Naomi Dawn Musch

     Here I am, winding up another year and a lot of terrific reads in 2009. Many a late night hour I wiled away, lost in the company of characters who carried me away from time and place. As a result, a few of those novels stand out in my mind above all the others. They are those books that go with me still, which hold turns of phrase that plant themselves inside my mind, the craftmanship of which I wish to be able to emulate. They are the books that I rate with 4 or 5 stars, 3 being enjoyable, but not quite gripping enough to make this prestigious (at least to my mind and tastes) list.

     With that said, here are my favorite books of 2009. Two of them I honor with five stars -- which is rare in my world. But they truly deserved them for being able to pull me, hold me, and make me forget that I'm a writer, studying structure as I read. Have you read any of them? What did you think? And if not, what was one of your favorites this year?

1. The Frontiersman's Daughter by Laura Frantz, published by Revell.

 This is my kind of tale, set in a period of history which captivates me like no other. Even one of my children bares a middle name for a frontiersman of this era. I really didn't expect to find this kind of riveting storytelling when I picked up the book. I don't know why. Perhaps because I think that 5-star books are so hard to find. But it resonated with me, not only for its truth in history, but also its ability to pull me in deeply with the character and to create a stunning world of harsh beauty which I could see, smell, and nearly touch.

2.  Behold the Dawn by K.M. Weiland, published by Pen for a Sword.

 Another stunner, and a true epic in both cast and quality. The suprising thing about this book set during the third crusade, is that the author created her own publishing company to publish her work. Anyone who thinks that self-publishing doesn't merit attention had better sit up and pay attention to K.M. Weiland. Up until December, hers was the ONLY book on my list to recieve 5 stars.

3. What the Bayou Saw, by Patti Lacy, published by Kregel.

 This book took a gritty look at civil rights as seen through the eyes of a middle-aged college professor whose horrific secrets of years past collide with a tragedy in her present world. Ms. Lacy weaves a story between past and present that is sometimes so poignant, it can leave a reader weeping. As I tend toward historicals, it's a big deal indeed when a (mostly) contemporary story lands 4 stars on my list.

4. Beyond This Moment by Tamera Alexander, published by Bethany House

  This is the final book to recieve 4 stars from me this year. I don't think I've read a Tamera Alexander book I haven't enjoyed. She captivates readers with deep themes woven in romantic settings between less-than-perfect people. It's exactly the reason I read Christian fiction. Writing like hers continues to raise the bar for Christian authors and all those who love good writing.

Obviously, my heart leans toward historical women's fiction. Your bents might be similar or vastly different. If you tend toward thrillers or mysteries, I have to admit that my reading habits fall woefully short in that genre, so feel free to recommend your five star selection. I'd love to hear from you.