I'm always interested in what others are reading. Consequently, I thought you might enjoy a peek at my personal reading tastes. One warning, though: I am an eclectic reader and I don't confine myself to romance fiction, or even adult fiction. There are some great books out there for younger readers. Over the years, I've found many authors whose wonderful writing styles and voices speak to me and find I tend to read outstanding works regardless of genre. Enjoy!

THIS MONTH'S HOT PICKS:

J.D. Robb: MEMORY IN DEATH

Nora, Nora, Nora . . . another compelling tale featuring her complex, tortured detective Eve Dallas. Bravo, as always!

Wallace Sife, Ph. D.: THE LOSS OF A PET

This book is the one to read to understand all the complexities involved in loving and losing a beloved pet. For most, it’s not a “comfort book” to read immediately after a bereavement, but it is an excellent guide to the grieving process as well as a comforting and compassionate assurance that what we feel when we lose one of our animal companions is valid and important and should be recognized as such.

Diana Gabaldon: A BREATH OF SNOW AND ASHES

Gabaldon continues the saga of Jamie and Claire in yet another gripping novel. If you haven’t discovered Gabaldon yet, RUN to the nearest bookstore and grab OUTLANDER, the first book that started it all. I guarantee you’ll keep reading.

Tamora Pierce: THE WILL OF THE EMPRESS

Pierce’s novels for mature teen readers enthralled me from the moment I first picked up ALANNA: THE FIRST ADVENTURE some years ago. Pierce writes with an imagination I envy, and most of her quartets of books feature strong, independent heroines affectionately referred to on her site as “sheroes.”

Nora Roberts: BLUE SMOKE

Really, what can I even say? In a class all by herself, not just for quantity for her unique voice and instinctive mastery of storytelling.

Robert B. Parker: SCHOOL DAYS

I fell hard for Parker’s ridiculously charming P.I., Spencer, years ago and am proud to own every single book the man has ever written. Wonderful writer. Besides, he loves dogs the way I love dogs; that is, as if they are human family members. How could he be less than stellar?

PICKS FROM THE PAST:

Kay Hooper, CHILL OF FEAR

Christopher Paolini, ERAGON and ELDEST

Michael Connelly, THE BLACK ECHO, THE BLACK ICE & THE CONCRETE BLONDE

Christine Feehan, DARK GUARDIAN

Diana Gabaldon, THE FIERY CROSS

Sue Grafton, "Q" IS FOR QUARRY

Laurell K. Hamilton, OBSIDIAN BUTTERFLY

Greg Isles, THE QUIET GAME

Jan Karon, AT HOME IN MITFORD

Dennis LeHane, A DRINK BEFORE THE WAR

Juliet Marillier, DAUGHTER OF THE FOREST

Pamela Morsi, DOING GOOD

J.D. Robb, REUNION IN DEATH

Ann Rule, EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE

Michael Shaara, THE KILLER ANGELS

J.R.R. Tolkein , THE LORD OF THE RINGS Trilogy