8 of My Favorite ‘Snuggle by the Fire’ Books

I think it’s safe to say that most writers are also avid readers. If I’m not at my computer spinning some sort of tale – real or imagined – cooking, taking a walk, puttering in the garden or visiting with family and friends, you’ll most likely find me with a book/kindle in my hand. Those who are paying attention will notice that housework is not on that list. It’s not that I don’t do housework, it’s just that I tend to wait until the dust bunnies are about ready to participate in a coup.

Despite what I said in my last blog about loving California’s wonderful Fall weather, it’s one of those things that doesn’t tend to last very long. Our weather has a bad habit of going from late summer to early winter in the blink of an eye. Our heater kicked on for the first time today and my thoughts have turned to sitting by the fire with a good book.

Here are some of my all-time favorites in no particular order, just how they popped into my head. As you will see, I'm eclectic in my reading preferences:

 

All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot

The fantastic descriptions of the Yorkshire Dales and the daily life of a country veterinarian make you feel like you are right there with him birthing a foal or swapping stories with one of the colorful characters that fill his books. His words will make you laugh and cry.

Envy by Sandra Brown

I love so many of her books but this one has always stayed with me. It’s one of those books that will keep you up into the wee hours of the night because you’re only going to read ‘one more chapter.’ The story mixes the emotions of friendship, envy, betrayal, revenge and love with a deft hand. The final redemption is totally satisfying.

 

Chasing Fire by Nora Roberts

Another of my favorite authors. This book is filled with emotion, suspense, tension and so finely crafted that I was so absorbed I couldn’t believe I gotten to ‘the end.’ It offers a glimpse into the dangerous life of the fire jumper – the men and women who parachute in to fight forest fires from behind the lines. The language is vivid and the story thrilling.

 

 

Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan

Poignant, touching, heart-pounding and sensual all wrapped into one superlative story. I love it when an author introduces us to a character that most of us are not familiar with and makes us understand him at a deep level. In this case, Archer is mute but we hear him clearly and fall in love with this sensitive soul.

Little Brother by Cory Doctorow

It’s been a while since I read this one but it’s a fascinating look at how technology manipulates our lives in a terrifying way. Fast-paced, intriguing, smart and engrossing, this story follows tech savvy teens as they fight for their freedom from ‘Big Brother’s’ control.

 Blackout (All Clear Book #1) by Connie Willis

If you like time travel and World War II, you’ll love this book. Future historians are sent back to London during the blitz to observe and record the events as they unfold and to return home before they are in any danger. Naturally, plans have a way of going awry.

 

Wait For Me (Against All Odds #1) by Elizabeth Naughton

This book is filled with twists and turns, emotional upheaval, gut-wrenching turmoil and gripping tension. A woman finds herself in a life that doesn’t feel right but has no idea why not. All I can say is that the fire will burn low before you are able to put the book down.



The Best Intentions by Candice Hern
I love a good Regency Romance and this is one that is sure to please. The heroine made me smile and charmed me with her effervescent personality. The hero stole my heart. While this one is on the lighter side, sometimes that’s exactly what I want.

What are some of your favorite books?