As we approach the end of the year, it is time - time for my annual top ten books of the year. 2016 has been an odd reading year for me. While I read many good books, few of the good ones were fiction. I kept reading fiction books that I either disliked or were only okay. For this reason, very few fictional works made it onto my list. However, there were three that are worth honorable mention: House of Mercy, Sufficient Grace, and Abaddon's Eve.

Are you ready for my top ten picks?

10. Flight School by Jason McIntire

9. The Heavens Before by Kacy Barnett-Gramckow

There are few fiction books that really stick with me and I talk about often months after I read it, and this is one of those. The author developed deep characters, realistic situations, and came from a creationist/strong biblical point of view. I don’t ever expect to read a better fictional account of Noah’s flood.

8. The 40 Most Influential Christians by Daryl Aaron

This ended up being one of two books on church history that made my list. I really didn’t expect this book to be anything more than interesting, but it was. I loved seeing how theology was shaped by the times and the men and women of those times. I felt like I had a better grasp on where ideas came from.

7. Let Me Be a Woman by Elisabeth Elliot

This year, in my personal study, I have been focusing on biblical womanhood. This, more than any other book on the subject I read, impacted me. Elliot has such a poetic style that is a joy to read. Her biblical and practical wisdom was a huge blessing and encouragement.

6. Garden of Madness by Tracy L. Higley

Higley is always a masterful writer, but this book was one of her best. I loved the tension between the law and grace. I loved the power of prayers so clearly shown. This is not a light read, but it is very powerful.

5. Churches, Revolutions And Empires:1789-1914 by Ian J. Shaw

This book is about the church and it’s role and influence in history. It is a very long book, but totally worth the time to read. I feel like it was one of the best, most balanced books I have read on the subject. The amount of research that went into this books was mind blowing.

4. Finding God's Path Through Your Trials by Elizabeth George

George’s books are always a blessing, but this one found me when I needed it. I was going rough a rough patch and this book reminded me of so many important truths. It made me wish I was able to thank the author in person for all the words of wisdom she has given me over the years.

3. With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin

I have started picking up Sundin’s books whenever I am feeling really down. Her deep, thought provoking themes and realistic characters become my companions as I walk through a hard time. This book could not have been more timely. I picked it up because I was sad and the theme of friendship and leadership were exactly what I was struggling with. Sundin has risen to one of my top ten favorite authors.

2. A Chance to Die by Elisabeth Elliot

One amazing saint writing about another. How can you go wrong? Elliot’s biography of Amy Carmichael is one of the most powerful I have read. It deeply encouraged me and also has spurred me on to read more about heroes of the faith

1. Me, Myself & Bob by Phil Vischer

I am not a fan of Veggie Tales. I have told that to both the friends that recommended this book to me. I even have some issues with some of the things in Veggie Tales, but a friend finally convinced me to read this book. I am so glad I did. I think every Christian in the entertainment industry (movie-makers, authors, musicians, etc.) need to read this book. It made me once again remember my reason for writing and why it is important not to stray from that vision. Vischer’s honesty of his own failures as well as successes was powerful and humbling. 

Forgive me for doubting to you, Grace and Scott. You were right about this book.

© “Unwritten Melody” Excerpt – Written by Tessa Emily Hall – Published by Clean Reads

James must sense my sudden fear, because he says, “Don’t worry, Cass.” His voice is almost a whisper. “You can trust me.” A corner of his mouth lifts. He lowers his hand, offering to help me up.

How can I resist?

I cram the phone back into my purse and place my hand in his. On my feet, I expect James to release my grip, but he doesn’t.

Instead, he shuts my door, squeezes my hand tighter—then he takes off into a jog, pulling me along with him.

The blend of new emotions I’ve experienced tonight builds in my stomach, giving way to bursts of laughter. I struggle to keep my strides at the same pace as James’s. We dart across a field, further and further until we reach the cluster of willow trees. Vine-like branches drape over us as we weave between the trees, our feet pounding the ground.

Then we approach the creek, and James comes to a halt.

My breaths are heavy as we face the water that rolls over rocks before us. I keep my hand buried in his, snug and warm.

He turns to me. “Hear that?”

“What?”

“Shhh.” He slides his hand out of mine and places a finger on his lips. “Listen.”

Another giggle slips out. “What, exactly, am I listening to?”

Slivers of moonlight trickle between the willow tree branches overhead, illuminating his goofy grin. “Close your eyes and just listen.”

I bite my lower lip and do as he says, forcing myself to remain still.

A stream of water from the creek trickles over rocks and gushes downstream, emptying into the small waterfall. A swish of wind causes leafless branches to brush against each other. A car roars in the distance—probably a redneck trying to show off their souped-up engine.

“All of this—” James’s words are barely audible. It prompts me to open my eyes.

He stands in front of me, hidden from the moonlight, covered in thick shadows casted by a willow tree. “This is where I get my inspiration. Similar to the way a photographer snaps pictures of everyday-sights that most people take for granted—and the same way a poet uses words to capture everyday feelings and moments.” He holds up both hands for emphasis. “I capture sound. Sound that most people can’t hear unless they really make an effort.”

Wind rustles through my hair. A wave of chills extends from the top of my neck and down the length of my spine.

“Do you know the kind of impact we could make if we combine the two, Cassie? If we capture and combine poetry and sound to create melodies that mean something? Songs that make a difference?” Passion drips from his voice.

I swallow. This is a side of James Russo I haven’t seen.

And yet, standing beneath the willow trees and listening to him talk about creating music that makes a difference—I’ve never found him more attractive than I do in this moment.

“I’ve always wondered what it’d be like to go blind.”

Okay, now I can’t help but laugh. “Have you officially gone crazy?”

“Just think about it.” Leaves crunch as he takes a step closer, into a beam of moonlight. “When someone loses a sense, another one becomes stronger. How awesome would it be if our sight became momentarily lost, and our hearing was strengthened? I can’t imagine the sounds I’d discover that I’ve never heard before. Melodies I could create because of it.”  

An owl hoots in the nearby distance. Almost as if it were trying to emphasize just how true James’s words are.

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