As I sit here this morning looking out over our backyard, a heavy mist shrouds the landscape. The snow and grass seem to be in a struggle over which parts of the yard belong to whom. Across our property lies a patchwork of white, brown, and green bordered by trees that actually seem to be looking down upon the earth wondering when it will be time to awaken from their long, cold slumber. And as if the East Coast hasn’t already had more than its share of winter, more snow is heading our way. The good news for those of us in the Mid-Atlantic is that at least we’ve been able to thaw a little in between each storm. Not so for Boston, Buffalo, and many other cities and towns north of here!
I’ve already accepted the fact that there will be four people in the kitchen tomorrow baking Katie’s sweet sixteen cake rather than just one, and I might just have many more hands available to decorate for her party on Friday. However, I so long for an entire week of writing without interruption! I understand that many people are just itching to get into their gardens and out in their boats. I would just love to have a five-day stretch where I can sit in quiet and complete a chapter or so per day in my next novel. Alas, that doesn’t seem to be in the forecast for me this week, but perhaps a good read is in your future. So I’ve decided to share with you my list of my all time favorite books. Like all good librarians, I will categorize the list. I hope there is something here that you will enjoy reading. I believe that you will find a few hidden gems amongst some of the more well-known titles. So pick a book, sit by the fire, and remember that spring is just 15 days away!
Amy’s All Time Favorite Books:
Historical Fiction
The Lady of Arlington by Harnett T. Kane – a novel based on the life of Mary Custis Lee, the wife of Robert E. Lee
The entire Little House series – have you read them as an adult? You should!
Romance
Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Green – a book I have loved since I was in middle school.
Fantasy
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by JK Rowling – really, did you truly expect me to not have a Harry Potter book on the list?
Memoir
The Reading Promise by Alice Ozma – A father and daughter vow to read together for 1,000 nights, and magic happens.
General Literature
So many to list!
Beaches by Iris R. Dart – A tear-jerking story about lifelong best friends and the ups and downs of their relationship
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield – a timeless tale (truly – you have no idea when in time this takes place) of secrets and lies that come out when a young writer is summoned to write the memoirs of a dying woman.
Playing for Pizza by John Grisham – perhaps an odd choice, but I love a good book about football, and this one is a lot of fun!
The Choice by Nicholas Sparks – The “choice” will leave you buried in a pile of tissues!
Classics
Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier – A nameless heroine falls in love with Max deWinter, a man haunted by his past.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte – Jane falls in with Mr. Rochester, also a man haunted by his past.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen – love and romance in the Victorian Age
Mystery/Suspense
This is the hardest list to narrow down for me. I am a sucker for a good suspense story!
The Christmas Train by David Baldacci
The Lifeguard by James Patterson
Where are the Children by Mary Higgins Clark
Please add your favorites to the list!
Amy Schisler is an author of mystery and suspense novels. Her first book, A Place to Call Home may be purchased in stores, online, and through ibooks. Her previously published children’s book, Crabbing With Granddad may be purchased in stores and on Amazon.
http://amyschislerauthor.com/amyschislerauthor.com/Books.html You may follow Amy at http://facebook.com/amyschislerauthor on Twitter @AmySchislerAuth and on her web site http://amyschislerauthor.com
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