As far as nonfiction...hmm. I go for biographies...

Good idea. I highly recommend Jill Ker Conway's two books, The Road from Coorain and True North. The first is about her girlhood on her family's ranch in Australia's outback. Incredible book and quick read. The second is about her life from grad school at Harvard to becoming the first female president of Smith College. Wonderful, wonderful books.

Isabelle Allende. Especially "Paula"

Anonymous wrote:Kristin Hannah's books might fit your bill! I especially enjoyed Firefly Lane.

I second this whole heartedly. I went to a book signing of hers last year and she's great. I love all her books, but Firefly Lane was the first one I read and it got me hooked. I also like The Magic Hour and The Things We Do For Love.

As far as nonfiction...hmm. I go for biographies...George Washington "His Excellency" comes to mind. Anything about women's history interests me though I can't think of any specific titles for you off hand.

I've enjoyed the series by C.A. Belmond that begins with "A Rather Lovely Inheritance."

http://www.amazon.com/Rather-Lovely-Inheritance-PENNY-NICHOLS/dp/0451220528