Top 5 Books From Genres I Don’t Usually Read (Five Fall Favorites 2025)
Welcome back to day four of Five Fall Favorites — the annual autumn celebration of all things bookish!
If you’ve read my previous three posts (Day #1, Day #2, & Day #3) this week, feel free to skip on down to today’s theme. And if not, here’s a brief recap!
Every day this week (6 days in all), I and a large group of other book bloggers are sharing posts centered around certain bookish themes, and packed full with 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 once again hosted by Kate at Once Upon an Ordinary and Rebekah at Read Another Page (click on their blog names, or the graphics below to visit their blogs). Thank you both!
GiveawayIn addition to book recommendations, there is also a giveaway this year!
Two winners will be drawn, and they will each receive a collection of free e-books and audiobooks (plus a gift-card for the first-place winner). Check out the prize graphics below to see what you could win!
To enter the giveaway, all you have to do is click HERE!
Today’s Theme
Today I get to share five books I’ve recently enjoyed that are steps outside my usual genres! These genres today include westerns, middle-grade classics, historical women’s fiction, and mystery. Although I have my usual favorite genres (typically fantasy in some capacity), I absolutely love reading from a wide variety and try to do it often. We can learn so much and find so many new favorites by branching out!
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 – or other reviews – you can find the Goodreads link under each book, or by clicking on each book’s title.
Let’s hop in!
A Little Princess
Author: Frances Hodgson Burnett
Genre: Children’s Classic Fiction
Target Audience: MG (Middle-Grade)+
What Stuck Out to Me: I’m so glad I finally read this precious little gem of a story – it’s now easily one of my favorite classics. While I was familiar with the general tale (Veggietales version, anyone?), I wasn’t prepared for how deep and introspective the book is. And yet, at the same time, it’s written in a simple and charming style that helps make such difficult life lessons easier to swallow. I would be a much better person if I approached life with the same faithful outlook as young Sara Crewe.
I’ll definitely be re-reading this one, and purchasing a hard copy to keep around!
Tricky Content: The only reason I can’t rate this a full five stars is for some wording that I’d omit if I were reading this book to my children (ex. “fat”, “stupid”, etc. used liberally as adjectives for other children). I know language has changed since the writing of this book, but there were a few phrases every now and again that made me uncomfortable.
I’d Recommend It To: Readers roughly aged 10+ that enjoy charming writing styles, happy endings, lessons of grace, courage, and perseverance through deep grief, and inspiring characters.
Here’s the link to add it on Goodreads!
Because of Winn-Dixie
Author: Kate DiCamillo
Genre: Children’s Classic Fiction
Target Audience: MG (Middle-Grade)+
What Stuck Out to Me: I dove into this completely clueless besides having heard the name before. I assumed it was a simple, lighthearted “dog” book for children, but instead, I’m astounded by the depth and emotion packed into this little story. It’s complicated, it tugs at the heart, it’s charming, and it’s very honestly real. It reminded me of Bridge to Terabithia, but more wholesome and heartwarming, and a lot less tragic (yay, haha!).
I’d personally wait until my kids are a bit older to read this one, due to some of the heavier themes and wording used, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Tricky Content: Sparing use of the word r****d, which I didn’t appreciate. Mentions of drunkenness, prison and crimes, a mother leaving her child, kids calling an elderly woman a “witch” until they meet her.
I’d Recommend It To:
Here’s the link to add it on Goodreads!
Like the Air After the Rain
Author: Kellyn Roth
Genre: Historical Romance
Target Audience: I’d consider it an Adult-oriented novel (for deep themes, rather than content)
What Stuck Out to Me: This is officially my new favorite book by Kellyn Roth! Victorian era romance novels have never been a genre I seek out, but I’m realizing that if they’re written by Kellyn, I’ll probably enjoy them. It’s been a long time since a book has touched my heart so deeply.
Lorelai was fascinating, and felt extremely real and nuanced. In many ways, we’re different, but particularly in her struggles with family, I deeply related. There was something so healing about watching Lorelai wrestle with God, and finally reach a place where she could rest in Him. The story was enjoyable, the themes unique and powerful, and the messages so convicting.
Once again, the setting was vivid and interesting. And as is typical with this genre, the plot isn’t action-packed, but introspective and rich with internal conflict, wrestling with God, and family dynamics/healing. The pacing carried well, and I was never bored. Ultimately, the themes are what set this book apart. The messages of resting in the Lord, of trusting His timing, and finding meaning and value only in Him were prominent and powerful. Kellyn writes strong Christian stories unabashedly and I love her for it.
Tricky Content: Multiple non-described kisses, references to intimacy between a married couple, references of trying for a child/heir, childbirth (vaguely described), miscarriage and monthly menses are mentioned, a minor character is hinted to be promiscuous but is handled in a godly manner, discussions of parental abuse/neglect, depression, a character feels life is meaningless and is borderline suicidal
I’d Recommend It To: Mature readers who enjoy sweet and thoughtful Victorian-era romances centered around Christ and family (mature not because of inappropriate content, but due to the depth and raw look at family struggles). Because of the focus on marriage and children, I would probably recommend it to readers 18+, but there’s ultimately nothing to prevent mature younger teens from reading it too.
Here’s the link to add it on Goodreads!
Outlaw Blood
Author: Noah J. Matthews
Genre: Fantasy Western
Target Audience: YA (Young Adult)+
What Stuck Out to Me: Such an impressive debut! The author clearly spent a lot of time fleshing out his story world. From the start, I was engrossed and could practically feel the sun and sand as the protagonist traveled. The creatures, towns, mountains, names, cultures, religions, traditions, sayings, etc…it was incredibly immersive and I would love to read more books in this world!
The prose itself was also excellent — clear and precise, but also poetic at the same time. I found it very engaging, and enjoyed much of the description and dialogue. I’m not overly familiar with westerns, but the story felt accurate to the genre. Very gritty, intense, thought-provoking, and adventurous.
In addition, what a fun variety of side characters! While I liked very few of them, I enjoyed the mix of professions, ages, and life experiences featured. Each character felt real, and like they had families, lives, and goals all their own – not just for the sake of the plot. I struggled with the implications of the ending, and it’s not a happy book, but it was fascinating and well-done enough that I’m glad I gave it a shot!
Tricky Content: Action and violence (sword fights, gun fights), mentions of alcohol and “sand”/drug-like substances, sand magic (reminded me of the Force from Star Wars), lightly-described injuries, several semi-detailed mentions of a corpse hanging from the gallows, hangings, undetailed deaths, overall heavy themes, repeated fictional swears, dysfunctional friendships and parental relationships, one kiss between a married couple (side characters).
I’d Recommend It To: Fans of gritty westerns, immersive and creative worldbuilding, masterful prose, and thought-provoking Christian themes (and not necessarily happy endings).
Here’s the link to add it on Goodreads!
The Gray Poet
Author: Caitlin Miller
Genre: Historical Romance Short Story
Target Audience: YA (Young Adult)+
What Stuck Out to Me: What a powerful gut punch of a story – and in so few words! Miller has a beautiful writing voice and as per the norm with her books, I was hooked from the start. I don’t know how she was able to make me care so much about her characters in so short a time, but I couldn’t stop reading, and although it wasn’t a happy ending necessarily, it felt very real. Hard and heavy, but with a solid dose of hope. Such a beautiful little story about community and helping one another find the light in the darkness.
Tricky Content: Mentions of abuse and a (non-graphic) suicide attempt. I’m sensitive to these, but they were handled with enough tact and grace that I was able to read it without regret.
I’d Recommend It To: Readers who enjoy quick reads that stick to your heart, deep themes, hope in hardship, and tender romance in a historical setting.
Here’s the link to add it on Goodreads!
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Because there are so many bloggers participating in Five Fall Favorites this year, 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 Aspen (see the 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 Aspen (click each name to visit that site):
Lydia @ Beyond History’s PagesHannah @ H. S. Kilian’s blogVirginia @ Books By VirginiaErika @ Resting LifeGabriella @ her SubstackFaith @ Faith on the FarmThank you so much for joining me today! Have you read any of the books I shared, or tried any new genres recently? I’d love to hear from you, so drop a comment below, and we’ll meet again tomorrow for Five Fall Favorites day #5!
Don’t forget to enter that giveaway HERE!
Top 5 Books From Genres I Don’t Usually Read (Five Fall Favorites 2025)Top 5 Non-Fiction Favorites (Five Fall Favorites 2025)Top 5 Indie Books (Five Fall Favorites 2025)
