My friend Cailyn just launched an Etsy business selling Blind Dates with a Book–if you haven’t seen them before, that’s when you order (without knowing what book you’re going to get) a book wrapped in paper, usually with some genre notes and goodies like stickers on the packaging. These would be great as gifts for the reader in your life or a special treat for yourself!
You can follow Cailyn on Instagram at @cailynreadss and browse her Etsy shop here. Happy shopping!
Until next time,
R.M.W.
This is a brief post to announce that I am now designing custom book covers. You can navigate to my Design page, where you can read about the services I offer and click on a link to a form where you can book your commission.
One request–if you aren’t in the market for a book cover right now, but you have author friends who might be, would you mind sharing this post/my website with them? I don’t have a huge social following anywhere (nor do I want one), but I do want to reach authors (in the clean/Christian niche) who might be helped by my services.
Unsurprisingly, I forgot to draft a post for a cover reveal I was supposed to participate in yesterday, so I decided to combine it and the cover reveal that’s going on today into one post. That means this post is celebrating both Odd One Out by P.D. Atkerson and Remember My Royalty by Hannah E. Griggs.
Odd One Out
Samantha’s life has always been mind numbingly boring, with a half-brother that can’t hold down a job to save his life, a mom who’s declared war on a fellow homeschooling mom that’s snubbed her, and a dad who just wants to be left out of the drama.
When her thirteenth-birthday-wish is for something exciting to happen, she never expected it to come true.
What starts out as an average day hanging out with her best friend takes a turn when a mysterious stranger grabs her and gives her a cryptic message.
She doesn’t give it another thought, until she sees the mystery man on the news, murdered less than a block from where she’d seen him.
Sammy never expected her life to turn into some sort of spy movie.
Yet, whether she likes it or not, her life has just been turned upside down, and things may never be the same again.
I am so excited for this book. It sounds very interesting (and probably will include characters from my second-favorite P.D. Atkerson series.) It’s going to be published on November 1, and you can preorder it here.
Remember My Royalty
When Hamish McGregor and his sisters are forced to leave their home in the highlands of Scotland, they prepare to join their uncle in faraway Texas. Before leaving, they make an agreement to always remember that ‘s rioghal mo dhream, my race is royal.
However, they soon discover that remembering is not easy. For Hamish, forgetting his heritage lands him in the middle of a desperate revolution as the Texians fight for independence. Catriona, proud and responsible, has no patience for her brother’s shortcomings until she too needs grace. And Ealasaid, an invalid facing the hardship of frontier life, struggles to live up to a still more important title: daughter of the King of kings.
As fighting surrounds and comes between them, will the McGregors fall or will they turn to the King for victory? Will they remember their royalty as well as the sacrifice of the brave men at the Alamo?
If you like historical fiction, then I’m sure you’ll love Remember My Royalty. It comes out on March 6, 2026, and you can save it on Goodreads here.
This is my favorite Five Fall Favorites category, in which I get to choose five of the best books I read during the past year. I’ve found some amazing new favorites in 2025. Here they are, in chronological order of when I read them.
Battling of the Stars by P.D. Atkerson
Yes, I did recommend a book in this series earlier, for the Unusual Genres category. But Battling–the series finale–absolutely deserves its spot as one of my favorite books from the past year. Though quite different from the books I normally read–set well into the future during a war with aliens and with more of an emphasis on action than description–I adored the characters in this series. If you haven’t read this series before, I urge you to give it a try, even if the genre isn’t what you’re used to.
1984 by George Orwell
Rather the opposite of the series I just mentioned, this is a book where I hated the characters and enjoyed everything else. Of course, the characters in this one aren’t meant to be likable, as I soon realized. Instead, it’s an atmospheric story with an important message to share, well worthy of the recognition it’s received as a prime example of the dystopian genre.
Lightwaste by A.L. Buehrer
This indie futuristic series is what I read after Of the Stars, and it would be difficult for me to decide which I liked better. The Dronefall series excels in its setting and writing style, not to mention the characters. (St. Cloud is my favorite, closely followed by Halcyon and Zoltan.)
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
This 19th century classic I randomly decided to read is my favorite book I’ve read so far in 2025. I loved the atmosphere and the characters. I recommend listening along with this free and excellently narrated audiobook.
Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens
This 800-page book is the penultimate Dickens novel I will have read–after this, I have only to finish Bleak House and I will have read all his full-length works. I wasn’t sure what to expect from Our Mutual Friend, having heard it is different in tone from the author’s earlier works, but it found its way into my top 5 Dickens novels.
Want more recommendations? Visit these blogs.
Hannah E. Griggs | Blue Flower Story Company | Ellie’s Book Haven | Southern Scribblings | A Ruby in the Rough | Read Another Page
I wish I re-read books more often. I always intend to re-read them, constantly dreaming of some illusory time when I’ll pore over all my favorite books again and again, but first-time reads make up the majority of my reading list.
That said, there are a few very special favorites I’ve read more than once. I’m spotlighting a few of them for today’s Five Fall Favorites category–the penultimate category of the challenge, shockingly.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
One of my favorite stories of all time, I read this once on my own and then again for my sophomore year British Literature class. If you haven’t read this book yet, you need to.
I’m reading Villette, another book by Charlotte Bronte, right now, and it’s really good. It has reminded me of what I liked about Jane Eyre, which is probably due for yet another re-read.
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
This is a book that many people find similar in mood to Jane Eyre. Although the previous book will always be my favorite, Rebecca‘s still an amazing book because of the gothic atmosphere and the narrator’s voice.
Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss
I’ve read this book at least twice and consider it one of my all-time favorites. If you haven’t read it, you should definitely consider doing so, especially if you like Victorian slice-of-life novels.
Take My Hand by Robin Jones Gunn
Robin Jones Gunn’s books are some that I will read repeatedly because I find them cozy and encouraging. This last book in the Sierra Jensen series is my most recent re-read out of her novels, although if you haven’t read any of her books yet, I recommend starting with the Christy Miller series.
Beyond Her Calling by Kellyn Roth
The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy is a series that’s worth reading over and over. I enjoyed Beyond Her Calling (of which I have a lovely paperback copy) immensely both times I read it.
Want more recommendations? Visit these blogs.
Hannah E. Griggs | Blue Flower Story Company | Ellie’s Book Haven | Southern Scribblings | A Ruby in the Rough | Read Another Page
How are we already on Day 4 of Five Fall Favorites? It feels like it just started. (But I’ve been working and applying to colleges all this week, and I’ve barely had time to read many posts. Hopefully I can catch up.)
Today’s category is for books in genres I don’t usually read. This is a bit difficult for me, since I read a lot of genres (I don’t like them all equally, though).
Testing of the Stars by P.D. Atkerson
Sci-fi with spaceships and aliens isn’t my thing at all–yet somehow, this book and its sequels (especially the sequels–they’re better than book 1, so keep reading) became some of the best books I’ve read this year. I loved the characters so much that it could have been set in a medieval fantasy kingdom, and I wouldn’t have cared. (Actually, a few chapters are…you’ll have to read the book to know what I’m talking about.)
The Beauty in Their Scars by Joanna Alonzo
Not only is this book unlike what I usually read, it’s in an objectively unique genre: contemporary fantasy. By that, I mean fiction set in made-up countries in the real, “modern” world (think the early 2000s-ish time period where most contemporary romances are set) with mostly made-up cultural elements and a touch of fairy-tale “magic” (not exactly the right word for it, but I don’t know how else to put it). If that sentence confused you, I hope it made you want to read this book. If you need more convincing, you can read my full review here. (The prequel is free on all platforms.)
A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry
I think this is one of only two non-Shakespearean plays I’ve ever read and the only American play I’ve read. Needless to say, plays aren’t a genre I default to, and I likely would never have picked this one up if I didn’t have to read it for my most recent literature class. However, I ended up quite enjoying it–I thought the dialogue was hilarious and the theme was impactful.
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
Like A Raisin in the Sun, this is another book I read for school. I ended up enjoying it, although it’s very different from what I’m used to reading. I liked the writing style, the setting, and the themes.
Like the Air After Rain by Kellyn Roth
Historical fiction–mainly Christian romance–used to be one of my most read genres. Then I realized how frequently these books disappointed me and how they paled in comparison to actual historic literature. Recently, I’ve tried to avoid the genre–except for a few certain authors, of which Kellyn Roth is definitely one. I was amazed by Like the Air After Rain and think it’s one of the best historical fiction novels I’ve ever picked up.
Want more recommendations? Visit these blogs.
Hannah E. Griggs | Blue Flower Story Company | Ellie’s Book Haven | Southern Scribblings | A Ruby in the Rough | Read Another Page
I have a complex relationship with reading non-fiction. Not too infrequently, I resolve to read more of it–lots more–but after one or two books, my dedication fizzles out and I start reading exclusively fiction again. My non-fiction reading tends to be very topical and a little random, as you might see when reading this post. That said, I’ve found several non-fiction books I really like, and I’m glad to share some of them with you today.
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
I’d be remiss if I didn’t include this book, which I blazed through at an unusually fast pace (for me) just a few days ago. I’ve been pondering its subject matter, and after hearing it mentioned in this video, I knew I had to read it. I really liked the technology aspect; the child-rearing aspect, not as much.
Rebel Code: Linux and the Open Source Revolution by Glyn Moody
One of the most interesting non-fiction books I’ve ever read, this one recounts the early days of Linux and other open-source software–a subject I find intriguing. (Also, don’t you love the cover?)
The Linux Command Line by William Shotts
If Rebel Code is the book for someone who wants to learn more about the history of Linux and related software, this is the book for you if you want to learn how to use Linux. It widened my understanding of Bash and even introduced me to scripting. The best part about this book is that it’s in the public domain, so you can download a PDF copy for free.
Cold Case Christianity: A Homicide Detective Investigates the Claims of the Gospels by J. Warner Wallace
I haven’t actually read this book from front to back, but I’m fairly familiar with its contents since my Bible teacher two years ago would frequently assign us passages to read. I should really re-read it sometime.
To Dye For: How Toxic Fashion Is Making Us Sick–And How We Can Fight Back by Alden Wicker
This was one of the first non-fiction books I read outside of school, and one I’ve recommended (either in FFF or some other blog post, I can’t remember) before. It’s about the modern clothing industry and its dangers, especially those of ultra-cheap fast fashion. It’s played a part in changing how I buy clothing. (It also has an amazing cover–I love when artists execute unique concepts like that.)
Want more recommendations? Visit these blogs.
Hannah E. Griggs | Blue Flower Story Company | Ellie’s Book Haven | Southern Scribblings | A Ruby in the Rough | Read Another Page
Most of the books I read are either indie or published over a hundred years ago–with a growing number of books falling into the first category–so it’ll be difficult to narrow down five favorite books.
These are some of the new and remarkable indie books I’ve read lately (I’ve found so many excellent ones this year).
Initiation by Raven Markov
This is an exciting, original dystopian (or alternate-contemporary?) story that I found on Goodreads one day and immediately knew I would enjoy.
Humanities Class by Katie Candle
I got to beta read this book and loved every moment of it. I also designed its cover. I recommend it if you like contemporary fiction with a touch of romance.
Suzy and the Magic Turnip by S.M. Dunning
This was one of those books I got as a review copy without knowing anything about it. I enjoyed it because it reminded me of the middle-grade fantasy books I read when I was younger, but better. I liked the polished writing style and academia vibes.
The One Who Knows Me by Joan Embola
If you like contemporary romance, you will love this series. Despite not being the biggest fan of romance, I liked this installment because of the college setting and the characters, who had their own struggles distinct from the romance aspect.
Dronefall by A.L. Buehrer
Easily one of the most unique and under-rated indie series I’ve come across, the Dronefall stories have enthralled me ever since I read the first installment last fall. If you like dystopian/cyberpunk settings and characters that will start to feel like your own friends, you should give this series a try.
Want more recommendations? Visit these blogs.
Hannah E. Griggs | Blue Flower Story Company | Ellie’s Book Haven | Southern Scribblings | A Ruby in the Rough | Read Another Page
Have you read any of these? If not, what are your favorite obscure self-published works that I should read next?
Happy first day of autumn! Today, not only do we get to celebrate the new season, but we also get to commence the tenth annual Five Fall Favorites blog party, hosted by Kate Willis and Rebekah A. Morris. (I’m amazed that it’s been going on for ten years, and that this will be my third year participating.)
Today’s prompt is books I’ve already recommended for FFF, a category which will be difficult to narrow down since all my previous recommendations are among my top favorites. Nonetheless, here’s five that stood out to me (excluding “best of the year” categories, since those would make it just too difficult to choose).
Kate’s Innocence and sequels by Sarah Holman
This series has been one of the overall best I’ve discovered ever since I started reading indie fiction. I was thrilled to find out about the newest installment, released last spring. I still haven’t read it, though, mainly because I want to reread the first seven before diving into Kate’s Truth.
Springtime in Surrey by various authors
Another all-time favorite book, and one I’ve recommended countless times since I read it. Reading this during a trip to England was quite the experience, but I guarantee you’ll enjoy it no matter where you’re reading from.
Mind the Gap by Erynn Mangum
I gave a copy of this novel to a friend lately, which has reminded me how much I need to reread it. It has humor, travel, and a relatable main character–everything I could want in a book.
The Lies We Live by Rachel L. Hackenburg
This is my first (and to this day, only) physical review copy. It’s a particularly obscure book with only a handful of reviews on Goodreads, but I think you should read it if you like contemporary Christian YA.
The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe
This wouldn’t be one of my book lists without a work of older fiction, which is where this 18th century tome comes in. Even though I thought the plot was a bit bloated and poorly-structured, I loved the immersive atmosphere Radcliffe created in her most well-known work.
Want more recommendations? Visit these blogs.
Hannah E. Griggs | Blue Flower Story Company | Ellie’s Book Haven | Southern Scribblings | A Ruby in the Rough | Read Another Page
Today I’m spotlighting a one-of-a-kind contemporary novel…and revealing my latest cover design. This is Humanities Class, a book I’ve already had the privilege of reading and really enjoyed because of its unique premise and excellent prose. I couldn’t recommend it more to anyone who likes contemporary fiction.
Blurb:
Caroline Daniels gets serious joy from her work as an English teacher and her connection with her students. She sees AI encroachment in schools as an existential threat to education.
Grant Thomas is brand new to his job as an educational technology specialist. He struggled as a teacher and believes AI is going to revolutionize education.
They argue in-person over AI at a professional development meeting, but online, sparks fly between them as they chat via an anonymous dating app.
When they meet for their first date and realize who they’ve been messaging, they agree to a few dates to see if they can persuade the other to their side. Caroline sets up activities to show Grant the best of humanity in the arts. She doesn’t think he can persuade her that AI is good for society – but he believes he can convince Caroline that he’s good for her. Can she see beauty in the AI of the beholder?
This kisses-only Christian romance about the unique joys and challenges of being human is for fans of Dead Poets Society and You’ve Got Mail.
Links:
You can save Humanities Class on Goodreads here and purchase it on Amazon here. Paperback copies will be available soon.