Best Christian Fiction Reads of 2009

I enjoyed many great books this year. It seems with each passing of an old year I find myself more torn about which ten books to list as my favorites because there are really just so many great books that have been released this year. But it's my responsibility as a book blogger to compile a list, so I'll join all the other bloggers and post my best of the best of 2009.

Gold Star Award goes out to my novel, Secrets and Lies. Why? Because I wrote it and I can't not say something about it. It certainly gave me the most joy to read in 2009 because my life long dream of being published had been realized. LOL. On to the list: 

1. The Bishop's Daughter - Tiffany L. Warren

Loved this one for it's fresh, original voice and humor.

2. The List - Sherri Lewis

It's no secret that Sherri Lewis is my favorite author. Again loved the humor. If you knew what I did for a living you'd understand why I need it.

3. The Someday List - Stacy Hawkins Adams

Stacy is also a favorite of mine, but the fact that I loved this novel did in fact suprise me. I reflect on life almost daily, so a novel about a character "reflecting on life" did not appeal to me at the onset, but as usual with Stacy's work, the characters took me by surprise. I absolutely loved it.

4. What the Bayou Saw by Patti Lacy

Gripping, haunting and painfully real. Great writing. Great story.

5. Lady Jasmine by Victoria Christopher Murray

I just love that wicked Jasmine. What can I say. It's all in fun. Defer to #1 and #2. Great writing and humor.

6. The Ideal Wife by Jacquelin Thomas

Most original premise I've read in a long time.

7. Step to This by Nikki Carter (Young Adult novel)

I rarely ever, ever read YA novels. I'm just old I think and I don't get them, but this one was fabulous. Had to make my list. I recommend the entire series for your teens.

8. Sins of the Father by Angela Benson

Great story. Nuff said.

9. Not Guilty of Love by Pat Simmons

Really great story. Made me want to go back and read the first book, but I didn't feel like I had to.

10. Redemption Lake by Monique Miller

Again, great story. Great writing. Great themes. Definitely worth the wait from this author.

Other notable page turners: The Devil Is A Lie by ReShonda Tate Billingsley and Worth A Thousand Words by Stacy Hawkins Adams, The Last Woman Standing by Tia McCollors

Books that touch on subjects of pornography, child molestation and gambling, you know those subjects that needed some touching: Illusions by Wanda B. Campbell, After The Feeling by T.N. Williams, A Deep Dark Secret by Kimberla Lawson Roby, and Til Debt Do Us Part by Michelle Larks.

Books that I look forward to reading in early 2010 that were released in 2009 that I just didn't get to:

Prodigal by Zaria Garrison
The Manual by Sherryle K. Jackson
Amaryllis by Nikita Nichols

I did the first chapter test with all three of these. That's where I read chapter 1 to determine if the book is going in one of three piles: 1) TBR ASAP, 2) TBR as time permits and 3) To be given away. Making #1 is a huge deal and usually a book that makes it in that pile never disappoints. So, I'll report on those early in the year. The Manual is first on the list.

What are some great reads you've read this year?