Let me just say, upfront, that this was hard, choosing just 10 books. But I forced myself to do it (though I did “cheat” by including a few series!). I read a variety of genres, so I tried to represent each here: YA, science fiction, historical, mystery, romance, non-fiction. Not all of these  were published in 2013, but they were (almost) all new to me this year.

Let me know if you agree/disagree with any of my choices. And give me some ideas for my 2014 reads!

My Top 10 Favorite Books, 2013…

1. The Bible

This tops my list every year. I studied I Corinthians-Revelation in a bible study at church, Ephesians with our Sunday school class, Galatians, Jonah, and parts of Psalms and Proverbs on my own. So good! Life-changing. I never get tired of reading this Book.

2. The River of Time Series by Lisa T. Bergren

Time travel to 14th century Italy? Yes, please! This book had so much of what I love – YA Christian/Historical/Speculative fiction. I tore through this trilogy in less than a week. It was fabulous!

3. The Alaskan Courage series by Dani Pettrey

This is such a good series! Pettrey’s mysteries are filled with suspense, romance, and intrigue. The next one isn’t out until May 6…I will be first in line for it!

4. Across the Universe trilogy by Beth Revis

Another great YA trilogy – this time, space travel. Such a brilliant premise, with twists and turns and surprises I never saw coming. I wouldn’t recommend this to younger readers, as the last book has some situations that would be rated “PG-13”, but, other than that, it is an incredible series. I was sad to see it end.

5. Made to Crave by Lysa Terkeurst

  This book was a great reminder that food is just food – we shouldn’t use it to meet our emotional needs or to entertain us when we are bored. We should neither worship nor fear it. Terkeurst teaches that what we really crave is a relationship with Christ. He fills up the empty places in us. Our weight issues can’t be fixed by diets or work-out programs, but with complete surrender to the Savior.

6. Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter

I haven’t read a book by Denise Hunter that I haven’t loved. Christian romance at its finest. This one was especially sweet.

7. The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen

Julie Klassen’s historical fiction is so beautifully written. As an anglophile, I love the british settings and historical details. I read several by her this year, but this was my favorite.

8. not a fan. by Kyle Idleman

This book was fabulous. I love Idleman’s conversational style.  He challenges believers to get off the bench and join the game. It’s not a “beat yourself up because you’re not good enough” kind of book, but it does push you to consider what you are doing, why you are doing it, and what more you can do. I needed the challenge, and I look forward to reading more books by him!

9. Rules of Murder by Julianna Deering

1930s England, Sherlock-style crime fighting, and Nick and Nora dialogue…so much of what I love in this adorable book! I can’t wait for book #2 (February 25 can’t come soon enough!).

10. Saving Leonardo by Nancy Pearcey

I loved Pearcey’s book, Total Truth. It revolutionized not only the way I think, but also the way I teach and write. Pearcey’s focus in both books is on Christians bringing our worldview into every aspect of our lives – refusing the “private faith” idea, and “going public” with it. In this book, she looks at philosophy, art, music, literature, and popular culture through the lens of biblical and historical Christianity. This book is not a quick, easy read, but it is very well worth it.