Which Books Do You Re-Read?

Recently, I wrote a post about the books that I've bought but never read. Today I was thinking about the books I like to read again and again and again. Because of my extremely long TBR list, I rarely re-read books, but there are a few that seem to call to me even after I've finished their journey. More often, when I go through my keeper shelves I'll pick a book to thumb through the pages and re-read a favorite scene or two. That always seems to brighten my day even if I don't have time to read the whole book. Like re-visiting old friends!

Here are a few books that I've read more than once (sometimes even 2 or 3 times!).
 

This Is All I Ask by Lynn Kurland

Gillian of Warewick knows no other treatment than the terrible physical and mental abuse issued by her father. When he arranges a match for Gillian with Christopher of Blackmour, she is fearful: Blackmour is rumored to be an evil sorcerer. When Gillian meets him, he proves to be far more of a man than her father is, yet he is unwilling to be a lover to Gillian. She finds that Blackmour has as many psychological scars to heal as she has physical scars. 

~I first read this book while I was waiting for my husband to get an MRI done because of a back injury. I sat in the waiting room surrounded by strangers and grew absorbed into the world of Gillian and Christopher. There were some very emotional moments in their journey. So incredibly emotional that I cried while reading. I had to get a tissue because I couldn't stop crying. It didn't occur to me until later that the other people in the waiting room were probably thinking I was crying over my husband's condition! But, because this story tugged at my heartstrings so much, I had to re-read it about a year or so later just to see if it was the book that made me cry or perhaps I really was distraught over Marc's hurt back. Just as before, I needed a box of tissues. Sorry, Marc. I knew you'd be okay, anyway.

The Heart's Desire by Gayle Wilson

Tall and lithe, Emily Fairfax was unaware of the power of her innocence. But from the first, Dominic knew the danger of their desire. For she alone could draw aside the mantle of despair that kept him safely hidden, and condemn them both to certain heartbreak....

A soldier's daughter, Emily thought she knew what furies drove men in the name of honor, until she met the enigmatic Duke of Avon, Dominic Maitland--a man with a tragic past and an empty future. A man who would grant her but one night to lie with abandon in his willing arms...

~This was one of the very first romances I ever read. I completely fell in love with Emily and Dominic. The story was romantic and suspenseful and I couldn't put it down. It was truly a page-turning experience. This is one book that I've read several times. I even bought it twice because I was afraid the pages would start to fall out. And as soon as it's available on Kindle, I'll buy it again!

The Devil's Lady by Deborah Simmons

Piers Montmorency

'Twas whispered that the mysterious Red Knight was more than mortal. Perhaps he'd even struck a devil's bargain to assure his warrior prowess. Yet Aisley sensed that Pier's shadows veiled a deeper secret.

Aisley de Laci

Like a whirlwind, Aisley descended on Dunmurrow castle to claim the Red Knight as her husband. And Piers knew his world was forever changed. But could a creature so full of joy and sunlight ever accept a life of passions draped in darkness?

~Here's another one that made me cry. I seem to like to re-read books that simply wrench my heart out of my chest. The good thing about reading romance is the happily-ever-after. Even though these characters go through such hardship, in the end everything turns out just fine. :)
 

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

The novel begins in Monte Carlo, where our heroine is swept off her feet by the dashing widower Maxim de Winter and his sudden proposal of marriage. Orphaned and working as a lady's maid, she can barely believe her luck. It is only when they arrive at his massive country estate that she realizes how large a shadow his late wife will cast over their lives--presenting her with a lingering evil that threatens to destroy their marriage from beyond the grave.

~I wasn't going to include classics in my list, but I just can't help it. I keep this book on a prominent space on my bookshelf for the pure and simple reason that I reread it that often. It is one of my favorite books and also an inspiration for my writing. I can't get enough of this one!

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Orphaned into the household of her Aunt Reed at Gateshead, subject to the cruel regime at Lowood charity school, Jane Eyre nonetheless emerges unbroken in spirit and integrity. She takes up the post of governess at Thornfield, falls in love with Mr. Rochester, and discovers the impediment to their lawful marriage in a story that transcends melodrama to portray a woman's passionate search for a wider and richer life than Victorian society traditionally allowed.
With a heroine full of yearning, the dangerous secrets she encounters, and the choices she finally makes, Charlotte Bronte's innovative and enduring romantic novel continues to engage and provoke readers. 

~I remember the first moment I opened this book. I was restocking the shelves at the bookstore where I worked. I had decided to read as many classics as I could, so when I saw this book I flipped open the first page and read. It seemed like I could clearly hear this woman's voice as I read and it drew me into the story. This book now sits right next to Rebecca on my shelf. Again, I re-read it over and over. I bought both of these on Kindle just to be sure I always have a copy. Even my husband read Jane Eyre! He's a pure Stephen King fan and rarely reads anything else, so that by itself is a testament to how often I read and talk about this book that it even interested him!

So there's a few on my list. I have to stop there or I'll just keep going. It was difficult to choose just these to share with you. I would love if you'd share your favorite books to re-read! Talking about books is one of my favorite topics and I love discovering new ones to read! 

What books do you like to re-read again and again?