The Struggles of Finding Clean Reads

”Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

Dear, Maladies and Sirs,
Welcome to my first blog post!
Here are a few things you need to know before reading my mysterious words:
1. I am an aspiring author
2. I am a Christian blogger
3. I am an avid reader

Where are all my Christian bookworms and lovers of YA Fantasy at? (Or readers and non-readers in general). As Christians, we must protect our minds and be cautious of the things we fill them with. A difficult thing in present time, yes, but all things are possible with God.
It’s hard finding books both entertaining and clean, isn’t it? Just like television, in this day and age many of the books being published are extremely inappropriate and erotic. Sexual misconduct is evolving in YA (young adult), along with various other genres. Sometimes readers searching for clean reads are suddenly smacked with a scene they would’ve much rather had not liked to read. We can’t lie though, a splash of clean romance is definitely necessary. What’s a book without dramatic love triangles? Or perhaps enemies to lovers? Childhood best friends to lovers? What’s your favorite love troupe?
Nevertheless, these scenarios don’t have to involve sexual occurrences. Please, just a few sweet kisses and arms around the waist! A dozen hugs and shared smiles!! Give us the romantic dancing at a ball, or endless bickering abruptly turning into adoration. A forehead kiss! Playfully shoving and hand holding!! Getting married, for crying out loud!!! BRUSHING AWAY A TEAR-
Sorry…
Unfortunately, it’s difficult finding clean, romanticized books in the genres we love. But worry not, that’s where I come in!
I’m here to warn and encourage you towards books of various genres. Hopefully answering questions such as: How high is the level of romance in this book? Is inappropriate language used frequently throughout the story? What do I need to be careful of?
But I will also answer questions along the lines of: Is this book worth the read? Is the character growth progressive and conclusive? Is there successful world-building? Between 1-5 stars, how many would you give this book?
With the blog posts I provide, I pray they help you find your new favorite reads. Whether it’s a mystery novel, contemporary, romance, fiction, historical, fantasy, dystopian, sci-fi, retellings, young adult, new adult, OR ALL COMBINED (woah, can you imagine?), etcetera, etcetera; let this be the place where your TBR (to-be-read) pile grows!

I’ve come across various books many people have never heard of. The reason, for the most part, being these books don’t fall into society’s ”trends” this year, or they’re by independent authors. Sadly, the majority of indie authors, even small publishing companies, are overlooked for no good reason. People fail to see self-published books can be some of the best books you’ll ever read! It’s always the hidden gems that are constantly ignored; books by authors who long for their book to touch the soul of its reader. Not that traditionally published authors don’t want the best for their readers. Of course, most do. I just think it’s time we start giving our indie authors more attention. I’ve come across so many sweet self-published authors, and authors who are newly uprising. They truly deserve more readers. Their books can never be recommended enough.
For example, I shall provide a list of underrated books below, along with a few guiding facts (NO SPOILERS). I hope you find one, or perhaps multiple books, that tug at your heartstrings and pull you into emotions you didn’t know you had. I hope they give you an adventure. A friend.

{Note: the following books are both self and traditionally published}

Underrated Books To Read:

1: Sorcery of Thorns, by Margaret Rogerson
(Clean read. Only one romantic scene. No sex. Mildly crude language.
Genres: young adult, romance, magic, high fantasy, historical fantasy, books about books.
Trigger warnings: demons, summoning, sorcery, dark magic.)

2: The Harbinger Series, by Jeff Wheeler
(Clean read. Minimal romance, being kissing.
Genres: young adult, high fantasy, steampunk, magic, science fiction.
Trigger warnings: ghosts, demons, possessed beings.)

3: The Girl Who Could See, by Kara Swanson
(Clean read. Minimal romance, being a kiss.
Genres: young adult, fantasy, science fiction, novella, romance, Christian.
Trigger warnings: mild gore.)

4: Dewdrops & Butterflies, by Libby May
(Clean read. Foster care concept.
Genres: young adult, contemporary, fiction, Christian.
Trigger warnings: child abuse, violence, emotional.)

5: The Unaccounted For Series, by Hannah Kay
(Clean reads. Minimal romance, being hand holding.
Genres: young adult, Christian, mystery, fiction, romance, suspense.
Trigger warnings: emotional, mentions of suicide, violence, mild gore, alcohol abuse,
murder, mentions of self-harm.)

6: The Malleville Conspiracy, by H. L. Roethle
(Clean read.
Genres: young adult, mystery, Christian, fiction, suspense.
Trigger warnings: violence.)

Look forward to future book reviews and other deeply discussed miscellaneous subjects. I hope my words didn’t bore you into leaving. What genres would you like to see reviewed more? If you have any questions, ask away! Constructive criticism welcomed. And if you know any underrated authors, drop their pseudonyms in the comments>>>
Have a blessed day, Maladies and Sirs!

For previous book reviews, and more information on my own book
check out my Instagram @julia_rose_books
Or
My Goodreads @Julia Rose

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8