When we asked New York Times bestselling author J.T. Ellison what her top favorite books were, she answered the way any book lover would: “Only five? Oh, that is so hard. I have to go with books I can reread and never grow tired of them. And by reread, I mean read in print multiple times, then digitally, then listen to the audio… ” Keep reading to find out what J.T. Ellison reads and don’t forget to pick up your copy of her latest thriller, Tear Me Apart.

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

I discovered Diana on the recommendation of a Waldenbooks employee on my way to the airport, and have been hooked ever since. The undefinable nature of these books are the attraction – romance, sci fi, history, thriller – they are everything.

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

A new entry to my favorites list, but these are some of the smartest books out there. I love a book I can learn from, and this fits the bill – plus it’s also a romance, a sci fi, a thriller…

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

It’s so important to me to see good triumph over evil and this series – and this book in particular – is the very manifestation of that desire. Plus, I have always wanted to wake up and find I have magical talents.

Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

Nabokov taught me how to create a good villain – one that the reader can’t help but feel some level of compassion for, even if he’s the most hideous creature on earth.

Here Be Dragons by Sharon Kay Penman

I loved this book growing up. Read it over and over.