Best Books of 2013

How long does a story stay with you?  

My very favorite books are ones that I find myself excitedly describing to friends weeks - and even months - after reading them.

The following books are ones that I read quite some time ago but whose characters are still hopping around inside my head. I've searched for sequels, sought out prequels, and wanted to email characters for holiday updates.  

So these may no longer be the hottest new releases, but they're my top picks from 2013.  If you haven't read them yet, these are the books that need to top your reading list for 2014.  

Ready?  Here goes, in no particular order:

"Dark Halo" by Shannon Dittemore.  These YA books about a girl who can see the celestial are unforgettable.  They've made me want to dive into the Bible to find out exactly what it has to say about angels and demons and spiritual warfare.  They're completely fascinating - and more than deep enough for adults.

"Once Upon a Prince" by Rachel Hauck.  This modern-day fairy tale is both fun and dramatic.  I loved the lessons that Hauck writes and have been eagerly awaiting the next in the series.

"Serpent of Moses" by Don Hoesel.  This Indiana Jones-style adventure is fun and full-out and safe for kids.  It's an adventure the whole family will enjoy - and I recommend it as such often.

"Tales of the Defended Ones" by Beth Guckenberger  This book, written by Mexican missionary Beth Guckenberger, contains stories of kids around the world and the ways that God is defending and protecting them even when they themselves can't see it.  I'm currently using this curriculum with our church's elementary-aged youth group, and I love it every bit as much as I did the first book in the series.  A very provocative read. 

"Return to Me" by Lynn Austin  This newest historical fiction by Austin is a real winner.  I'm saving it for my kids to read and have already loaned it out to several friends.  Be sure to read this soon so that you're ready when the sequel hits the stands!

"Submerged" by Dani Pettrey  This is one series that my husband and I are reading together, and it's fun to be able to discuss books with my husband, the determined non-reader!  He enjoys these just as much as I do, though, and with action, adventure, and mystery-romance all in each book, these are great reads for us both.

"The Tehran Initiative" by Joel C. Rosenberg  Rosenberg has completely altered my view of the news and of the Middle East with this series of books.  Never having had ANY interest in politics, world events, or understanding people's actions all the way around the world, Rosenberg has brought the Middle East conflicts to life.

What tops your reading list for 2014??

Inspired Wednesday - "Dark Halo" by Shannon Dittemore

I've always enjoyed a good sci fi story.  

In the past my favorite have been time travel stories.  There's just something about the idea of people being able to visit the Wild West or the Revolution or go back to make a difference somewhere that's always fascinated me.

My new sci fi favorite isn't about time travel, though, but realm travel.  It's the third and final installment in the Angel Eyes series, and it's a fascinating look at what might happen if we had the eyes of angels - if we could see those heavenly bodies that God promises are all around us.

If we could see that, what might it look like?  What sort of spiritual battles are being waged all around us that we might never see?  I feel sure that theologians have whole parties where they debate that question, but Dittemore put an even more interesting spin on it - she made the sole human owner of that special vision a teenage girl in love with the orphan charge of an angel.

Doesn't get much more exciting - except when that handsome charge has been kidnapped by Satan, and that beautiful all-seeing girl decides to go get him back.

That's the premise of this story, and is a wonderful read.  I couldn't put it down - I was completely drawn into the spiritual battle between demon Damien and the angels surrounding Stratus.  There was an extra layer of sub-plots in this book that weren't present in the first, showing just how skillful a writer Dittemore is and just how well-planned the entire series is.

I think this series would make a great teen book club choice.  Obviously it's more than one book, but it's important to read all three to get the full scope of just who angels are and who we are in turn. I think that there are great debating options that arise from this plot and the potential to go back to the Bible and research just what it says about angels and their duties is huge.  In-depth discussions could really spring from this book.

Throughout the entire book, Dittemore's writing style and ideas reminded me of Ted Dekker's Circle series.  Not in any way has she incorporated his ideas, but her translation of the spiritual into a physical outcome is an idea that Dekker has used.  If Dittemore keeps this up, she'll definitely be rivaling Dekker for the top sci spots on the best seller's lists.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Are you a sci fi fan?

Be sure to check out Stephanie's Inspired Wednesday post over at The Multi Taskin' Mom!

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