5 More Indie Books You Should Read {+5 More On My TBR} - #IndieAugust20

 Last year, I hosted a readathon on my bookstagram called the Indie August Readathon, dedicated to celebrating the best of independent publishing.  I had so much fun hosting it, and I knew I wanted to do it again!  And since last year I also shared 5 of my favorite indie books here on the blog, I'm back again with 5 more recommendations! 

I'm a firm believer that independently published books can be just as great (if not better!) than traditionally published ones, and these books are a testament to that.  All of these were among my favorites from either 2019 or 2020!  I tried to pick from a variety of genres, too, so there's something for everyone!  For even more recommendations, make sure you check out my post from last year!

Let's jump on in!


1. Prince of Shadow and Ash - Selina R. Gonzalez 



Add on Goodreads ~ Purchase on Amazon ~ My review

First off, that cover though!!  This was absolutely everything I wanted - a mix of high fantasy and fluffy romance that was perfection.  Sassy main characters, kick-butt action, epic magic, and an adorably shippable couple to boot.  Regulus and Adelaide's story sucked me in and didn't let go, and I can't recommend it highly enough!

2. Rook Di Goo - Jenni Sauer



Add on Goodreads ~ Purchase on Amazon

A sci-fi Cinderella retelling following a runaway soldier, full of adventure, friendship, and hope despite hard times.  Featuring the found family trope and a lot of tea, this is one of my favorite reads of the year, and I can't wait to see what Jenni has in store next.  (also if you don't come out of this one wishing you had standard issue Liosi military boots and you aren't a little in love with Captain Leiv Benham, I'll be surprised xD)

3. The Old River Road - Hailey Rose



Add on Goodreads ~ Purchase on Amazon ~ My review

Based on the real story of Hailey's great-great-grandparents, this is one of the most wholesome and heart-warming historical fiction stories I know.  I adored Clara and William so much, the whole book just felt so comfortable and cozy, and I never wanted it to end.  It's got all the feels, and I love it for that.

4. The Divided Nation - Angela R. Watts



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One of the most unique and heart-pounding dystopians I've read in awhile, this is a story that's hard to look at at times, but one that's so important.  Set during the future second American civil war, we follow a fairly large cast of characters who are doing their best just to survive.  There's a lot of found family/"your family stinks so I'm your family now" tropes going on, plus a really stinking Soft romance, and I'm here for it. 

5. Never Say Goodbye - Sarah Grace Grzy



Add on Goodreads ~ Purchase on Amazon ~ My review

Speaking of Soft romance... xD  Tyler and Alyvia's story made me so ridiculously happy, tbh.  Everything about it was just about perfect.  Friends-to-lovers romance, a single dad with an adorable child, a female lead who wants to run a book store, everything you could ask for and then some amazing faith content throughout.  

And now, here are five indie books that are on my list to read as soon as is humanly possible:

1. One Bad Apple - Rachel Kovaciny



snow white retelling + wagon train setting + found family trope (i think... lol)

2. Poison's Dance - Tricia Mingerink



twelve dancing princesses retelling + high fantasy + book 3 in one of my favorite series

3. Thief - Savanna Roberts



robin hood retelling + kick-butt heroine + squad goals

4. As Easy As Cherry Pie - Bell Renshaw

 

fluffy romance + baker + handyman + return to justin harbor (yaaasss)

5. The Anamnesis - Adelaide Thorne



epic story + slowburn romance + cross my heart the only reason i haven't finished this yet is because i don't want this series to end ;-; 


So there you have it!  If you'd like to participate in the readathon, we'd love to have you! 

What's an indie book that you would recommend?  Are you adding any of these to your TBR?  Let me know in a comment below! 

~ Abby

The Old River Road {book review}

Well... this book is beautiful.

A couple of months ago, Hailey announced that she was re-publishing her debut novel under her real name instead of the pen name it originally bore.  When she asked for bloggers to hype up the re-release, I jumped at the chance!  … and then proceeded to forget the deadline and read it several weeks later than I was supposed to.  But!  I have read it now, and will now proceed to never shut up about this beautiful story because everyone needs to read it.



So, I say thank you to Hailey for sending me a copy, and now, we get into the review.

The Old River Road



Author: Hailey Rose
Genre: Historical Fiction
Content: None
Main Character: Clara Boutwell McDonald

Synopsis:
When seventeen-year-old Clara Boutwell married her dashing coworker, William McDonald, she was convinced her life was nearly perfect. For newlyweds in the great city of Chicago, the journey ahead was exciting and promising. When a frightening disease takes William in its grip, the young couple is forced to the clean air of the western frontier in a desperate attempt to save his life. On the eastern Washington prairies, the McDonalds face hardships and trials in a new world where everything is tested, from physical endurance to emotional strength—down to their relationship and faith in the Lord.
This novel tells the incredible true story of Clara and William, the great-great grandparents of the author, in a sweet narrative full of laughter, tears, and the struggles of an early pioneering family. Prepare yourself to share in their experience as you read this account of a pioneer family in Washington state, and see their lasting legacy that has endured into the fifth generation.

Add on Goodreads ~ Purchase on Amazon

What I Thought:



I spent most of this book reading it through the tears in my eyes.  Both sad ones and happy ones.  Because wow, this was an emotional rollercoaster.
Clara and William's story was one I wanted to stay in forever.  It was so comfortable, like just listening to someone tell their life story (which it was, in a way, I suppose).  It felt familiar, kind of reminiscent of Little House or Anne of Green Gables, just a sweet story with God's fingerprints all over it.
I loved Clara and William.  They reminded me of some of the senior adult couples I love at church, with crazy incredible stories that seem so far-fetched that they have to be true.  I hadn't really read the synopsis before I dove in, just knowing it was about Hailey's family and not really needing much else to be intrigued.  So when I found a beautiful story about love, family, and God's faithfulness... I was very pleased.  But seriously, Clara and William are couple goals and the cutest and I love them.  And so are their kids.
Overall, I just kept watching the percentage number at the bottom of the page get closer to 100 and felt sad every time I noticed.  I never wanted it to end.  So yes, I highly recommend it if you're a fan of historical fiction, cute couples that turn into adorable families, and stories that make you feel all the things.

Overall Rating: 4.5 loaves of bread out of 5

About the Author:
Hailey is a young novelist with a passion to create beautiful fiction. Armed with a desire to make scenarios readers can easily relate to, she writes in many genres about ordinary individuals faced with extraordinary choices. Two of her novels have been independently published. As a chronic illness warrior, Hailey eagerly encourages others to find joy no matter what the circumstances. In her free time, she loves dancing, playing music, or enjoying various outdoor activities in the Pacific Northwest.

Connect with Hailey: Her website ~ Goodreads ~ Instagram ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Definitely go follow Hailey, she's such an amazing, inspiring person and I can't wait to see what God continues to do in her life.

Do you have a favorite historical fiction?  Do you love listening to people tell their stories?  Let me know in a comment below!

~ Abby