Welcome to day one of Five Fall Favorites — the annual autumn celebration of all things bookish!
I’m so happy to be participating in this blog event again. It’s apparently my fifth year taking part (that blows me away), but 2026 marks the eleventh year that Five Fall Favorites has happened! Over a decade of book recommendations, cozy vibes, and supporting fellow bloggers…I hope it continues for many more years!
This year’s theme also has me excited! That theme is Blessings of Life, and is a recognition of the people and things that the Lord puts into our lives to bless us and bring us joy. I adore that, and am so looking forward to all of the books shared.
If you’re new to the event, here’s how it works. Every day this week (6 days in all), I and a group of other book bloggers will be sharing posts centered around certain bookish themes, and packed full of some of our favorite book recommendations from the past year. I’ll link to a number of those blogs at the end of this post, but for even more links and information, you should check out our hosts’ sites!
Five Fall Favorites is hosted this year by Katja at Little Blossoms for Jesus and Kate at Once Upon an Ordinary (click on their blog names, or the graphics below to visit their blogs). Thank you both so much!
Giveaway
In addition to book recommendations, there’s also a giveaway again this year!
Two winners will be drawn (one international, and one in the U. S.), and contacted after the week is over. Check out the prize graphics below to see what you could win!
To enter the giveaway, all you have to do is click HERE!
FREEBIES
Lastly, every day this week, certain participating bloggers will be sharing freebies of their books! These books will only be free for a couple of days at most, so be sure to snag your copies right away! A list of the freebies each day will be available at either of our host’s blogs (HERE or HERE).
Today, I’m honored to be one of the authors sharing a free book!
You can find A Noble Grace, my non-magical Beauty and the Beast retelling FREE on Amazon today (Sept 21st) through tomorrow (Sept. 22nd)!
Grab your copy by clicking HERE!
Today’s Theme
Finally to the books!
This FFF has proven to be a more interesting challenge for me, as I haven’t had a ton of time for reading this year. I’m making up ground now that my newest book is out and I’ve got a bit more time, but I had a lot fewer options of “new” reads to choose from. Most of my recent reads have been fairy tale retellings, and, as you’ll notice, many today are actually ARCs from the Twist of Tales series I recently was in. So considering my recent reads, I decided to go with an alternate theme today.
That theme, as you’ve noticed, is Animals.
All the books I share this week are ones that I’ve either read in the past year, or are currently reading/re-reading, so please feel free to leave any questions you might have about the books below, and I’ll do my best to answer.
Also, I’ve reviewed many of these more thoroughly on Goodreads, so if you’re interested in reading my thoughts – and other reviews – you can find the Goodreads link under each book, or by clicking on each book’s title. I’m slightly behind in my reviews, but hoping to catch up in the next week!
Let’s hop in!
OF CROWNS AND CANTYTOWNS
Author: Kirsten Fichter
Genre: Fantasy fairy-tale retelling of The Prince and the Pauper and Puss in Boots
Target Audience: NA (New Adult)
What Stuck Out to Me: What an absolute delight of a story! This is my second book by this author and I so enjoyed it. I’ll admit, I was a little scared at first, as I couldn’t stand Princess Sarina, haha. I was really hoping there would be redemption, and that she’d grow on me over time so I continued on, and sure enough…within a few chapters, I was absolutely hooked and grew to love her character.
Also, I adore Alec, the male protagonist. His morality, courage, determination, and kindness, even when he had every reason not to show it, were so admirable, and I loved the chapters from his perspective. His cousins were sweet, Norfolk was interesting, and sweet Boots the mouse was such a fun addition. I loved how Boots actually became a pivotal part of the plot, and was a huge reason for Sarina to begin to grow in her kindness and empathy. I would gladly read more books with these characters!
And those Barbie’s Princess and the Pauper easter eggs? Caught them immediately and they made me smile.
In addition, the story’s mix of humor (especially revolving around Sarina – I laughed out loud at the fishing scene), and heart was so well-done. Fairly dark topics were broached with grace and from a perspective of trusting the Lord in the horrible. I couldn’t put this down, and finished feeling both convicted and encouraged. Such a fun spin on several different tales, and the romance was clean, very light, and endearing.
Tricky Content: A slave trade, death, fighting, injuries, lashings.
I’d Recommend It To: Readers 12+ who enjoy character growth, beautiful themes, feisty heroines, and admirable heroes.
Here’s the link to add it on Goodreads!
OF ICE AND PROMISES
Author: Jenny A. Bee
Genre: Fantasy fairy-tale retelling of East of the Sun, West of the Moon
Target Audience: NA (New Adult)
What Stuck Out to Me: I just finished this book yesterday, and what a fascinating tale! I was not familiar with East of the Sun, West of the Moon, but I read through the original fairy tale after reading this book, and now I’m even more impressed by how incredibly original and creative the author got with this story.
The entire book reads almost like a fairy tale of its own, with lush descriptions, a rather outlandish premise, and threads of mystery throughout. And of course, the loyal hawk companion that aids the protagonist in his journey! I can’t think of the last book I read that had a hawk in it — I wish that was more common!
I also really enjoyed the setting of this one. Very wintry and immersive, with lovely descriptions of the manors and forests. It didn’t feel as fantasy as I was expecting, more like a more whimsical version of olden times, as details like tickets, a Bible, and other slightly more modern details were woven in.
And as always, I loved how the protagonists trusted the Lord, and the strong themes of family, caring for others, courage, and kindness. The protagonist in particular was admirable in his attempts to first help his family, no matter the cost, but also to help the hawk, strangers, and of course, our tragic female protagonist — even when he didn’t understand what was going on. Overall, this was not at all what I expected, but it was such a clever spin on the original fairy tale, and I’m so glad I gave it a chance!
Tricky Content: The protagonists are forced to sleep beside one another but nothing more happens, some mild injuries and peril, a kiss
I’d Recommend It To: Readers 12+ who enjoy very original retellings of obscure fairy tales, sweet slow-burn romances, lush descriptions, and family loyalty.
Here’s the link to add it on Goodreads!
OF MINDS AND MONSTERS
Author: Brianna Lynn Campbell
Genre: Fantasy fairy-tale retelling of The Beauty and the Beast
Target Audience: NA (New Adult)
What Stuck Out to Me: I dove into this lovely story cautiously, knowing it covered very heavy topics, but they were handled so gracefully. Every part of this book was a reminder that the Lord can work through broken situations and still bring about good, while still acknowledging the horror and pains of evil. I never felt like the pain the protagonists endured was made light of, or brushed aside, but there was still hope woven through their lives by the end.
Deklan was a sweetheart and I resonated most with him, and appreciated how he handled his difficult home life, the plot he was thrust into, and his relationship with the Lord. Erika’s narrative was heartbreaking and compelling, and I empathized with her. Their relationship seemed to grow naturally, and I liked seeing them both grow and fail and compromise together.
And of course, Bryn was adorable! This is the first book with a ferret I’ve ever read, and I want a ferret like her.
While I got a little mixed up by the world-building at times, I kept commenting to myself how unique it was! I really appreciated that. It felt like a vivid, lived-in, intricate fantasy world, with so many neat aspects that I wouldn’t have thought about. The wedding ceremonies were especially interesting, as well as their glows. I’d love to read more set in that same world — it seemed like we were just getting started.
Tricky Content: Rape (only the aftermath is shown), unplanned pregnancy, birth, children born out of wedlock, near drowning, characters nearly die, death, parental abandonment, fighting
I’d Recommend It To: Readers 16+ who enjoy imaginative, gritty, honest, and ultimately hopeful fantasy stories.
Here’s the link to add it on Goodreads!
OF SOUND AND SILENCE
Author: Madisyn Carlin
Genre: Fantasy fairy-tale retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses
Target Audience: YA (Young Adult) and older
What Stuck Out to Me: I’m just finishing up reading this one, and I’ve been really enjoying it! I love the creative twist on The Twelve Dancing Princesses, which is a fairytale I love and don’t see retold very often. I also rarely read novels with characters that lose their hearing, so that’s been such a fascinating twist!
The settings have been so vivid, the plot and mystery intriguing, and I want to know so much more about both protagonists so far. I can empathize with and relate to both of them in different ways, and am eager to keep learning about them. The inclusion of such a close-knit family has also been really sweet. I enjoy seeing the siblings interact.
And of course, the reason it’s included in today’s list, I adore the cute little dragon companion. All of them actually. I’m not sure I’ve read books with chaotic little dragons before, and these remind me of lovable menaces of cats…with wings. And Pebbles? Cotton? Adorable names.
The romance has also been incredibly light so far, which I appreciate. I can root for both protagonists, without the romance being shoved in my face. It’s been a true slow-burn, and honestly very sweet. I haven’t quite finished it yet, but feel completely comfortable with the story up to this point to say I can recommend it wholeheartedly!
Tricky Content (so far): War and consequent injuries and death, ships sinking, loss of hearing from injury, and fighting
I’d Recommend It To: Readers 12+ who would enjoy adorable and chaotic mini dragons, sweet sibling relationships, God-honoring themes, and plots with an air of mystery and intrigue.
Here’s the link to add it on Goodreads!
THE INQUISITOR’S TALE
Author: Adam Gidwitz
Genre: Children’s Historical Fiction
Target Audience: MG (Middle-Grade) +
What Stuck Out to Me: This is admittedly a repeat from last year, as I technically finished it last autumn, and couldn’t resist including it in the animals theme today. The dog in this story is kind of a pivotal character – in a very unexpected way (or at least I thought so)! I read this book after being recommended it by a friend, and it’s such a fun experience. I’ve never read a story quite like this one.
With the charming medieval illustrations every few pages, the fun and nuanced cast of characters, very real and adventurous settings, and deep glimpses into life in medieval Europe around the time of the Crusades, this story was engaging from the first page. I absolutely love the contrast between the simplistic, quirky writing style, and the brutally honest, thought-provoking themes and questions.
I don’t know what I was expecting when I started reading, but it wasn’t this story. And yet, I’m glad it was.
This is a story of friendship, of persecution, of children in terrible situations bonding and learning and growing together as they fight for their lives, wrapped up in wacky humor, and delightfully medieval descriptions. Even the way the story is told, bouncing from narrator to narrator, helps give us a palatable glimpse into what life was like in that period of time — something I’m always fascinated by. It’s probably not a book for everyone, and I’d recommend it more to older kids and adults, but it’s worth a try!
Tricky Content: Some juvenile/crass humor, occasional mild language, references to alcohol and drunkenness, medieval violence and fighting, deaths, brief descriptions of injuries, an honest exploration of religion in medieval times (Jewish, Christian, etc. religions portrayed in positive and negative lights)
I’d Recommend It To: Mature middle-grade readers and older who enjoy quirky and honest medieval stories of courage, friendship, character growth — bonus points if you love charming illustrations!
Here’s the link to add it on Goodreads!
Because there are so many bloggers participating in Five Fall Favorites, we’ve been split into teams! There’s no competition – only the opportunity to ensure everyone’s posts are shared.
I’m part of Team Mouse (see the adorable graphic below), and I highly encourage you to check out the rest of my teammates’ posts for their recommended books today. That’s where I’m headed!
Here’s the list of bloggers in Team Mouse (click each name to visit that site):
- Kate @ Once Upon an Ordinary
- Meagan @ Blooming With Books
- Skai @ Inspirational Skai
- Virginia @ Books by Virginia
Thank you so much for joining me today! Have you read any of the books I shared? Are there any that stick out to you? I’d love to hear from you, so drop a comment below, and we’ll meet again tomorrow for Five Fall Favorites day #2!
Remember to go enter that giveaway HERE!