Five Fall Favorites- Top Five Books of 2025

Hello again, I hope by this time we're fast friends☺️! Today is the sixth and final day. I wish the fun didn't have to end, but I've found so many good books to add to my TBR, and I hope you have too.

Today is my favorite day. Hands down this was the easiest post for me. There was simply no debate as to which books reached the top five on the bookish ladder for me. Come join us all for one last day of fall fun... which apples have fallen into everybody's buckets? It's always interesting when you can only pick five. How did my bookish Oak companions fare?

{Rhys} 🎻 {Hannah} 🍂 {Savannah} 🌰 {Cate} 🚗 {Bethany} 🥧

{Rebekah}

There is no way I'm not checking out all of the rest of the links on our cohost Kate Willis' Blog too! I don't want to miss out, and neither do you! Plus, she's announced the winner of the giveaway 🥳!

Disclaimer: This is not a blanket statement for every book recommended from others bloggers.

And here we have it folks....

My Top Five Books of 2025

Emmaline by Sarah Holman

There's a reason this book is #1 on this list because I've already read this book twice this year. The Depression era twist is such a good fit for this Vintage Jane Austen retelling. I also may love this book more that the original because there is much more of a spiritual focus. And the friends-to-lovers is darling- Dear, Frederick without his hat and Emmaline who hates reading (😲 yes, I know!), but I still love them so!

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Age Recommendation: 16+

🕸️ Palace of Deceit by A.L.O.E 🕸️

A.L.O.E's allegories as always are spot on. This book has change my life. I almost cried when Death came for Seele. I didn't really think about God's grace in the way it is presented in The Palace of Deceit. How we truly can't life the Christian life without it, and how important it is for us to ask God for it daily for every aspect of our lives. Asking Him to enable us to live with a clean conscience before Him. 1 Thessalonians 5:24-"Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it."

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Age Recommendation: 8+

🪄 The Illusionist's Apprentice by Kristy Cambron 🪄

Be Warned 😁😅! A whirlwind of a tale - This book immediately grabs your attention, pulling you in from the first sentence until it lets you off at the end. Originally, The Illusionist's Apprentice caught my interest because Harry Houdini was supposed to be her "mentor," a factor that did not disappoint.

But more than that, Wren is such a solid and strong FMC that she pulls you in all on her own. I love how she retains a softness and femininity despite her illusionist facade. Some of my favorite quotes were- "I prefer to stand on Truth. The ground there is much more solid." and "Faith must always be stronger than what my eyes can see." Wren also has so much fire in her! The sparks that flew between Wren & Elliot during Amberly's party 🤌❤️!There was a good deal of romance, but it was nice to find the story a little less focused on it and more focused on the plot. And about the ending - that plot twist hit me like a train running 👀😅... I definitely never saw it coming.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Age Recommendation: 20-M+

CW: Seances (appropriately incorporated shown to be false deceitful, not to be toyed with, and inherently evil), Abuse, Several Deaths, infidelity (mentioned only - also very appropriately), 2-3 euphemisms, the romance though less was a little intense at times which I didn't care for... but the book was still very clean except for the aforementioned euphemisms.

🕯️The Distant Beacon by Janette Oke & T. Davis Bunn 🕯️

Fourth spot, Fourth Book in the Series. I love all the books in the series, but wow, this book was incredible. The stakes were so much higher, and the scenes tenser. There were so many twists and turns to the plot, I barely had time to catch my breath before the next one hit. Also, I so knew that it couldn't be Henri Robichaud 😡😏. It was interesting to see the American War of Independence from more of a British/neutral perspective too. Then Jackson made an entrance, and I loved how he risked all for Nicole. The ending was more perfect than you could imagine, and I appreciated that Nicole didn't give into Gordon's love until they shared the same faith.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Age Recommendation: 16+

🍂 Happiness Hill by Grace Livingstone Hill 🍂

Grace Livingston Hill has such a talent of turning ordinary lives into extraordinary stories. I loved the simplicity of the characters and this is one of the best examples. I was overjoyed when Mr. Arleth finally got a job he deserved. This book is the best example of a friends-to-lover's I have ever read too. But best of all, the spiritual emphasis was clear and strong on the salvation message. Happiness Hill truly gave me a glimpse of how every little blessing is a special gift from God, to be thankful for just today, and that the riches in Christ Jesus are beyond compare to what the world tries to offer.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Age Recommendation: 18+

CW: Their was a creation issue brought about by the usage of the Scofield Bible. Also, I don't know why, but there were a bunch of euphemisms. They sadly detracted from my enjoyment, but I still love this book so much.

Check out my rating guide on Day One.

Well, have you found out anything new about me from my time with you, other than that I love soft, fuzzy HEA's, Austen, Dr. Mc's, strong Christian themes, and a love for everything fall?

I don't think I'm ready 🥹, but the time has come to say goodbye 🫂. Thank you all for joining us. Please join me in thanking Kate & Rebekah for hosting this fun 10th Five Fall Favorite Blog Party👏🏻.

Maybe, I'll be able to join you again next year. I hope you all have a wonderful rest of fall 2025, and are able to whittle away on all the good reads you found here. Stay warm on the cool nights, make sure you make some cookies, then sip some apple cider, and do that reading when you`re done. We must stay in the fall spirit after all 🦔🍂. Cheerio, my friends!

May God bless and keep you until we meet again.

Sincerely,

Ellie Hollows