Although it’s been over 20 years ago now, I still remember listening to my first audio book.  It was Pat Conroy's Prince of Tides read by Richard Thomas.  From that moment on I've had a love affair with audio books.  I have two or three going at all times.  There's one in the car and another in the house and sometimes an additional one in my craft room. 

I've been asked to highlight five or more that I've especially enjoyed over the last few months.  It was difficult to narrow it down but here are my choices.

1.  The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe

This is the tender story of a mother and son communicating their insights on life and love through the books they read as Will's mother was dying. The book resonated with me as my own mother and I had some of the most important discussion in the kitchen while pouring over recipes and cooking. 

2.  Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford

Set in Seattle in the 1940s, the historical aspects surrounding World War II and the sweet love shared between Henry and Keiko will long linger in your mind.  What a talented storyteller Jamie Ford is and this story is sure to pull at the heartstrings.  What prompted me to read this book?  Jamie graduated from the same small town high school as my own children.  I'm so grateful I did.  He's done us all proud. 

3.  The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

Life is filled with joy and happiness; this non-fiction title shows ways to find it in the least expected places. The key is to keep our hearts, our eyes and lives open.  In my humble opinion, Gretchen is far too young to be this wise.          

4.  The Hit by David Baldacci  

My husband and I are big fans of David Baldacci and listen to every one of his books.  We save them for road trips and listen to them together.  Baldacci is a talented writer and storyteller who grabs our attention from the first chapter until the very last scene. 

5. The Twelfth Imam by Joel C. Rosenberg
6. The Tehran Initiative by Joel C. Rosenberg
7. Damascus Countdown by Joel C. Rosenberg

This trilogy is edge-of-your-seat adventure involving the Middle East and a young CIA agent with twists and turns that had me gasping out loud in several places.  The three books are deeply rooted in Jewish and Arab history, and Biblical prophesy. 

8. The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

I loved this audiobook so much I bought it for friends and family at Christmas last year!