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



Add on Goodreads ~ Purchase on Amazon

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

Never Say Goodbye {blog tour + book review}

Just over a year ago, I had the honor to read and review Sarah Grace Grzy's first novel, "Live Without You", and I absolutely loved it.  So when Sarah Grace announced her second novel, I was super excited about it.  And I'm happy to report that it did not disappoint.

I devoured this in a day (yesterday, when I'm writing this), because I'm in this weird headspace during quarantine where I either read nothing for a week or I devour three books in three days.  It's strange, but the world is strange, so I'm not really surprised.  Anyway, I really loved it, so let's go ahead and get into the review.


Never Say Goodbye



((this cover, though *all the heart eyes*))

Author: Sarah Grace Grzy
Genre: Christian fiction
Content: None
Main Characters: Tyler Collens and Alyvia Emmerson

Synopsis:
Tyler Collens has seen grief and loss in his years of experience as a paramedic—but he never expected it to touch his life in such a personal way. The death of his wife eighteen months ago shook his steady world and changed him in more ways than he can count. Time and routine have steadied his feet, and he looks toward the future as he raises his infant daughter—but the past has a tighter grip on him than he knows.
Alyvia Emmerson has never been certain of who she is or where she belongs. Her dad’s abandonment as a teen broke a fragile piece of her heart, but ten years later, she has moved on. Living on her own, she at last has a project to devote herself to: revitalizing a shabby bookstore. But she didn’t count on her dream job revealing the shattered pieces of herself she thought mended long ago.
In this sophomore novel featuring beloved characters from Live Without You, Sarah Grace Grzy explores themes of grief, hope, and second chances in a story that touches both the heart and spirit.

Add on Goodreads ~ Purchase on Amazon 

What I Thought:

This was so wonderful.  I'm always a fan of a good friends-to-lovers trope, and it's in full swing here.  Sarah Grace's books are ones that you pick up and can't put down because you never know what's going to happen.  There's a lot to love about this story, but I think the thing that I adored most was the characters.

Tyler and Alyvia were such wonderful protagonists, full of hopes and dreams and hurts that felt real and raw.  I loved both of them from Live Without You, so seeing them step into their own story was wonderful.  Tyler and baby Murrae was the CUTEST relationship ever, oh my goooosh.  Also the line about "being a single dad looks a lot easier on Hallmark" cracked me up.  Alyvia was so relatable.  She's a full-fledged optimist who just wants to open her own bookstore and live above it.  Like, what a dream, right? 

And the two of them together were just the cutest oh my word.  Like I said, I love a good friends-to-lovers story, and the way their love story progresses is so perfect.  And they just go together so well, and I'm emotional.

The faith content was utterly perfect, woven in in such a beautiful way, with such a true message about letting go and letting God.  And as I expected, I teared up a little at the end.  The way everything came together was so beautiful, and I was just so proud of the journey that the characters went on.  I already can't wait to re-read it.

Overall Rating: 5 park playdates out of 5

About the Author:
Sarah Grace Grzy is a voracious reader, and if it weren’t for this crazy thing called 'Life,' she’d be tempted to spend all her days in front of a wood stove, book in one hand, coffee mug in the other.
A lover of learning, she finds enjoyment in many things and has more hobbies than she knows what to do with. Sarah Grace is a freelance web and graphic designer, and when not working, spending time with her ever-growing family, or reading, she can be found painting, playing the piano, or fangirling with her sisters and friends. She inhabits the State of Great Lakes, and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else—unless it meant she could have a baby penguin, in which case, she’d gladly move to the South Pole.

Connect with Sarah Grace: Instagram ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Clean contemporary romance was never one I would put on my favorite genres list, but the past couple of years, and a few lovely authors, have changed that.  Sarah Grace Grzy is definitely on that list of "I didn't know I loved this genre 'til I read your book" authors, so even if you're not typically a contemporary fan, you should 100% check out her work!

A huge thank you to Sarah Grace for sending me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!  Have you read either of Sarah Grace's books?  What did you think of them?  Let me know in the comments below!

~ Abby

Never Say Goodbye {cover reveal + book spotlight!}

Guys, it's a very exciting day! Because today, I get to share with you ALL the information about Sarah Grace Grzy's new book, Never Say Goodbye!

I loved Sarah Grace's first book, Live Without You, and I just know I'm going to adore this one too.  If it's anything like LWY, there will be feels, there will be smiles, and there will be warm, snuggly, happy feelings for days.  ((I'm kind of really excited, can you tell?))

The release date isn't until Spring of 2020, but for now we can all get excited over this synopsis and drool over the cover (which you'll get to see in just a minute!)


They say time heals all wounds. But he was finding it a poor painkiller.
Tyler Collens has seen grief and loss in his years of experience as a paramedic—but he never expected it to touch his life in such a personal way. The death of his wife eighteen months ago shook his steady world and changed him in more ways than he can count. Time and routine have steadied his feet, and he looks toward the future as he raises his infant daughter—but the past has a tighter grip on him than he knows.
Alyvia Emmerson has never been certain of who she is or where she belongs. Her dad’s abandonment as a teen broke a fragile piece of her heart, but ten years later, she has moved on. Living on her own, she at last has a project to devote herself to: revitalizing a shabby bookstore. But she didn’t count on her dream job revealing the shattered pieces of herself she thought mended long ago.
In this sophomore novella featuring beloved characters from Live Without You, Sarah Grace Grzy explores themes of grief and hope in a story that touches both the heart and spirit.


Are you excited?  Because I'm excited!



You can add the book to your Goodreads shelf here!

And now

the moment

you've all

been waiting for.

It's time

to see

the cover!





*screams* *cries* *dies over the beauty*

It's so pretty you guyssssss!!!

I can't wait to dig into this book as soon as I can get my hands on it which probably won't be until next year but until then, I'll just be here, staring at this cover and dreaming about the beauty inside. 

Connect with Sarah Grace!
Newsletter signup ~ Goodreads author page ~ Goodreads profile page ~ Twitter ~ Instagram

So, what do you think?  Are you as excited as I am?  Do you love the cover?  Tell me all the things in a comment down below!

~ Abby

Live Without You {blog tour + book review!}

I return!  From an entirely unplanned, accidental semi-hiatus!  Sorry for disappearing.  Life got insane there for a bit.  But today, I'm back, and I bring with me a book review!

Live Without You


(is this cover not just gorgeous??)

Author: Sarah Grace Grzy
Genre: Christian fiction
Content: Piper gets shot in the first chapter, flashbacks to a gang shooting, and memories of medical trauma.
Main Characters: Piper Redding and Ezra Bryant

Synopsis:
Piper Redding is a loner, but lonely. Everyone she loves has abandoned her and opening her heart to others is just asking for more pain. She can’t help but blame herself for her brother’s tragic death six years ago, and in her guilt, she shuts herself off from the world. No one could love her—not even the God who promised to be there for her but wasn’t.
For paramedic Ezra Bryant, failure is not an option. He’s had enough of it, and only by God’s grace is he able to put it behind him. But when a traumatic event brings Piper’s greatest fear and Ezra’s failures to light, can they use that event to allow God to mend their broken pieces? Can love triumph over fear, and grace over guilt?

Add on Goodreads ~ Purchase on Amazon ~ Get a signed paperback

What I Thought:

I am an emotional mess.  My feelings are all over the place what is this.  Am I happy?  Am I sad?  What are emotions?  I went in for a fluffy feel-good time.  Why did I expect that from a title like this?
Okay but in all seriousness, this was beautiful.  Piper and Ezra's stories were perfectly realistic, and wonderfully woven.  There were a couple of times where the pacing was a bit fast for my taste, but it's a novella, so I kind of expected it.
I fell in love with the characters from the first page.  They felt like people I could be friends with (and Ezra is totally swoon-worthy, am I right?).  I loved the relationships in this story; Piper and Ezra, Ezra and Tyler, Ezra's dad and pretty much everybody, they were all great.  The faith content was presented in a way that was consistently there but not in your face.  Piper's redemption is such a sweet arc.
Agh, it was just... It was pretty darn near perfect.  If you like friends-to-lovers, kitties, pizza, or stories that tug on your heartstrings, this is definitely the book for you.

Overall rating: 5 hot cocoas out of 5

About the Author:

Sarah Grace Grzy is a voracious reader, and if it weren’t for this crazy thing called 'Life,' she’d be tempted to spend all her days in front of a wood stove, book in one hand, coffee mug in the other.
A lover of learning, she finds enjoyment in many things and has more hobbies than she knows what to do with. Sarah Grace is a freelance web and graphic designer, and when not working, spending time with her ever-growing family, or reading, she can be found painting, playing the piano, or fangirling with her sisters and friends. She inhabits the State of Great Lakes, and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else—unless it meant she could have a baby penguin, in which case, she’d gladly move to the South Pole.
Connect with Sarah Grace!
Newsletter signup ~ Goodreads author page ~ Goodreads profile page ~ Twitter ~ Instagram

There's a super exciting GIVEAWAY going on where you have THREE chances to win a copy of this sweet book!  Check it out at this link!

There are also a ton of super amazing bloggers also in on this tour, so for a full schedule, click right here!

Huge shout-out to Sarah Grace and her fabulous tour coordinator, Victoria Lynn, for including me in this tour!  Y'all, seriously, go check out this book and this lady.  Both are wonderful. ;)

~ Abby