Since kindergarten, reading has been one of my favorite pastimes. I love becoming the main character, falling into their world, and working to solve the problem in the plot. However, as every book lover knows, it can be hard to find new authors to enjoy. Here are four authors I have fallen in love with and think you should check out!

Margaret Peterson Haddix

Margaret Peterson Haddix is the award winning author of numerous books and series, including Double Identity and The Shadow Children. Ms. Haddix's stories always have an element of other-worldliness because many of them are placed in the future or have characteristics not common to modern day society. For instance, Double Identity is a mystery book about cloning children. The Shadow Children is series set in a time where it is illegal to have more than two children and "third-borns" are considered evil and killed. For anyone looking for a futuristic read, I would suggest Margaret Peterson Haddix wholeheartedly.

Danielle Steel

Author Danielle Steel is another of my favorite writers. Each of her stories is filled with realistic characters, facing every day problems in believable ways. My personal favorite is Mixed Blessings. It deals with the different ways people become parents and the obstacles they sometimes face, such as infertility, infidelity, and loss. Mixed Blessings is a tear-jerking triumph that only Danielle Steel could pull off. For anyone interested in shedding a few tears, this is the author for you.

Aaron Hartzler

First introduced to Aaron Hartzler's work in my college English class, I was hooked on his ability to make hard and real things in his life both relatable and humorous. His most recent novel, What We Saw, is a story about sexual assault and the repercussions it has on the people involved. Mr. Hartzler is both engaging and thought-provoking. I recommend him to everyone.

Stephen King

This is a shout out to my fellow horror readers. Even though many people are intimidated by the physical size of Mr. King's books, anyone who has cracked one open knows that the story moves quickly. There is never a dull moment with this modern day Edgar Allen Poe. Whether the plot has a zombie toddler, monstrous clown, or teenager with telekinetic powers, Stephen King's stories never cease to amaze and terrify me. It's hard for me to pick a never Stephen King novel. My top three are Pet Sematary, Carrie, and The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon. If you don't want an obvious ending, pick up any Stephen King novel. Don't be afraid.

Are any of these authors your favorite?