starling, Tennessee, trying to lay low. But as fresh eyes dig deeper into the case, old secrets refuse to stay buried.

Learn more or purchase your copy here

Everything Comes Back to You by Jackie Khalilieh

Release Date: August 4, 2026

Lennon has always tried to live up to her Palestinian Canadian father’s exacting standards, even if her older sister hasn’t (by becoming pregnant as a high school senior), but when a crush on an older white boy (John) develops into something more, she must find the strength to balance her own desires against her father’s expectations. As Lennon and John are drawn together and pulled apart throughout her four years of high school, Lennon wrestles with feelings of shame and yearning, obedience and rebellion through the lens of her autism, trying to both please her parents and herself.

Learn more or purchase your copy here

Child on Cabin Bunk Bed

Summer is the perfect time to nurture a love of reading. These stories invite kids of all ages to explore new worlds, connect with nature, and let their imaginations roam free. Pack a few of these books for your next family cabin stay, find a sunny spot to settle in, and enjoy a season filled with unforgettable stories and outdoor adventures.

BOOK YOUR SUMMER ESCAPE

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Summer’s Most Anticipated Books: Author Q&A

Summer’s Most Anticipated Books: Author Q&A

In this Q&A, we spoke with four Canadian authors who have new books coming out this season, many of them inspired by landscapes that feel inseparable from the stories themselves. From isolated islands and the great big sea, to quaint Ontario towns primed for romance to bloom, these conversations explore how setting and nature (and the pull of our hearts) inform the novels we’ll be packing for our next cabin getaway.

The Wild Beneath by Kelly Anderson

Question #1: Introduce yourself and your upcoming book

My name is Kelly Anderson, and I’m a writer and physician living in Guelph, Ontario. My novel, The Wild Beneath, follows a woman named Annie MacLeod, who was raised on a sailboat in the remote Pacific Northwest. When a tsunami strands her on shore, she finds a mysterious man in the wreckage who emits a humming sound only she can hear. It’s a love story and a myth, built for readers of Wild Dark Shore and The Time Traveler’s Wife.

Question #2: What drew you to writing a book in this genre?

I’m drawn to immersive love stories set in vast, beautiful landscapes. It’s even better if the story has threads of magic that feel believable, as if they could happen in my own life. This is how I imagined The Wild Beneath—an ocean world we can sink into and feel like the magic belongs to us.

Question #3: Which character in your book is most like you and why?

I’ve been asked if my main character, Annie, is me. She’s a doctor trying to find her way back to herself, and what I would say is this: writing Annie was a way to imagine myself into a different life. I love the practice of medicine—it’s a rare privilege to care for people in vulnerable moments—but I left the ER to write this novel. I still practice medicine in ways that are meaningful to me, but with a different lens, and in places where I can follow my own inner GPS.

Question #4: Who is your favourite Canadian author? What book of theirs would you recommend?

Michael Christie’s Greenwood is one of my all-time favourite novels. He blends a reverence for nature with deeply lovable characters you can never forget.

Question #5: If you had a weekend alone in a cabin, how would you spend it?

This sounds like heaven. I’d get up early to watch the sunrise. With a very strong coffee in hand, I’d sit at a desk overlooking the forest and dream up a scene for one of my stories. Hopefully there’d be a long walk afterward—or a jump into a body of water!

Question #6: What kind of landscape do you feel most creatively inspired by?

Give me a cabin with a fireplace and a bathtub beside the Pacific Ocean, and I might never, ever leave. I wrote my favourite parts of The Wild Beneath while staying in a treehouse overlooking the sea in the Pacific Northwest. I’d watch the waves from the balcony each morning and write for hours.

Learn more and order your copy here

Venom Lake by Emma White

Question #1: Introduce yourself and your upcoming book
Hello! I’m Emma White, research lawyer by day and thriller author by night. My debut novel, Venom Lake, is coming out on June 2, 2026. On a weekend getaway for their true-crime book club, four women retreat to an isolated cabin on Snakebite Island. But what was supposed to be a fun weekend of getting trashed on rosé and talking serial killers takes a dark turn when a member of the group is found dead on the shore. Murdered. By one of her supposed friends. Under the surface, there’s turbulence in the group. All of the women are hiding dangerous secrets, but how far are they willing to go to keep them? The murder creates a dilemma for the three surviving book club members: report the death and have their own lives shredded by an investigation or use their true-crime knowledge to stage their friend’s disappearance on the lake. The consequences of their decision will ripple outwards, creating new risks and threatening to unravel their entire net of lies.

Question #2: What drew you to writing a book in this genre?
I’ve been a huge thriller fan since I was a teenager. It is my favourite genre to read and it was the only type of story I could ever imagine writing. My specific interest is in psychological suspense because I’m endlessly fascinated by the intricacies of interpersonal relationships and why people do the (terrible!) things they do.

Question #3: Which character in your book is most like you and why?
I fear identifying too closely with any of the main characters in Venom Lake, as they’re each their own brand of nasty! I’d say I’m most like Claudia, a supporting character, who is the host of the fictional Filthy Funds podcast. I relate to her intense interest in true crime and her somewhat irreverent treatment of serious issues.

Question #4: Who is your favourite Canadian author? What book of theirs would you recommend?
This is such a hard question. There are so many wonderful Canadian authors whom I admire, but I have to go with the undisputed icon, Margaret Atwood. One book of hers that I particularly enjoy and would strongly recommend is The Robber Bride. Toxic female friendships and betrayals galore, plus it’s set in Toronto!

Question #5: If you had a weekend alone in a cabin, how would you spend it?
I would spend my days swimming (I’m hoping this cabin is on a lake!), kayaking, and reading in a hammock. I would bring a giant stack of books and get into my TBR list while eating chips and drinking lemon fizzy water. Heaven. But I have a confession to make: despite being a thriller writer, I’m a huge fraidy cat. So if I were alone at this cabin, I would spend my nights lying awake, terrified, listening for strange noises. If I survived, I would be up to watch the sunrise with a cup of coffee and a warm cinnamon bun.
Question #6: What kind of landscape do you feel most creatively inspired by?
The landscape of northern Ontario is where I feel most at home, relaxed, and inspired. I spend parts of my summers on a lake in northeastern Ontario, and I do a lot of brainstorming and writing while I’m there. My favourite thing to do is to take a kayak out for a long paddle and think about the story I’m working on. I’ve plotted many a murder while gazing at the most peaceful boreal forest!

Learn more and order your copy here

This Changes Everything by Danielle McKechnie

Question #1: Introduce yourself and your upcoming book

Sixteen years ago, after losing my dream job due to some confusion with my 0-1 Visa, I started writing about a girl named Ellie. I turned to my journals and wrote the first line, “HOW IT WAS, KIND OF WAS, WISH IT WAS, AND WISH IT WASN’T.” Since then, there have been many different iterations of Ellie. She has been written and rewritten into different books, pilots, screenplays, and pitches, but even still, I couldn’t quite figure out the way through her story. It took me sixteen years to realize that was because I hadn’t figured out the way through my story yet. When I was twelve years old, I decided what my life would be, and I couldn’t let it go. I would marry my childhood sweetheart, move to Los Angeles, and become a freaking movie star. I just had to get from A to B, and nothing was going to stop me, including the life and loves I left behind. It didn’t take long once I landed in Los Angeles to realize that nothing is ever as it seems. And the version of myself that I became along the way was someone I’d never thought I’d be. But my memories and lingering loves were a beacon through the fog. I wrote, and I wrote, and I wrote, and when I met Ellie, buried in my heart, I couldn’t let her go… and now you’ll get to meet her in This Changes Everything!

Question #2: What drew you to writing a book in this genre?

The first “book” I ever wrote was when I was a child, and it was a “book” of poetry dedicated to Elijah Wood, so I think it’s safe to say that I’ve always leaned toward romance. Perhaps it’s a defense mechanism, or perhaps it’s just an overall problem, but I’ve always looked at life cinematically; everything has always had a score, everything has a backstory, and everything has always meant more than what’s presented on the surface of a moment. I like looking at life that way – finding the romance. It’s not a glass-half-full mentality; it’s more like what’s in the glass to start with? Also, if a certain kind of sadness wasn’t supposed to be seen as at least somewhat romantic, then they never should have cast 1996-era Leonardo DiCaprio as Romeo. They did this to us. Millennial women never stood a chance.

Question #3: Which character in your book is most like you and why?

While Ellie’s story was inspired by my own, she became her own person. She dreams without limits, experiences love that consumes her, learns hard lessons, and makes big mistakes.

Question #4: Who is your favourite Canadian author? What book of theirs would you recommend?

I recognize that this is probably not at all what you’re looking for here, but I’m going back and saying L. M. Montgomery. First off, not only did I love the book as a kid, but the 1985 adaptation of Anne of Green Gables with Megan Follows and Jonathan Crombie did something to me as a child. I’m fairly certain my love of long-lasting childhood love, longing, and deep-rooted nostalgia stems from two sources: that, and The Wonder Years.

Question #5: If you had a weekend alone in a cabin, how would you spend it?

I mean… how alone am I here? Like me? Just me? And are the boys from Heated Rivalry in the next cabin over? Truthfully, if it’s just me by myself, I’m probably writing and listening to music that’s far too loud to be deemed acceptable when surrounded by nature. As much as I love a summer cabin, give me a cozy blanket, a laptop, and the rain any day of the week. A fall and winter cabin is my heaven. If I’m with my family, we’re out in the forest while my children explore, my husband hikes, and my paranoia sets in as I choke-hold a can of bear spray.

Question #6: What kind of landscape do you feel most creatively inspired by?

Though I’ve lived in New York and Los Angeles, I’m from Vancouver, and a good portion of my family is from Scotland. Trees and rain. It’s always going to be trees and rain.

Learn more and order your copy here

Chasing Summer by Frankie Scott

Question #1: Introduce yourself and your upcoming book
My name is Frankie Scott, or is it? It’s my pen-name and I picked it because I think it sounds like an old timey detective, or the androgynous lead singer of an indie sleaze band. 

Question #2: What drew you to writing a book in this genre?
I love romantic comedies. It’s my favourite genre of film. I work as both a literary novelist and a TV comedy writer, and after writing a few very serious books during the pandemic I wanted a break. I needed some joy and a new challenging creative project. I’m a romantic person. I love talking about feelings. It felt like a natural progression.

Question #3: Which character in your book is most like you and why?
I’m probably most like Dave, one of Elise’s suitors. He’s a bit introverted and gruff with a secret big heart. I don’t like the band Rush, though, and that’s a big part of his personality.

Question #4: Who is your favourite Canadian author? What book of theirs would you recommend?
It’s so hard to answer this question. I love Heather O’Neill, and Sheila Heti and I think Greg Kearney is the funniest Canadian author.

Question #5: If you had a weekend alone in a cabin, how would you spend it?
I’d spend it swimming and walking my dog in the woods and writing moody poetry and texting my friends at night when I’m worried about being murdered by a madman.

Question #6: What kind of landscape do you feel most creatively inspired by?
I’m very inspired by the bright green meadows and farmland of Prince Edward County, and the long powdery beach at Sandbanks. I’m so happy that Chasing Summer is a love letter to the area, where I’ve lived since 2021.

Learn more and order your copy here

BOOK YOUR SUMMER ESCAPE

Written by Kristina Jagger with Harper Collins Canada

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Will you come to the CABIN this summer?

THE SERIES THAT INSPIRED HEATED RIVALRY 

Enter the world of Game Changers by Rachel Reid, the book series behind the epic enemies-to-lovers hockey romance Heated Rivalry, streaming on Crave in Canada and on HBO Max in the U.S.

We’re turning your reading list into the ultimate winter cabin escape by pairing each book in the series with the cabin that best matches its mood. Think crackling fires, snow-covered trees, and quiet moments that let rivalries simmer and romances unfold.

Each Game Changers story has been thoughtfully matched with the perfect CABINSCAPE retreat — because some love stories are best experienced far from the noise, wrapped in blankets, with nowhere else to be.

GAME CHANGER

New York Admirals captain Scott Hunter takes his pregame rituals very seriously. When a particular smoothie precedes Scott’s breaking his on-ice slump, he’s desperate to recreate the magic…and to get to know the sexy, funny guy behind the counter.

Kip Grady knew there was more to Scott’s frequent visits than blended fruit, but he never let himself imagine being invited back to Scott’s penthouse. Or kissed with reckless abandon—and more. What goes on between them is hot, incredible and frequent…but also only on Scott’s terms and always behind his closed apartment doors.

Scott needs Kip in his life, but with playoff season approaching, the spotlight on him is suddenly brighter than ever. He can’t afford to do anything that might derail his career or the public’s image of what a hockey captain should be. Kip is ready to go all in with Scott—but how much longer will he have to remain a secret?

HEATHED RIVALRY

Nothing interferes with pro hockey star Shane Hollander’s game.

Now that he’s captain of the Montreal Voyageurs, he won’t let anything jeopardize that—definitely not the sexy rival he loves to hate.

Boston Bears captain Ilya Rozanov is everything Shane’s not. The self-proclaimed king of the ice, he’s as cocky as he is talented. No one can beat him—except Shane. Publicly, they’re enemies. Privately, they can’t stop touching each other. 

The smart thing to do? Walk away, once a few secret hookups turn into a struggle to keep their relationship out of the press. The truth could ruin them both. But for Shane and Ilya, secrecy is soon no longer an option…

TOUGH GUY

Pro hockey star Ryan Price may be an enforcer, but off the ice he struggles with anxiety. Recently traded to Toronto, he’s determined to make a fresh start in the city’s dynamic LGBTQ+ Village. The last thing he expects to find in his new neighborhood is a blast from his past in the fabulous form of Fabian Salah.

Aspiring musician Fabian loathes hockey. But that doesn’t stop him from being attracted to a certain burly ginger-bearded defenseman. He hasn’t forgotten the kiss they almost shared back in high school, and the chemistry between them has only intensified.

Fabian is more than happy to be Ryan’s guide to the gay scene in Toronto. Between dance clubs and art exhibits—and the most amazing sex—Ryan’s feeling something he hasn’t experienced in a long time: joy. But playing the role of the heavy on the ice has taken its toll on his body and mind, and a future with Fabian may mean hanging up his skates for good.

COMMON GOAL

Veteran goaltender Eric Bennett has faced down some of the toughest shooters on the ice, but nothing prepared him for his latest challenge—life after hockey. It’s time to make some big changes, starting with finally dating men for the first time.

Graduate student Kyle Swift moved to New York nursing a broken heart. He’d sworn to find someone his own age to crush on (for once). Until he meets a gorgeous, distinguished silver fox hockey player. Despite their intense physical attraction, Kyle has no intention of getting emotionally involved. He’ll teach Eric a few tricks, have some mutually consensual fun, then walk away.

Eric is more than happy to learn anything Kyle brings to the table. And Kyle never expected their friends-with-benefits arrangement to leave him wanting more. Happily-ever-after might be staring them in the face, but it won’t happen if they’re too stubborn to come clean about their feelings.

Everything they want is within reach… They just have to be brave enough to grab it.

ROLE MODEL

The hits just keep coming for Troy Barrett. Traded to the worst team in the league would be bad enough, but coming on the heels of a messy breakup and a recent scandal… Troy just wants to play hockey and be left alone. He definitely doesn’t want to “work on his online presence” with the team’s peppy social media manager.

Harris Drover can tell standoffish Troy isn’t happy about the trade, but Harris doesn’t give up on people easily. Even when he’s developing a crush he’s sure is one-sided. And when he sees Troy’s smile finally crack through his grumpy exterior… That’s a man Harris couldn’t turn his back on if he wanted to.

Suddenly, Troy’s move to the new team feels like an opportunity—for Troy to embrace his true self, and for both men to explore their growing attraction. But being together behind closed doors is one thing, and for Troy, being in a public relationship with Harris will mean facing off with his fears, once and for all.

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Fresh Releases for Every Young Reader

Stories That Spark Imagination

Family Day weekend is the perfect time to slow down, snuggle up, and dive into stories that spark imagination, laughter, and conversation. This year’s crop of new kids’ books offers something for every young reader — from heart-warming tales about friendship and belonging to laugh-out-loud adventures that’ll keep little ones turning pages long past bedtime.

Fantastic Frog and the Amazing Tad Lad
by Brandon Reese (February 3, 2026)

The explosive first book in a new middle-grade graphic novel series featuring two heroic but dim-witted frog superheroes, for fans of InvestiGators and Dog Man! The contaminated swamp where Dr. Kim conducts experiments is overrun with mutants and evil machines like the Hater Gator and the Robot Trash Dolls. That’s why she tinkered with amphibian genes to create superheroes Fantastic Frog and sidekick Tad Lad. In their first adventure, the frogs leap forth to battle the scaly swamp thing terrorizing Sector One. A gross-out, hilarious comic series that takes a few notes from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Learn more and order your copy here

Unstoppable Us, Volume 3: How Enemies Become Friends 
by Yuval Noah Harari, Illustrated by Ricard Zaplana Ruiz

In the third book in the New York Times bestselling series from Yuval Noah Harari, explore how different ancient civilizations united and created countries and cultures we have today! How do you become friends with your enemies? More than 2,000 years ago, humans collaborated, exchanged stories, and married those from different lands. New cities and cultures were formed, and languages and religions were shared. But sometimes our differences become bigger than the things that unite us, turning us from neighbors to enemies. From exchanging food and traveling across oceans to building empires and developing religions, prepare to explore how early civilizations interacted with each other and shaped the way we are today. The text is companied by a map, timeline, and full-color illustrations, bringing this amazing story of our past to life.

Learn more and order your copy here

Oh Brother: A Graphic Memoir 
by Georgina Chadderton (February 10, 2026)

Every kid is shaped by their family — but not every kid has a brother like Rob. In this bright and thoughtful middle-grade graphic memoir, debut Australian cartoonist Gina Chadderton examines the fun and difficult parts of growing up alongside their autistic and nonverbal brother.  As a nonverbal autistic boy with an intellectual disability, Rob doesn’t communicate his thoughts and feelings like most people do. Despite the difficulties that come with that, the Chadderton family has never failed to show each other kindness and love. But as Gina begins to grapple with her own growing body, she struggles with how hard it is to take care of her brother while also taking care of herself. Compassionate, informative and emotionally nuanced, Oh Brother is a heartfelt story about the good days and bad days that come with growing up with someone who will always need help. But more than that, it’s about how you can fill even the most challenging of days with joy.

Learn more and order your copy here

PAWS: The Trouble with Leo (Book #5) 
by Nathan Fairbairn and Michel Assarasakorn (March 3, 2026)

In the fifth book of this popular series about a tween pet-sitting club (by Canadian creators), the girls of PAWS have a bone to pick with a group of rival dog walkers. It’s been seven whole dog years of PAWS (or just one if you’re a human), and business is at an all-time high! But after a regrettable run-in with Gabby’s arch-nemesis, Leo, things take an unfortunate turn. It’s not long before the girls notice flyers advertising a new dog walking business, SCAMPS. Sure enough, Leo and friends Brandon and Nolawi are behind it. And when Gabby and Mindy take some not-so-righteous retribution on these PAWS copycats, what could just be a little healthy competition turns into an all-out turf war. But are PAWS on the right side of history in this battle?

Learn more and order your copy here

A Deadly Inheritance 
by Kelley Armstrong (March 24, 2026)

After discovering she’s an heiress to a billion-dollar corporation, seventeen-year-old Liliana finds herself at a new boarding school where she must navigate secret societies and a deadly competition. Not to mention two handsome boys. As she gets to know them all, Lili realizes there’s more to the school than elite-level networking. Something deadly.  When a fun night out turns bloody, one of those handsome boys — Theo — becomes the prime suspect, and Liliana must race against time to connect the past with the present and discover the truth behind her inheritance.The Reappearance of Rachel Price meets The Inheritance Games series in this new YA thriller from bestselling author Kelley Armstrong. 

Learn more and order your copy here

Fly in the Chai 
by Zenia Wadhwani, Illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat (March 24, 2026)

Who loves chai more? Nanu . . . or the pesky fly that lands in his fresh cup? A delightful picture book romp featuring an adorable grandfather and granddaughter, a lively group of marketgoers and one very memorable fly. On a trip to the market, Nanu gets a cup of chai. But before he can take a drink, his granddaughter stops him just in time. STOP! There’s a FLY in that chai! Thus begins an epic battle between Nanu and the fly: who loves chai more?

Learn more and order your copy here

Music of the Bells 
by Anitha Rao-Robinson and Chaaya Prabhat (March 17, 2026)

Neela once danced Kathak in India, where every step told a story and her anklets sang with joy. Now she twirls through ballet class in a new country, loving the grace but missing the rhythm of home. This lyrical picture book celebrates the beauty of movement, memory, and finding your voice across cultures. A perfect pick for fans of Finding My Dance and Bunheads.

Learn more and order your copy here

Moneybunny: How Do You Earn? 
by Cinders McLeod (January 27, 2026)

Toonie’s got a plan: paint, sell, and earn carrots the currency of Bunnyland! With a splash of colour and a whole lot of hustle, he turns his passion into profit. Along the way, little readers learn about addition, subtraction, and the basics of earning money. A cheerful tale for budding artists and mini mathematicians alike!

Learn more and order your copy here

Canada: We Are the Story 
by Richard Wagamese, Illustrated by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley (March 17, 2026)

A poem by acclaimed Ojibway author Richard Wagamese is reimagined as a stunning picture book in the skilled hands of Anishinaabe artist Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley, in one of the first books on the Swift Water Books imprint An Indigenous child struggles with a school assignment that asks, “What makes you proud to be Canadian?” To find the answer, they call on the strength of their ancestors. As the poem speaks to a new generation of Indigenous children, it welcomes everyone to honour the past, find belonging here and now, and look toward the future in this place now called Canada.

Learn more and order your copy here

The Future Book 
by Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris (March 3, 2026)

A ridiculous, innovative picture book from two of the best contemporary picture book creators, it tells kids all about the future, like the colour blorange, and how “goodbye” has been replaced by the phrase, “You smell like a baby!” Learn all this and more tips to blend in when you next visit The Future.

Learn more and order your copy here

From cozy bedtime reads to stories that spark big questions and even bigger imaginations, these new releases are more than just books — they’re invitations to connect, laugh, learn, and slow down together. However you choose to spend your Family Day weekend, let these stories be part of the moments that matter most: the cuddles on the couch, the giggles before bedtime, and the quiet magic of sharing a great story as a family.

BOOK YOUR FAMILY DAY ESCAPE

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The Perfect Winter Cabin Reading List

The Perfect Winter Cabin Reading List

There’s no better time than the holidays to slow down, get cozy, and escape to an off-grid cabin with your loved ones — and the perfect book in hand.

Today, we’re sharing five books that will not only keep you feeling cozy but also wrap you in the festive magic we all crave this time of year.

Good Spirits by B.K. Borison

While many people think of Christmas trees and Santa Claus when they think of the holiday season, B.K. Borison’s new book will also make the holidays synonymous with her Ghost of Christmas Past and his sexy moustache. Filled with magic, mayhem, and cozy holiday charm, Good Spirits follows Nolan as he is sent to haunt an antique shop owner that is not exactly Scrooge. As the deadline of Christmas Eve approaches, the two must answer the question – is the key to their futures found in each other’s past? Best served with a steaming cup of cocoa under a fuzzy blanket, make sure to pack this festive romance in your bag on your next cozy cabin vacation because it’ll definitely help keep you warm (if you know what we mean 😉)

Learn more and order your copy here

Bonds of Hercules by Jasmine Mas

Speaking of books that bring the heat, the next item on your holiday adventure packing list —after all of the appropriate warm weather clothing and snacks, of course—is a why-choose, enemies-to-lovers romantasy inspired by Greek mythology from Jasmine Mas. That’s right readers, if you were one of the many fans of Blood of Hercules, the highly anticipated sequel is here and things are about to get very messy… If you have yet to read this series but have read Quicksilver or Zodiac Academy, prepare for a Gladiator competition and add Bonds of Hercules to your TBR ASAP.

Learn more and order your copy here

Twice by Mitch Albom

What if you got to do everything in your life—twice? The heart of Mitch Albom’s newest novel is a stunning love story that follows a young man who discovers the magical ability to get a second chance at everything. He can undo any moment and live it again. The one catch: he must accept the consequences of his second try—for better or worse. If it were up to us, we would go back to our very first time exploring the outdoors and savour every ripple in the water, every snowflake falling, and every crunch of leaves under our feet. So the next time you go on an adventure up north, remember to take it all in and live in every moment like this is your second chance and you want to make the most of it.

Learn more and order your copy here

Happy Bloody Christmas by Jo Middleton

If you thought burning your marshmallow over a campfire or forgetting your mittens on a winter hike are the worst things that can happen, you clearly haven’t experienced stumbling across a dead body in your home less than twenty-four hours before your in-laws are supposed to come over for the holidays. A hilariously festive whodunnit that will keep you guessing until the final page, Happy Bloody Christmas is the perfect gift for the friend who would help you hide the body—and the friend who would adventure into the outdoors with you when the temperatures drop!

Learn more and order your copy here

Christmas Fling by Lindsey Kelk

While the blankets in your cabin might keep you warm as the weather cools, we guarantee that this fall romance will add an extra layer of heat to those chilly nights by the water.

The first book in the Cozy Creek series has it all: a small town, a billionaire romance, fake dating, forced proximity, and “he falls first”. From the moment you flip open the first page, Lyra Parish sucks you in with her love of the season, making this impossible to put down until its happily ever after finish.

Learn more and order your copy here

So grab your blanket, pour yourself a hot drink, and let these cozy winter reads transport you to another world — all from the comfort of your cabin. Whether it’s heartwarming romance, magical adventure, or a story that tugs at your soul, there’s nothing quite like the joy of getting lost in a good book while the snow falls outside.

BOOK YOUR WINTER ESCAPE

Written by Kristina Jagger with Harper Collins Canada

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6 Cozy Books for the Perfect Fall Reading Retreat

6 Cozy Books for the Perfect Fall Reading Retreat

Picture this: you’ve escaped the noise of daily life for a secluded cabin in the woods. A campfire is crackling under marshmallows toasting, the scent of fallen leaves hangs in the air, and a warm mug is cradled in your hands. The only thing missing from this perfect scene is the right book. A trip like this calls for a story that matches the peaceful, rustic setting—a truly cozy read that you can get lost in as the hours drift by. That’s why we’ve curated a list of unforgettable cozy books, from heartwarming romances to healing fiction, to pack in your bags for the perfect fall reading retreat.

The Gingerbread Bakery by Laurie Gilmore

It’s official. The fall season is not complete without three things: a pumpkin spice latte, a vacation to an off-grid cabin with your favourite people, and a new book in the Dream Harbor series.

Set in the small town of Dream Harbor, Laurie Gilmore has spent the last two years introducing us to a loveable cast of characters who we have delighted in watching fall in love over the first four books in the series. With The Gingerbread Bakery we are finally getting the event we’ve been waiting for: a wedding.

Following fan favourite characters Annie and Mac as they begrudgingly work together to prepare for Jeanie and Logan’s big day, this enemies-to-lovers romance proves that the sweetest things are worth the wait.

Learn more and order your copy here

The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn by Valerie Bowman

Now, if you’ve already read the Dream Harbor series and are looking for something that also delivers on those Gilmore Girls vibes, let us introduce you to The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn.

This cozy and sexy romance follows a young event planner who returns to her family’s inn on an apple orchard to help run their Harvest Festival—only to find herself butting heads with the handsome son of the apple orchard’s owners. Featuring forced proximity, found family, opposites attract, and, of course, a pug named Pumpkin who becomes a social media star because he wears pumpkin pjs and is a sucker for any type of human affection, this book is the perfect autumnal escape that is best enjoyed while sitting in an Adirondack chair surrounded by trees with a steaming cup of hot apple cider in hand.

Learn more and order your copy here

Fall I Want by Lyra Parish

While the blankets in your cabin might keep you warm as the weather cools, we guarantee that this fall romance will add an extra layer of heat to those chilly nights by the water.

The first book in the Cozy Creek series has it all: a small town, a billionaire romance, fake dating, forced proximity, and “he falls first”. From the moment you flip open the first page, Lyra Parish sucks you in with her love of the season, making this impossible to put down until its happily ever after finish.

Learn more and order your copy here

The Midnight Bookshop by Amanda James

Adventuring into nature and adventuring into a good book often feels like magic, and The Midnight Bookshop by Amanda James has plenty of it.

With heartfelt reflections on grief, growth, and the stories that shape us, this is a book for book lovers; a book filled with worlds waiting to welcome all those who are looking for the hope that their stories can be rewritten.

We’ve said this before for other books, but we’ll say it again: when you’re booking your next escape to the great outdoors in one of Cabinscape’s cabins or tents, invite a few friends and make sure everyone has this book in hand. It’s tailor-made for book club discussions and will keep the life chats flowing until the embers burn low on your campfire.

Learn more and order your copy here

The Time Hop Coffee Shop by Phaedra Patrick

We’ve talked about escaping into nature and into books, but what if it was your coffee that could help you escape your life and discover a world where everything is always perfect?

In The Time Hop Coffee Shop, Phaedra Patrick tells a story of finding second chances and learning that what you wish for isn’t always what you truly need. In fact, it is the messiness of life and the ability to come out the other side of the dark times that often brings the most meaning and joy to the days ahead.

So the next time you find yourself wondering if things would be better if you lived in a perfect world, brew yourself a big cup of coffee, take a deep breath of fresh autumn air, and snuggle up with this book that will remind you that you are exactly where you were meant to be.

Learn more and order your copy here

Cozy Canada by Maggie Zeng

When you think about Canada, what do you think of? Hiking through the mountains on the west coast? Eating poutine at a local sugar shack? Summer camping trips in Northern Ontario? Skating down the Rideau Canal in the winter? Taking photos in front of Niagara Falls? Whale watching on the east coast? The list may be long, but Montreal-based children’s book illustrator and animator Maggie Zeng did her best to include as many Canadian experiences as possible into a brand-new cozy colouring book for readers all ages.

If the ‘ber months have you and your little ones huddling inside and exploring your creativity, you need this 100% Canadian book and all of the coloured markers, pencils, and crayons you can get your hands on.

Learn more and order your copy now

So, as you pack your bags for your autumn escape, don’t forget to leave room for one—or two—of these cozy reads. Whether you’re curled up by the fire, listening to the rain tap against your cabin windows, or sipping cider under the stars, the right book will make your getaway even more magical. After all, there’s no better way to embrace the season than by letting a good story carry you away.

BOOK YOUR FALL ESCAPE

Written by Kristina Jagger with Harper Collins Canada

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Must-Read Fall Books for Kids

Child on Cabin Bunk Bed

Fall Into Reading: Books to Share with Your Kids This Season

As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, fall is the perfect time to slow down and connect as a family. Cozy up with picture books for little ones or chapter books for middle graders—reading together sparks imagination and creates lasting memories. Penguin Random House Canada has a delightful roundup of new reads perfect for your next cabin getaway or quiet evening at home.


The Newest Gnome
by Lauren Soloy

A gorgeous homage to nature, beauty, mindfulness and community, The Newest Gnome is a stroll through a special and strange yet ultimately familiar place first introduced in Soloy’s picture book The Hidden World of Gnomes. Grolly Maru is The Pocket’s newest inhabitant. They are learning all about their new home and all the things the gnomes do to care for it. But what will their job be? As each gnome shares their role in The Pocket, Grolly is less and less sure about what they should do. But by the light of the full moon, inspiration strikes and Grolly finds their place.

Learn more and order your copy here


The One About The Blackbird
by Melanie Florence and Matt James


A gorgeous picture book about the connections created through music, and how music can reach loved ones with dementia. A young boy learns to play guitar from his grandfather, and the one about the blackbird is their favorite song. Years later, the boy visits his grandfather, and while his grandfather doesn’t recognize him, now grown-up, he does still remember how to hold a guitar. A beautiful full circle moment ensues when the boy plays his grandfather their favorite song.

Learn more and order your copy here


Lena the Chicken (But Really a Dinosaur!)
by Linda Bailey and K-Fai Steele


Lena lives in a chicken coop, and she looks a lot like a chicken. But deep down, she’s convinced that she’s a . . . DINOSAUR! The people on the farm are also baffled . . . except for little Madeline, who thinks Lena has personality. And then, when a dastardly weasel turns up and threatens the coop, Lena’s fearful family chickens out. It’s up to Lena to unleash her inner dinosaur like never before — to save the coop and show this silly bunch of chickens how to stand up for themselves. And when Madeline’s science fair project shows that chickens are the closest living relatives in the world to dinosaurs, Lena’s family finally begins to see Lena’s point. The book includes a die-cut cover and back matter about how chickens (and all other birds) are the living descendants of dinosaurs.

Learn more and order your copy here




Robot Island
by Cary Fagan


Forced into stealing valuable books (Little Women, Great Expectations) from a rich widow, Willis takes refuge on an abandoned island with a town populated by robots in this new middle-grade novel by acclaimed writer Cary Fagan. What is the connection between Mrs. Shorthouse and Robot Island? And when Willis turns on the electricity and the robots of Robot Island come to life, will they turn out to be friends or enemies?

Learn more and order your copy here


Invisible: The (Sort of) True Story of Me and My Hidden Disease
by David Soren


From the Canadian director of the Captain Underpants movie and Turbo comes a heavily illustrated middle-grade novel that captures the rollercoaster ride of growing up with an invisible disability. JJ Sugar was only eight years old when he discovered that he could really draw. After winning a citywide poster design contest, his dream of becoming an animator was born. Unfortunately for JJ, that same year, he also discovered his curse—he had Crohn’s disease. JJ was suddenly no longer alone on the exam table. Sitting next to him was a giant, sarcastic, leather-wearing CREATURE: Norm, the not-so-invisible embodiment of JJ’s chronic disease. And Norm seems bent on ruining his life.

Learn more and order your copy here


The Amazing Generation
by Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price

Jonathan Haidt’s blockbuster book, The Anxious Generation, has sparked a global conversation about the effects of smartphones and social media on young people’s development, and has inspired millions of parents, teachers, and leaders to take action. Now, Haidt and Catherine Price, author of the bestselling How to Break Up with Your Phone, have teamed up to create a new book that speaks directly to kids and early teens. Their goal? To empower young people to stand up for themselves by choosing a life not dominated by screens. Written for nine- to twelve-year-olds—and relevant whether or not they already have smartphones or social media accounts—this engaging guide is packed with surprising facts, a graphic novel, interactive challenges, secrets that tech leaders don’t want kids to know, and real-life anecdotes from young adults who regret getting smartphones at a young age and want to help the next generation avoid making the same mistakes. But this isn’t just a book about what not to do. It’s a bold, optimistic, and practical guide to growing into your most authentic, confident, and adventurous self. Readers won’t just discover how to avoid becoming the next Anxious Generation. They’ll learn how to become amazing.

Learn more and order your copy here

Dragonborn
by Struan Murray

There is a secret world of dragons that lurks at the edges of our own. But dragons also live among us. These Slumberers have been human for so long they have forgotten their true selves—until something awakens the dragon within. Twelve-year-old Alex Evans is about to wake up. Ever since her father’s death, Alex’s overprotective mother has smothered her with unbreakable rules and unspoken fears. Feeling trapped, Alex’s frustration has become too big to hide away. Burning inside, she erupts into a fierce, fiery roar. A new school and a new life await Alex on the legendary island of Skralla, one of the last surviving dragon havens. There, she will train alongside other young dragons who are wild, untamed, and—unlike Alex—skilled at transforming and embracing their dragons within. As dark factions begin to rise, Alex finds herself in a race to unlock her long-dormant power before Drak Midna, the greatest dragon of all, rises again to wage war against the human world.

Learn more and order your copy here

Discover your next cozy family read this fall with these new releases from Penguin Random House Canada—perfect for making autumn moments together even more memorable.

BOOK YOUR NEXT FAMILY CABIN STAY

Books provided by Penguin Random House Canada

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Fall in Love with Cozy Cabin Reads

Your cozy autumn reading retreat awaits

Nothing says “autumnal vibes in the ‘ber months” like brewing a warm cup of coffee, snuggling up under a blanket, looking out at fall colours from a cabin window, and getting lost in a good book. Today, we’re bringing you the ultimate TBR for your next Cabinscape vacation, featuring everything from heartwarming romance to captivating non-fiction.

THE LIFE IMPOSSIBLE by Matt Haig

Filled with wonder, wild adventure, and the life-changing power of new beginnings, there is no better book to kick-start our fall reading with than The Life Impossible.

While set in the golden beaches of Ibiza, this remarkable novel is one that begs to be read while cozied up during a solo cabin retreat as you follow a retired math teacher as she travels to the island in search for answers about how her long-lost friend’s life ended.

If you’ve read Matt Haig’s previous book, The Midnight Library, it’s needless to say that you should pack the tissues on this vacation because this is a book that promises a few tears, a bit of magic, and a message that will stay with you long after you close its pages.

Learn more and order your copy here

THE KNOWING by Tanya Talaga

For anyone looking to learn more about Canadian history through a uniquely Indigenous lens, award-winning and bestselling Anishinaabe author Tanya Talaga’s The Knowing is a must-read.

Deeply personal and meticulously researched, this book begins with the life of Tanya’s great-great grandmother Annie Carpenter and continues with her family’s experiences of decades of government- and Church-sanctioned enfranchisement and genocide.

While you may have learned about the residential school system in school, this book pulls you in on a much deeper level, walking you hand-in-hand through the grief and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, encouraging you not to look away.

Learn more and order your copy here

THE PUMPKIN SPICE CAFE by Laurie Gilmore

Craving a romance that feels like watching Gilmore Girls for the first time? Let us introduce you to the Dream Harbor series.

Set in a small town where everyone is in everyone else’s business, this grumpy-sunshine romance is a feel-good seasonal treat for anyone who ever wished they lived in Stars Hollow (or that Luke and Lorelai would just get together already!) This is also the book for anyone who loves a sprinkle of spice in their books to warm them up on those chilly fall nights.

Learn more and order your copy here

THE CAPITAL OF DREAMS by Heather O’Neill

Our next fall reading recommendation is one that David A. Robertson says “only Heather could have pulled off. It’s incredible.” We couldn’t agree more.

In a stunning dark fairytale, bestselling Canadian author Heather O’Neill takes us into the middle of a forest where we follow a young girl who is forced to run for her life while protecting her brilliant mother’s manuscript.

Set in an imaginative world yet reflective of our own times, The Capital of Dreams is exactly what we think of when someone asks us for an escapist read, making it the perfect book for those fall days when you’re stuck indoors and itching to go on a new adventure.

Learn more and order your copy here

WHEN THE MOON HATCHED by Sarah A. Parker

Speaking of escapist reads, our next recommendation features an immersive world with mysterious creatures, a unique magic system, and a love that blazes through the ages.

For those who love a fast-paced romantasy like A Court of Thorns and Roses and Fourth Wing, Sarah A. Parker’s When the Moon Hatched should be next on your reading list!

With tropes like forbidden love, he falls first, found family, and a slow burn romance, it’s hard not to fall in love with Raeve and Kaan.

Learn more and order your copy here

THE BOOK SWAP by Tessa Bickers

We’re rounding out this list with the ultimate book for book lovers: The Book Swap by Tessa Bickers.

In this uplifting contemporary romance, we follow two grieving strangers who find solace, and perhaps even love, when they begin an anonymous correspondence via notes left in the margins of classic novels. Talk about our dream meet-cute!

When you’re booking your next escape to nature in one of Cabinscape’s off-grid cabins with this book in hand, make sure to bring your friends along for the ride because this is tailor-made for book club discussions.

Learn more and order your copy now

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s no better time to escape to a cozy cabin. Let the changing leaves and peaceful surroundings be the backdrop to your next great story—it’s the perfect way to recharge, reflect, and get lost in the pages of a new adventure.

BOOK YOUR FALL ESCAPE

Written by Kristina Jagger with Harper Collins Canada & Rachel Naish Content Photography by Wayne Ferguson

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Books in Bloom

Ladies Book Club Reading

Fresh Reads for Spring

April showers bring books in bloom. (That’s how the saying goes, right?) From stories of self-discovery and new beginnings to romances that develop under unlikely circumstances, we’ve collected five must-read new books that are perfect to enjoy in a cabin the woods as the world around you begins to bloom.

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House
by Laurie Gilmore

Nothing will put you in the seasonal spirit quite like a new romance in the Dream Harbor series, and The Strawberry Patch Pancake House is no exception.

Featuring a sugary sweet romance between single dad and chef, Archer, and his loveable nanny, Iris, Laurie Gilmore delivers all the tropes that will make readers swoon, including found family, forced proximity, and only one bed. And while we instantly fell in love with this new romantic pairing—and Archer’s feisty five-year-old daughter who is determined to play matchmaker—where this book blooms is in the MMC’s story of growing into a man that is discovering that success doesn’t mean perfection and sometimes, it’s ok to get a little messy.

Learn more and order your copy here

The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris
by Evie Woods

If you prefer French pâtisserie to strawberry pancakes, Evie Woods’ The Mysterious Bakery on Rue De Paris is the book for you this spring!

A story that unfolds slowly with the smells of bread, the cobble streets and the history of Compiègne, we follow a late bloomer named Edith who is looking for a fresh start after spending most of her twenties caring for her dying mother. But when she takes a job at the bakery on Rue de Paris, she quickly realizes that things aren’t quite what they seem.

Full of mystery and magic, this historical novel is the perfect escape for anyone who has ever tried to reinvent themselves or struggled to find their people. (Just don’t pick it up without your favourite baked goods nearby.)

Learn more and order your copy here

The Ones We Loved
by Tarisai Ngangura

Have you ever read a love story that makes your heart ache? That buries a feeling of desperation for connection deep in your bones? That tenderly weaves myth and memory together as two characters discover the painful consequences of experiencing the kind of love that has never known how to let go?
In Tarisai Ngangura’s The Ones We Loved, we meet two strangers whose paths converge in a series of seemingly chance encounters and shared histories. She has committed a horrifying act for which there will certainly be retribution. He is staggering from a devastating discovery.
Told in the rhythms of oral retellings practiced in Zimbabwe, creating a call-and-response with the audience, this breathtaking literary debut is a heavier read, but one that will not be forgotten.

Learn more and order your copy here



The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits
by Jennifer Weiner

For anyone whose spring cleaning brought a wave of nostalgia as they discovered their old collectibles from the early 2000s (and who put on Britney Spears while continuing to organize their closet), this one’s for you.

In international bestselling author Jennifer Weiner’s highly anticipated new book, The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits, we meet Cassie and Zoe, two sisters whose time in the spotlight not only leads to a band break-up, but to insecurity, jealousy and loneliness for years to come. Enter: Cherry, Zoe’s daughter who desperately wants to get the band back together and to build a relationship with her aunt.

Exploring the highs and lows of the music industry and the ways in which we talk about female celebrities—more specifically, about their bodies—this is a read-it-in-one-sitting novel that challenges us to reflect on the choices we make and bloom into the people we deserve to be regardless of what others think.

Learn more and order your copy here


Summer in the City
by Alex Aster

The best way to experience the skyscraper glimmering, pizza crusted, sunlit charms of New York City? Sitting in a cabin by the water in the middle of a forest, reading Alex Aster’s swoony new romance.

Hear us out: Summer in the City follows a screenwriter who needs to write a movie around a list of NYC locations. Which means you get to experience the city life all from the perfect vacation spot far outside the realm of honking cars, concrete buildings, and trash pandas.

But in all seriousness, the romance in this book blooms from the most unlikely of places: a stairwell hookup two years ago, a night of hate-fueled writing, and an agreement that forces two opposites to play nice for the cameras. It’s all pretend, we promise. Until it isn’t.

Learn more and order your copy here

BOOK YOUR SPRING ESCAPE

Written by Kristina Jagger with Harper Collins Canada Content Photography by Kassandra Melnyk

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Deck the Halls with Holiday Reads

Cozy Up to the Latest & Greatest Reads this Holiday Season

Need a little “elf-care” this winter? We have three simple steps to help you sleigh this upcoming holiday season:

1. Book the coziest winter getaway at an off-grid cabin

2. Pack a bag full of your warmest clothes & favourite sweets

3. Scroll down to pick something to read from this list of Christmas-set books that will not only help you reach your 2024 reading goals, but will fill you up with festive cheer as well!

THE CHRISTMAS TREE FARM by Laurie Gilmore

Taylor Swift once said, “in my heart is a Christmas tree farm”, and we think she may have been talking about the third Dream Harbor book because it is one that is living in our heads (and hearts) rent-free.

In Laurie Gilmore’s latest spicy small-town romance set in Dream Harbor, we follow Kira, who hates Christmas yet finds herself buying a Christmas tree farm that is equal parts adorable and in quite the state of disrepair, and Ben, a handsome new face in town who offers to help.

With forced proximity, a grumpy-sunshine dynamic, and a happily ever after guaranteed, The Christmas Tree Farm is all we want for Christmas this year.

Learn more and order your copy here

HOCKEY RANTS & RAVES by Steve “Dangle” Glynn

If you’ve ever argued with a friend about the NHL’s best player of all time, the most embarrassing Leafs losses, or who would be on the Mount Rushmore of Goalies, Steve “Dangle” Glynn’s new book is required reading.

Featuring the hottest takes and biggest beefs about hockey from one of the most unique voices in the sport, Hockey Rants and Raves is a passionate, accessible, honest and often humorous take on all things that happen on and off the ice. In other words, the perfect holiday gift for the hockey fan in your life.

Learn more and order your copy here

EVERYONE THIS CHRISTMAS HAS A SECRET by Benjamin Stevenson

If you haven’t already met him in Benjamin Stevenson’s previous two books, let us be the first to introduce you to Ernest Cunningham, a former reader of Golden Age murder mysteries—that is until he found himself with a haphazard career getting stuck in the middle of real-life ones.

In this latest installment in the series, a murder occurs backstage at a magic show, with clues more abstract than anything Ernest has ever faced: A suspect covered in blood, without a memory of how it got there. A murder committed without setting foot inside the room where it happens. And an advent calendar. Because, you know, it’s Christmas.

So, if you find yourself enjoying the cold from the comfort of a cozy tiny cabin this holiday season and you’ve been itching to use your sleuthing skills, Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret is the perfect book for you. Because if you can see through the illusions, we know you can solve this one too. After all, a good murder is just like a magic trick, isn’t it?

Learn more and order your copy here

WINDOW SHOPPING by Tessa Bailey

Let us paint a picture: you’ve got your shopping list in hand and are walking past a department store window when a man approaches you and asks what you think of the display. You tell him, “It’s a tragedy in tinsel,” before finding out that he owns the place. And of course, he’s incredibly good looking.

But you’re just window shopping. At least that’s what you tell yourself…

No one does naughty & nice quite like bestselling author Tessa Bailey, and this new holiday romance does not disappoint. With a stocking stuffed full of Christmas vibes, workplace drama, a Ted Lasso-inspired male love interest, a reverse grumpy-sunshine, and lots of spice, Window Shopping is guaranteed to warm you up after a chilly winter hike in the snow (if you know what we mean).


Learn more and order your copy here

THE MOST WONDERFUL CRIME OF THE YEAR by Ally Carter

Knives Out got a holiday rom com twist this year and we have to say, Ally Carter executed it perfectly.

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year checks all the boxes for an entertaining holiday read, including:

  • The enemies-to-lovers trope between two rival authors
  • A locked-room cozy mystery set in a countryside estate
  • A story based on the famous disappearance of Agatha Christie
  • A cast of supporting characters that all have motive to be the killer
  • And a fast-paced, fun plot that makes the book impossible to put down

For days when the snow piles high and you’re stuck inside, this Christmas-set read will not only get you in the festive spirit, but will also have you snuggling deeper under the covers late into the night to find out whodunnit.

Learn more and order your copy here

THE HOLIDAY COTTAGE by Sarah Morgan

If you’ve ever felt burned out from your job, counting down the days until your next outdoor adventure, bestselling author Sarah Morgan is here with a contemporary novel that will remind you it’s ok to take a break to prioritize your wellbeing.

In this heartfelt story of friendship, finding yourself, and the surprising ties that bring us together, a stressed-out workaholic who has fabricated an entire family and love life (and even a dog!) to appear “normal” to her colleagues, discovers some shocking truths about her real family history when she’s forced to take a month-long wellness break over the holidays.

Perfect for fans of complex family relationships, Christmas Hallmark movies, and books by Rebecca Serle and Jojo Moyes, The Holiday Cottage is the ultimate feel-good read to enjoy with your book club or on an evening cozied up with your loved ones by the fire.

Learn more and order your copy now

As the holidays approach, there’s nothing like a cozy cabin to escape the rush and soak in the magic of the season. Picture a cup of cocoa in hand and a good book to curl up with. It’s the perfect place to slow down, enjoy the quiet, and let the magic of the holidays fill the air.

BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY GETAWAY

Written by Kristina Jagger with Harper Collins Canada & Rachel Naish Photo credits: Darrin Stevens, Sarah Vander Zaag, Simran Sahni and Jimmy Grover

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Dive Into Summer Reads

Dive Into Summer Reads

Today we’re bringing you the inside scoop on the must-reads that are coming to shelves just in time for your Summer cabin retreat.

From spine-tingling thrillers to steamy romances and everything in between, there is something for every outdoorsy reader looking to escape into the wilderness and into the pages of a good book.

I HOPE THIS FINDS YOU WELL by Natalie Sue

For everyone that’s ever spent any time working a job they dislike—or with people they dislike—let us be the first to introduce you to the protagonist of this debut Canadian novel, Jolene.

In I Hope This Finds You Well, we follow an admin worker who accidentally gains access to her colleagues’ private emails and DMs and decides to use this intel to save her job. The author does an amazing job of putting you in a bland corporate office with a believable cast of characters who you end up loving… except Gregory. That guy sucks. (We all have one, eh?)

Hilarious, propulsive, and utterly relatable, this is a book that you’ll want to share with your entire contact list or, at the very least, grab your best friends to buddy read together while lounging around a cabin by the water.

Learn more and pre-order your copy here

THE MIDNIGHT FEAST by Lucy Foley

If you’re looking for a book that will keep you up all night flipping the pages, Lucy Foley’s forthcoming The Midnight Feast should be at the top of your summer reading list.

Set at a luxe coastal retreat with beautifully appointed cabins—yes, it screams “vacation reading”—this deliciously twisty locked-room murder mystery follows five people with different agendas and the secrets they’ll do anything to keep.

Grab your flashlights or headlamps and a notebook to jot down your predictions because this is a book that’ll have even the best armchair detectives stumped.

Learn more and pre-order your copy here

THE BRIAR CLUB by Kate Quinn

Imagine this: you’re cozied up in a cabin in the woods, the only sounds are the crackling fire and the whisper of turning pages.

With Kate Quinn’s forthcoming release in hand, you’re not just reading a story; you’re unraveling secrets and rooting for powerful women, all while being enveloped in the mystery and charm of a female boardinghouse in 1950s Washington, DC.

Picture the thrill of the McCarthy era’s intrigue blending with the serenity of nature around you—it’s the perfect escape!

Pre-order your copy of The Briar Club, today!

I WILL RUIN YOU by Linwood Barclay

Have you ever been in a life-or-death situation? Had to choose between fight or flight?

In bestselling Canadian author Linwood Barclay’s new thriller, a teacher chooses to stay and fight, preventing a major tragedy at his school. There’s only one problem. His brief moment in the spotlight puts him in the sights of a blackmailer with a score to settle. And it might just cost him everything he loves.

For anyone looking for a book that you can easily finish in one reading session on the dock, I Will Ruin You is a must-add to your TBR.

Learn more and pre-order your copy here

THE AU PAIR AFFAIR by Tessa Bailey

This summer, the bestselling queen of romance Tessa Bailey brings us the spicy hockey romance we’ve all been waiting for: The Au Pair Affair.

Following a hockey captain and single dad as he falls for his live-in nanny, this has everything we want in a sports romance: grumpy-sunshine/opposites-attract, “he falls first”, age gap, slow burn, and steamy scenes that are guaranteed to make you swoon.

Needless to say, this conclusion to the Big Shots duology will be an instant breakaway hit (pun intended) that readers will instantly fall in love with.

Learn more and pre-order your copy here

ONLY ONE SURVIVES by Hannah Mary McKinnon

There is truly no better way to read Hannah Mary McKinnon’s forthcoming thriller than from the comfort of a cabin.

In a mystery that’s as intoxicating as a backstage pass to the biggest rock concert on the planet, an all-female pop rock group takes shelter in a nearby abandoned cabin after their van careens off an icy mountain road and leaves one of them dead. The nightmare only continues as one by one the band members meet a gruesome end.

Daisy Jones & The Six meets Ruth Ware’s One by One in this twisty thriller that you’ll be raving to your friends about long after the fire dies down.

Learn more and pre-order Only One Survives now

THE DAYS I LOVED YOU MOST by Amy Neff

Calling all fans of The Notebook, Me Before You, and In Five Years!

An unforgettable and deeply romantic debut, The Days I Loved You Most follows Joseph and Evelyn, two childhood friends who fell in love in the summer of 1941. Now, more than sixty years later, these two gather their three grown children to share the stunning news: She has received a tragic diagnosis, and he cannot live without her. So, in one year’s time, they will end their lives together on their own terms.

Pack your tissues if you’re planning to bring this one on vacation because it’s guaranteed to fill your heart and break it too.

Learn more & pre-order your copy here

Imagine yourself at a cozy lakeside cabin, surrounded by nature’s beauty. The sun is shining, the air is warm, and you’ve got a thrilling book in hand. Summer is all about chilling out, relaxing, and soaking up those vacation vibes. Take a moment to unwind, enjoy the sunshine, dip your feet in the water, and lose yourself in the pages of a captivating summer read. It’s the perfect escape from the daily hustle and bustle

BOOK YOUR SUMMER VACATION

Written by Kristina Jagger with Harper Collins Canada & Rachel Naish Content Photography by Wayne Ferguson