FFF Day 2: Indie Books

Welcome back to Day 2 of FFF! I had a lot of fun looking through the book recommendations, and my TBR list is growing. I’m looking forward to seeing what books I can find today! Here’s the list of bloggers on my team:

Rebekah @ Read Another Page

Bethany @ A Ruby In The Rough

Cate @ Southern Scribblings

Ellie @ Ellie’s Book Haven

Rhys @ A Handful of Quietness

Savannah @ Savannah Jane Author

Now, I’m excited to share some of my top Indie books with you!

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Dunstan: the Making of a Man by Sarah Beth Brazytis

“Dunstan King arrives in the little mining town of Rocky Knob still in mourning for his beloved father. Grace Burton, daughter of the local minister, is eager to learn the mystery behind this young man who lives and works as a miner, but is so obviously a gentleman. As his life becomes more and more entwined with the minister’s family and the small mining community that they serve, he will need all his strength, courage, and faith to prove his worth to the mine, the men, and the minister’s daughter of Rocky Knob.

Join author and historian Sarah Brazytis as she leads you to the rocky hills of America’s mining country, to weave a tale of faith, friendship, and love in the rugged life of 19th century copper miners. With meticulous research and intricate historical detail, readers will be drawn into the Victorian age, where good triumphs over evil, and truth and right prevail.”

This is one of my absolute favorite Indie books, and I’ve read it several times. The characters are one of the best parts of the book, but the plot is great, too, with a good balance of excitement and everyday scenes.

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Preacher on the Run by Jayna Baas

“Standing for truth could cost him his freedom. Fighting for freedom could cost him his life.

It’s 1771, and revolution is on the horizon. Frontier preacher Robert Boothe has spent the last four years leading resistance against North Carolina’s corrupt British government.

All he wants is a place for his people to worship God without fear. He’ll do whatever it takes to protect them—and his wife and young daughter. They’ve always known the danger, but he never meant to test their faith as much as his own.

But when Colonel Charles Drake arrives in their settlement, silencing Robert is his best chance to win the governor’s favor. And Robert refuses to back down.

On one side stands the power of the Crown. On the other stands a man of daring conviction. When his family and flock are caught in the crossfire, how far will Robert go to keep them safe?

The historical drama of Johnny Tremain meets the courageous faith of Pilgrim’s Progress in this engaging Christian historical novel. Read now and step into a nation on the verge of the American Revolution.”

I had the privilege of winning this book in a giveaway several years ago, and I’m glad I did, for it is such a good book with strong characters, well-researched history, and solid Christian themes.

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The Unexpected Request by Rebekah A. Morris

“Ty Elliot returns to his home after an absence of two years, knowing full well the danger which threatens him each hour he lingers in the old cabin in the mountains. But with his father on his death bed and his younger sister exhausted, Ty knows he must remain for a time at least. When his father makes a strange request and begs his returned son to “find her,” Ty promises but is bewildered. Who is he to find? How can he set about the task of honoring his word?

The only clues the dying man can give his son are a broken locket, a small photograph of a woman and a few last whispered instructions; “Take care of your sisters.” In confusion, Ty turns to his father’s childhood friend, Carson, for advice. Would the older man be able to help Ty and his sister, Sally? How much time did Ty have at the cabin before ‘they’ found out?

Join Ty, Sally and Carson on their journey in search of the missing sister. The dangers they encounter, the hardships they face, as well as the friendly homes they visit, will keep you turning the pages. Set in the untamed west of the mid-1800s, this is a story the whole family will enjoy.”

This book is special to me for many reasons. It was the first Indie book I ever read. It’s still one of my all-time favorites. And it also was responsible for bringing me into the writing community that I’m now a part of and where I’ve made some of my closest friends and learned so much as a writer, editor, cover designer, and publisher.

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Hunting in the Highlands by C. R. Hedgcock

“After the perils of Iceland, the Bakers plan to enjoy a relaxing vacation with their relatives, the Drakes, in Scotland. Andy goes deer stalking with Uncle Clive, Abby goes horse-back riding and sightseeing with Phil and their cousin Millie, and Tom travels with his parents to the Isle of Bute.

Three incidents throw the trip into a spiral of confusion, and, scattered across Scotland, the Bakers have clues that don’t seem to belong to the same puzzle. A government weapon has fallen into the hands of a top-secret academy, and the only way to stop the spread of dangerous lies is to find the weapon and discover the significance of the name ‘Haelix.’

Who was the desperate poacher? Can Millie help Detective Mortimer solve the mystery while the Bakers’ favorite secret agent is being pursued in a relentless Highland manhunt? And can Phil and the twins reach him before it’s too late?

A race across the moors, a clue beneath the waves of Loch Ness, and an ever-shifting game of strategy—everyone is hunting for a long-hidden message that could affect the future of the free world.”

This is another special book to me. It’s my absolute favorite book in the Baker Family Adventures, and I don’t think it could ever be topped. I love the Scottish setting and the fact that one of the prominent characters is a McGregor.

I also love the book because this series was what showed me that an average homeschooled girl can become a published author. The series has had a profound influence on my writing journey in that regard.

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Jayne’s Endeavor by Lauren Compton

“Life in 19th century Australia overflows with hardship . . . Will Jayne have the courage to hold onto her parents’ legacy?

Mysterious strangers, a Scripture verse, and a threat.

“Reids never give up.” The words once held so much truth. But at eighteen, Jayne Reid is beginning to wonder if she can live up to that standard.

When puzzling strangers appear and odd things start to happen, Jayne and her two younger sisters must find a solution—or lose everything.

What mystery lurks in the shadows of the Australian bush? Who is the man in town who thinks he can buy and bully anyone he wishes? And is it all somehow connected to their new farmhand?

Journey with Jayne as she struggles to change fear into boldness and boldness into a trusting relationship with her Heavenly Father. What adventures lie ahead?

“A Father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in His holy habitation.” Psalm 68:5

The JOY Series follows three sisters on a quest to keep their parents’ legacy and dreams alive. Loaded with 19th century Australian adventure, it’s a series full of intrigue for ages 12 and up!”

This is such an interesting book, and I love that it’s set in Australia. It’s got a bit of mystery, and a scheming villain, and lovely sibling relationships. The spiritual lessons are also good.

I hope you liked taking a look at some of my all-time favorite Indie books. Were there any that were new to you? Don’t forget to check out Kate’s and Rebekah’s blogs for more book recs and the full list of all the participating bloggers. And don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

Enter the Giveaway!