Hi, {{first_name | friend}}!
The closer we creep toward December 25th, the more we can expect to see stories about HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series. This week, for instance (as you’ll see below in Bookworld), news that Kit Harington will be playing Gilderoy Lockhart in season two was the top story on multiple entertainment sites.
Over the past few months, I’ve had many conversations with other people who grew up loving Harry Potter about whether they’ll be watching this new series, and the range of perspectives has been both fascinating and eye-opening.
So, I’m curious: Will you be watching? Why or why not? Reply to this email and let me know. I’m genuinely eager to hear your thoughts!
Yours,
Genevieve
Books Content Manager @ Pix
Quick links
Hitting the Shelves:
The Best Book Releases of the Week!

The Stack
Together with ThriftBooks
3 New Fall Romances to Pair With Your PSL
The Pumpkin Spice Latte is back at Starbucks today, so as far as we’re concerned, cozy season starts now. Is it still August? Sure. Do we care? Not when there are small towns, second chances, charming bookstores, and swoony romances waiting to be read. Grab these fall-ready picks from ThriftBooks and enjoy free shipping on U.S. orders over $20.
Bonfire and Bliss Bookstore
by Brittanée Nicole
Penny would rather cozy up with a book than risk another broken heart, but when her author best friend returns home with a tempting proposal, saying yes might just rewrite her story.
Something About September
by Julia McKay
Rebecca returns home to give her late grandmother’s diner a cozy makeover, only to discover the only contractor in town is Cort, the high school crush she thought she'd left in the past.
The Matchmaker's Cottage
by Kat Sloane
Julia’s B&B could use a little boost, but when her childhood sweetheart returns with a plan to play matchmaker for his celebrity clients, business isn’t the only thing heating up.
Bookmarks | Exciting New Releases
CONTEMPORARY FICTION SPOTLIGHT
Big Little Truths
by Liane Moriarty
#1 New York Times bestselling author Liane Moriarty returns to the world of Big Little Lies in this highly anticipated sequel, picking up ten years later as Madeline, Celeste, Jane, Renata, and Bonnie navigate teenage children, troubled marriages, long-buried secrets, and a mysterious threat at their kids’ high school. Packed with juicy drama, dark humor, and the complicated female friendships that made the original a phenomenon, this is, according to Rufi Thorpe (Margo’s Got Money Troubles), “the rare sequel that is just as good (and juicy) as the original.”
LITERARY FICTION SPOTLIGHT
Life of M
by Rachel Cusk
It’s rare that lit fiction and Hollywood gossip collide as spectacularly as they do in Rachel Cusk’s new novel, Life of M. Here, Cusk, who is known for her incisive autofictional novels, paints a portrait of an emotionally hollow actress. And for weeks—and with lots of good reason—early readers have been speculating that the central character is actually Cusk’s friend, actress Natalie Portman. Whether you care who inspired this “dark examination of authenticity, reality, and fame” (Vulture) or not, the speculation adds a layer of intrigue to a novel already asking how much of life is performance.
Hotel Spotlight
Together with Inside Hotels
Embassy Suites by Hilton Los Angeles International Airport North
The Vibe: LAX made easy
The Location: Los Angeles, CA
Instaworthy Accommodations:
Half a mile from LAX with a free 24-hour shuttle, Embassy Suites by Hilton Los Angeles International Airport North takes the stress out of the airport equation entirely. Every room is a two-room suite with separate bedroom and living spaces, making it easy to switch between work and rest. Free made-to-order breakfast every morning and a complimentary evening reception every night mean two meals are already covered—a huge perk on busy travel days. The heated indoor pool is there for layover days, and Manhattan Beach is only three miles away when you’re ready for an LA adventure.
Guess the Book: Poorly Explained Plots
Four older Brits discover the secret to a fulfilling retirement: meddling in an active homicide investigation.
Hotel Spotlight
Together with Inside Hotels
M Social Hotel New York Downtown
The Vibe: Lower Manhattan, freshly reimagined
The Location: New York, NY
Instaworthy Accommodations:
Directly across from One World Trade Center in the Financial District, M Social Hotel New York Downtown completed a $50 million renovation that gives a fresh identity to one of Lower Manhattan's most historically significant addresses. The 667 rooms blend contemporary design with plush comforts while overlooking the Hudson River, the Brooklyn Bridge, and downtown Manhattan. Beast & Butterflies, the hotel's Spanish-inspired gin and tapas bar, adds an unexpected layer to the neighborhood. When it’s time to start checking off your NYC bucket list, The Oculus is right outside, the 9/11 Memorial Museum is six minutes away, and Battery Park is ten.
Bookworld
💗 Read an excerpt from Lucy Score’s new Story Lake novel, Just One More Chapter!
🤩 Kit Harington is taking on the role of Gilderoy Lockhart.
🪶 Is Tom Hanks starring in an adaptation of Theo of Golden? Maybe…
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