Following on my Top 10 Heroes post, I finally compiled a list of my top 10 heroines. And boy, was it hard, because like I complained about before, I have a hard time finding female characters I look up to. Either they're too feminist or too flighty, or they're obsessed with their looks or with guys, or they're just boring. Male characters tend to have WAY more personality and admirable qualities, IMHO. (That's probably part of the reason why I've switched to writing mostly about guys.)

Anyway, here's my very difficult list, sorted as before in alphabetical order:

1.) "Aunt Kate" McGuinness from Jayna Baas's Patriot at the River

Sadly I don't have a picture for Aunt Kate. ☹️

I LOVE Aunt Kate! This middle-aged, widowed innkeeper is full of spunk and Scripture, which I think makes for an ideal combination. 😁 She participates in dangerous operations, heals the sick, and dishes out practical wisdom - all while running a beloved inn in rural, Revolution-era North Carolina.

Loving [your enemies] doesn't mean letting them go on and do as they please, lad . . . . It's doing what's best for them, even if that means keeping them from sinning more than they have already.

Aunt Kate

2.) Cherry Ames from the Cherry Ames series by Helen Wells & Julie Tatham

Okay, yes, Cherry can be rash sometimes, and she can never settle down in one job for long (and for some reason she's never settled on the guy she wants to marry, lol), BUT - she's highly dedicated to her job and her patients (even if that means doing some unconventional things), compassionate towards everyone, and loves kids. Honestly, I think girls today would do pretty well if they had more characters like Cherry to look up to.

3.) Elsje DeLong from Trains and Tulips by Savannah Jane McCrary

Another T&T character makes the list. 😁 This is going to be hard to do without giving spoilers, but I really love Elsje (and trust me, the whole T&T cast is super lovable!). A teenager in a war-torn country makes a super difficult decision that not only harms her reputation but could lead to death if she's found out. Elsje's so brave and self-sacrificing - I don't know if I could do what she did, and I really look up to her (even though she's four years younger than me, lol).

4.) Hon Rosie from Mariel of Redwall and The Bellmaker by Brian Jacques

Sadly I can't find pictures of Rosie either! 😭 But I love her because (yet again) she's self-sacrificing to the point of death (even for complete strangers), loves her friends fiercely, and never fails to make me smile. 😁 She also loves her adorably awkward husband and their dozen-or-so kids.

5.) Lady Carliss from Lady Carliss and the Waters of Moorue by Chuck Black

There was a reason, whenever we'd play adventure with our friends, one of them always called herself Carliss. Lady Carliss is a true knight of the Prince - brave, loyal, and self-controlled. She's compassionate to all, doesn't waste her time longing for things she can't have, and has a single mind to serve the Prince wherever He needs her . . . even if it's a nasty, gloomy, glurpy swamp filled with 'orrible lizards. 😬

6.) Lou from Defense of New Haven and Return to New Haven by Little Crew Studios

FINALLY, I get the chance to fangirl about these awesome movies!!! 😁 (They're made by a homeschool family, and all the roles are played by the kids.)

Lou is one of the longest-standing members in the City Defense Force. She's tough as nails, hard to fool, and firmly grounded in the Book. For all her hard exterior, though, she tries to make sure other CDF agents don't get in trouble and stay focused on the things that matter.

She also has a deadpan sense of humor that cracks me up. 🤣

7.) Miss Celia from Under the Lilacs by Louisa May Alcott

It's not the best picture but it's the best I have. That would be Miss Celia on the right, I presume.

Okay, y'all, this book is a gem (the fact that it's on my top 3 with LOTR and Ben-Hur says something). And a large part of my love is due to Miss Celia. If I had to pick one fictional woman to be my role model, it would be her. She loves everyone around her, especially the kids, and makes everybody feel important. She's willing to give not only her time but also things that are special to her to give joy to others. I love her so much, she's a dear 🥰

8.) Marla from PLAYMOBIL: The Movie

I know Marla can seem like a brat sometimes, especially in the first part of the movie. But I've always identified SO HARD with her. I'm also a big sister who gets worried for my younger brother, and I too sometimes feel like life has passed me by and it isn't the adventure I thought it would be. But y'all, Marla is amazing. She's a devoted sibling and friend (even if it comes across as being bossy sometimes), creative, and determined. And she learns that life can STILL be an adventure, even when we think we're old and cranky . . . and who better to enjoy it with than siblings?!

9.) Sarah Phillips from Liberty's Kids

I know Sarah can come across as a bit feminist sometimes, but there are still things I admire about her. She's got spunk (maybe a little too much at times) but still tries to act like a lady. She's highly devoted to her friends, willing to admit when she's wrong, passionate about justice, and not afraid to run some risks. I think her character arc might be one of my favorite things about the series - she goes from a lonely, frightened hothead to a strong, loyal young lady.

10.) Wyldstyle/Lucy from The Lego Movie

I know, I know, another sorta-feminist type *hides* 🫣 Hear me out though! I like Lucy because she's willing to sacrifice her desires for the good of everyone, even if she thinks Emmet isn't the right one for the job. In spite of herself, she starts to love him and softens up some, and by the end she musters up the courage to be honest with Batman about an issue.

So there you are, y'all! This list was a lot harder than my heroes - and I think overall I like the guys on my heroes list better - but I hope you enjoyed it!

Your turn! Who are some of your fictional heroines? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!