Anne of Green Gables
L. M. Montgomery, Children's Books > Historical, 400 pages
When eleven-year-old Anne Shirley arrives at Green Gables with nothing but a carpetbag and an overactive imagination, she knows that she has found her home. But first she must convince the Cuthberts to let her stay, even though she isn’t the boy they’d hoped for. The loquacious Anne quickly finds her way into their hearts, as she has with generations of readers, and her charming, ingenious adventures in Avonlea, filled with colorful characters and tender escapades, linger forever in our memories.
A book every girl should read. There are several in the series but this one is my favorite. If you don't fall in love with Anne then something is wrong. The mini-series is always a must-see.



A Walk to Remember
Nicholas Sparks, Literature & Fiction, 224 pages
In 1958 Landon Carter is a shallow but well-meaning teenager who spends most of his time hanging out with his friends and trying hard to ignore the impending responsibilities of adulthood. Then Landon gets roped into acting the lead in the Christmas play opposite the most renowned goody two-shoes in town: Jamie Sullivan. Against his best intentions and the taunts of his buddies, Landon finds himself falling for Jamie and learning some central lessons in life.
I'm sure some of you have seen the movie but I bet not as many of you have read the book and it's so much better. The book being set in 1958 makes more since than the movie which is set in like 1990. I think one of Nicholas Sparks best.



Castles
Julie Garwood, Romance, 384 pages
Orphaned and besieged, Princess Alesandra knew that only a hasty marriage to an Englishman could protect her from the turmoil in her own land. To the amusement of her makeshift guardian, Colin, she instantly captivated London society. But when Alesandra was nearly abducted by her countrymen Colin swept her into a union meant to be a marriage in name alone. Yet her tender first kiss and hesitant caress ignited a wildfire in his soul. As the lovely princess dashed headlong into unforeseen dangers, Colin would follow, knowing he must claim her as his own forever.
Julie Garwood is my favorite romance author(well her historical romances anyway). This is one of my favorites of hers. Castles is part of her Crown's Spies series. I just love Colin and Alesandra so much! The one good thing about Julie Garwood's books are that she adds a little mystery to her romances that are good and not cheesy.



Daughter of the Forest
Juliet Marillier, Science Fiction & Fantasy, 560 pages
A beautiful retelling of the Celtic "Swans" myth, Daughter of the Forest is a mixture of history and fantasy, myth and magic, legend and love... To reclaim the lives of her brothers, Sorcha leaves the only safe place she has ever known and embarks on a journey filled with pain, loss and terror. When she is kidnapped by enemy forces and taken to a foreign land, it seems that there will be no way for Sorcha to break the spell that condemns all that she loves. But magic knows no boundaries, and Sorcha will have to choose between the love she has always known and a love that comes only once.
It's a beautiful love story as well as a lovely fairy taleish fantasy story. It may take a bit to get you sucked in but it's worth it. Sorcha is a strong female character. This is the first story in the Sevenwaters series, which are all good books, but this one is just special.



Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
J.K. Rowling, Children's Books > Series, 784 pages
It all comes down to this - a final faceoff between good and evil. You plan to pull out all the stops, but every time you solve one mystery, three more evolve. Do you stay the course you started, despite your lack of progress? Do you detour and follow a new lead that may not help? Do youlisten to your instincts, or your friends?
Lord Voldemort is preparing for battle and so must Harry. With Ron and Hermione at his side, he's trying to hunt down Voldemort's Horcruxes, escape danger at every turn, and find a way to defeat evil once and for all. How does it all end?
You've got to love the conclusion to it all! J.K. Rowling's doesn't disappoint at all with her last Harry Potter book. I love how it all comes together at the end. And love my Ron/Hermione as well.



Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
J.K. Rowling, Children's Books > Series, 652 pages
The war against Voldemort is not going well; even the Muggles have been affected. Harry receives some extraordinary help in Potions from the mysterious Half-Blood Prince, and with Dumbledore's guidance, he seeks out the full, complex story of the boy who became Lord Voldemort--and thus finds what may be his only vulnerability.
My other favorite Harry Potter book (but I really love them all). As the kids get older the books just get better. Darker and more complex plots are to be expected in this one and so is a little teen romance.



My Sergei: A Love Story
Ekaterina Gordeeva, Sports, 320 pages
They were two mismatched kids teamed by the Soviets to perform for the state, but they grew up to win four World Championships, two Olympic gold medals -- and the adoration of millions. Along the way, they fell madly in love and married. By 1995 they were the most celebrated pairs skaters ever -- until Sergei died of a sudden heart attack that year. In this moving love letter, Katya recalls their storybook romance and their thrilling career as skating stars, even offering a candid glimpse behind the Olympic glitter. And she bares her heart as she tells of Sergei's tragedy, her struggle to build a new life for herself and her daughter, and the courage she needed to skate again...alone.
A wonderful true story that I'm sure has been fancied up a bit but I love it anyway. Ekaterina is just so pretty and lovely. I enjoy reading about them training for the Olympics just as much as I love the romance part of the book. If you like romances and/or figure skating you should like this book.



Ransom
Julie Garwood, Romance, 546 pages
Gillian finds the key to resolving her troubled past in handsome Scottish chieftains Ramsey Sinclair and Brodick Buchanan. With the cunning and courage of the daring Scotsmen and with the friendship of a new ally, Brigid, Gillian at last fights the unscrupulous Baron Alfred, laying claim to her home, her family, and her father's reputation. But in the presence of the mighty warriors, Gillian and Brigid discover that desire can be a weapon of conquest, betrayal can slay trust in a heartbeat, and the greatest risk of all is surrender - to the deep emotions of unexpected love.
Ransom is the second book in Julie Garwood's Highlands' Lairds series. It's a lovely new story that brings back several characters from the first book in the series, The Secret.



Romancing Mister Bridgerton
Julia Quinn, Romance > Regency, 370 pages
Penelope Featherington fell hopelessly in love with Colin Bridgerton two days before her 16th birthday. Unfortunately, Colin has always seen Penelope as the plump, shy best friend of his younger sister. By the time Penelope is 28, she's accepted that her love for Colin is destined to remain unrequited. Fate, however, has other plans. When Lady Whistledown's Society Papers announce that Colin has returned from his nonstop travels, Penelope is blissfully unaware that her life is about to change dramatically. Colin is equally unaware of the turn his life is about to take. He's not surprised that his mother is determined to marry him off, but he's rather astonished to find himself drawn to Penelope. Her dry wit and intelligent mind are delightful. Together, the two will face the formidable Lady Danbury, confront the gossips of London society, and resolve the lovely dilemma of falling in love.
My favorite in the Bridgerton series (my second favorite being The Viscount Who Loved Me). Penelope is just one of the most likable characters, as is Colin. There just something light and easy about this romance. And the dialogue is wonderful! Julia always has lovely secondary characters. Tons of 'sigh' moments. This is also the book that uncovers the dentity of Lady Whistledown.



The Bride
Julie Garwood, Romance > Historical, 368 pages
By edict of the king, the mighty Scottish laird Alec Kincaid must take an English bride. His choice was Jamie, youngest daughter of Baron Jamison...a feisty, violet-eyed beauty. Alec ached to touch her, to tame her, to possess her...forever. But Jamie vowed never to surrender to this highland barbarian.
He was everything her heart warned against—an arrogant scoundrel whose rough good looks spoke of savage pleasures. And thought Kincaid's scorching kisses fired her blood, she brazenly resisted him...until one rapturous moment quelled their clash of wills, and something far more dangerous than desire threatened to conquer her senses...
My second favorite series from Julie Garwood is Lairds' Fiancees with this being the first book. Jamie a lovely character and so likable. She really tries so hard to make Alec except her. There's also a wonderful mystery in this one as well.



The Lion's Lady
Julie Garwood, Romance > Historical, 384 pages
Christina Bennett had taken London society by storm. The ravishing beauty guarded the secret of her mysterious past until the night Lyon, Marquis of Lyonwood, stole a searching, sensuous kiss. An arrogant nobleman with a pirate's passions, he tasted the wild fire smoldering beneath Christina's cool charm and swore to poses her...
But the fiesty and defiant Christina would not be so easily conquered. Mistress of her heart and of her fortune, she resisted Lyon's sensuous caresses. She dared not surrender to his love...for then, she must also forsake her precious secret...and her promised destiny!
This is the first book in the Crown's Spies series. I really like Lyon, he's a wonderful romance hero in this book.



The Secret
Julie Garwood, Romance > Historical, 384 pages
Proud, beautiful Judith Hampton journeys from her English home to meet the father she has never known. But even her escort, the powerful Laird Iain Maitland, cannot prepare Judith for the truth about her father -- and the devastating secret that might change her life forever.
My favorite romance book along with Romancing Mister Bridgerton. This is the book that made me love Julie Garwood. I've gotten several friends to read this book and they fell in love with it. The characters, story, and dialogue are all exceptional! Tons of 'sigh' moments.



The Wedding
Julie Garwood, Romance > Historical, 384 pages
Marrying Connor MacAlister had been an impulsive act for Brenna but after being picked up by his band of warriors, she had few alternatives. Brenna soon endears herself to the clan and when a rival laird strikes out at the MacAlisters, she knows that only her faith in her gallant mate can save her.
This book is the second in the Lairds' Fiancees series following The Bride but you can pretty much read it alone. This book a little darker than some of my other favorites. It also takes a little longer to get involved but give it time. There are also some great secondary characters as well.



Twilight
Stephenie Meyer, Teen > Love & Romance, 544 pages
When Bella Swan moves from sunny Phoenix to Forks, Washington, a damp and dreary town known for the most rainfall in the United States, to live with her dad, she isnt expecting to like it. But the level of hostility displayed by her standoffish high school biology lab partner, Edward Cullen, surprises her. After several strange interactions, his preternatural beauty, strength, and speed have her intrigued. Edward is just as fascinated with Bella, and their attraction to one another grows. As Bella discovers more about Edwards nature and his family, she is thrown headlong into a dangerous adventure that has her making a desperate sacrifice to save her one true love.
Of course I read this book before the movie and all the craziness started. I find that I liked it much more then than I do now but it's still a wonderful. I prefer it over the 3 sequels. I also prefer book Bella and Edward over movie Bella and Edward.