13 of My Favorite Books To Re-read
For Thursday 13 this week I decided to talk about some of my favorite reads. These are books that I love to re-read. Some of these are the kind of books that you want to open up after a rotten day. It's comfortable to slip into the story because I know and love the characters. Some are old, old favorites that I have practically memorized. They're not necessarily great literature, but they are so good. Others were my way of surviving junior high and high school. Books took me to wonderful places when I was young. I come from a pretty disunctional home, so books were really my safe place. My favorite re-reads aren't limited to these, but here are a few (in no special order):
1. The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis. Actually, several of the books in the Chronicles of Narnia are favorite re-reads. I thought the recent movie the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe was pretty good (Prince Caspian was good too, but not as much for me) and I'm hoping to see The Voyage of the Dawn Treader around Christmas.
2. The Hornet's Nest by Sally Watson. This author is, in my opinion, the Grande Dame of Young Adult historicals. I could list five more books by Sally Watson as my faves, but I'm trying to give other books some time here. But if you enjoy young adult historical stories, go find Lark or Jade or Linnet or Highland Rebel by Sally Watson. Go NOW. I cannot say enough good things about her lovely writing style. When she writes a scene I feel like I'm there. This amazing writer is still writing today. Check out her books here.
3. Heir of the Shadows by Anne Bishop. A dark fantasy that appeals to me greatly, perhaps because of the close ties between friends and family that are depicted. It doesn't hurt that Daemon is so hot. 
This series has romance in them, but is primarily dark fantasy.
4. The Ransom by Julie Garwood. I think of Julie Garwood's work as fairy tales. There are several that I might pull out for a quick re-read, like Saving Grace, The Secret and The Bride.
5. Slave To Sensation by Nalini Singh. I adore the whole Psy/Changeling series, and this is possibly the best of the bunch. Although Caressed By Ice and Mine To Possess are right up there.
6. Beggerman, Thief by Maryjanice Davidson. This futuristic/paranormal short story is a jewel. The dialogue is witty and conveys emotion without actually stating it. I believe is it still available from loose id. Great fun. I read it when I want a lift.
7. Captives of the Night by Loretta Chase. Many people would point out other stories by this author such as Lord of Scoundrels as a favorite, and I love that one too. But the hero in this one fascinates me. I was intrigued by Ismal in The Lion's Daughter, and I loved him here.
8. Friday's Child by Georgetter Heyer. A gem. I love almost anything by this author and could list a dozen other stories that could go on this list. The Talisman Ring, The masqueraders, The Devil's Cub and The Grand Sophyare only a few. But I'll put this one on because I laughed out loud a few times. I love the way Sherry has to grow up.
9. A Brother's Price by Wen Spencer. A fun fantasy story set in a culture where boys are rare. Women are the gender in power, while men are babied and protected. A very innovative and well written story. I also re-read her Ukiah Oregon series regularly.
10. Plan B by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller. This husband and wife writing team has created a wonderful sci fi world. Plan B isn't the only book in their Liaden series that I re-read, but it is one that ties quite a bit of the series together. I'm so glad they are back to writing more Liaden stories. Looking forward to the next one.
11. Beauty by Robin McKinley. In my opinion, this is the very best re-telling of Beauty and the Beast ever written. I also love to re-read The Blue Sword by this author. I recently read Pegasus, her most recent release, and I loved it.
12. His Hour by Elinor Glyn. This romance was written almost 100 years ago, when racy meant the hero and heroine kissed. I wonder if this book pushed the envelope for its time. Talk about an alpha hero! If this book were written today, I think the wild Russian Prince hero would stay the same, but the love scenes would be hot hot hot.
13. The Substitute Guest by Grace Livingston Hill. I know, I know. This book is sappy. Corny. Preachy. But it is still the book I re-read every Christmas season. It is a feel-good story about love and family. I eneded with this one because because it is a Christmas story, and I've set aside a few hours for it this weekend.
So, what stories do you find yourself reaching for to re-read?
