In honour of Valentine's Day, I thought I'd do just a little bitty feature, sharing those books I've read recently (or ever) that I'd absolutely love to have sequels. You know those books that just speak to your soul from the start, then crush it with abandon, only to end after a mere 350 pages? Yes, those books. There is something to absolutely love within all these books, and I'll hold out hope until the end of time.

Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis

Coincidentally enough, I discovered that it's getting a companion novel in September 2014…I, quite literally, accosted Ms. McGinnis on Twitter about my oblivion and my excitement. 

The following three novels all had a significant impact on me. One was read in my youth, but I've longed to know more since then. Another was read only a few years ago, but I'd give my left foot to see the story continued and given true, final closure. The third simply remains on my shelf through thick and thin. I can't tell you the number of times I've imagined another installment and another ending to the story. I know that ship has sailed, but I can't help but want more to this day.

The Last Silk Dress by Ann Rinaldi

This book has a clear and definitive ending, but it's also open-ended in terms of Susan's story. I'd love to have a chance to see whether this Southern girl truly braved the North.

Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar

Carly is broken when we first meet her, and we slowly but surely watch as she begins to heal. We don't see her fully healed though, and selfish me wants more.

Many Waters by Madeleine L'Engle

I'm crazy because this is a Biblical retelling, and we all know how Noah's Ark ended. But seriously? Who wouldn't want to know whether Sandy and Dennis got over Yalith, or if Adnarel really saved Yalith in the end?

Reading, for me, is all about love. I fall in love with the characters, with the story, with the author's writing style; I have a love affair with books every single day. And no, I'm not ashamed of it. What books would you love to see have a sequel?

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Let's Talk is a weekly feature here at i swim for oceans. I think it's important that we all have our say, and there's something to be said for raising our voices. Simply put, here on the little old blog, I like to host some of my very own discussion posts because, well, I like to converse with you all.

And so, Let's Talk will feature questions or prompts, which I will answer, too. Love it or hate it, weigh in or don't, it's my hope that Let's Talk will at least get you thinking...and maybe even get you discussing with the rest of us!

What books do you wish would be made into TV shows or movies?

I'll have you know, this is kind of a double-edged sword with me. I love a good movie and show, but I love a good book, and when an adaptation is made, you always run that risk that, perhaps, the visual interpretation just won't measure up, you know? That said, I never stop wishing (or imagining) about my favourite books being made into films and movies. The following, in my humble opinion, would just be amazing. And awesome. Yeah, I'd die.

A. If you haven't read Code Name Verity yet, I swear you're missing it. It's one incredibly powerful read, and I think it's one of those books that could translate perfectly onto the big screen with the right cast. 

B. This series is a bit of a hot-button issue with me, as you'll probably know if you've been following this blog for a while. I loved how it started, but I hated how it finished. I can almost guarantee it would be amazing as a TV show though...we'd get to know the characters so much more. 

C. I'll bet dollars to donuts that 99% of you haven't read The Last Silk Dress. It's probably my favourite historical fiction of all time - and I read it long before I started blogging. This book would be so, so, so awesome as a movie. With Orlando Bloom. Obvs.

D. I don't know about you guys, but the Gossip Girl TV show bugged the bejeesus out of me. The Daughters series is vaguely reminiscent of it, but without all the trite, socially demeaning drama of the show. I think it would make a wonderful, sweet and fun show. 

What about you? What books do you think would make great films or shows?

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because they are particularly fond of lists over at The Broke and the Bookish. They'd love to share their lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week they will post a new top ten list that one of our bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers.

Top Ten Book Romances That I Think Would Make It In The Real World:

1. Mr. Darcy & Elizabeth from Pride & Prejudice - These two are a given. They're so wrong that they're right. Their chemistry, their simplicity and the beautiful nature of their sweet relationship. Can I have it? But seriously. They'd totally last!

2. Mara & Noah from The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer - Ok, it's the classic combination of elusive and exclusive bad boy with the equally dark and mysterious bad girl. These two are a match made in...offbeat romance land. Plus, in my mind, they're both perfect.

3. Noah & Echo from Pushing the Limits - If you see my review yesterday, you'll totally understand it. These two characters go together like peanut butter and jelly. They're both a little bit damaged, but together they're whole.

4. Caleb and Maggie from Leaving Paradise - Let's just forget for a moment that there is a book two because (honestly) it never needed to be written. Caleb and Maggie went through so much, and they came out of it with a newfound respect for one another...and a new love.

5. Susan Chilmark and Timothy Collier from The Last Silk Dress - She was a diehard Confederate. He was a diehard Yankee. They should have hated one another, but they were both so passionate about their causes that they found a mutual respect...and a sweet, beautiful love.

6. Katniss Everdeen & Peeta Mellark from The Hunger Games - Again with the damaged and brokenness. These two both have these humble beginnings, and they have to go through hell and back just to survive. Who better to love than one another because they've known each other at their weakest and most vulnerable.

7. Carly & Ryan from Raw Blue - Colour me utterly jealous of the connection these two characters have. It's flawless, tangible, beautiful, heartbreaking and totally real. They have to learn to love one another for their baggage in order to make it through.

8. Harry Potter & Ginny Weasley from Harry Potter - I remember being utterly delighted when these two got together. I also remember the fierce protection that Harry had for Ginny, but the respect he had to let her be the strong witch she was. Perfection.

9. Ron Weasley & Hermione Granger from Harry Potter - These two have such a perfect dynamic. He's a bit of a buffoon, and she's a know-it-all, but they have hearts of gold, and their friendship actually took the time to grow into something more.

10. Elena Gilbert & Damon Salvatore from The Vampire Diaries - I know, I know. They're NOT actually together, however, I believe these two would last far longer than she and Stefan would. I think that love would bore her over time, but Damon would certainly keep her on her toes.