Every Christmas I tend to give books as gifts, go figure right? Well, this year is no exception! I have some suggestions for those of you who are still braving the crowds in search of something for that hard to buy for someone and the readers on your gift list.

Ami McKay is the author of the bestselling novel The Birth House which also happens to be one of my favourite books of all time. I reviewed the novel shortly after it was published so I like to say I "called it" first as a bestseller!  I had the awesome opportunity to have lunch with Ami at a recent Random House Canada author event. Ami was such a dear, and just like I expected, she was very approachable right from her first hug hello to the gracious signing of her new book.

Jann Arden is a musical talent quite unlike any other songstress in Canada or the world for that matter. She is an award winning songwriter who sings about heartache with lyrics born from melancholy musings.

What does a story look like when the lives of three lovelorn women intersect? The tale takes on the shape of a triangle. Ellen Hopkins shares a torrid tale of love, lust, friendship and trust in her new novel TRIANGLES. Hopkins' signature poetic verse style, lends an intimate and honest tone to the voices of three women who share the common midlife crisis cry: If I'm in the middle of my life, is this really all I've got to show for it?

A trip to Israel inspired Alice Hoffman to write about her visit to the archaeological site of Masada, also known as the symbol of the ancient Jewish Kingdom of Israel. Hoffman may have gone to Israel as a tourist, but after her experience she left as a storyteller, as one would expect from this prolific author of the novels, Practical Magic and Here On Earth, just to name a few.

Have you recently had a life affirming experience that reminds you just how wonderful life can be? I've been known to use the phrases, "my head is buzzing from conference info overload" or "my head is reeling from last night's concert" but I've never heard of a "beautiful hangover" used to describe a life experience until now.

Wisdom Has a Voice: Every Daughter's Memories of Mother is a collection of twenty-five true stories that share the hidden legacies of mother-daughter wisdom.

If you're a fan of bestselling author Kathy Reichs' novels and her Bones television series, then you will be pleased as punch to know the new Bones book Flash and Bones has hit the shelves! This story is set in the world of speedway racing so you know it will be a bumpy ride for Dr. Temperance Brennan!

There's nothing like a good adventure, right? Well, a bit of fun can be a good thing but what happens when a trio of teens plan a sailing trip but end up getting more excitement than they bargained for?

If you enjoy historical romances, then the name Philippa Gregory (of The Other Boleyn Girl fame) would be as familiar to you as smelling salts would be to a corseted woman.

The much anticipated 2011 Man Booker longlist contenders were chosen from 138 suggested works of fiction. This reader's dozen includes 13 authors that are vying for the coveted Man Booker Prize for Fiction.

Bestselling author Danielle Steel's novels have always been a sure thing on the summer reading lists. Summer 2011 is no exception with her new novel Happy Birthday popping out from the bookstore shelves, no doubt conjuring up bittersweet memories of new beginnings, births and blessings.

In 1978, I remember all the media ballyhoo surrounding the first successful birth of a "test-tube baby" in Great Britain.

Ann Douglas is like the mother to all us mothers since she's written a mother lode of motherhood books, 29 to be exact!

Canadian author Jen Sookfong Lee is a keen observer of the human condition. In her new book THE BETTER MOTHER she throws together an unlikely pair to highlight the importance of friendship as a vehicle of self discovery.

When you think of Bond, James Bond what comes to mind? Shaken not stirred? Fast paced adrenaline and luxury cars? Glamorous locations and beautiful women? Intrigue and suspense? Evil villains and cool gadgets? Whatever combination you can imagine, there's no doubt Bond is the quintessential spy hero.

"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."

- "Beautiful Boy" by John Lennon

Just for something different I wanted to share a young reader's p.o.v. and what better way than to give an eager tween turning teen reader a couple of YA novels and see what she has to say. The books are Rotten Apple and Apple's Angst by Rebecca Eckler and the guest blogger is Alex W.

Did you watch the royal wedding along with the rest of the world?