Question of the Week

QuoftheweekSo, I was contemplating my blog this morning as I responded to some of your comments on recent and reviews and spotlights, and it struck me how much I love to interact with you!

I love your insights and ideas, likes and dislikes, dreams and wishes. I feel honoured by those of you who take the time to read my blog, and delight when you comment. Family, friends, fellow book lovers, bloggers, authors, publicists, and even an agent or two (so I’m told) read my blog, some rarely, others on occasion, and some of you, every time I post! Each one of you is special to me and I’m grateful for the time you spend, be it once in a lifetime or more often. So, I’ve decided I’d love to generate more discussion here – obviously concerning books in all their glory – so I’m introducing…question of the week!

Each week I will pose a question about something bookish for us to discuss. I really hope you will join me ๐Ÿ™‚

I’m going to start off simply this week with an easy question ~ look for some more challenging questions to come!

 

 

What is your genre of choice, and why?

 

 

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70 Responses to Question of the Week

  1. Great idea, Rel. Thanks for the amazing service you contribute to authors, readers and the industry in general.

    Genre – Suspense/Thriller, can be speculative and/or romantic.

    • Ian ยป Thanks Ian! But where’s your answer to the why??!!! Inquiring minds would like to know what makes it appealing to you ๐Ÿ˜‰

  2. Romantic Suspense is my favorite genre, whether contemporary or historical.

    Why? The hint or slam–whichever the plot calls for–of danger enhances the romantic interaction. Test the relationship with fire, as people usually act their best and worst in times of stress, so let the couple work together through good and bad and see how they will survive the stresses of life after the Happily Ever After ending.

    • Laurie Alice Eakes ยป Hi Laurie ~ I’m with you! Romantic suspense, with a preference for contemporary but not essential to my enjoyment ๐Ÿ˜‰ I love the build up of tension and the way it generates both conflict and opportunities for characters to step and show their real colours. I know you write historical romantic suspense – have you written any contemporary?

  3. I love a good puzzle, so mystery is definitely my favorite genre. My favorite mystery writer? P D James and her Inspector Dalgliesh.

    • Beckie B. ยป Ah, yes, I enjoy a good mystery but not the cozy kind – I like to get the adrenaline pumping when I read!! Do you enjoy the whodunit part of reading a mystery?

  4. Oooo! What a fun idea! Mine is definitely historical fiction. The reason is simple too – I’m a totally history nerd. ๐Ÿ™‚ It brings alive whatever time period and I always find myself researching the topic/time period/person after I read the book. Plus there are so many amazing historical fiction authors out there to read!

  5. Rel, I like to figure out the why and who of a mystery, and like you, want some tension and danger. I do read cozies when I want a fun and light read.

  6. I haven’t written contemporary romantic suspense yet, though think about doing so.

  7. Historical, with a strong dash of romance. But I want the time period and/or historical event or story situation to be as strong a thread as the romance. That’s what I love to read, and have done since I was a teenager. Especially the 18th century. Especially a frontier American setting. I’m drawn like crazy to characters who are in some way straddling the Middle Ground between cultures and lifeways.

    I also enjoy historical mystery.

  8. I’ll read most anything, but the books I love tend to have a literary tone i.e. Ann Tatlock, Athol Dickson, Lisa Samson. I gravitate toward contemporary works of most any genre (but love exceptional historical authors such as Laura Frantz), and prefer novels that are challenging and thought-provoking.

    • Brenda Anderson ยป That’s great, Brenda – I also love a thought-provoking story and Lisa Samson’s are amongst the best. Have you read Julie Cantrell’s Into the Free or Angela Hunt’s books? I always select their kind of stories for my book club selections.

  9. Your blog has always been one of my favorites! ๐Ÿ™‚ My favorite genre is romantic suspense. I’ve always been a sucker for a good mystery, as I enjoy the anticipation and tension, but throw in a little romance and I’m completely hooked.

    • Sara ยป That’s why you are a Ronie Kendig fan, right?! I’m with you – nothing like a highly stressful situation to get you on the edge of your seat while you read ๐Ÿ˜‰

  10. I’d probably say contemporary romantic comedy. Firstly because I am a hopeless romantic and love a swoony romance in any story I read. Secondly because I love to laugh! I love a happy, fun story. I enjoy drama and suspense, but most of the time I’d prefer to read a story that makes smile and laugh all the way through and leaves me happily sighing at the end. And thirdly because I just like contemporary stories better. There’s not really a certain reason why, it just is. That’s what I gravitate to in the bookshops.

    Of course I’m a huge fan of historicals (i.e. Laura Frantz, Julie Klassen), and suspense (i.e. Dani Pettrey), and really, I’ll try just about anything (emphasis on “just about”, not a big fan of Ted Dekker type stories). But ultimately, I’m pretty sure my bookshelves have way more contemporary romantic comedy on them than anything else! ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Kara ยป You’re just a fun romantic, aren’t you?! Who do you recommend for romantic comedies? I’ve mentioned a few names already but some of my favourite titles are Bookends, Kissing Adrien, The Cubicle Next Door, Splitting Harriet, Stealing Adda, My Life as a Doormat, Reconstructing Natalie…..I could go on – hehehe!

      • Why yes! Yes I am. Can’t deny it. ๐Ÿ˜‰ Absolutely love Splitting Harriet! I’ve reread that one countless times. And Bookends too. The others you mention were okay, but not favorites of mine. I haven’t heard of My Life as a Doormat, or if I have, I’ve forgotten about it.

        As for who I recommend? Hmmm. Definitely Tamara Leigh! I really love her Caroline trilogy. Denise Hildreth’s Savannah series! Love, love, love Janice Thompson’s Weddings by Bella series!!! You Had Me at Good-bye by Tracey Bateman. Oh! And Jennifer Rogers Spinola’s Southern Fried Sushi series. Not enough people know about those and they are fabulous! Also Ginny Aiken’s Shop Til U Drop series. They are mysteries, but they have enough cute moments that I’m counting them anyway. ๐Ÿ˜€

        Whew! Okay, I’ll stop now.

        • Kara ยป My Life as a Doormat is by Rene Gutteridge – great book, especially for all those people pleasers (wouldn’t be me, of course!!!). Delighted you loved Bookends – read that years ago and laughed so much! Out of those others the only ones I haven’t read is Jennifer’s series. Look fun, though – I should read them since I studied Japanese for years and visited there many years ago.

          Rachel Hauck writes some great contemporary romance, as well as Camy Tang….

          • Jennifer’s series is wonderful! Of course, I grew up in the south, so it felt a bit like being home again to read them. ๐Ÿ™‚ And how could I forget Camy and Rachel?! Camy’s Sushi series is a favorite too. I can’t pick just one in that series. I always vacillate between the first one and the third one. I like the middle one, but not as well as the other two. I like her newer series also. Haven’t gotten to number two , but number one was excellent!

  11. Well… this isn’t so easy of a question, Rel! ๐Ÿ™‚

    I used to read TONS of historical fiction – westerns mainly, now I feel like contemporary fiction (Becky Wade, Denise Hunter, Susan May Warren, Rachel Hauck) is edging out any genre since it often has more issues/elements/characters whom I can relate to. Historical offers beautiful settings, descriptive sections and more history (think Lisa Bergren who has a wonderful historical narrative) but they can also be dull and uninteresting. While contemporaries can also, I still usually “connect” more to them because of the modern influences – I also have found that most novels with the strongest spiritual influence are contemporaries. Since it often seemed liked Christian fiction wasn’t living up to its name these past few years, that is always an important thing for me as a reader.

    Then of course one CANNOT forget suspense (Dani Pettrey, Irene Hannon)! Love the genre. It keeps the reader engrossed and usually features some wonderful characters. So long as the pacing is good and the mystery is clever (Dani always delivers – and in particular I’ve found one of her characters easy to relate to), I am anxious for a great suspense.

    Really fun idea, Rel! I think they’ll be some great conversation in this meme.

    • Rissi ยป Love that you stopped by and shared, Rissi! You’ve named some great authors there. If you haven’t already, you should check out Tamara Leigh and Siri Mitchell’s contemporary novels, Beth Vogt, Katie Ganshert, and Kristen Heitzmann to name a few who write great contemporary novels. Oh, and Carla Laureano’s debut is terrific, too.

      As for historical novels, I love the ones that combine a great storyline with interesting and accurate historical detail – for that reason I love Laura Frantz, Siri Mitchell, Liz Curtis Higgs, Jody Hedlund, and Tamera Alexander, to name a few ๐Ÿ˜‰

      • Liz Curtis Higgs is also a favorite of mine. I just finished Jody’s A Noble Groom. Loved it. And I’m enjoying Joanne Bishof’s debut series too.

        I don’t just read historicals though. Unlike some readers, I have a harder time connecting to contemporary fiction, but there are always exceptions. Katie Ganshert’s debut, and Becky Wade’s, were both wonderful. I have Carla’s on deck to read soon. I’m a sucker for anything Scottish, no matter the time period.

        I even like YA distopian, and YA series in general. Lisa Bergren’s River series kept me riveted, but that was a bit of a crossover contemp/historial time travel.

      • Always delighted to stop by, Rel. You have a wonderful, inviting on-line home.

        I actually do own one of Tamara’s series just haven’t gotten around to reading it yet. *sigh* Bought one of Siri’s also since you recommended her contemporaries and again haven’t read it. Reading the rave reviews about Katie and Beth’s novels ensures I’ll read them at some point and I am super excited to read Carla’s after you and Amber had such nice things to say about it.

        There are some great historical authors out there. My experience has been they get so “lost” in the details that the faith is forgotten. That being said, I still enjoy historicals by Susan May Warren or Julie Lessman. Also loved Elizabeth Ludwig’s novel last year. It was an interesting read.

  12. I’d have to say that Christian Chick lit is my favorite genre to read. It is because I love to laugh, but it seems to me that it is a small sub genre of Christian fiction because not a lot of authors write it.

    Historical fiction is a close second. With mystery and suspense in third.

    • Carissa ยป Thanks for sharing, Carissa. So who have you read on the Chick Lit scene – my favs are Tamara Leigh and Kristen Billerbeck, as well as Liz Curtis Higgs’ early contemporary novels. Would love to know your favourites.

      • I haven’t read any of the ones you listed. But My favorites have been Eyrnn Mangum’s books. Especially her newest one Paige Torn. I also like Robin Jones Gunn SisterChick series.

  13. Katrina Gormley

    Christian Historical Fiction is my favorite — I guess because they are usually “feel good” stories, they don’t require a lot of analysis and I can just read them for pure enjoyment. I try to read a wide variety of things though, so I also enjoy regular adult fiction and YA lit as well …

    • Katrina Gormley ยป Isn’t it great, Katrina, that there is so much variety and we can read books for whatever mood we are in! For a long while I wasn’t reading much historical fiction but I’ve got back into over the past few years thanks to many of the authors I’ve named in other comments here.

  14. Rel–I absolutely love your site and it such a great getaway from life. I generally lean towards the historical fiction genre (Christian), partly because there are so many authors I love that write in that era. Siri Mitchell, Karen Witemeyer, Julie Lessman, Deeanne Gist, Marylu Tyndall, and all the more ๐Ÿ™‚ (though I am so excited for Lisa T. Bergren’s new series, and that is in a COMPLETELY different setting!)

    • Marie Smith ยป What lovely encouragement, Marie – thank you! Great authors in you list, Marie – I’d add Tamera Alexander, Lynn Austin, Olivia Newport, the Thoenes, Susan May Warren, and Jody Hedlund. Have you read their books?

      • I have! Most of those authors are on my to-read list, and I loved Jody Hedlund’s Unending Devotion, Lynn Austin’s Wonderland Creek, and Tamara Alexander’s The Inheritance (and I’m working on To Whisper Her Name). There are so many amazing authors, and actually several books that I read solely because of your reviews on them.

  15. Hey Rel! I love the new idea for blog posts, and all of the comments have been so interesting. I prefer historical fiction to all others. I actually started reading authors like John Jakes before Christian historical fiction came along in a big way. I was thrilled. My first love was Gilbert Morris’s “House of Winslow” series, and one of the biggest thrills of my life was getting to know him and actually help him with some of the books in the series! What a great man! As to why I love it…I think I love to read it in large part for the same reasons I love to write it. In my opinion, so many people are trying to “re-write” much of America’s history to take out the influence of Christianity in our foundation. I don’t believe that all of America’s founding fathers were devout, but most believed that a government founded on God and the principles given in the Bible were essential for success. I love reading history that contains the Truth, and my co-author and I try our best to write it that way, too. As for subgenres and authors, I prefer early American history and the history of the Eastern part our country over the Western part, even though I like those, too. I have loved some stories set in England and your country, Rel. Gilbert’s “The Wakefield Dynasty” was wonderful. Especially great was the first in that series, “The Sword of Truth,” one of my all-time favorite books. I do love a good cozy mystery, not too heavy on the suspense for me, and a historical one is even better. I also love fantasy novels. I loved “The Wizard of Oz” as a kid, still do, actually. (The book, I mean. So much better than the movie.) And of course, there is little done as well as C. S. Lewis’s “Chronicles of Narnia.”

    • Aaron McCarver ยป Great comments, Aaron. Surprisingly, I haven’t read a lot of Gilbert Morris’ books but love his Danni Ross (I think!) romantic suspense series – and yes, I’m showing my age with that one – LOL! I also have his Wakefield Dynasty series – very enjoyable.

      So, fantasy books – have you read Karen Hancock’s fantasy series? Love that one. And I’m enjoying Patrick W. Carr’s debut series – the first book was excellent and I’m looking forward to reading the second shortly. I’m a big David Eddings fan, as well.

      • I have Karen’s and Patrick’s in my TBR file. Karen and I have the same agent and he recommended her to me as he knows I like fantasy. Have you read BJ Hoff’s “An Emerald Ballad” historical series? Truly one of the best ever! Hard to read in some places, in a good way. She begins the series with the Irish potato famine and follows some characters’ immigration to America.

  16. Hi Rel. Great discussion! My favourite is historical romance. I’ve always loved this genre, you learn stuff that shaped this future we have. And there is something a bit laid back about the olde ways and the old rules of society that I just love. But I do love to have a bit of suspense or mystery in there to add to the story. ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Amanda Deed ยป So you write what you love, Amanda?! The Thoene’s first hooked my in to substantive historical fiction. I devoured their Zion Chronicles and Zion Covenant series. Love reading about the WW2 era, also.

      • Absolutely Rel. I was fiddling around with contemporaries, all the while frustrated by the lack of Australian historical Christian fiction available. The lights came on one day – ‘write the book you want to read.’
        I’ve never read the Zion Chronicles – although I’ve been given the whole set recently. Too many books to read!

  17. Creative! I like this idea, Rel. I really do.

    My answer: I’m in a period right now when my reading taste seem to be changing… I’m not sure how to explain this, really. It’s just that nothing seems to be hooking me. I used to just revel in a good Historical Romance book, but I’ve not been feeling the pull as much. A book that I am REALLY forward to reading is Catch a Falling Star by Beth Vogt. Maybe Christian Contemporary will be my new thing? Or maybe Fiction is losing it’s appeal a bit? I don’t think so.. maybe it’s because I’ve not found that-can’t-put-down, cant-stop-reading read. Anyone able to relate? Anyone has suggestions? I’d welcome those!

    Thank you for sharing this, Rel! Appreciate the work you do and the efforts you make on your blog.

    • Ganise ยป Yay, Ganise – love that you have taken the time to comment. I think even the most avid readers go through periods when the desire to read isn’t as strong. Sometimes I can look at my toppling TBR and feel like there is nothing I want to read! A bit like when you look in a full pantry and there’s nothing you want to eat – LOL!

      I can’t remember what books you have really enjoyed reading but here’s some ideas from me for “can’t put down” books:

      Historical romance – Jody Hedlund’s A Noble Groom, Susan May Warren’s Baroness, Tamera Alexander’s The Inheritance and To Whisper Her Name, Tamara Leigh’s The Unveiling, The Yielding, The Redeeming, Linda Windsor and Laura Frantz’s books!

      Contemporary romance – some names aside from Beth as you already want to read her fabulous book – Katie Ganshert, Tamara Leigh and Siri Mitchell’s contemporaries,, Carla Laureano, Susan May Warren, Candace Calvert

      My absolute can’t put down books are written by Ronie Kendig – no question ๐Ÿ˜‰ There’s my romantic suspense bias!

      • I still haven’t gotten to one of Ronie Kendig’s books. You’ve raved over them for months, Rel and I even have one on my shelf! It’s crazy that I haven’t picked it up yet. Must change that. ๐Ÿ™‚

        And I’ll second the mentions of Siri Mitchell and Susan May Warren. And Laura Frantz! I haven’t tried Beth Vogt yet, but am certainly excited for Catch a Falling Star. ๐Ÿ™‚

        • Kara ยป Beth’s Wish You Were Here is terrific, too. Ah, which of Ronie’s books do you have? Whichever one it is, move it up that TBR, my friend ๐Ÿ˜‰

          • I’ll have to try Wish then. ๐Ÿ™‚ And I have Trinity sitting on my shelf. There’s just no excuse for why I haven’t read it yet. Other than a loooong list of to-reads, of course!

      • I’m glad that I’m not alone, Rel! If an avid reader like you – who I’m guessing reads WAY more than me – can also have down periods when it comes to reading, than my situation is probably not to be worried about… ๐Ÿ™‚

        I haven’t read Tamera Leigh, Windsor, Carla Laureano, Ronie Kendig – I’m interested in looking up their books. Especially Leigh’s. And KARA!! Oh boy should you get your hands on Wish You Were Here. Blazed through that 1 in just one day. Plus, it has some creative twists to it..

        Thanks, Rel and Kara!

  18. I love historical romance. For some reason, I just love the combination of a love story in the 1800’s. Sometimes I wish I could live back then.

    • Marissa E. ยป There is a lot that is appealing about it, isn’t there, Marissa? Though I’m guessing we romantacise it quite a bit. Not sure I’d enjoy any of the medical or dental treatments of the time – LOL! Do you have a must read author?

  19. I write women’s fiction so I like a really good contemporary, one that deals with reality and how God–if we let him–can fix anything. I love, love, love real life in fiction.

    But I also read a lot of historical fiction. Again, I don’t want light or fluff. I love the good, thick books that show it how it was. Like Lori Benton’s debut book Burning Sky. Oh, wow! If you get a chance to read that one or highlight it here, please do. It’s great.

    • Sally Bradley ยป Real life in fiction – good tag line, Sally ๐Ÿ˜‰ I know what you mean – it’s refreshing to find it when you are looking for a substantial read. Thanks for the recommendation of Burning Sky – I’ve seen it around but haven’t got my hands on a copy yet. Always love getting a recommendation – thanks!

  20. I would have to say historical I love learning about history and reading these books. Having just been in America doing the Historical Highlights tour some of the books I read gave me info on some of the places I visited and it made it more special.
    I enjoy other genres also but presently am struggling to read more than one or two books a month. I think cos of issues from the past year which lead to me not sleeping I just got so tired and then overwhelmed with having to read and review that I needed a break. While I still love books I like not having the pressure right now.

  21. I love your blog, Rel! I enjoy your reviews and also get great ideas for what I’d like to read.

    This is probably a style rather than a genre, as it can include both historical and contemporary. I look for books with rich characterization and multi-layered plots, and have found several gems since I started doing book reviews. Some of my favorite authors are Ginny Yttrup, Michele Phoenix, Meg Moseley, J.M. Hochstetler, Allison Pittman, Joanne Bischof, Gina Holmes, Jody Hedlund, Laura Franz, and Christa Parrish.

  22. When I saw you already had 60 comments, I almost didn’t post, Rel! But want you to know I always read your blog, and appreciate all you do to promote Christian fiction. My favorite genres are historical fiction and contemporary mystery/suspense. How’s that for contrast?! Love Liz Curtis Higgs and Laura Frantz, to name just a couple. Lori Benton’s debut release is fantastic! On the suspense side, Irene Hannon and Candace Calvert are terrific authors who pull me in immediately. I could go on and on, but after 60 comments it’s all been said.
    Thank you for your wonderful blog. xo

    • Ann Shorey ยป Oh, if there were a thousand comments, I’d still love to hear your thoughts, Ann – thanks for sharing! I’m hearing a lot about Lori’s book, I think I should rustle up a copy ๐Ÿ™‚

      I appreciate you, your encouragement, and your stories, Ann!

  23. I’m a sucker for Historical fiction. I’ve always loved history and used to get in trouble in my history classes for reading ahead in my textbooks. I also love old movies, so I guess that just proves my point. Plus, there are so many authors out there writing great historical fiction these days.

    I also really enjoy Supernatural thrillers, a la Ted Dekker, Frank Peretti etc. I’ve read a few by Sharon Carter Rogers that I really enjoyed as well. I think it’s because it allows me to think outside the box of my mind and consider the impossible. Also, I’ve noticed I seem to enjoy southern fiction of any era. I love the culture and the “voice” that comes through the story in this genre.

    One genre I do not like in the least is Amish fiction. I cannot relate to it at all. The story lines are usually much slower and the characters fairly passive and accepting.

    Overall I’ve found that I enjoy a wide range of genres and am more loyal to authors. If I like an author I will buy every book they write regardless of the cover, story or genre. Rel, thanks for your wonderful blog. I’m an avid reader of both books and your blog, but this is my first time commenting.

    • Brittaney ยป Well, Brittaney, I’m so glad you decided to comment this time ๐Ÿ™‚ I’m with you on your love of history – history was one of my majors at Uni so I’ve loved it for a long time. I especially love books that incorporate the history into the story in detail. Have you read Robert Liparulo? Love his supernatural thrillers – James Rubart, too.

      Charles Martin would be a favourite Southern writer for me. I highly recommend his novels. And I’m with you on Amish stories – I will read one every now and then – Kelly Long, Leslie Gould – but generally, I feel the same way as you.

      Hope you share your thoughts again, soon!

      • I’ve read James Rubart and enjoyed his books. I will have to give Robert Liparulo another try. I also forgot to mention The Reluctunt Demon Diaries series by Linda Rios Brook. I love them!

        I’m also really excited by some of the new biblical fiction that has been coming out in the last couple of years. They are so much better written than in the past and gives new life to familiar stories. Some of my favorite authors in this genre are Tessa Ashfar, Tosca Lee, Tracy Higley, Ginger Garrett and Mesu Andrews.

        I suppose I could go on talking books and authors forever so I better just say thanks for the welcome.

        • Brittaney ยป Biblical fiction – yes! I very much enjoy the genre, too. Have loved all those authors you have named ๐Ÿ™‚

  24. ๐Ÿ™‚ I enjoy reading many genres. I love the Love Inspired contemporary, mystery and historical fictions books. I like to learn and any fictional book that has a good plot that keeps my attention is a good read. My all time favorite is a well written horror story. I mean horror with a good scare, not ‘slasher’ foolishness. I also enjoy an intense plot with military, Christian romance or mystery… oh, so many things.

    • Susan F. ยป Loved your comment, Susan – it’s both good and bad when you love so many genres, isn’t it?! Makes the TBR pile very wobbly ๐Ÿ˜‰

  25. I read across genres (which is my way of saying I read both mainstream and inspirational fiction), yet I have a penchment for Regency & Victorian England as much as Revolutionary France! The 19th century in general is a preferred stopping point, but I like to move through time like a wanderlust time traveller seeking out new adventures and experiences! And, you can do that when you enter a person’s shoes as told through their stories laid out before you inside of a book! ๐Ÿ™‚

    I am drawn into: cozy mysteries, historical fiction, science fiction, high fantasy, juvenile fiction, YA fiction, inspirational romance and literary fiction more times than naught! ๐Ÿ™‚ This is only the tipping stone of what I read, as I do entertain a bit of non fiction subjects of keen interest as well!

  26. Love historical and Biblical fiction. And romantic suspense (Christian, of course). ๐Ÿ™‚ Yup!

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