Hi and Welcome to my Book Club!

I am a VORACIOUS reader - I go through 75+ books a year! There’s nothing I like more than a really good book! Not a book on a Kindle or tablet….a real book with pages you can turn and paper you can smell. A book you can dive into and get lost in; where the characters come alive or you feel like you’re in the story and along for the ride. A book in which the writing is so good you can feel the ocean spray on your face, or the wind blowing through your hair, or the thrill of a car chase, or hear the crack of gunfire….or when you can smile, laugh or cry.

There are genres that I prefer to read and some I avoid at all costs! Genres you will NOT see in this list include horror stories, Harlequin Romance type books and books with graphic sex.

Since I’m so often asked what I’m reading or to recommend a book I thought I’d compile some favorites. So if you’re looking for a good read, consider one of these. I’ve listed a few of my favorite authors below, but I’ll be listing more as my list continues to grow!

NON-FICTION

FAITH BASED NON-FICTION

The following authors have had a profound effect on my life and my beliefs. If you are searching for truth, a relationship with the God of the Universe, and/or an understanding of the Christian faith I highly recommend any of the following authors. Of course, there’s no better book to read if you’re a seeker than the Bible itself. If this book is new to you, I recommend starting in the New Testament with the Gospel of John. Compare the first few verses of John’s Gospel with the first few verses of the Book of Genesis. It’s a good place to start.

Josh McDowell: Evidence that Demands a Verdict and More Than a Carpenter. I was introduced to these two books my Freshman year in college and they helped to solidify my beliefs and explain things at a deeper level about having a personal relationship with the God of the Universe.

Max Lucado: He Chose the Nails, And the Angels Were Silent

John MacArthur: I have used many of his Bible Studies - these are very in-depth studies

Beth Moore: I’ve done many of her Bible Studies - working through her studies has resulted in my Bible being written in with so many notes, Greek words, Hebrew words and so much more.

Lee Strobel: The Case for Faith and The Case for Christ

Randy Alcorn: Randy writes both Fiction and Non-Fiction. My favorite Non-Fiction book is Heaven. My favorite Fiction book by Randy is Deadline. This book got me started on a deeper study into heaven and hell.

GENERAL NON-FICTION

MY FAVORITE BOOK OF ALL TIME: When Character was King by Peggy Noonan

These two books by Chris and Ted Stewart are amazing reads: 7 Miracles That Saved America, The Miracle of Freedom: 7 Tipping Points That Saved the World

A World Lit Only By Fire, by William Manchester

West with the Night, by Beryl Markham

Monkeys on the Interstate, by Jack Hanna

Several of the “Killing….” books by Bill O’Reilly were fascinating and non-political reads: Killing Kennedy, Killing Patton, Killing Reagan, Killing Lincoln.

FICTION

GENERAL FICTION / GENERAL HISTORICAL FICTION

Eoin Dempsey: Another new Favorite! His writing makes you feel like you’re part of the story. White Rose, Black Forest, The Longest Echo, Toward the Midnight Sun are the only ones I’ve read so far but have more on order! (Thank you Amazon!).

Rhys Bowen: A new Favorite! Her WWII novels are deeply engaging and I have loved the entire Molly Murphy Mystery series!

Mark Sullivan: Beneath a Scarlet Sky and The Last Green Valley are two of my favorite books of all time.

Jeffrey Archer: He’s a British author and writes incredibly involved stores. My favorites include the the 7-book Clifton Chronicles series and As the Crow Flies.

Joel Rosenberg

Anthony Doerr: All the Light We Cannot See and Cloud Cuckoo Land

Brad Thor

Vince Flynn/Kyle Mills

Marie Benedict: She’s a local author writing the stories of real women who have made an impact. Agatha Christie, Hedy Lamarr, Clementine Churchill, Mitza Maric (Einstein’s wife), Carnegie’s Maid, Rosalind Franklin and Belle da Costa Greene.

Kristin Hannah: I have absorbed every one of her books starting with The Nightingale.

Kate Morton: I have absorbed every one of her books as well.

FAITH BASED HISTORICAL FICTION

Angela Hunt: Historical Fiction with a faith-based premise.

Brock and Boedie Thoene: The Zion Covenant Series takes place during WWII. Fabulous read. In addition, their A.D. Chronicles is a 12 book series that takes place at the time of Jesus.

Tessa Afshar: I just discovered this author and have raced through 8 of her books.

CHRISTIAN FICTION - with a little romance on the side

Francine Rivers - if you haven’t read her Mark of the Lion series….you’re missing some great reading! The first book in this series was the first Christian fiction book I had ever read and was recommended to me by my very closest friend, Jackie.

Elizabeth Camden

Kristy Cambron

Julie Klassen

Tamara Alexander