Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Books to Devour

I'm currently reading "The Silent Governess" by Julie Klassen. The story is deep, delightful, and engaging. It's just my taste and I'm devouring every word. The books I enjoy reading most, that I can really sink my teeth into, are compelling historical fiction novels with an element of romance. Sometimes it is a coming of age story, a journey, and sometimes an outright historical romance. They tend to have a more serious tone (though I enjoy lighthearted scenes to break it up), often a strong spiritual theme threaded throughout (yet not preachy and overdone), authentic internal struggles (that show that characters are as human as you and me.), are rich in historical detail (scattered throughout), and provide vivid settings and characterization (without information dumps), I also enjoy a touch of mystery and adventure (to spice it up). I want it all!

I enjoy Catherine Palmer and M. L. Tyndall books that have a touch of adventure. Susan Page Davis historicals are entralling, Ruth Axtell Morren's deep and romantic. Laura Frantz writes with a good measure of it all. I also like the novels of Cathy Marie Hake and Deeanne Gist who's blend of the whimsical with serious issues make the reading irresistable.

Though I know I'm not in league with any of these excellent authors, these are the kind of stories I try to write while working on my own unique style - and hopefully those that potential readers will someday want to devour!


What kind of novels do you tend to devour? What kind of stories do you write and hope readers can sink their teeth into?

15 comments:

  1. Andrea, you and your family are in my prayers. Love to you and your family!

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  2. You had me hooked with the adorable kitty pic! I love to devour MG and YA fantasy. :-)

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  3. I loved The Silent Governess. I'm also a fan of Tyndall, Palmer & Gist. I have a book by Ruth Axtell Morren on my TBR pile, and I have high hopes for it. :o) I'll have to look up Laura Frantz.

    I too want to include so many of these elements in my own writing. I wrote my first manuscript without a clue about what I should be doing. I didn't have anything but an idea. Now I'm learning so much about what I did wrong with it. lol It can be discouraging, but I know I'm becoming a better writer. I don't know when or if I'll ever be the kind of writer we've been discussing here, but I just do my best to be teachable, listen to God's prompting, and trust Him to make up the difference for what I lack.

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  4. Sometimes I go on a Dick Francis binge. Since he just died, it may be time to do that again.

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  5. I find that my preferences have change every over the years. I still enjoy everything, but I tend to devour one particular genre at a time.

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  6. Hi Carla -

    I'm also reading, "The Silent Governess," enjoying it. Cathy Marie Hake, Catherine Palmer, Kim Vogel Sawyer, and Julie Lessman are a few of my favorite historical authors.

    Historicals have captured my heart. Love 'em!

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  7. I love to read suspense novels, and would like to write something suspenseful, too. However, nearly everything I write ends up being a romance as I can't force myself to put my characters in danger.

    Carol

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  8. Carla, You are always like a ray of sunshine to me. Fancy finding my name amongst such good company! I'm still pinching myself. I just rec'd Hearts in the Highlands by Ruth Axtell Morren. But mostly I'm researching and reading that way. Thanks for another great post!

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  9. I love thriller/suspense and also humor.

    I have an award for you HERE

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  10. Isn't that a great pic, Shannon!

    Southpaw, with your grizzly bear avatar I can just imagine you devouring books! LOL!

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  11. Susan, I never heard of Dick Francis, but just checked him out. Suspense and intrigue, ah, now I see. . .

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  12. Carol, I getcha. Even if I try to write a straight historical, romance always comes in to play.

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  13. Thank you for the award, Vicki!
    Btw, you might enjoy Susan Page Davis's mysteries.

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  14. Oh, yes, Laura, you are in good company, and deserve to be there!
    Hearts in the Highlands is a great story, I love his occupation and her involvement. Make sure you read some of RAM's regency's, too.

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  15. Should have clarified, we have author Susan Page Davis visiting here today,too, as well as author Laura Frantz! Our other Susan is our fantastic friend Susan Reinhardt from Christian Reader Writer Connection. And I'm with you Susan R. - I have a love affair with historicals!

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