Themes of friendship, kindness marks reviewer’s Top 5 of 2016

The end of the year is a good time to look back. Here I offer my five favorites read in 2016.

'The Forgotten Room' by Karen White, Beatriz Williams and Lauren Willig

Three best-selling authors come together to write the story of one historic location in New York City and the three women who are connected by generations of love and loss. Told in alternating time-periods, this is historical fiction at its best.

I loved it because I liked how they bridged three generations of women together and how one woman's choice can have repercussions for many years. It reminded me to listen to my heart and follow my dreams.

'The Ones Who Matter Most' by Rachael Herron

Abby and Fern are as different as two women can be, but are connected by one man. The friendship that blooms through the pages of this book is messy, frustrating and awkward but will remind you of what it truly means to be a family.

This unlikely friendship warmed my heart and I went through several Kleenex while reading. Family is really a title for those who matter to you the most. One man's selfish mistake changed the lives of these two women forever and yet they wouldn't have it any other way.

'Small Great Things' by Jodi Picoult

This timely novel is quite possibly Picoult's finest work yet. Reading this will be uncomfortable, thought provoking and will make you want to talk about it with everyone you know.

My own prejudices were called to the forefront while reading this novel. It was a reality check and an honest look at how far we have yet to go in a world laced with judgment and hatred. This novel scared me and yet gave me hope that there will be a change toward love and acceptance of everyone.

'A Gift of Love' by Tony Cointreau

In a world full of judgment and criticism, Cointreau's stories of love, patience, forgiveness and friendship while working in Mother's Teresa's Hospice will remind you that there still is goodness in the world.

I learned many years ago that there is no greater privilege than spending time with someone in their final days on this Earth. No matter what has happened in the past, the greatest gift we can give someone is love.

'Because of an Acorn' by Lola M. Schaefer and Adam Schaefer

Introduce your child to the beauty of nature and the life-cycle of an acorn. Through die-cut pages and gorgeous illustrations children will learn how each of us has a role in the growth of a forest.

This story made me want to run out to the woods and gather acorns. The illustrations sold me, and I couldn't wait to send this off to my great-niece.