539.

That’s how many books I’ve read since I started this blog in 2011! I absolutely love reading, so I thought it would be fun to start a series sharing the books that have stayed with me over the years—from novels I still think about to Christian books that have shaped my faith, memoirs I couldn’t put down, parenting books that influenced me, nonfiction that changed how I think, and more.

I decided to start with 12 novels I’ve read since 2011 that I still find myself thinking about. Whether because of unforgettable characters, an ending I can’t shake, or a story that changed the way I see something, these books have stayed with me long after I turned the last page.

From historical fiction and literary fiction to romance and contemporary novels, each of these stories left a lasting impression. For each one, I’ve included the publisher’s description, followed by a few of my own thoughts about why it earned a spot on this list. I hope you’ll discover your next great read!

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