Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Favorite Novels

Hope you all had a wonderful Labor Day weekend!  I decided to take a holiday, and it turned into to sick leave...so forgive me for posting late today!

Here are my Top Ten Favorite Novels...these are the stories that have lingered in my imagination for a long, long time..the unforgettable stories...

1) Sophie's Heart by Lori Wick--this book makes me cry, and I used to read it at least once a year!  But reviewing keeps me from re-reading unfortunately.  Sophie is from Europe, seeking life here in the United States.  Circumstances lead her to work as a nanny for a recently widowed man, caring for his three children.  Powerful story!

2) Riven by Jerry B. Jenkins--true confession time: I never read the Left Behind Series.  Didn't care for them much, because I grew up with prophecy taught 24/7/365 so I avoided anything to do with Revelation!  BUT, I fell in love with the story of a convict and a preacher, both struggling to find hope and meaning in their callings...this is Jerry's reason for writing!

3) The Mark of the Lion Series by Francine Rivers--nothing has ever come close to the epicness that is this trilogy.  My husband read it, and he agrees.  Ancient Rome and modern day America are so similar it is frightening, and viewing the Biblical events through fictional eyes is powerful.  No wonder the series is once again celebrating a huge anniversary!

4) The Blood of Kings Trilogy by Jill Williamson--when I read this series I discovered an entire genre of books to love!  I never really cared much for inspirational fantasy fiction until I read these books.  So very good, and now I'm reading her new series, The Kinsman Chronicles, which is loosely based on this series.

5) The Eyes of E'veria duology by Serena Chase--if ever there was a series I wish I hadn't read, just so I could have the joy of discovery, it would be this one.  Serena's books are laced with playfulness, danger, intrigue and are so engaging...I wouldn't mind living in the pages for a couple of months, at least!

6) The Shadow of Your Smile by Susan May Warren--actually, I love all of her Deep Haven novels, but this one really captured me.  A rough patch in a marriage, an accident, and a loss of memory...all converge to create a captivating tale.

7) The Great Christmas Bowl by Susan May Warren--this little Christmas novella had me laughing, crying, and wishing I was next door neighbors with Susan!  It's a quick read, but so much fun!

8) The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck--I'd been a fan of Rachel's novels before this, but when she started pouring her creative heart into all things wedding, I was captivated.  The Wedding Dress started it all, and each subsequent book gets better and better.

9) Secrets of a Charmed Life by Susan Meissner--imagine if details from your life today were somehow connected with a life lived in the past.  A request for an interview leads to a story about war torn England where the bombs feel like they are being dropped on your neighborhood, the separations tear at your heart, and seeing the tapestry of a life lived brings appreciation for your own masterpiece.

10)

Just waiting to fill the final slot...I know the book is out there.  Until then...

Mark Your Place,

Deena