Into the Fire

I'm sure I'm not the only author who marvels at what readers choose to read and then designate as their favorites. Yesterday I posted pictures of my published novels. To me, it's fascinating which one(s) of those books the readers I know have chosen as their favorites. 

The Famous One has been a favorite of many including my husband who loved the book. You might think he's prejudiced in my favor, but really he's only read The Famous One and Race. He liked Race but The Famous One is his favorite. 

Breath of Life wowed a few readers but others were mad at me for the ending. 

Sweet Release landed at the top of some lists and others loved Destination.

A lot of racetrackers appreciated Hope of Glory even though it was long and preachy. It's my "ministry" novel that I give away to any who might want to read a comprehensive saga of middle echelon Thoroughbred horse racing. I take a load of them down to the local  racetrack every year. 

Speaking of the racetrack, Race was my first effort at a mystery, and I was surprised at the favorable responses and requests for a sequel. I guess the detectives who investigated the death of Roman Diego intrigued readers enough to want to further "investigate" them. 

Although "word of mouth" is the supposed best advertisement for promoting books, it can be painstakingly slow. Also in today's tech-crazy world, people want to read reviews about their potential/future reads before investing, and most of my amazing readers generally choose not to write them. 

Father, thank you for stories, writing, books, and readers. You spread out your talents and gifts and allow creating and inspiration. Every good and perfect gift comes from you. Never can thank you enough. Ever. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.