This week’s blog challenge is about my 5 Favorite books and what I like about them. I couldn’t limit it to 5, so I am featuring my top 10 (I could probably list a lot more and have actually cheated a bit by listing more than one by each author). Sophia Valentine of Lifestyle and Literature created this blog challenge (see graphic for topics and dates if you have a blog and would like to participate. If you’re a reader, I’m sure you’ll enjoy learning about some of the great participating authors).
Authors (and librarians, too) are often asked what books they have read and enjoyed. Like movie reviews, their replies are very individual and not necessarily meant as recommendations. Below I have listed some of my favorite books and series along with why I liked them and what I would perhaps like to emulate about the writing style or plot. They are not listed in any particular order.
1. Second Glance and Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult
While I have read a few of Picoult’s books, these two stand out for me. They both have a touch of paranormal that I like with the sense of past and strong characters that appeal to me. I also enjoyed Leaving Time for it’s unique information about elephants and a great twist featuring a touch of supernatural, as well. One of my books, Cloudy Rainbow, also features a touch of the paranormal.
2. The Eight by Katherine Neville
Not an easy book to read but one that is worth reading several times. Historical detail about the French Revolution is nicely researched. It brings to mind one of my classic favorites, A Tale of Two Cities. The characters are witty and colorful. The time switches between the past and the present merge well. Information about chess and its history and masters is a plus.
3. Chill Factor by Sandra Brown
This mystery novel is atmospheric and features well-depicted winter weather effects. It kept me guessing until nearly the end.
4. The Summerhouse by Jude Deveraux 
As a time travel fan, this hit a chord with me. I loved the characters and plot.
5. Find Me by Carol O’Connell
All of the Mallory mysteries are good, but this one was especially well written. The Mallory series is tough to read but worth the effort. I like books that make you think and feel. This psychological thriller does both, as do all the books in this series.
6. Lightning by Dean Koontz 
Koontz is another of my favorite horror authors. This was an oldie but greatie featuring time travel with great characters and plot.
7. Time and Again by Jack Finney
This wonderful time travel classic tells a beautiful love story set in atmospheric turn-of-the-century New York. The black and white photos were an interesting plus. I loved this book.
8. Carolina Moon, Midnight Bayou, and Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts (counting these as 1) 
I thoroughly enjoy most of this prolific author’s novels, but these are 
my favorites, so far, for atmosphere, suspense, and romance. I also love her futuristic In Death mystery series Roberts writes as J.D. Robb.
9 Me Before You by Jojo Moyes– This is a different type of book about a woman who falls in love with a paraplegic. The characters were portrayed realistically, and it made me cry at the end. I can’t wait to see the movie that just came out.
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0. I’ve Got You Under My Skin by Mary Higgins – a suspenseful read that keeps you guessing who-dun-it. I love Mary Higgins Clark.
Of course, my own book, A Stone’s Throw, is one of my favorites, as well, and I hope it will become one of yours, too. It features mystery, romance, and what most reviewers are saying is a great twist.
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