The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

C.S. LEWIS

 What a delightful little book! I've read several reviews where the reviewer complained about the overt hit-you-over-the-head religious message hammered into your brain, but I totally did not get that. I'm not a very religious person, so maybe I'm just clueless. But I very much enjoyed the story, and even the writing. I have the entire series (I think, it ends with book 7, right?) and look forward to them all.

And I'll admit, reading this made me want to see the movie again.

(I received this book through BookCrossing.)

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON

I can't say that I understand why this is a classic, as I barely got through it. I guess it just isn't for me.

(I purchased this book at a library book sale.)

Hearts in the Crosshairs

SUSAN PAGE DAVIS

I almost put this Love Inspired Suspense down unfinished. I found it a little boring, and not very suspenseful, at least until the very end. Part of it may be that I'm just not into politics, and the heroine of this book is a governor. At her inaugural address, she is shot at, and the rest of the book is about the investigation as the Executive Protection Unit tries to figure out who wants her dead. Our hero is one of the officers, and of course it is strictly against the rules to become involved with the person you are protecting. So they basically admire each other from afar.

(I purchased this book at a library book sale.)

Dragondrums (Harper Hall Trilogy, Book 3)

ANNE MCCAFFREY

When I picked this book up to read, I was a little disappointed that it wasn't a continuation of Menolly's story. I wanted more about her. I wanted to watch Menolly and Sebell develop their relationship! Once again, I had to remind myself that these are not romance novels.

But I quickly got over my disappointment as I was taken into Piemur's world. He is all set to start practicing the part of Lessa in a new song to be performed, when his voice cracks. Piemur has never been thrilled with singing female parts, but he'd hoped this one would bring him to the real Lessa's attention. Suddenly, he can no longer sing, and has to be reassigned within the Harper Hall.

Piemur's story is fun and adventuresome. When we met him in the previous Harper Hall books, he was a young scamp, always getting into scrapes and causing mischief. He's older now, and not changed a whole lot, but he has grown into a more mature young man, loyal to his craft and his friends. And still desperately wanting a fire lizard of his very own. And that is what sets him out on his biggest adventure yet.

A very enjoyable story. I wish there were a fourth book as I'm not quite ready to leave Piemur behind.

(I received this book through BookCrossing.)

Flirting with Forever

GWYN CREADY

I'm kind of blah about this one. I love Gwyn Cready's books, though none have come near the first one I read, Seducing Mr. Darcy. This one was enjoyable, but just didn't really grab me at first. Maybe it was the setting. I know nothing about art or the art world, and was a little out of my element. Overall, it was a fun read, but has not stayed in my mind.

(I bought this book somewhere...I don't remember where.)

Mini Shopaholic

SOPHIE KINSELLA

I guess I'm outgrowing Becky. She just never seems to grow up or learn anything. All these years since the first book, and she's still the same immature fluffy headed person she was then. It's a little tiring at this point, by the end of the book I just felt like it was all just too farcical.

In this entry in the series, Becky sets out to plan a surprise birthday party for Luke. Of course there are all sorts of set backs and hitches along the way. In the meantime, Minnie, their young daughter, seems to be out of control, wreaking havoc whenever they take her out in public. Luke is convinced that they need the help of a professional nanny who has a reality TV show, while Becky is horrified at that prospect and just as convinced that there is certainly nothing wrong with Minnie. She's just spirited.

Despite the fact that the book is called "Mini Shopaholic", the mini in question, Minnie, was basically relegated to secondary character status, which I found very disappointing. And I really had trouble seeing a true mother/daughter bond between Becky and her daughter. As usual, Becky was all about herself.

(I received this book through BookCrossing.)