Five Fall Favorites || Day One { Adventure + Barns }

*crickets* 

Hi, guys. 

Long time, no see, huh? 

So by a series of events, including a very spontaneous (and since then, much over-thought) decision, I'm taking part in FFF this year! If you're not familiar, it's a week-long blog party in which participants share five favorite books across several different categories. The giveaway and hosting blog are linked towards the end of the post, but between here and there are five epic adventure books, sooo... here goes, huh? :D

Welcome to the barns room! Because who doesn't want to hide away in a sweet-smelling hayloft with a good book for a few hours? 

A D V E N T U R E

Defy by Tricia Mingerink || The Blades of Acktar #3

The war for Acktar has begun. 

With his betrayal revealed, former Blade Leith Torren flees into the Sheered Rock Hills, pursued by King Respen’s vengeful Blades. 

Left behind at Nalgar Castle, Renna Faythe tries to find her purpose, yet that purpose isn’t what she expected. 

Brandi Faythe has been torn from her sister, and that isn’t all right. If Leith can’t rescue Renna, Brandi will take matters into her own hands. 

War demands sacrifice. Courage falters. Who will find the strength to defy King Respen?

Acktar rests on one hope: 

The Leader is ready.

•••

My favorite book from one of my all-time favorite series. The Blades of Acktar are rich with adventure and excitement and epic heroes. <3 

~ R E V I E W  H E R E ~

Island Dreamer by Robin Jones Gunn || Christy Miller #5

Christy Miller is spending her sixteenth birthday on Maui with her family, Todd, and Paula, her best friend from Wisconsin. What could be better? Christy soon discovers that she and Paula don’t have as much in common anymore. What's worse is that Paula is obsessed with getting a boyfriend and Todd is suddenly Paula's idea of the perfect guy. Will Todd choose Paula over her? Christy's heart is tested even further when she receives an unexpected phone call on her birthday. What happens when it's up to Christy to drive the gang to safety on the famous winding road to Hana? Will her friendships endure? Or will the islands send Christy dreaming in new directions?

•••

I'm quite certain the island/jungle adventure in the second half of this book—which is not at all addressed in the synopsis—qualifies it to be in this category. ;)  Written with a teen/preteen audience in mind, but readers of any age could enjoy the adventures of Christy and her friends and family. 

If I Run by Terri Blackstock || If I Run #1

Casey knows the truth.

But it won’t set her free.

Casey Cox’s DNA is all over the crime scene. There’s no use talking to police; they have failed her abysmally before. She has to flee before she’s arrested . . . or worse. The truth doesn’t matter anymore.

But what is the truth? That’s the question haunting Dylan Roberts, the war-weary veteran hired to find Casey. PTSD has marked him damaged goods, but bringing Casey back can redeem him. Though the crime scene seems to tell the whole story, details of the murder aren’t adding up. Casey Cox doesn’t fit the profile of a killer. But are Dylan’s skewed perceptions keeping him from being objective? If she isn’t guilty, why did she run?

Unraveling her past and the evidence that condemns her will take more time than he has, but as Dylan’s damaged soul intersects with hers, he is faced with two choices. The girl who occupies his every thought is a psychopathic killer . . . or a selfless hero. And the truth could be the most deadly weapon yet.

•••

Oh my stars, this series. I grabbed book one from the library shelf on a total whim, after seeing a couple people screaming about it on social media. And I then proceeded to devour the whole series as soon as I could get my hands on them. This story of a girl on the run for a murder she did not commit is a definite win with true crime, mystery, and/or thriller fans. 

Tales from Memory Creek by Susan K. Marlow

Andi and Riley's adventures continue in this short-story book based on blog posts. Twelve fun stories like:

Special Spot--Riley insists he is the only one who knows about his hideaway in a corner of the Circle C ranch. Andi insists there is no place she hasn’t explored. Who is right? 

Yosemite Getaway--Riley and Andi head to Yosemite for a dream honeymoon that turns into a nightmare when the Yosemite stagecoach is robbed. 

Sierra Adventure--Andi wants a tree in true Carter tradition, and Riley has to work hard to make it become a reality. There’s no snow but plenty of danger in the Sierra high country.

Overgrown Kitty--A cougar cub Andi gave to Chad wreaks havoc on the Circle C, so Chad hauls the overgrown kitty back to Memory Creek ranch. What will become of this lonely cub?

Lamb Trouble--Andi loves lambs, but Chad has always said “no.” Riley is a different story, and Andi gets the pet she’s always wanted. How much trouble can one lamb be? 

Andi Had a Little Lamb--Andi discovers that no pets--no matter how cute and cuddly they are--can compare with her very own “little lamb,” Riley and Andi’s first baby. 

Plus six more!

•••

An absolute trip down memory lane. Any book with the Circle C logo is like instant flashbacks to my early teen years. This collection of stories from Andi's married life is a special treat for all true fans of the series. 

Avery’s Crossroads by Deanna K. Klingel || Avery's Battlefield #2

Avery's skills as a doctor and his dog Gunner's friendly personality make the pair a welcome sight to the soldiers in the Civil War hospitals. But mending wounds is not the only challenge Avery faces. Dwindling supplies, insufficient medical facilities, and local troublemakers add to the stress of the war. Avery realizes that the real wounds of the war the wounds of the soul will take years to heal. But he finds hope for the future in his deepening friendship with Claire, a girl from back home who shares his passion for helping the wounded. Together they pray for the long war to end. 

•••

This adventure story of a boy reaching manhood starts in book #1 and carries over into this one—which is my favorite. From stolen livestock to a search for missing family members to medical school and caring for the wounded, this series is the ultimate Civil War adventure. 

Be sure to hop over to Rebekah's blog for the rest of the fun!

G I V E A W A Y

Ahh, best for last. What would a book-oriented blog party be without a bookish giveaway? 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

best adventure book you've read this year? excited for another year of FFF? :)