Happy Friday and welcome to day five of the Five Fall Favorites blog party!
You can find all of the information about Five Fall Favorites by reading my first post this week (click HERE), or by going to our wonderful host, Kate Willis’s, site (click HERE).
For a quick recap, every day this week, a group of bloggers (me included) are sharing our five favorite books in a variety of prompts – the goal being for us all to enjoy great new reads and cozy fall vibes!
This year’s theme is all about books that remind us of the Fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, and so on! You’ve probably seen a little variation of those fruits between bloggers each day (since there are more fruits than days in the week and we can pick and choose), so you should find plenty of good recs to add to your TBR!
Today’s prompt is all about kindness!
Surprisingly, this one was pretty tricky for me, as many of the books that I wanted to highlight for the kindness that they feature could also have worked for the Monday prompt of books that feature love. The kindness in these books is mostly deep and driven from a place of genuine love – very lovely books.
Let’s dive in!
(I’ve reviewed many of these in more depth on Goodreads, so if you’re interested in reading my thoughts – or just other reviews in general – you can find the Goodreads link under each book, or by clicking on the book’s title).
Ophelia Brown and the Unseen
Author: Julia Witmer
Genre: Middle-grade contemporary fantasy
Target Audience: MG and above
What Stuck Out to Me: This is the cutest story and I finished it in one sitting! From the first page, the quaint and inviting writing style drew me and the settings felt both magical and nostalgic. The characters are one of the strongest points in this story too, as the cast is such a fun and diverse group. Each character feels real – with goals, feels, personalities, manners of speaking, and senses of humor all their own.
The plot is nothing crazy, nothing too deep. But it was a classic children’s fairy tale adventure, and I enjoyed it from start to finish. It was packed full of action – from goblin attacks, to castles, to a suspicious fairy inn – with frequent sweet moments woven throughout. The themes included having hope, being courageous, true friendship, kindness, and faith – learning to believe in things we may not see.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this story! Witmer has a way with touching middle-grade fantasies, and this is my favorite of hers so far. This is a very fun story that I can’t wait to read to my younger siblings sometime, and if it sounds like your kind of read, I absolutely recommend diving into a copy of your own!
Tricky Content: Occasional very mild language (one usage of h*ck, d*rn, and g*sh), mild violence (references to the protagonist punching others and knocking others unconscious, as well as mention of a knife being drawn out during a fight), several arguments between friends (including several instances of name-calling: “stupid”), one mention of a small line of blood on the MC’s hand, and light fantasy elements (goblins, fairies, spells, frequent mention of magic).
I’d Recommend It To: Anyone who enjoys feel-good middle-grade fantasy, with fun settings, unique characters, and sweet themes. Even better if you love bittersweet happy endings!
Here’s the link to add it on Goodreads!
A Crown of Chains
Author: Erin Phillips
Genre: Christian fantasy biblical “Esther” retelling
Target Audience: YA and above
What Stuck Out to Me: The writing quality of this is spectacular. I was hooked from the start, and finished it in just a couple of days – and only because I didn’t have time to let myself read it in one. Phillip’s writing is very well-done, and her worldbuilding is excellent. Immediately, I felt drawn into the story and characters, and loved how she incorporated so many of the biblical elements with a fantasy twist. It felt seamless, natural, and very clever.
The biblical story of Esther is one of my very favorites. I’ve always been inspired by her courage and strength, and especially by her faith through so many horrible situations. And Phillip’s did an amazing job of showing just how dark her situation likely was. Sometimes it’s easy to gloss over Bible stories because we’ve heard them so often, and it doesn’t always go into details of day to day life. I appreciated the illustrations of how that may have looked.
I chose this for the kindness theme today because I loved the side characters in this story. The palace servants that were Roxana’s friends were the best parts of the story for me. They deserved so much better than what happened to them, and I really did love them. So all of that to say, if you’ve read this far, and this sounds like something you’d enjoy, definitely give it a try! Just realize that it’s definitely a dark fantasy. And maybe use it as an example of just how much God loves us and pursues us. Truly inspiring!
Tricky Content: Emotional and physical abuse, fantasy creatures (fairies, wyverns, griffins, satyrs), frequent instances of fantasy racism and sexual assault (tactfully covered but prominent), infidelity, kisses, allusions to sexual intimacy (before and after marriage), beatings, disfigurement, death and grief, concubines, protagonist is not a believer for most of story (and her character reflects it), dysfunctional family dynamics, political turmoil, references to hangings and torture.
I’d Recommend It To: Readers that enjoy dark fantasies with deep characters, intricate and well-explored fantasy worlds, tales of royalty, and biblical retellings that explore the nitty gritty of morality.
Here’s the link to add it on Goodreads!
Mandy
Author: Julie (Andrews) Edwards
Genre: MG/juvenile historical
Target Audience: Children and older
What Stuck Out to Me: This was one of my favorite little books when I was younger, and it’s stood the test of time. I love the cute and quaint writing style, the many different characters and how likeable they are (mostly), the ‘Boxcar children’ vibe of Mandy and her cottage, and the growth that happens in several of the characters.
There’s really no villain, only unhappy circumstances, and even those are resolved quickly, leaving a feel-good, cute little story about a plucky orphan that finds families where she didn’t realize she had them.
This book fits the kindness prompt for me largely because of all of the side characters. Although Mandy doesn’t always realize it, she is treated so kindly by those that are taking care of her, and it warms my heart to read about. She also learns some valuable lessons about treating others kindly, even when it’s hard. Definitely still one of my favorite middle-grade books!
Tricky Content: A young girl gets sick and spends a night alone in the woods. Mild peril.
I’d Recommend It To: Children probably 8+ (this would also make a good read-aloud book for parents) or anyone who enjoys quick, charming, and intriguing middle-grade stories.
Here’s the link to add it on Goodreads!
A Dream of Home
Author: Kate Willis
Genre: Sci-fi Jewish novella
Target Audience: Young teens and above
What Stuck Out to Me: I didn’t know what to expect from this sweet short story, especially as I don’t read much sci-fi outside of Star Wars novels, haha. But I really enjoyed it! It’s so unique and I was drawn in from the very first page. I cared about the protagonist and her growing child and was really rooting for them.
I love the setting and how well the author created such a vivid atmosphere in a very short story. I got the sense that the universe was very large and well-developed, and it was neat to see all of the planet and people names and gather hints about each. The Jewish influences woven throughout were very cool too! Especially the prayers and customs sprinkled in.
The kindness of Adrian to the protagonist was very sweet, and I liked him immediately. I know this novella is a prequel to another story and this definitely makes me want to read more, so hopefully I can learn more about these characters! The protagonist’s love for her unborn child was also extremely refreshing and inspiring. I loved her drive and determination to reach a better life. And the story ended with just the right amount of hope and longing. Such a beautiful little story, and I’m so glad I got to read it!
Tricky Content: Protagonist is a newly pregnant refugee, mentions of vomit and nausea/motion sickness, references to slavery, mild peril and prejudice.
I’d Recommend It To: Readers who enjoy quick-read sci-fi stories with interesting and vivid characters, space travel, sweet themes, and Jewish influences!
Here’s the link to add it on Goodreads!
Kisses From Katie
Author: Katie Davis
Genre: Christian Autobiography
Target Audience: Young adults and older
What Stuck Out to Me: I’ve always enjoyed autobiographies and biographies about missionaries and other Christian individuals who dedicated their lives to serving God and others. This is one that inspired me! The story of Katie really resonated with me, as someone who wanted (and would still love) to serve in Africa.
Katie’s story is passionate, and her heart for the orphans is so admirable. The journey she embarks on, the challenges she overcomes, and the lessons God teaches her and her companions over the course of the book’s timespan inspires me to live as faithfully as she does. It fits the theme of kindness so well today, as she was kind and so much more than that, thanks to God working through her. I dream of being a blessing like that.
The book details many hardships that the people around Katie went through, and she herself has to overcome physical discomforts and illnesses, emotional distress and misery, and times of spiritual wrestling. But through it all, we see God at work, weaving story lines, creating plot twists, and ensuring that His children are cared for and know that they’re loved. I was inspired, and I think you might be too.
Tricky Content: Frequent mentions of wounds, injuries, sicknesses, and accidents, murders and death, wars and fighting, abandonment, references to prostitution and unsavory intentions, child abductions and slavery. All describing the situations and setting around Katie during her time in Uganda.
I’d Recommend It To: Anyone who enjoys reading inspiring Christian autobiographies, especially if you have a heart for foreign missions.
Here’s the link to add it on Goodreads!
We’ve come to the end of day five of the Five Fall Favorites blog party! What are some of your favorite books featuring kindness? Have you read any of the ones I mentioned? If so, what did you think? I’d love to find out!
Again, check out Kate’s host blog here for extra information, even more book recommendations, and to enter the special giveaway!
I’ll see you tomorrow for day six of bookish fun! (The very last day!)
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It was so fun to see Mandy on here: I LOVED that book when I read it at about 10, and it really is such a hidden gem.
Aw, I was so surprised to see A Dream of Home here! Thanks for the shout-out, and I’m so glad you enjoyed it. <3
Thanks for joining the party! It's been a delight to have you.
You’re so welcome! <3 It was such a lovely read!
Thank YOU for organizing this! It's been so much fun <33
I love Kisses From Katie!
Ooh, yay!! Me too! <33
Aw, these all look good! I haven’t read any of them. Thanks for sharing!
Of course! I’m so glad they look interesting to you!
I desperately need to read the last three, especially Mandy. KFK has been on my tbr for, like, 8 years??? lol. But I do have Kate’s book and I hope to read it real soon!!
Ooh, I hope you enjoy it!! It’s such a sweet one! <3 And I think you would love Mandy, honestly!