The books Southern indie booksellers are recommending to readers everywhere!

Western

Love Is a War Song by Danica Nava

I spent the last 30 minutes of reading Love Is a War Song in tears. They were very emotional tears- sad, and then happy, but I found the story so moving, I didn’t even realize I was actively crying. Avery Fox’s journey to finding herself, what mattered to her, and happiness really touched me. I loved how intricate Love Is a War Song is. The story isn’t just about Avery, but it’s also about Lucas Iron Eyes, Lottie (Avery’s grandmother), and those who also live on the ranch. Danica Nava’s sophomore novel is incredible. I couldn’t put it down and I really resonated with the themes of identity and family, among others. I’m so impressed Danica actually wrote a song to go in the book and I can’t wait to hear it be played. I loved every minute of reading Love Is a War Song. I need more cowboy romances like this one, ones that showcase the myriad experiences and peoples who live this life daily. Love Is a War Song is real, in ways you wouldn’t expect from a celebrity-cowboy romance, and I love it all the more for it.

Love Is a War Song by Danica Nava, (List Price: $19, Berkley, 9780593642627, July 2025)

Reviewed by Preet Singh, Eagle Eye Book Shop in Decatur, Georgia

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Outlawed by Anna North

A Winter 2021 Read This Next! Title

Outlawed by Anna North
Bloomsbury Publishing, January

Anna North has taken the traditional Western and flipped it on its head with a feminist twist for a very refreshing and timely novel about self worth. Taking place in an alternate past, Ada marries at 17, but after a year of trying, can’t conceive a child. She is kicked out by her husband’s family and accused of witchcraft by the town she grew up in, forcing her to flee. She ends up with an atypical group of outlaws by way of a convent and begins to learn to survive on the outside of traditional society. Intimate and exciting, this is a very fun book!

– Carl Kranz, Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, VA

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