So many books, so little time!

Long before I started writing, and then became a published author, I was a huge reader. Still am to this day. Some of my fondest memories are of going to the library in our town and coming home with a stack of books. I’d sit in the yard under a tree and get lost in the stories.

When I was in high school, I hung out in the library, mainly to do homework or reports, but I still picked out the occasional fiction novel.  In college, I read less for pleasure and more for my classes, but once I graduated and started in the work force, I went back to the joy of reading novels.

So what do I like to read? Pretty much anything. I can devour a book a week, sometimes more depending on my schedule. Do I have a problem? Yes. A good one, I think. I can happily sit by a pool at a resort or snuggled on a couch, before a fire, in a cozy cabin, with a book in my hands. At home, I read either on the couch in my living room or in my bed before I go to sleep.

So, back to books. There are so many genres.

Classical literature. Romance with all the offshoots; suspense, historical, paranormal, to name a few. Then there are mysteries, thrillers, young adult, science fiction, fantasy, horror, (not for me!) action adventure, family sagas and women’s fiction. I’m sure I’ve left out a few. You can also find Christian or secular books in some of the same categories. My point is, if you love to read, you can find just about any type of book to make you happy.

My To-Read pile, which seems to grow weekly, is a variety of genres. I mainly read fiction novels, going to non-fiction if I’m doing research. I do love devotionals and Bible study books as well. If you look through my pile, you’ll find mysteries, contemporary romance, historical romance, either Regency or Victorian periods.  I enjoy WWII stories as well. Also, you’ll find romantic suspense. Any plot line I have to solve makes me happy.

Every once in a while my husband and I will find an author we both like. Then we’ll read the books and say. ‘Wait till you get to this part!’ or ‘Where in the book did you figure it out?’  Yeah, we’re a little competitive.

As far as authors go, I have my favorites. I’ll buy their books as soon as a new one is released. But I love discovering new voices, of which there are many. I constantly find new-to-me authors and savor the journey of reading their body of work. New books are like opening a present on a special occasion.

So, if you love to read, what would be your favorite reading list? You know you want to share!

Tara Randel is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. Family values, a bit of mystery and of course, love and romance, are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Look for her Harlequin Heartwarming romance, STEALING HER BEST FRIEND’S HEART, available  now. For more information about her books, visit Tara at www.tararandel.com. Like her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TaraRandelBooks. Sign up for Tara’s Newsletter.