Welcome to the second day of Five Fall Favorites 2025! Wasn’t yesterday fun? And there is so much more to come!
Today, I’ll be sharing five of my favorite books published independently or by a small press. Please note that while I enjoyed each of these books, my listing them here does not mean that I agree with everything in them. Oh, and this is my second time participating in FFF, and I tried not to repeat any books I chose the first time, with one exception on Wednesday’s post.
I’m so glad you’re here for the party and hope you have a wonderful time today!
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
1. Hymns in the Hills by Rebekah A. Morris
“Could you not teach them what you do know?” Separated from her parents and sent to live with unknown relatives for the summer, Belle Standish clings hard to the promises found in her dear Bible and her beloved hymns. As she grows to love her newly discovered family, she finds much work to be done for her Lord in this neglected field.
But when danger threatens those she loves, Belle’s faith and courage are tested in ways she never imagined. Will God’s promises hold true even in the midst of the storm? And what can she possibly accomplish with just her one little light?
It would be hard to pick just one favorite book by Rebekah Morris. In the past, I’ve claimed Through the Tunnel as my favorite, but since I shared that one the last time I did FFF, I decided to talk about Hymns in the Hills this time. It’s such a lovely story! I have enjoyed reading it and listening to the audiobook with my mom and sister. The reader is simply perfect for Belle’s voice! I love how each chapter includes a hymn. And the large cast of characters, mostly family members, is just so nice. It’s a very sweet story, but there is plenty of excitement at the end too.
2. 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. Three incidents throw the trip into a spiral of confusion…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.’
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.
My sister and I have loved following the Baker Family Adventures series. And it was after reading one of the books that I was inspired to write my first novel (one that hasn’t been published). So when we got to this book in the series, my sister and I were so excited to see that it featured Clan MacGregor, since we are descended from that clan. And the book didn’t disappoint! Please note that if you do decide to read the books in this series, they most definitely need to be read in order. And you want to know something funny? One of the of the girls in the story had the code name of Indy. That makes it extra perfect for this category!
3. The House on Harmony Street by Sarah Beth Brazytis
“We’ve had so many failed dinners lately, I’m sure the simplest of meals would satisfy us,” Dane answered with a chuckle. “All right, let’s draw up the contract.”
Thus begins Margaret Sullivan’s new role as housekeeper of the large and busy Westover household. After a sedate life with an elderly widow, Margaret finds the Westovers’ liveliness and laughter a refreshing change. But it takes a troubling chain of events which threaten the peace and happiness of the whole family to make Margaret realize that she has become much more than a housekeeper to them – and perhaps the very person to keep the house on Harmony Street in tune.
My sister and multiple friends love Sarah Brazytis’ books, so I have heard them discussed quite a bit. I finally read my first book by her this year. And I promptly read the next one in the series and then the next one. As you can tell, I was hooked! I love the family elements in this series and just wanted to keep reading and spending time with the characters.
4. 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? And is it all somehow connected to their new farmhand?
This book by my friend, Lauren Compton, is both unique and lovely! I don’t think I’ve ever read any other fiction books set in Australia, but I really enjoyed this one. The historical setting is done so well, there are some great elements of mystery, and it also has plenty of cozy family scenes, which I love. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series when it comes out!
5. Novelists in November by Collection
Novelists in November is a Christian short story collection featuring eleven emotional tales of authors finding their calling in Christ and pursuing hope, joy, and inspiration.
This anthology contains touching stories from contemporary and historical fiction authors with a mix of romance, women’s fiction, and mystery!
This is one of my very favorite anthologies that I have read! There are so many highly enjoyable stories, plus the fact that they are set in my favorite season, autumn, is a plus. And several of the authors are friends of mine. I could hardly wait to get a copy of this book when it released last year, and it has made for some very enjoyable hours of reading! Now would be the perfect time to get a copy for an autumn read!
It’s giveaway time! A lot of the bloggers participating in FFF have contributed books. Since there were so many books donated, this year we have not one but two giveaways! And yes, one of the books in the second place prize is Willow, by yours truly. (Please note that I have not read all of these books, so this is not an endorsement of their content.)
Are you ready to continue the party? There are a lot more books being recommended today! If you’d like to find links to guide you to all of the participating blogs, you can do that at Kate’s blog, where she is co-hosting FFF. And please check out the other blogs on my team and see what books they’re recommending! I’ll be joining you over there.
Let’s Chat!
Have you read any of the books I mentioned in today’s post? Was there one that you think you’d like to read? Do you have a favorite indie book?
Until next time, keep trusting in the Lord and letting Him direct your steps!
In Christ,
Bethany
Thank you for sharing “Hymns in the Hills”!
And thanks for not adding stacks to my TBR list. 😉
You’re welcome, Rebekah! It’s such a good story. And you’re welcome again! Maybe there’s hope yet that your stack won’t topple over. 🙂
This was a great list of books! I plan to read Novelists sometime this fall. And I love all the other books you featured!
It will be such fun for you to get to read Novelists now too! There are so many great stories in it that you’ll enjoy.
Hope you fall in love with some Novelists stories this autumn, Hannah. Happy reading!
C. R. Hedgcock’s books are so good!
Abigail @ https://authorabigailkay.wordpress.com/
They are! Great for keeping you on the edge of your seat. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed them too, Abigail!
Oh my, I’m so glad you enjoyed NIN that much 🙂 I’ve loved Hymns and Jayne as well—and I have a copy of Harmony Street but haven’t read it yet 🙂
I did! NiN has many great stories! And you need to read Harmony Street! You’ll love it. My sister kept after to me to read them, and once I started, I breezed through them.
Dear Bethany,
What a wonderful list! Thank you for sharing. I found several of Rebakah Morris’s books on Audible and have added them to my library.
I’m glad you enjoyed the list, Luba! And I think you’ll enjoy Rebekah’s books. She has a lot of similar tastes in books to us, and she writes such great stories! So happy you’re checking them out!
I haven’t read any of these yet, but I enjoyed the Springtime in Surrey anthology and would like to read the Novelists in November one!
We did it backward! I haven’t read Springtime in Surrey yet. My sister and I have a copy, and I’ll probably read it soon. I hope you get to read Novelists sometime soon!
Thanks for reading Springtime in Surrey, Savannah! I hope you’ll have fun with Novelists in November when you get to it. Happy reading!
I’ve only read Kellyn’s Novelists in November story, so I need to read the others.
I enjoyed Kellyn’s story a lot! The Scottish element was so nice. It’s fall now, so it’s a perfect time to enjoy the others!
Kate, thanks for reading part of Novelists in November! I hope you’ll enjoy making your way through the rest of the stories. Happy reading!
Oooh, I love these recs!!! I’m almost finished Novelists, and I really need to read the first two books on this list. Hymns in the Hills has always looked so lovely! And Jayne’s Endeavour is so good, and eeek! *squeals* I was so excited to see Harmony Street make your list!! 😀 Glad you loved them so much. 😀 And thanks for reminding me I haven’t read Book 3 yet – I need to do that ASAP!
Sounds like you have a lot of great reading ahead of you, Lydia! Hymns in the Hills is very good, and you would love the large family element. And yes, you definitely need to read Book 3!
Thank you for reading through Novelists in November, Lydia! I hope you’re enjoying the journey. So many stories and styles! Happy reading.
Thanks for featuring Novelists in November! I loved writing “Melting-Pot Thanksgiving.”
You’re very welcome, Andrea! And I enjoyed reading it! I especially liked DJ!
So happy to hear that! I hope I can improve upon his character in the next installment. 😉
Oh my you’ve also read C.R. Hedgcock! Her books are amazing. I need to read Jane’s Endeavor and those particular Rebekah Morris ones, and thank you for featuring Novelists!