El Dorado

This book is part of the Scarlet Pimpernel books. I think it would be #5 in the list chronologically. Yet it reads as if it comes right after the first.
This book contains my favorite characters. Sir Blakney and his group always entertain.
The author weaves a great tale.
This first half of this book seemed to drag a bit. But once you reach the end you see that most of it is needed.
If you love the book Scarlet Pimpernel or even the play this is a welcome read.

I downloaded this free from Librivox and found the reader and quality to compare to one store bought. Some of the readers (well most) for Librivox are what you expect for free, but this was the exception.

My Soul Delighteth in the Scriptures

This is a collection of "essays" from various authors about how scripture study has touched their families and themselves.
I found it interesting and helpful.
Elder Asay chapter on reading the Book of Mormon was very insightful.
This books covers personal and family study.
Since each essay is a stand alone chapter it was an easy read over several weeks, not having to worry about where I left off or wanting to hurry and get to the next chapter to see what happens.

Finding Peace in Troubled Waters

I liked this book. I had the privilege long ago to have met the author and his wife.
The story of how he was able to go on with life after being dealt a horrible challenge is uplifting and insightful.

After reading about his problems I have no room to complain or be feeling sorry for myself.

Young Robin Hood

Popular children's book about the young Robin Hood, first published in 1899.
Considering the time this was written I found it a fun read. As I ended each page I found myself thinking how great this would be to read aloud to children.
Written way before ipods, MTV and Disney Channel this reads with good description.
A story about the son of the Sheriff that is lost in the forest and found and raised for a year by Robin and his men.
I have read a lot of the Robin Hood stories but had never come across this one or even a hint of it.
A short fun read.

The Mists of Avalon

How can I say this gently...this was 876 pages of text where 800 pages of it were sheer boredom. I had asked for this for Christmas a few years ago and was excited when I got it.
I love anything dealing with Camelot and it's stories.
Knowing that people either loved or hated this book I was excited to see how the author would change and use her characters in telling the story from a woman's point of view.
I know from history that the female role at this time was quite mundane...the author was able to capture that, all too well.
I also found the treatment of the pagan vs Christin religion quite boring as well.
I will not read this again and can not recommend it but would not tell you no if you had a desire to read this.

An Invitation to Exaltation

Another small, quick read. This "book" is basically a talk in printed, bound form.
It took me less than 45 minutes to read through it and think on it.

With all that, I still found it a nice break from the noise and chaos of the family gathering i was at when I read it.
He talks of why we are here, where we came from and where we are going. The basic simple questions LDS readers have heard answered time and time again, yet as I read this surrounded as I was with family, I smiled thinking it was some how more true and to the point.
May have been my surroundings, still a nice read.

The Remarkable Soul of a Woman

This was a really quick read, but I am still thinking on some of the simple thoughts that it gave.
I have loved the speaking style of Pres Uchtdorf and was pleased to see that it translates into writing easily.
This is the first book I have read from him.
The simple truths of how noble and remarkable women are was a good read.
His example of comparing the difference between male and female using cooking styles was novel.

If you have a spare hour and then some time to think on simple words, this is a read for you.

Jarka Ruus

This is the first book in another Shannara 3 book set.
I enjoyed this one. The characters from the previous set were presented but in true Terry Brooks style he introduces a "new generation" with new abilities.
I would not start with this book as your first in the Shannara world but following up from the Jerle Shannara books this is a welcome read.

Terry Brooks has been accused of just story telling and using the same plots over and over again...doesn't matter to me I enjoy his books.

Empire of IVORY

This is #4 in this series. While a great departure from the other action pack novels, it was interesting.
The main characters read well, and I enjoyed the few changes they had happen due to the problems they faced.
The ending was the best cliff hanger this author has done yet.

If you want to read about dragons being used in the war with England and France under Napoleon then start with Book 1 from this series.

It will be interesting to see where she goes with the story in the next book.