Chari-Dee's Top 3 Picks of 2006

Hello. Lovelies! I know, I've been neglecting all of you and I am truly sorry. The Santa Shop at school is taking up all of my time and today Bear was sick. Not good. I promise, as soon as all of this ends, I will do better.

So, did you hear? We are running a FABULOUS contest this month, and you, YES! YOU, dear reader have the chance to win SIX books. And although I thought this was a great idea when Dee e-mailed me, I didn't realize, that Dee, same as Dr. Seuss , is a sadist. How the heck am I supposed to pick just 3 books? So. Not. Fair! But, for better or worse, my top Three picks for 2006 (as reviewed by me).

Pick #3 - Grave Surprise by Charlaine Harris

I picked this book for a couple of reasons. 1 - I LOVE Harris and her books. After reading her Sookie Stackhouse books, I hunted up every other series she had done and read them all. 2 - The Grave series is nothing like Sookie's. It takes a very talented author to create such different characters and write them so well. And, 3 - Harper and Tolliver are just plain endearing. No other way for me to put it.

Pick #2 - Jennifer Scales and The Messenger of Light by MaryJanice Davidson and Anthony Alongi

I loved, loved, loved this book. Jennifer Scales is written in true-to-life teen. Not that I've been a teen in a while, mind you, but reading these books helps me to remember just a bit the young person I once was. As I said in the review - I love a book that touches me in all the right emotional places, and well, this one did. The writing was rock solid and left me wanting moremoreMORE!!! I cannot wait to get the next book in the series, and I know, if you haven't read these books yet, once you do - you'll be hooked too. (Great, I'm turning into some kind of pusher.)

And, Dum-Da-Da-DUMMMMMM!!!!!!! My #1 pick!

Fools Rush In by Kristan Higgins

If you have not yet read this book, you are missing out! There are very few authors that can pen a debut novel that grabs your heart and won't let go, Higgins is - without a doubt - such an author. Millie's story is one of the best told in contemporary fiction. You will laugh with Millie and you will cry with Millie and you will most definitely cheer for Millie. Every insecurity a woman can have is wrapped up in this amazing woman and her life - a GREAT life - but like most of us, Millie has much to learn about herself before she can see it. Higgins helped me to see my inner Canada Goose, and I will forever be thankful. There are times when a feel good read is what we all need, and this, my dear lovelies, is most definitely a feel good read. Higgins reached deep into every woman's soul and showed some heavy truths in a fantastically funny and touching tale. This book is on my keeper shelf and will remain there for eternity. It will be re-read and loved for years to come.

So, there you have it! My Top 3 Books Reviewed in 2006. There is one book I have just recently read but not had the time to review, and that is a shame, because Alesia Holliday's book Blondes Have More Felons would definitely have made the top 3. I still may have to give that one out anyway.

Now, what are you waiting for? Enter the contest now and win you some great books!!!!

Take Care