Ode to Autumn by Loree Lough and Cerella Sechrist

Photo by Kathleen Redden

Ah, September, the month that leads us directly into autumn, with all its glorious colors, cooler temperatures, and spicy scents. And is it any wonder, when the name, itself, is from the Latin septum, meaning ‘seven,’ chosen when the Roman calendar had only ten months. Its birthstone is the sapphire, which pairs well with the aster and morning glory, both enjoyed by Virgos and Libras alike.

You’re no doubt aware that, once upon a time, the ancient Romans observed Ludi Romani, in honor of Julius Caesar (born on September 4th). And according to Charlemagne’s calendar, September was known as “the harvest month.”



But did you know that September is a surname? And that there are thousands of kids running around the playground whose pals call them September? (Or Ember, Tember, Em, and Emmy.) The lead character in Catherynne M. Valente’s novel The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making? Yup. September.

National holidays in September include Labor Day on the 4th (US and Canada), and Patriot’s Day on the 11th. And we’d be remiss if we didn’t point out that the 22nd is the official First Day of Fall.

The American rock band Green Day recorded a song titled “Wake Me Up When September Ends.” Then there’s just plain “September,” by Earth, Wind, and Fire. And what list would be complete without Neil Diamond’s moving “September Morn”!

On a more serious note, September 14th is National Stand Up to Cancer Day. Since Loree has been battling Multiple Myeloma since October, 2015, she has donated a generous portion of her Heartwarming novels’ proceeds to the American Cancer Society. (Raising Connor, Devoted to Drew, Saving Alyssa [A Child to Love series], Once a Marine, Sweet Mountain Rancher, The Firefighter’s Refrain [Those Marshall Boys series], The Man She Knew, Bringing Rosie Home, The Redemption of Lillie Rourke [By Way of the Lighthouse series]).

Our favorite autumn notation? This month’s tasty recipe … Big Soft Ginger Cookies!





Leave a comment below and let us know your favorite thing about autumn, and we'll enter you to win a $10 Amazon gift card!



And be sure to check out Loree's next Heartwarming novel, releasing this winter:

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BRINGING ROSIE HOME (By Way of the Lighthouse series)

Can a little child heal years of hurt? 

During a preschool field trip, chaperone Rena VanMeter turned her head for a split second, and in that second, her three year old daughter was kidnapped. When the police gave up hope of finding Rosie, Rena and her husband Grant hired private detectives, whose searches proved futile.

As the months crawled by, Grant refused to accept that their precious child might be dead. Rena, much to his disappointment, seemed to have adjusted to the agonizing possibility. He might have felt the same way…if he’d been responsible for Rosie’s abduction. What he didn’t know was that Rena had hidden her grief and guilt in the hope of helping him heal. But after a painful year of trying—and failing—she decided that Grant would be better off without her, and left him to pick up the pieces of her broken life on Fenwick Island.

Five years after the kidnapping, a phone call changes everything: Rosie has been found! Grant and Rena decide that a reunion is best for their traumatized girl.

Is forgiveness impossible, or will their love for Rosie—and memories of the love they once shared—become the bridge that truly reunites them?

(Cover reveal coming soon!)

***

Until next month, we wish you brightly-leafed trees, light breezes, and the scent of woodstove fires!

About Loree:

With nearly 7,000,000 books in circulation, best-selling author Loree Lough's titles have earned numerous 4- and 5-star reviews and industry awards. She splits her time between her home in Baltimore and a cabin in the Alleghenies (where she loves to show off her “Identify the Critter Tracks” skills). She has 115 books in print. Loree loves to hear from her readers and answers every letter, personally. Visit her at Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and www.loreelough.com!




About Cerella:

 CERELLA SECHRIST lives in York, Pennsylvania with two precocious pugs, Darcy and Charlotte, named after Jane Austen literary characters. Inspired by her childhood love of stories, she was ten years old when she decided she wanted to become an author. These days, Cerella divides her time between working in the office of her family’s construction business and as a barista to support her reading habit and coffee addiction. She’s been known to post too many pug photos on both Instagram and Pinterest. You can see for yourself by finding her online at www.cerellasechrist.com. A Song for Rory, Book #2 in her "A Findlay Roads Story" series, is her fourth Harlequin Heartwarming novel.





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Comments

  1. After dealing with stifling humidity for several months, I always look forward to autumn. Since I'm not a fan of cold weather, I'd rather skip winter and go straight to spring. :) Bringing Rosie Home sounds like a fantastic story, Loree. I look forward to reading it. Enjoy your weekend, ladies.

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    1. You sound just like me, Jill! I adore autumn, but I could skip most of winter. I don't mind a few days of snow and cold, if I can curl up inside, but after that, we can jump ahead to spring!

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    2. I'm with you, Jill...I don't like winter, but enough of the heat and humidity, already. Bring on some brisk autumn weather! Wishing you a great week, m'dear!

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  2. I'm loving September! Bringing Rosie Home sounds wonderful--my heart broke a little reading the blurb.

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    1. I know, doesn't it sound like a great story, Liz? I'm looking forward to reading it!

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    2. It was a tough book to write, Liz, since it's loosely based on the real-life story of a friend. Thanks for stopping by, and, like you, I love September!

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  3. September is one of my favourite months and now that I'm retired and not going back to school after a long, lazy summer, I enjoy it even more. Thanks for this snapshot of autumn, Cerella and Loree. "Bringing Rosie Home" sounds like a powerful book, Loree. An emotional one to write, perhaps, and certainly for us to read. Kudos!

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    1. Enjoy your September to the fullest, Janice, now that you're retired! It's also one of my favorites!

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    2. Hi Janice! (My maiden name is Carter; do you think maybe we're cousins? ) I love September. And October. Even November. Winter months, not so much. LOL Yes, this book was tough to write, and I needed weeks to recoup after all the emotional ups and downs! Wishing you a wonderful week!

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  4. My favorite thing about autumn is the cooler temperatures and the Fall scents and flavors like pumpkin spice and cinnamony things. I also enjoy reading in Fall since it's cozier.
    Bringing Rosie Home sounds wonderful. I clicked on the link to see the cover but I guess it's too new since one didn't come up.
    I hope you're doing well Loree Lough. ( :

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    1. Excellent point, Laurie, about reading in fall. I like curling up in a blanket on the porch with a book. It's one of my favorite things. :)

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    2. Hi there, Laurie! I've seen the cover for Bringing Rosie Home, but it isn't finalized yet, so unfortunately, I can't share it. I'll say this: It's one of my favorites! Wishing you lots of cinnamon-and-spice throughout the fall!

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  5. Thanks for the recipe. Looks great! My favorite thing about autumn is the smell of wood smoke and fall leaves.

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    1. Agreed! Any time I smell wood smoke, it gives me that autumn feeling. :)

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    2. You'll love this recipe, TR, especially if you eat the cookies in front of a cozy fire, under a fuzzy coverlet, while sipping cocoa! LOL Thanks for stopping by!

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  6. Hi, Ladies! What a wonderful post. Sounds like I might have to read Bringing Rosie Home with a box of tissues by my side. Thank you for the recipe! I can't even tell you guys how many of your recipes I've made now. Loree's Lasagna Soup has become a staple in my house.

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    1. LOL! I'm so glad you use the recipes, Carol! Loree always has good ones. Have a great weekend!

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    2. That soup is a winner around here, for sure, Carol! Glad to hear your family enjoys it, too. I have a feeling your bunch will love those cookies as much as mine does. As for the book? I blubbered like a baby writing some of those scenes, so yes, you might consider keeping sniffle-wipers nearby! Enjoy the rest of your week!

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  7. Lovely post about the wonders of fall, which doesn't arrive in southern Arizona until November. Sigh. Still, there's something about September that makes me feel nostalgic and hopeful, maybe because I can sense the end of the stifling heat. I'm looking forward to reading about Rosie.

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    1. That's the thing I love about Pennsylvania, Patricia, is that fall arrives right on time in glorious, colorful splendor! Hold on there until it hits Arizona! ;)

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    2. Tell you what, Patricia... When winter arrives in full force here, we'll send you a box of ice and snow! Imagine the post office clerk's face when she asks what's in the package and I tell her WINTER! LOL Thanks for stopping by, and here's hoping your weather will 'chill out' a little, soon!

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  8. great post. I love watching the leaves change. I love pumpkin smells and tastes everywhere. I love the slightly cooler temps. thanks for the recipe.
    quilting dash lady at Comcast dot net

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    1. You named all the best things about fall, Lori! Enjoy the recipe and have a great weekend!

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    2. I hear ya, Lori, and now that our beautiful maple tree is gone, I'm sure I'll miss raking leaves. On second thought... LOL I'm definitely looking forward to baking some pumpkins pies. And pumpkin bread. And pumpkin muffins. Gotta run...I'm suddenly hungry! Enjoy those cookies, and good luck in the drawing!

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  9. Great post, ladies and I can't wait for Bringing Rosie Home! Sounds like a fabulous read. Though I have to admit Loree's books keep me up all night and then there's the "hangover" of no sleep the next day at work. BUT, your photo of autumn is fabulous and yes, the smell of woodsmoke, cool days and lots of colors! I'm putting up my fall decorations as I read this. Love, Love September!

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    1. Lol! I'm with you, Catherine, I can't wait for Bringing Rosie Home. I plan to have some tissues handy, but I might need to read it on a weekend so I can stay up late to finish it. Good advice!

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    2. Kathleen's photo IS gorgeous, isn't it? Sorry about giving you hangovers, m'friend. I'm with you: Looking forward to a hearty woodstove fire, hot chocolate, and fuzzy sweaters!

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  10. Sounds like Bringing Rosie Home is a wonderful story. I love September and October here in the Midwest ...but oh, these first days of September have flown by. We've had beautiful skies and sun and rain all in the same few minutes. The other day I spotted two rainbows in about fifteen minutes. And how did you know I love anything with ginger in it? Lovely post.

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    1. Oh, me, too, Virginia on the ginger! It's one of my favorite flavors. And maybe not as traditional as cinnamon or pumpkin spice, but I think it tastes even better in the autumn. ;)

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  11. I really love fall. I think the post is so timely and interesting. One time when I worked at an elementary school and did kindergarten round-up, I registered a September, and Autumn, an October and April and June all for the same class. It was amusing. But fall obviously brings storms, too. I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone still cleaning up in Texas, good wishes, and safe harbors for those we know in Florida.

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    1. Amen to that, Roz. Our prayers are with everyone experiencing a rough start to fall in the southern states. <3

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    2. I love this season, too, Roz. Let's hope Ma Nature has grown tired of beating people up with fires, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis... (I still say we need to form a posse, hunt her down, and kick her butt!) I'm with you in wishing all good things to those who've suffered her wrath. Wishing good things for you, too!

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  12. I always learn something new from your posts, Loree and Cerella . . . and, of course, there is always a recipe that entices me! I look forward to your next installment of the By Way of the Lighthouse series, Loree.

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    1. Loree is always full of trivia to share, Kate, and I learn stuff from her, too! Have a great weekend!

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    2. Always happy when you stop by, Kate! Next time, bring the dogs! I can promise that if you test that recipe, you won't be disappointed! Hope to talk with you soon!

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  13. I love the cooler weather and the chance to bake and enjoy stews and hot spiced cider :) Gotta try that ginger cookie recipe!!

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    1. I forgot about how stews and chilis are another great reason to love fall, @Fedora! So glad you mentioned that! :)

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    2. You said it, Fedora...homemade bread, creamy soups, hot drinks... Is it any wonder fall is my favorite season! Thanks for stopping by, and good luck in the drawing!

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  14. Those cookies sound delicious! We're definitely feeling September weather now. This morning the low was in the upper 40's! September is socks and sweaters :).

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    1. The weather here in southern PA has been delightful, Rula! Sunny but cool - it's easing me right into autumn. :) Enjoy the socks and sweaters!

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    2. Yup. The seasons are definitely changing, Rula! I'm not going to miss the heat and humidity at all. I'm going to do my level best not to whimper and whine if Winter delivers more than an inch of snow! Enjoy those cookies!

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  15. What a great post. I've known women named June, April, January, May, and Autumn, but never September. Can't wait to find out what happens with Rosie and her parents.

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    1. It would definitely make a lovely name, wouldn't it, Beth? I'm with you - I can't wait to read Rosie's story!

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    2. I had that same thought, Beth, when I read that parents chose September as a name for their babies! And you know what? I'm looking forward to hearing what you think of Bringing Rosie Home!

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  16. Well, it's spring in my half of the world! However, I was in Spain until the end of last week, and it was so weird to be seeing autumn leaves blowing around in Barcelona on Saturday, and then on Monday to smell the spring blossoms in Canberra the moment we stepped off the plane - before we even saw them!

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    1. Spain! How glorious! It's one of the countries still on my bucket list! I imagine it IS rather odd, living with springtime weather while others are talking 'fall'! So glad you stopped by, Sonya! Good luck in the drawing!

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  17. That would feel strange, Sonya, to jump from one season to another! But it sounds lovely in Australia right now, so you enjoy that spring weather! :)

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  18. I love Autumn. Autumn to me is Pumpkin pie!!! I love the trees changing colors although the past years they seemed to not change as much

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    1. Y'know, I was just telling Larry the other day that I'm in the mood for pumpkin pie! It's on the grocery list, so it looks like we'll be enjoying some before Thanksgiving! Good luck in the drawing, m'dear!

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  19. I love the smells of Autumn... Apple and Pumpkin pies baking... Bonfires and wood burning fireplace smells drifting in the breeze. I love the crunch of leaves underfoot as well as their colors in afternoon sunlight... I do love Autumn splendor just not ready for winter and it always follows too closely and arrives way to soon....

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    1. You're so right, Kathleen. There's so much to love about autumn! The ONLY negative I can come up with is...crickets and spiders that sometimes sneak inside to hide from the cold! We love, love, LOVE your photograph, by the way!

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  20. My favorite thing about fall is going to the apple orchard and picking our own fresh apples. They just taste so much better right off the tree than buying them in the store.

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    1. Y'know, Darlene, I haven't done that in years! Once upon a time, I climbed aboard a big flatbed truck with all the neighbor kids. We hung on tight until the farmer delivered us to his orchard! Once there, everyone got a ladder and a basket. At the end of the day, we'd pocketed a dime for each basket we had filled. Bonus: All the apples you could eat! Ahh...autumn memories...

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  21. My favorite thing about fall is everything pumpkin. Pumpkin scents, drinks and foods. I also love the changing leaves and the cooler weather.

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    1. Okay. Now you've done it, Allie... I must get to the grocery store to buy all the fixins for a deep dish pumpkin pie. Thanks. No really. THANKS!

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  22. Wow! Bringing Rosie Home hit a spot in my heart as in Portland, Oregon over 7 years ago, Kyron Horman was kidnapped and he has never been seen again. The athorities suspected his step-mother had something to do with it, but they never had enough evidence. Bringing Rosie Home is a book that I will definately want to read!

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    1. I see Kyron's mother's posts on Facebook all the time, and each time, my heart aches for her.

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  23. My Favorite thing about fall is Leaves changing color, falling and such a wonderful crackling crunching sound as you are walking in the forest. The air is so crisp and clean smelling. It holds the promise of Winter to come.

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    1. You're so right with your descriptions of fall! There's a lot to love about this season, for sure!

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  24. I like the cooler temps the most as far as fall goes and hot chocolate, cuddling under blankets and reading lots of books.
    jennydtipton at gmail dot com

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    1. Oh yes...cuddling, books, hot chocolate or apple cider, caramel apples...

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  25. My favorite thing about Fall is the cooler temps, the beautiful leaves, everything pumpkin, and the smell of cinnamon! I can't wait to read your me book Loree!

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    1. As if all that wasn't enough reason to adore this season, we can wave goodbye to a whole bunch of allergy-causing weeds and whatnot! I can't wait to hear what you think of Bringing Rosie Home, Angel!

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  26. My favorite thing about autumn is the changing color of the trees. I also like the cooler temperatures and baking anything pumpkin! I bought some pumpkin today and it is a toss up between pumpkin bread or pumpkin pie. ;)

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    1. I just got a brand-spankin' new bread machine. Three guesses which recipe I'll use to break it in!

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  27. Autumn a time of pumpkins, colored leaves, and when a walk in the woods produces the smell of the pine trees on a soft breeze. And the leaves under your feet crunch and if your really lucky you sight a moose. The Canadian Geese are honking as they fly overhead heading to a warmer climate.

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    1. Hey what happened here? I'm not Susan Gable. I'm Betty Ackerson.

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    2. Well, Betty-Susan, I'm just tickled pink that you stopped by! Funny thing: Just as I read your comment, a flock of Canada geese flew over the house, honking up a storm! As for sighting a moose during a crunch-dry-leaves hike? Happened once. Literally. In Nova Scotia. I tested the "heart leapt from my chest" theory! Them babies is B-I-G!

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