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Best of 2010 Reading
Jan. 1st, 2011 11:28 amMy awards for books I most highly enjoyed in 2010.
Historical Fiction:
The Seven Wonders Series by T.L. Higley
Higley is on my official watchlist of "authors I must read" after weaving these powerful stories. It's a great concept: a novel set at each of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. There are three titles out so far and I've found every one excellent. Besides the fact that they have sent me on a research mission of my own to know more about these places, what I also find inspiring is how Higley gives us a look at the faith of believers before Jesus Christ came into the world. How thankful I am that our Messiah has already come and we are no longer awaiting His arrival... yet we are still tied to those many thousands before who trusted in the One True God. I can't recommend these enough for those who love history!
Contemporary Fiction:
Healing Stones and Healing Waters by Stephen Arterburn and Nancy Rue
I haven't read the third book in this series yet, but the first two were wonderful. The first book is focused on Dr. Demitria Costanas, a woman literally caught in adultery who has lost her job, her self-respect and is well on her way to losing her family. The second book is about Lucia, a woman who has given up her desires and interests in favor of others all her life, but with her marriage on shaky ground and her televangelist sister needing her more than ever, she has some hard questions to ask herself. The connecting factor in both stories is Christian counselor Sullivan Crisp, who is on his own journey to work through the pains and haunting remnants of his past. Sully's story is woven seamlessly through these two books, while remaining separate from the ones he is working with. I can hardly wait to see how his personal healing comes full circle in the third novel.
Classic Literature:
A Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton-Porter
This was one of my grandmother's favorite books and I remember her reading it to me as soon as she thought I was old enough to begin understanding it. It has continued to be a favorite of mine through many re-reads and this time through I realized just how much this book made an impression on me while growing up. I love how good literature does that!
Christian Living:
What Happens When Women Pray by Evelyn Christenson
Evelyn gets together with 7 other ladies to learn what happens when women pray... and it turns out to sweep across her home, church, community, and even beyond to change people's perspective on prayer. I thought this was very straightforward and focused on the right areas without being overbearing. Simple yet challenging! It made me want to get on my knees and start praying, which is exactly what a book on prayer should do.
Historical Fiction:
The Seven Wonders Series by T.L. Higley
Higley is on my official watchlist of "authors I must read" after weaving these powerful stories. It's a great concept: a novel set at each of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. There are three titles out so far and I've found every one excellent. Besides the fact that they have sent me on a research mission of my own to know more about these places, what I also find inspiring is how Higley gives us a look at the faith of believers before Jesus Christ came into the world. How thankful I am that our Messiah has already come and we are no longer awaiting His arrival... yet we are still tied to those many thousands before who trusted in the One True God. I can't recommend these enough for those who love history!
Contemporary Fiction:
Healing Stones and Healing Waters by Stephen Arterburn and Nancy Rue
I haven't read the third book in this series yet, but the first two were wonderful. The first book is focused on Dr. Demitria Costanas, a woman literally caught in adultery who has lost her job, her self-respect and is well on her way to losing her family. The second book is about Lucia, a woman who has given up her desires and interests in favor of others all her life, but with her marriage on shaky ground and her televangelist sister needing her more than ever, she has some hard questions to ask herself. The connecting factor in both stories is Christian counselor Sullivan Crisp, who is on his own journey to work through the pains and haunting remnants of his past. Sully's story is woven seamlessly through these two books, while remaining separate from the ones he is working with. I can hardly wait to see how his personal healing comes full circle in the third novel.
Classic Literature:
A Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton-Porter
This was one of my grandmother's favorite books and I remember her reading it to me as soon as she thought I was old enough to begin understanding it. It has continued to be a favorite of mine through many re-reads and this time through I realized just how much this book made an impression on me while growing up. I love how good literature does that!
Christian Living:
What Happens When Women Pray by Evelyn Christenson
Evelyn gets together with 7 other ladies to learn what happens when women pray... and it turns out to sweep across her home, church, community, and even beyond to change people's perspective on prayer. I thought this was very straightforward and focused on the right areas without being overbearing. Simple yet challenging! It made me want to get on my knees and start praying, which is exactly what a book on prayer should do.
