Brighter Stars Editing

01

By the Sword Divided by Molly Hardwick

I fell in love with this series when it aired on PBS in the 80s, and couldn't rest until I found the book. Depicting the fictional Lacy family during the English Civil War, By the Sword Divided combines derring do, romance and tragedy. Perfect!

 

02

An Excellent Mystery by Ellis Peters

The book lives up to its name. While you may guess at the twist to come in the story, the ending still warms your innards from head to toe!

 

03

Dead Man's Ransom by Ellis Peters

Yeah, I'm a Peters fan. This story about an 11th century, murder-solving monk always resonates as one of the best. Find out what happened to the sheriff in this rousing tale!

 

04

North and South by John Jakes

There are two famous novels by this title, but the John Jakes one touched my heart. It must have touched many, because it was later made into a miniseries with David Carradine and Patrick Swayze.

 

05

Animal Farm by George Orwell

This one is too famous to even describe. The author needs no introduction.

 

06

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Okay, I'm a soppy sentimental girl who needs an old fashioned love story every so often.

 

07

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

This one is not a book that I like, actually, but it is a book that affected me profoundly, and so it deserves a place on this list.

 

08

All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot

I should have placed this higher; it is one of the best things I've read for a warm and fuzzy feeling.

 

09

Lord of the Rings Trilogy, by J.R.R. Tolkien

While I don't think Tolkien is the best writer, I do admit that his works evoke a wonderful imagery that warms my heart. I loved all three books, and more.

 

10

Harry Potter, the series, by J.K. Rowling

Any series that can hold my interest and prompt me to spend money on every single volume deserves a place on my top ten list.