Coming Monday: Fantasy and Science Fiction

Check back Monday for the next list: Fantasy and Science Fiction.

Have a blessed Easter!

Mysteries and Suspense

Books 11 to 20: Mysteries and Suspense

If you like an adrenaline rush when you read, or just like to not be able to figure out what's coming next, these are for you!

11. Kiss  Shauna wakes up from a car accident with six months of her memory missing. What caused it? And how is it possible that she can access other people's memories? An adrenaline-pumping story from Ted Dekker and Erin Healy.

12. Cape Refuge  The first book in a series of four by Terri Blackstock. The books take you deep into the lives and emotions of the main characters, and by the last book, you won't want the series to end. Plot twists and suspense keep the pace fast as the characters race to solve the murders and other crimes.

13. The Book of Hours  A National Treasure type of story, complete with clues, history, suspense, and an ancient treasure! "Brian thought he had no future. Now he has the chance to start over...if he can solve the mysteries of the past found inside Castle Keep."

14. The Mermaid in the Basement  Meet Lady Serafina Trent, the widow of a viscount in 1857 London. When her brother is accused of murder, Serafina is determined to clear her brother's name by uncovering the real murderer. She gains a few unlikely allies, including an actor named Dylan Tremayne. The first book in the Lady Trent mystery series by Gilbert Morris.

15. A Conspiracy of Ravens  Serafina finds herself in the middle of another mystery when she offers to help her neighbors--the Haydens--find out who the true heir of their estate is. A murder raises the stakes dangerously high even as Serafina finds her attraction to Dylan Tremayne growing. Lady Trent Mysteries book 2.

16. Sonnet to a Dead Contessa  As women of British nobility are murdered with an alarming frequency, Lady Serafina Trent is called upon by Scotland Yard to try to solve the mystery. Meanwhile, her relationship with Dylan Tremayne takes an unexpected turn. Then all clues suddenly point to Serafina as the next victim... Lady Trent Mysteries book 3, the final book in the series.

17. Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of the Baskervilles  The classic mystery by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. This is the only full-length Sherlock Holmes novel. Holmes is called to moors to solve the murder of Sir Charles Baskerville, who seems to have been killed by an enormous hound.

18. The Edge of Recall  Tessa Young's mind is haunted by an event she can't even recall. She is fascinated with labyrinths and building them is her career. While rebuilding a Colonial-era labyrinth, suddenly Tessa's nightmares come to life.

19. Freefall  When she wanders out of the Hanalei Mountains on the Island of Kauai, Hawaii, she knows nothing about herself, not even her name. Now known as Jade, she must accept the help of an unlikely ally to find out who she is, and what she was doing in Hawaii.

20. Blink of an Eye  What if you could see the future? Or all possible futures and how to make them happen? Seth suddenly finds himself the possessor of this gift, at the same time that a Saudi princess collides with his peaceful existence. It is up to him to save her life.

For The Young at Heart

Books 1 to 10: For the young at heart

Although these books were supposedly written for "younger readers," I feel that they can be enjoyed by readers of any age. They are, in fact, some of my favorites.

1. Ella Enchanted  A retelling of the story of Cinderella-- in a way that the story makes more sense than Disney's version. A charming, realistic look at the way love really happens.

2. The Two Princesses of Bamarre  A tale of two sisters living in a medieval kingdom. Their peaceful existence is shattered by the coming of the Grey Death-- and true love.

3. Here There Be Dragons: The Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica  An incredible fantasy story. It is made even better by a mind-blowing surprise at the end that will make you want to go back and read it all over again.

4. The Healer's Apprentice  A retelling of the story of Sleeping Beauty. Once again, the story makes a lot more sense than the unrealistic Disney version. It is a sweet, wistful romance.

5. Elsie Dinsmore  This classic story is the first in a series about a girl growing up in the south before the civil war.

6. Redwall  Travel to Redwall Abbey, a medieval place inhabited by mice, moles, and other woodland creatures! This is the first book in an extensive, addictive series.

7. House of Dark Shadows  Definitely not recommended for younger readers. This science fiction book had me scared half out of my wits. Nice family moves into old house that is not at all what it seems.

8. Mandie and the Secret Tunnel  The first in the long series of Mandie mysteries. A teen girl growing up in the early 1900s has a knack for landing in the middle of a mystery-- and solving it!

9. Meet the Austins, The Moon By Night, and A Ring of Endless Light  This series about the Austin family, and especially teenage Vicky Austin is by the author of A Wrinkle in Time, Madeline L'Engle. About a typical American family, these books are worth reading and rereading.

10. The Chronicles of Narnia  This list would not be complete without these classics by C.S. Lewis. Can be read by any age, since the stories only get better with age.

Starting tomorrow-- my list of top 50 recommended reads for summer!

Yes, it's time to start gearing up for the summer reading season. And there's nothing more frustrating than not being able to come up with a good book to read. So I decided to make a few recommendations.

Beginning tomorrow, I will start posting lists and short descriptions of what I consider to be the books most worth your time. My all-time favorite, tear-jerker, laugh-out-loud, fantasy, science fiction, romance, mystery, and everything else books!

So, sit back and relax. No need to spend your days trying to find a good read. I have already done all the work for you. Now all you have to do is pick one.

Coming soon-- Recommended Reading

The end of the spring college semester is almost upon us. And you know what that means: more time to read! I will be posting soon my recommended summer reading list. No matter what kind of books you like to read, I think you will find something you like.

How to be God's Little Princess by Sheila Walsh

            How to be God's Little Princess, Royal Tips on Manners and Etiquette for Girls is by Sheila Walsh, the author of the "Gigi, God's Little Princess" series. What little girl doesn't want to learn how to be a princess? The pretty dresses, the crowns, it's all so exciting! But what's even more exciting? Being God's little princess. For every little girl who wants to know exactly how to be that princess, there is Sheila Walsh's book.

            This little pink book is chock full of activities and crafts that girls will love to do, as well as fun quizzes to take. The illustrations are wonderful and illustrate the many "how-to" topics.

            But most of all, this is a quality book in another way. It is not focused on making little girls grow up too soon. In our culture, I think that girls are forced to grow up faster and faster, and that's just not right. But How to be God's Little Princess is a book that lets little girls be their own age and love it.

            This is a book for any age. An older girl can enjoy reading it on her own. For younger girls, the book is best shared with mom. Together they can do the activities, make the crafts, take the quizzes, and learn all about what it means to be God's little princess!

For more information, click HERE: How to be God's Little Princess product page

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book Review of Seek Me With All Your Heart by Beth Wiseman

            Seek Me With All Your Heart is a gem of a novel by Beth Wiseman. Whether you love Amish fiction or not, I think you will enjoy this book. It is a heartfelt and heartstring-tugging story that takes place in the brand new Amish settlement in Canaan, Colorado. Emily Detweiler and her family are trying to escape from the memory of a tragedy that took place in their old hometown in Ohio. David Stoltzfus and his family have also moved to Canaan for a fresh start, though David would much rather be back home in Paradise, Pennsylvania. What will happen if these two hurting souls can move past their own pain and find friendship? Well, that's for you to find out when you read this book!

            I have found that most of the time when I read stories about the Amish, I cannot connect with the characters in the story. Their lives are just too different and too perfect. But Seek Me With All Your Heart is so much different-- and better. The characters are human and face struggles in their daily lives and in their faith. You find yourself being drawn deep into the story (and reading late into the night).

            As David and Emily's story progresses, their faith is strengthened and they make new friends along the way. But this is not just the story of David and Emily. You will also meet and follow their families.

            I would highly recommend this inspirational journey to Canaan. But be warned! When you reach the end, you will be longing for the next book in the series. Please hurry, Beth Wiseman, and write another story about Canaan, Colorado!

If you're interested in this story, click here to learn more: Seek Me With All Your Heart Product Page.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html>: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."