Happy New Year! 2008 has been a year of challenges and change. One thing that fortunately doesn’t change is that each New Year brings a new crop of wonderful new books. However before you indulge in the exciting new reads of 2009, you may want to check out some of the great novels from 2008.

The challenges of 2008 have left most of us in need of a little inspiration and the renowned preacher T.D. Jakes delivered it in his most recent novel “Before You Do”. In this book, T.D. Jakes instructs his readers to change their lives in order to build and sustain the most important relationships in their lives.

In “Before You Do”, the pastor breaks down relationship decision into five important parts: Research, where you gather information; Roadwork, getting rid of obstacles so there is a clearer path; Rewards, making a list of choice you have to make and they considering the consequences of these choices, Revelation, narrowing down your options and making a choice, and finally Rearview, when you look back and make the needed adjustments to stay on course.

T.D. Jakes takes a practical and spiritual approach to the emotional issues and influences that affect our relationships. “Before You Do” is an inspiring book by one of the country’s most charismatic and motivational spiritual leaders.

In 2008 Eric Jerome Dickey published “Dying for Revenge”, the final part of his trilogy that began with “Sleeping with Strangers” and “Waking with Enemies”. “Dying for Revenge” is a story about the hit man Gideon and the seamy underworld of crime he inhabits.

“Dying for Revenge” is a story filled with deception, sex, intrigue, and murder. When the killer Gideon is on vacation in Antigua, he discovers that there are hired assassins after him. Gideon goes on the run and travels to location such as Atlanta, Nashville and even London.

Though “Dying for Revenge” may be a bit long for some, it is definitely a worthwhile read.

Terri Woods rounds out her “True to the Game” series with “True to the Game III” This third installment starts off where the second book left off. In this final installment rouge cops are searching for her money and now Gena’s family are now being targeted by a maniacal killer is determined to find her. The reader follows Gena as she runs from everyone and everything and wonders throughout if she can start over or stay “True to the Game”.

One of my personal favorite writers, Toni Morrison published “Mercy” at the end of last year. In her first novel in five years, “Mercy” takes us to the 17th century and tells us the tale of Florens, a beautiful young black woman who becomes worthless chattle in a business deal gone wrong. Florens was rejected and given up by her mother at an early age in order to pay a debt. In her new home, Florens finds other women like herself struggling with the pain of the past and searching for love. When the man Florens works for becomes ill, she and the other servants are faced with some tough choices.

Morrison spins a powerful narrative, reminiscent of “Beloved” and will keep the reader hooked, page after page.

Be sure to check out these and other great novels of 2008 and be sure to get your hands on some good reads for 2009.