The Good Husband of Zebra Drive, by Alexander McCall Smith

The Good Husband of Zebra Drive is the eighth book in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Series. It is a worthy addition to the series. If you haven't read it, but already know that you like the series, have no fears, you'll like The Good Husband of Zebra Drive. If you haven't dipped into the series yet, but know that you enjoy stories that combine a deep insight into human character with an affection for it, without gratuitously displaying the ugliness of human character, give the No. 1 Ladies' Detectives a shot.

Miss Dido Kent mysteries, by Anna Dean

I read Bellfield Hall by Anna Dean some few months back and really enjoyed it, so when I was looking for a quick pleasure read recently I placed the next two books in the series on hold at the library. I quickly devoured them when they came in this week, foolishly staying up late into the night (or, early into the morning, to be more precise). I find Ms. Dean's mysteries very satisfying, with just a touch of romance to sweeten the deal.

Bellfield Hall, A Gentleman of Fortune, and A Woman of Consequence are set in the Regency Period of English history. The books recall Jane Austen to mind. The main characters, especially Dido Kent, are a delight to read about. Ms. Dean is masterful at tricking the expectations of her readers, or of this reader, at any rate.

If you enjoy mysteries you might want to give these a look-over. I appreciate the fact that they trip lightly over the less seemly side of life, unlike some other recently written mysteries I've tried. These books succeed as mysteries (not hard-boiled crime books) and as historical fiction. I would recommend them to my fellow mystery readers.

The Stars Shine Bright, Sibella Giorello

If you've read and enjoyed Sibella Giorello's other books in the Raleigh Harmon series, get your hands on The Stars Shine Bright. If you enjoy mysteries and crime thrillers, but haven't yet tried the Raleigh Harmon series, what are you waiting for? The Stars Shine Bright ranks as my favorite in the series. I spent an enjoyable couple days unable to put the book down.

Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska, by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss

As you know if you've read certain other posts on my blog, I do not often read romance novels. I had a strong desire to read Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska, though, because it was written by a dear friend. And I can say, 'I knew her when!' When she had not yet written any books, and now she's written three (all in the Love Finds You series).

In Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Ginny is handed what seems to be the realization of her dreams: a big recording contract. She hesitates to accept it, fearing that the strings attached might be too burdensome. She turns for advice to the only person whose advice she trusts in the matter, Brett, the man she jilted two years ago. Ginny flies to Alaska to seek Brett's advice. There she meets Brett's Grandmother, who shares with her a correspondence from nearly a century earlier, detailing the blossoming of another relationship.

Ginny finds peace, and love finds Ginny. The reader gets two love stories in one book. If you like to read Christian romance books, I expect you'll like Love Finds You in Glacier Bay. I enjoyed it. I did think Ginny was a bit shallow to begin with, but she grew up as the story progressed, and that made me happy.

Christian Liberty Nature Reader, Book 5

I read this book to my children on account of Ambleside Online's recommendation. I really enjoyed it, and my children really enjoyed it. This Nature Reader covers such topics as blood, muscles, nerves, bones, the coverings of animals, how animals think, and how man is superior to animals. Each chapter concludes with an extensive list of questions about the chapter. Some of the explanations are a bit dated (for instance, the book claims that electricity is not involved in the brain sending messages to, or receiving messages from, the nerves).

On the whole I thought this book an excellent narrative book (not a modern textbook) about scientific topics for children. I would recommend it to those looking for a science book with literary quality for children. I would like to acquire the other books in the series and read them with my children.

Perhaps even more importantly, I would recommend Ambleside Online to any parent or educator.

http://www.amblesideonline.org/index.shtml

Starflower, by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

I was pleased when I was offered the opportunity to review Starflower, because I enjoyed reading the first book by Anne Elisabeth Stengl which I'd been given to review, Moonblood. I was even more pleased when reading it, because I believe it to be even better than Moonblood.

In Starflower we get to see some of the same characters who figured in Moonblood, but in an earlier part of their history. We get to meet Eanrin before he's blinded. Starflower explores the meaning of love, love that lays down its own life for the sake of the beloved, love that pursues the beloved even when the beloved foolishly does not recognize the love being offered.

I'm impressed by the breadth, depth, and detail of Ms. Stengl's secondary world. I'm impressed by the consistency of her characters. I'm impressed by how much she makes me care about her characters and what happens to them. I'm haunted by the picture of a land in which women are deprived of their voices right after birth.

I highly recommend Ms. Stengl's books to readers of fantasy, and can't wait to read the other two books in the Tales of Goldstone Wood series.

Thank you Netgalley and Baker Publishing Group for giving me a review copy of this book.

Raising Dragons, by Bryan Davis

In Raising Dragons, Volume One of the Dragons in Our Midst series, a young man named Billy learns that he is half dragon, half human, and befriends a young woman named Bonnie who is likewise half dragon, half human. Are dragons evil? Billy and Bonnie early on learn that they are in danger and must flee to save their lives. The book relates their attempts to stay alive, and out of the clutches of their foes.

I loved Raising Dragons, was hooked from the beginning, couldn't put it down to save my life (or, more to the point, to lay down my life by washing the dishes and fixing the dinner). It was exciting and intense, and I cared about the characters. The more I read, the more convinced I become that fantasy has to be the best fiction genre.

I would recommend Raising Dragons to readers who enjoy young adult fantasy books, especially those who might be concerned about the amount of filth on display in secular young adult fantasies. I know my 12yo daughter will enjoy it, and am looking forward to sharing it with her. I am also looking forward to getting my hands on the other three books in the series.

Thank you Netgalley and Living Ink Books for giving me a review copy in exchange for my opinion.