Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear

My new friend Karla and I got to talking about books on a road trip we took one day to Minneapolis. This book is the first in a series that Karla said she really enjoyed. I was anxious to see what her taste was, so I ordered it used from Amazon.

On the plus side, it's a sweet book, with comfortable and interesting characters, set in an interesting time. Nothing too dangerous or uncomfortable here, and a romance grows between two of the characters in a predictable but satisfying way. It's a bit of a mystery, also, and I enjoyed that part. However, it's kind of a lightweight book, meaning I will probably drop it off at the corner library for someone else to read rather than keep....

Refuge and Reality by John H. Groberg

Lidvin Kjerengtroen recommended this book to me, so I ordered it used on Amazon. I have enjoyed many of Elder Groberg's talks, so I expected to really like this book. And I did. Except for the minor irritation that it feels a little inappropriate to share how he personally counseled many people and brought them to tears and meaningful insights. I need to read it again and see if I can't value what I read more; maybe view it with softer eyes. Our presidency has been so clear about NOT sharing anything about the temple or about our own thoughts, so we're at the other extreme. I need to give this one another chance. And I will.