I'd have to say I'm a people watcher and get a lot of inspiration from them. I've been known to just sit on a bench at Disneyland and watch people as they go by. I find you can learn so much if you just sit back and watch.
Linda Lael Miller has been my longtime favorite. I love how she builds on characters and they are featured in multiple books. I've recently got my mother-in-law hooked on her books!
Great question! I'd say yes, go back and read these books again. Many of them will take on new meanings just because of the fact that you're in a different stage in your life. I may have to give this a try myself.