Most of my friends already posted their top ten reads of 2009–actually, I got the idea from them, I’m just late getting this post up. So, here we go, in no particular order, my faves of 2009 (all these books are available in Amazon.com):

FICTION

Behold the Dawn, by K.M. Weiland:

Medieval jouster Marcus Annon carries a burden from his past that blackens his soul. As he races from the tournaments in Italy to the Crusades in Palestine, his past is racing to catch up–and pass him. Will his salvation be found in his sword? Or in the prayers of a widow?

Rightfully Mine: God’s Equal Rights Amendment, by Aggie Villanueva:

As the nation of Israel prepares to invade Canaan and gain for themselves the land of God’s promise, one woman fights for the rights to her late father’s share of that promise. In an era where women are chattel with no rights of their own, will Moses hear Rizpah’s pleas?

Riven, by Jerry Jenkins:

Thomas Carey is a worn out pastor, bland and useless in the eyes God’s people. With no congregation willing to hire him, he takes a position as a prison chaplain–where he remains useless.

Every now and then, Brady Darby is a good guy, even has hopes for his own future. Then, one day, he finds himself in Carey’s prison . . .

Return Policy, by Michael Snyder:

Four people, broken by loss, sustained by hope, find healing in each other in this subtle but powerful study of wounded personalities.

The Memory of Water, by Karen White:

In their childhood, Marnie and Diana Maitland’s mother took them night sailing in a storm. Mother died; the two girls were changed forever. Now, the adult Marnie and Diana look back, searching for the answer: What really happened?

NONFICTION:

Chosen by a Horse, by Susan Richards:

An abused horse and a broken woman find each other. Who heals whom?

(Bring your Kleenix)

Saturdays with Stella, by Allison Pittman:

The subtitle says it all: “How my dog taught me to sit, stay, and come, when God calls.”

Prepare for uncontrollable giggling and some wonderful insights.

Captivating, by John & Stasi Eldredge:

Women, too, are made in the image of God. We represent His need for an intimate relationship with those He loves. We have value.

I Run to the Hills, by C. Maggie Woychik:

Christian philosopher Maggie Woychik appeals to both the heart and the mind as she provides evidence of God’s existence and His attentive guidance for us while we’re on our Christian journey.

The Fire in Fiction, by Donald Maass:

Take your writing from good to excellent–read this, do the exercises, and practice, practice, practice!