Hello, friends!
I know…it’s only mid-November. BUT. Some of my extended family exchanges gifts on Thanksgiving weekend, and in case anyone else is out there looking for last-minute Christmas/Thanksgiving gifts for a family member (or is actually being proactive about seeking Christmas gifts a whole month ahead of time!), I thought I’d put this post out there right away.:)
Let me know at the end if you’ve already enjoyed any of these books!
Also, disclaimer…I’m a very picky reader when it comes to editing. I don’t haphazardly recommend indie books that simply have potential but are a dumpster fire when it comes to that area. If you’re concerned about that, I just wanted to throw it out there that these are books that I (or one of my little sisters:)) have thoroughly enjoyed, with zero to minimal editing road bumps.:)
Southpaw by Tabby RH
clean thriller // memorable characters // tea // banter // clean murder mystery // new adult // lovely portrayal of light vs. darkness
Oh my goodness…I had been eyeing this book ever since it came out, and it did not disappoint. My favorite aspect of this book was the characters…they were so vivid and different from one another, and yet each one was relatable in their own way. This would be a wonderful book for the friend who enjoys reading realistic contemporary fiction written with a classical influence.
By My Own Betrayal by Cydnie Trenholm
former assassin // the best banter // FBI // fast-paced adventure novel // fun family dynamics // sequel on the way (!!!)
Whenever I read the book of someone I’ve already befriended, I always go in with a certain amount of fear that I won’t love the book as much as I love the person. I was delighted that I could find no flaws in this novel! XD It made me laugh, it made me think, and it held my interest from the moment I read the epic tagline: To live is Christ. To die is much more likely. This would be a great gift for the teenage friend who wants to enjoy a fast-paced adventure without the gore.
This Life of Mine by Victoria Lynn
// non-magical fantasy // mountains // disability representation // prolife themes // the sweetest subtle romance
This is the second book in the Chronicles of Elira series, and I love it even more than the first one. The themes of healing and redemption just blessed my heart so much, and God used this book to grow my prayer life, as well. This would be a lovely gift for the friend who enjoys non-magical fantasy and a deeply emotional read.
Content warning: While it’s handled discreetly, it’s implied that one of the main characters has been a victim of SA and human trafficking, and the healing from that is a major theme in the storyline. Because of the nature of that theme, I personally don’t recommend this novel to anyone under 16.
Dawn Chandler Series by Eliza Noel
// contemporary middle-grade fiction // large family dynamics // fashion show // small town feels //
My little sisters fell in love with this series last year, and they were over the MOON when they recently got to meet the author (a friend I met on a writing retreat!). I haven’t personally read it, but I have been unofficially hired by my sister to draw fan art for the series, so…that’s got to count for something. XD This would be a perfect gift for the little ladies in your life who want contemporary fiction about girls their age!
Wildflower Pages by Brittney Litster
// Christ-centered poetry // lovely illustrations // garden/flower themes // extremely quote-worthy //
This is the first book I annotated (see pictures here), and it’s one I keep coming back to for a breath of fresh encouragement. This would be a lovely gift for someone who loves both poetry and gardening! (But, hey, this is coming from the blackest thumb alive, so I think that anyone could enjoy this collection, whether they’re botanically gifted or not.)
Cathedral by Maya Joelle
// reflective poetry // nature imagery // raw and realistic // shot with hope //
This is such a cathartic poetry collection that has been written and compiled so masterfully. (It even has a playlist and list of further reading recommendations in the back!) Cathedral would be a wonderful gift for the deep-thinking friend who’s a fan of the classics.
Clarion Hope by Laurel Luehmann
// battle imagery // freestyle poetry with a bit of a lilt // regret and brokenness // eternal hope //
Hehe…of course I couldn’t do a post on indie books without plugging my own! XD This little poetry collection would be the perfect gift for a friend who doesn’t like poetry. One of the most common pieces of feedback I receive is “I never liked poetry until I started reading yours!” So grab a copy for the friend who turns up her nose at poetry and see what she does. Worst case scenario: she despises it and gives the copy back to you! “Free” poetry!!
I hope this post was helpful (or at least enjoyable) to you! Which books do you want to add to your wish list?
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase something through one of the links I share in this post, I receive a small commission…at no extra cost to you.:)
Laurel Luehmann 