Everyone has that one book they fall in love with. That book that drags them into the world of reading with the expectation that every book they read will be just as great. Sometimes it hits, and sometimes it completely misses. In my case, I still haven’t found that one story that beats my original love. But my list of exceptional books and authors has grown tremendously over the years. There is always that one or two factors that keep me enthralled.

With that said, I would like to share the top 5 reasons I fall in love with a book.

5) The plot. Most people might argue this is the ultimate reason to love a story. The plot must be riveting and daring. Breaking all the rules. Something never seen or heard of before. But I disagree. There are several books I have read that had”¦well, a suckish plot, a weak plot, a completely unfeasible plot””but it was still awesomesauce! How is that so? See number 4.

4) Environment. It’s all about the scenery. If an author can successfully show me the scenery without telling me, I am there. I am hooked into the world. I want to delve deeper into Fantasy Land and discover new places. Or even visit historical places of the past that I have only envisioned in my mind. I often find an author’s interpretation of the past can be enlightening.

3) Humour. Aye. The funnies. The sarcastic wit that is often shared at the wrong times. The inappropriate absurdity the characters cannot help but blurt out, or stop themselves from committing. And yeah. Potty. Humour. Best scene ever”¦heroine travelled from the past and had to urinate. There were no bathrooms, and the chamber pot was just a decorated bucket in the corner. Solution: Pee in the planted tree beside the bed like a boss. WIN for being realistic”¦and funny.

2) As John Legend sings ” ‘Cause all of me/ Loves all of you/ Love your curves and all your edges/ All your perfect imperfections.” That’s right. Don’t give me magnificent splendour all the time. Throw in an ugly bone. A scar. A stretchmark. Something realistic. Unless the character is an angel or some magical unworldly being, there is no need to be so beautiful the gods make sacrifices to them. Give me humanity with all the flawed treasures!

And finally, the number one”¦the uno, the Big Cheese of reasons I fall in love with a story””characterization. It’s all about the characters. Their whole demeanour, their logic, their interactions with others and the obstacles that stand in their way, make the story. It doesn’t matter if the plot is somewhat questionable. As long as the characters are alive and true. This goes for all characters. There are a few books I’ve read that I have absolutely rooted for the secondary characters over the hero and heroine. I find many side characters are not only vital to a story, but offer the little tidbits the main persons aren’t supposed to know”¦or even commit”¦you know, like murderlizing someone, or having affairs”¦the good and depraved stuff.

So there you have it. The top reasons I fall in love with a book. Did I miss any? Do you disagree? Tell me!

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Seven Deadly Sins”¦ One tempted angel”¦

As an Angel of Mercy, Nayla’s duty is to collect the souls of the mortals who’ve given up on life and return them to the Guff for rebirth. But her loyalty to duty is challenged when she’s sent to destroy the essence of Grant Farris. Calling upon the Archangel Michael, she begs for leniency. After all, how can one be happy when all one has known is pain?

Grant has no idea that his eternal soul is facing total annihilation. As far as he’s concerned, this life can go straight to hell”¦which is exactly what Lucifer intends. But when the angel Nayla interferes and is granted mortality to aid in Grant’s redemption, Lucifer realizes an even better opportunity. He could have his very own Angel of Mercy!

Can Nayla save Grant’s soul without losing her own to temptation?

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