Better Than Happy by Jody Moore

 I really wanted to like this book!

I think Jody Moore is brilliant, and her application of Brooke Castillo's Life Coach School model is often better than the original. I especially appreciate her gospel perspective and how she sometimes, on her podcast and in her coaching, brings in examples from the scriptures or aligns some concept with a gospel concept. I want more of that, because I'm still somewhat suspicious that some of the model does not necessarily align. Not sure where or how, just suspicious. So the subtitle really intrigued me: "Connecting with Divinity through Conscious Thinking."

Unfortunately, she did not deliver that well. Yes, the model is well-explained and applied, but the gospel applications are kind of a stretch. The ties are not strongly tied. It's really kind of superficial to me and not real applicable. Now that I'm thumbing through it again, though, I'm wondering if I shouldn't give it a second chance. I will. Maybe I'm wrong. I worry that my life experiences at the time I'm reading really color my like and dislike of what I'm reading! 

The Serpent and the Crown by Elizabeth Peters

 This is #18 in the series, and a very enjoyable one. It got me through a hard time! I was staying with my dad at the Meadows and the days were long as he gradually declined. The days were busy, too, and my reward at the end of the day was a little escape into Egypt with this book. I was pretty exhausted at the end of each day, so this was a welcome change of pace. I always enjoy the Emerson family, and they did not disappoint.

This episode centers around a beautiful golden statuette that astounds everyone who sees it. It's given to the Emersons in order to avoid being further cursed by its presence. From there, the story unfolds around the woman who gives it away, and her two step-children. It takes all of the Emersons to unravel the complicated series of events that lead to murder and explanations.

Radcliffe Emerson's brother, Sethos, is becoming more and more sympathetic as the series evolves. In this story, even Ramses is warming up to him by the end. As I near the end of the series, I see softening and aging and maturing of the adult characters, even as Ramses' and Nefret's twins emerge as precocious upstarts. 

I think I need to reread this one at some point, because my dad passed away right when I was in the middle. And the emotional upheaval was interfering with my comprehension. There were many times when I couldn't even read, and I knew I needed to just feel and reflect on my emotions and loss. And then I would need a break, like on my flight home to St. George, where I wanted to sleep, but couldn't, and read. So I missed quite a few details and it was hard to put all of the pieces together at the end. I'll give it another try sometime. This was less violent than many of hers, so it will be a lighter and more fun re-read. 

The Last Cowboys - A Pioneer Family in the New West by John Branch

 Donna Winget in St. George recommended this book to me over lunch one day. She raved about what it reveals about rodeo life and life in the more rural parts of southern Utah. She was right; not only is it good reading about fascinating characters, it's also about a way of life that is foreign to me and unique. And I probably understand more about horses and cowboys and ranch life than the average person, but still, I learned a lot. I really enjoyed the intimate look into this family's life. 

I took the book along with me to Napa this week because I figured my dad would enjoy hearing excerpts of it. Unfortunately, he was too close to death to be able to want to have anything read to him. He would have loved it, though! And I smiled every time I spied his lariat in his closet...

There were some very poignant lines and a lot of wisdom along the way. These cowboys were very stoic about their injuries and humble about their winning. I kept wondering about who was paying for the doctor bills and surgeries. I also wondered about the physical pain that had to be overcome to continue, and the price each would pay as their bodies aged.

I recommended this book to Glen Whipple, and he agreed it was good and well-written. One thing I'd like to talk to him about is how a writer like this one was able to become intimate with the family and capture all of the moments and insights he did. It makes me wonder, how did he become invisible? Or, more realistically, what impact did his presence have on the family? And how long did it take for him to get close and for them to get comfortable sharing. The family members' humility is such an endearing quality. They also seem unassuming and kind of private, so it's even more astounding that they would allow this level of exposure. 

Another theme was the encroaching public from Zion National Park on their cattle operations. Branch did a good job of depicting the opposing forces at work as this lifestyle struggles to remain viable. I really liked the seeming win-win solution described at the end of the book where the generational land is being converted into a place for limited numbers of tourists to experience ranch life. I would like to go see how that's going now. 

Must You Go? My Life with Harold Pinter by Antonia Fraser

 Len gifted me this book after he heard some commentary on it on a radio or TV show. It looked intriguing to me, especially the blurbs on the back cover, so I started reading it right away.

I'm so glad I did! It's a beautifully written work of love. While the author's choices and thinking are not ones I could condone, she offers her descriptions unapologetically. For example, both she and Pinter are married when they meet, and begin a love affair that lasts the rest of their lives. They are both parents and seem oblivious to the consequences these choices might have on their spouses and children. Yet they soldier on, divorce their spouses, and finally, joyfully marry. She makes no excuses, just describes in beautiful prose what they did, whom they saw, what they said. 

It's clear that they are each passionate artists, and they seem to connect and beautifully support the other's writing. Their love is illustrated through the many poems he writes her, and they are moving. One wonders if maybe their love was meant to be? Or do you have to act that way when you've made these choices? I don't know, but it is fun to watch their lives move forward.

There are many references I don't understand since they live in London and are part of a culture that I know little about. I recognize a few names, and realize they moved in stellar circles. The way she writes is fun to read... Often phrases and quotes that speak for themselves.

She alludes to her own writing and some of her struggles with the biographies she writes. She describes how Harold sometimes reads to her and she asks questions that help him develop his plot. The hardest part to read is about his physical suffering as he neared death.  It made me want to read one of his plays to see if I agree that he is Nobel Prize-worthy. 

One thing I noticed is that Fraser describes the people she meets, whether friends, stars, famous royalty, or family members, in very colorful and positive terms. Nothing trite here at all. And even the people who are sometimes at odds with them, she describes in admiring terms. 

I think what I admired the most was the devotion these two had to each other. Utterly devoted and first is each other's minds. Yet they were also independent and followed their own artistic paths. It was interesting to note that they did not co-mingle their finances. He sometimes gifted the family with fabulous trips, but otherwise, she was often in need of funds and cost-cutting. Yet she never seemed to expect or want financial help from her husband. 

This book is a keeper, I think. I'd like to read it again in awhile and enjoy the beautiful writing style again. It's instructive for my journal-writing to let people speak for themselves, for example. Her entries, journal-style, are often brief but reveal a lot. I like that. 

Raven Black by Ann Cleeves

 This came up as a recommendation on Amazon from all of my Elizabeth Peters purchases. After reading the reviews, it seemed like a good risk. It was!

This "thriller" is quietly sinister and the setting of the Shetland Islands is cold and forboding. It's not a violent thriller in that sense, to me, it was more of a detective story. I really liked the characters who were interesting and so was the chilly setting of the Shetland Islands.

Great writing? No. Descriptive, though, and interesting. The tangled web of characters and how the mystery unfolded really kept my interest. It was a read I looked forward to after fun evenings and days with the Stevenson's in Rapid City. Will I get another one by this author? Maybe. 

Children of the Storm by Elizabeth Peters

This installment in the series had some very unexpected and delightful humorous moments. I believe Peters’ writing has improved over the course of these stories. The characters are so entertaining and stay consistent over time. I’ve especially enjoyed the growing softening of the master criminal, Sethos, as he is influenced by time in the Emerson family.

This longer story was complicated, but I was able to stay with it. The criminals were women from earlier installments, except for one, and she was despicable. She was disguised as a special needs boy, and he and his servant, Francois, were uncomfortably evil. They were determined to steal the massive treasure that had been discovered in one of Cyrus’ digs. His disappointment and subsequent plan to turn it  over to M. Lacau was a central point in the plot. 

I felt like Peters spent a lot of words filling out the familial scenes to give us an idea of how this next generation would operate. Ramses and Nefret’s twins get the last word in this book, and they are hilarious. Obviously, history is about to repeat itself in the form of two precocious children.

I read the ending of this in Las Vegas as we were attending a Rod Stewart concert. The action and darkness here on the streets can be unsettling. It was a relief to get into my most comfy and clean bed here in the Flamingo Hotel, and sail away into the safety of this story! Len is sleeping, so I took my pillow and comforter to a crack in the drapes so I could read the ending before we depart! It, like most of the stories, ended with a violent and dramatic culmination of the heroes overcoming the criminals in force. Very satisfying ending!

The Golden One by Elizabeth Peters

 This is #16 in the series, and I'm enjoying them more as I go along. I feel like I know the characters well, and Peters does a fine job of keeping them fresh, funny, and consistent. This particular book continues with Egypt at war, and Ramses continuing some undercover spy work for the British military. 

I read most of this on our houseboat on Lake Powell, and it was the perfect book for a summer read. It's light, intriguing, and the characters are interesting. I know I wrote they are consistent (above), but they are also full of surprises. And the intrigue and situations are always new and different. The Emerson family always overcomes incredible odds and people, but the settings and descriptions are always engaging.

In this story, we get to know Sethos much better. His mysterious facade is coming away, piece by piece, and we see more of his humane side. Ramses is faced with some moral dilemmas as he is rescued by a Turkish tyrant's daughter, and of course Amelia is in the middle of everything. 

The new character of Jumana is an interesting mix of loyalty and intelligence and will probably continue on into the next installment. Sennia is developing into a mini-Amelia, which will make for interesting developments in future installments. Nefret doesn't get much air time, but she does end up pregnant, so that opens up some interesting possibilities too, for future books. And I kept wondering, why is Amelia "in charge" of Sennia rather than Ramses and Nefret? Just a wondering. 

The setting of Gaza and other middle eastern cities and how they are situated was fascinating; as was the description of the homes and harem quarters, etc., These colorful details make this series even more interesting and hint at a rich culture and history. So many insights...

Princess Academy by Shannon Hale

 My new young friend here in St. George, Beth Farley, gifted me this book while I was suffering with a tweaked knee. She knew I would be resting it and laying around, so she thoughtfully brought me this book, which she characterized as one of her favorites. It was a perfect gift because it was a change of pace from all of my Egyptology books! And I was curious to see what Beth considers a great book.

I have read one other book by Shannon Hale (Austenland), and was not particularly impressed. I like that her books are clean wholesome, but they also lack depth and compelling characters. This one fits that mold.

This story is more like a fantasy or a fairy tale, and it was a creative way to set a story with good lessons about loyalty, family, love, and friendship. All good themes. But sometimes trying to figure out the attributes of the environment took precedence over the story. The mountain people and working in the quarry, the princess academy and its traditions, the prince--the bandits---all of it were somewhat confusing. I kept wondering, "Where is this going? What does THIS mean?" And the characters were either villains or goodie-goodies with no shading in between. There were some secrets and mysteries, but nothing too engaging. I think a young person might enjoy the fantasy aspects, the linder stone, and the telepathic communication. It was also very obvious that Miri was going to end up with Peder by the end of the story; and it was clear there was going to be a happy ending for all of the good people. 

Overall, I'd give this book a 6 on a scale of 1-10. I'm surprised it was a Newbery honor book...it doesn't seem to be worthy of that. 

Lord of the Silent by Elizabeth Peters

Another winner! Two in a row (at least). I'm enjoying these more and more. I think the humor is better, the plots are always interesting, and the characters are developing in interesting ways.

This is the first book after Ramses and Nefret are married, and they work well together as a team. We get almost equal time between these two and Amelia and Emerson, and that is a satisfying combination. It's fun to listen in as Emerson gives Ramses marital advice. And Sethos is becoming more and more sympathetic and plays a larger role than ever before. It seems like he and Miss Minton are on the brink of romance, so it will be interesting to see how this plays out in the next book.

Most of the action in this one involves trying to find a hidden tomb in the Luxor area, and trying to find out who the Master Criminal's rival is. Cyrus and Katherine are back, and we get to know Bertie, their son, trying to recover from his stint in the war. Jumana is a likely figure for the future, an ambitious Egyptian girl of 16 who wants to become an Egyptologist. All interesting and colorful characters. 

I'm going to start the next one on the houseboat in Lake Powell next week. These are perfect light, funny, and absorbing summer reads.  

He Shall Thunder in the Sky by Elizabeth Peters

 This is a good one! The series definitely improves at this point in the story. The setting is, as usual, Egypt, but this time it's during wartime in 1914. The Suez Canal is threatened. So the backdrop is an interesting history of how the Turks, for example, were involved. Ramses and Nefret finally get on the same page, Amelia and Ramses are able to appreciate each other, and Amelia is funnier (unintionally) than ever. 

I've really enjoyed watching the relationships develop over the series. Ramses has come into his own and we see how he is the perfect blend of his father's and mother's attributes. Nefret is becoming more scheming, along the lines of her guardian, Amelia. And finally, after years, Ramses and Nefret are able to be on the same page romantically. It was a long time coming! And since both characters are so sympathetic, it was great to finally have this happen.

There are also more subtle humorous bits that make the series so light-hearted and fun, despite the crimes and poverty all around. I think the series is improving; I'm enjoying these later books even more than the earlier ones. They are the perfect companion to take out to the pool on a hot summer day in St. George!

Blue Shoe by Anne Lamott

 I read Bird by Bird by this author years ago, and really enjoyed it. When Len and I were at D.I. this week, I looked for something interesting to read and found this one for $1.00 and decided to give it a try. Lamott's writing is wonderfully vulnerable, introspective, and insightful. These little sparks of beauty keep popping up, and are so enjoyable. And her similes are always simple and powerful. Her writing is just GREAT! 

This story is somewhat seedy, though. Lots of sexual malfunctioning resulting in pedophilia, dark secrets, and various other mental maladies. Yet there is a faith and hope that shines through, probably because Lamott's faith is strong. She shows her characters' real selves, warts and all, and they are rendered with compassion. Hurt people hurt people is evident here; that kind of compassion.

Occasionally the main character, Mattie, seeks divine help. I really liked the natural way that she asks for help and in turn follows the promptings given, even when difficult. At the end of the book, when she doesn't want to wash someone's filthy feet, she struggles, and she does it. She renders her faith beautifully and strongly. It's also kind of unusual for a story to elucidate some of the devotion and preaching that the characters hear in church, but it's shared here to great and direct effect. We can see the desire to be in church to become better; to believe and act better. There's a purity here that is refreshing. There is no judgment or self-righteousness.

The characters are real and interesting and heart-breaking. In particular, Mattie's relationship with her mother is multi-faceted and mysterious. The mental decline is described in very real yet compassionate terms. Mattie's quest to get to know her dead father and to know what her mother knows about him is the thread that the story hangs on. I could tell it wasn't going to end well, yet the story is told with compassion and even beauty. 

What we really get here is a story of human frailty, of human pain, and of human goodness. The agony that Mattie's children suffer because of her divorce is alternately funny and tragic. Lamott does a good job of keeping the pain light sometimes, so we don't drown in it. The real feelings and real suffering in a family, especially a divorced family is beautifully shown here. 

Lamott seems to know what makes people tick and reveals it sympathetically. Mattie's goodness and generosity is simple and powerful. I especially liked the part when she decides to simply tell the truth about all the complicated relationships swirling around her. She follows her good instincts, too, about not sharing her feelings with Daniel before its time. I enjoyed reading about her inner struggles and could definitely relate to them. Her closeness to and acceptance of her children were inspiring. More than once, I thought, I'd like a "do-over" with my children. 

Another aspect of this book I enjoyed was the northern California, Marin County, setting. The weather and garden were often described in beautiful terms...

The Falcon at the Portal by Elizabeth Peters

 This was a good one!

The back and forth between Amelia's view and Ramses' view continues, and it's an effective device that adds an interesting dimension. This has been the case for the last several books, and I enjoy that. We learn the different perspectives, and the failings in Amelia's view. 

I really enjoyed the description of Ramses and Nefret finally learning of the others' romantic attraction. It has been building for a long time in the series, but we never knew how Nefret felt about it. Towards the end of this book, they come together, and it seems so right. I really wanted this to work! They are both such admirable characters, and the fact that Emerson and Amelia (the parents and step-parents) are completely oblivious to this development makes it even more interesting

When Nefret, unaccountably, suddenly marries someone else, it was very upsetting to me! I had to remind myself that this is all a story. It's just from Peters' brain! But I still cared, and do care. I wonder if her reasons will come out in the next volume. I am tempted to skip to the last book in the series to see how it all turns out, but I think I will just go on to the next. Maybe I'll learn why Nefret would turn aside so quickly. It can't be because of Ramses' "daughter;" yes, she could end the relationship until she had further information, but to actually marry such a lukewarm character? That doesn't make sense. I'm hoping Peters will shed some light on this in the next book.

And, in the meantime, I'm getting more and more curious about Egypt. I'd like to take a trip, if it were just a little easier...

Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver

 I have read this book multiple times because I enjoy it so much. Each time I find new clues that foreshadow events coming up. There are delightful little nuances that crop up as I read slowly and carefully. Kingsolver's prose and characters are worth savoring. Now that I know the story so well, I can read slowly and not be impatient to know what happens next. 

I can't believe I haven't written about this book here before. It's definitely one of my top ten favorites of all time... I love the characters, I love the setting, I love the story, and I love how the characters evolve and change as the story unfolds. I have read it at least five times now, and enjoyed it again earlier this summer.

There's such a reverence for life here and much to admire as the characters face adversity. I am saddened every time I note the slight bitterness in Nanny's feelings about her daughter's birth defect and death. She is a practical woman who brings such goodness into the world, but will not acknowledge God's hand or existence. Deanna and Luza are also fascinating characters with colorful backgrounds that are slowly revealed. I love learning about nature through their conversations and thoughts, and I love the thought of the two of them becoming friends in the future; something only hinted at in this book. This is one of those nuances that I only noticed on the second reading.

The wicked sisters in law and Garrett are also great characters, and their development is also realistic and revealing. The author goes beyond the stereotypes to reveal the pain, the suffering, and the goodness that exists.

I also believe in the healing powers of nature and this book is a beautiful example of the many complex systems in nature and how one cog in the system affects other parts. It ought to be required reading for any aspiring farmer or biologist.

Guardian of the Horizon by Elizabeth Peters

 This is one of the best in the series, I think. I had taken a little break and it was fun to get back into the humor and fun of this author. This story was also easier for me to follow; some of Peters' plots get kind of complicated, and this one was easier.

Another reason I enjoyed this one is because Ramses and Nefret played major roles in the story. They are coming into their own, and we learn a lot more about Ramses' character and abilities. His unfailing politeness to his parents cracked me up, even when he was often underestimated by them. He is the reason this particular mission (a return to the Lost Oasis) is a success. I was surprised when he succumbed to the advances of the beautiful Daria, and wondered how that would turn out. I like that he's ever the gentleman and yet also a human. Translation: not perfect! 

I'm beginning to think that Amelia is a real control freak and it cracks me up how she handles Emerson (her husband). He's definitely not the star here, and she criticizes him for not having ideas. She still admires his musculature, but she is ever more assertive in driving the action. She's also beginning to appreciate Ramses' abilities and has less complaints about him. There are lots of allusions to previous characters and situations, and it was fun to be "in the know" about them. In particular, it was fun to have Sethos (the master criminal) reappear. I'm not sure this scene would have been as funny if I hadn't read the earlier encounters. Amelia is keeping more of this relationship to herself and not letting Emerson know...It will be interesting to see if this trend continues. 

I want to read the next in the series to continue to enjoy Ramses' development, in particular. And how will Nefret turn out? Will they ever declare their love for each other? Will Amelia ever guess at it? And will Daria and Tarek (king in the Lost Oasis) have a child and will she wonder if its Ramses'? So many questions! It's so fun to have the time to pursue the next one...

The Book of Longing by Sue Monk Kidd

 I heard an interview with Sue Monk Kidd and was very impressed by her spirituality and humility. She spoke about researching and writing this book, and it intrigued me to learn more. The premise is that Jesus Christ had a wife, and this is her story. I enjoyed Kidd's The Secret Life of Bees so much that I assumed this would be as good.

Well, I was wrong. The characters in Bees are so alive and engaging! The characters in Longing are one-dimensional. Kidd's impressive writing skills are not in evidence either; I never paused and thought, that is a great sentence or a beautiful image. That was disappointing.

However, the story was interesting, and the context that she drew around the characters reminded me of why I enjoy the video series THE CHOSEN so much. The circumstances and context really enriched my understanding of what could have happened to bring certain people together. This novel also created a vivid image of what life in ancient Israel may have been like, both for the rich (during Ana's youth) and for the poor, after she moved to Nazareth. The book also describes life and culture in Egypt, and the feminist perspective is so interesting. In Egypt, Ana had more opportunities and even enjoyed a visit to a library. The story of how women lived and how few of them had any reading or writing skills was fascinating. 

Another interesting aspect was that of the culture of the Therapaeuta (sp?), a place for Jews that was like a monastery for Jews in Egypt. The description of life there was fascinating, and that is based in history. 

I sent the book off to Leslie Polson today and it will be interesting to see what she thinks. I always like historical fiction to learn about different places and times. I wish this one were more compelling, but it's still a nice summer read. And it does fit with my belief that Jesus very well could have had not only a wife, but a sense of humor...

Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee

 This book was on a recommended list on Brooke Romney's Instagram page for young adults. It sounded intriguing because it was listed as a pioneer story and western, and I like reading about that era. It was billed in the Amazon reviews as historical fiction, so I thought there would be some good history and maybe even some good learning about the era along the way. It was supposed to be about resilience, a theme I usually enjoy, especially in teenagers.

It was disappointing that this book did not deliver on any of my expectations. The heroines were kind of hokey and not particularly real. The hardships along the trail were not especially realistic or enlightening. The plot was fairly predictable, although the various mishaps were not. I really wanted to like this book, but it just wasn't worth the time. Additionally, there was a fairly graphic almost-rape scene that felt kind of inappropriate for a youthful audience. I liked the courage of the two heroines, and I liked that this unlikely pair (a Chinese teen and a black slave) would share the spotlight in a novel. The racial issues were interesting as they came up, but weren't dealt with in any deep way. Still, it is interesting to ponder the implications of racism in that era, and this book definitely would be a springboard to some interesting discussions. 

I love sharing books with my friend Leslie. I'm just wondering if it's worth the postage to send it to her... 

The Ape Who Guards the Balance by Elizabeth Peters

 At this point in the series, Ramses has become a man, along with David, his adopted brother. They were taken under the wing of an Arab sheik or someone similar and learned manly things. This novel begins in England, with a suffragist theme and meeting, introducing the mysterious people and crimes, which then follow the family into Egypt. The sheik also gifts the young men with beautiful and talented horses. 

Nefret, David, and Ramses become a strong force in their own right, and Ramses confesses to David his lovesickness for Nefret. Amelia and Emerson are oblivious to this development, and still call them "the children." This plot involves "the children" more, and Nefret uses her charms to get into tombs and other places that Emerson, for example, can't go. There is also the character of Layla, who intrigues Ramses and ultimately rescues him. The notorious "master criminal" whom I thought was killed in an earlier book, reappears, as well as the evil Bertha. The Egyptian scenes are interesting and culturally enlightening. This plot was fairly easy to follow, and I especially enjoyed the character of Sir Edward. It turns out he was in league with the master criminal and gives up (I think?) his aspirations of winning Nefret's affections.

This book also continues the device introduced earlier that gives Ramses/Nefret's point of view every few chapters. It's a nice contrast and contributes to understanding the different threads unweaving. 

All in all a satisfying read, a fun romp, and the perfect light book to help me transition from Rapid City to St. George during the hot summer of 2021. I'm ready for a break in this series now, especially since we have now moved into our new home in St. George, and I have access to some of my favorite books. Next up, one I've longed to re-read ever since Bismarck: Prodigal Summer. 

It's a little confusing to know what book to read next...there is a published order and a chronological order.  Here's a list I recently found on Amazon that is the chronological order. Since this one is the last one I have, I want to read the next ones (if I do) in chronological order. There is definitely some confusion... at the end of this book is a "teaser" from A River in the Sky, as if it's the next one in the series! 

Amelia Peabody Mysteries in Chronological Order:

1. Crocodile on the Sandbank (1884-1885)
2. Curse of the Pharaohs (1892-1893)
3. The Mummy Case (1894-1895)
4. Lion in the Valley (1895-1896)
5. Deeds of the Disturber (1896)
6. The Last Camel Died at Noon (1897-1898)
7. The Snake, the Crocodile, and the Dog (1898-1899)
8. The Hippopotamus Pool (1899-1900)
9. Seeing a Large Cat (1903-1904)
10. The Ape Who Guards the Balance (1906-1907)
11. Guardian of the Horizon (1907-1908)
12. A River in the Sky (1910)
13. The Falcon at the Portal (1911-1912)
14. He Shall Thunder in the Sky (1914-1915)
15. Lord of the Silent (1915-1916)
16. The Golden One (1916-1917)
17. Children of the Storm (1919-1920)
18. Serpent on the Crown (1921-1922)
19. Tomb of the Golden Bird (1922-1923)

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Seeing a Large Cat by Elizabeth Peters

 This was a fun one! And I actually followed the plot and the characters without any trouble. Maybe I'm getting used to Peters' style or maybe I was just more alert. Whatever the case, this plot was less complex than others, there were fewer surprises, and I could track all of the interesting characters. There was less about Egyptian history and tombs, and more about Ramses, Nefret, and David. They are older teenagers now, and are learning about life, love, and maturing. An interesting device introduced in this book is some departures (italicized) written from Ramses' point of view. Peters is setting the stage for romance, and it will be fascinating to see where it goes from here! There is also a seance in this book, and the players and the scene is pretty dramatic. There isn't a whole lot of violence, either, which I appreciated. Just intrigue and Amelia Peabody's usual great "unintentional" humor!

The Snake, the Crocodile, and the Dog by Elizabeth Peters

 Well, I finally did it! I got tired of not remembering or tracking the intricacies of these plots, so I read this one twice. And I have to say, I enjoyed it much more the second time through. There were so many hints and ironic situations that were totally lost on me the first time around! It was amazing.

This is the story of Amelia and Emerson being chased by not one, but two villains. Both villains are after the information that will lead them to the "lost civilization" described in the previous book, The Last Camel Died at Noon. Their methods include kidnapping and abductions and even attacks on Nefret and Ramses back in England. One of the highlights of this book is Ramses' letters to his parents. They are so funny, and Amelia's reactions to them are great too. 

These books are the perfect lightness for my rather harried mind as we try to negotiate a new life in St. George, while I am still reluctant to leave the Black Hills. It's painful. But these books, when I awaken in the middle of the night, take me away to a fun place, though often violent. They take my concentration to track what's going on, and to keep the characters straight. It's a good diversion. Often the characters return from previous books, and one who I always enjoy is Kevin O'Connell, a journalist who embellishes his stories and infuriates Amelia. So fun having him around!

I think I might be near the end of my time with this series, though. I have one left in my stash and after that I might try some Tolkien or C.S. Lewis. Time for something different. 

The Last Camel Died at Noon by Elizabeth Peters

 This was a departure from Peters' usual setting, and Ramses was along for the ride, and as usual, he was fascinating and funny. Amelia Peabody's reactions to her son were hilarious. And, as usual, the plot was complicated and I had trouble tracking some of the characters, but overall, it was a fun ride.

What made this story different was the peek into an early civilization that had miraculously survived hidden deep in the Sudan. The customs, mores, culture, and religion were all based on ancient Egyptian history and I could tell that Peters had had a great time imagining it all. It was a truly fascinating place with lots colorful descriptions. It's an important book in the series because the next book, The Snake, the Crocodile, and the Dog is based on "the secret" which is this ancient civilization. Plus, an important new character, Nefret, is introduced and returns to England with the Emerson family. Knowing her history is important in the next installation as well. 

One thing I enjoy about these books, besides the humor, is the that the characters are often unpredictable and not what they seem. Sometimes we discover this at the same time as Amelia and Emerson, and sometimes not... There's always some plot or identity to unravel and it's challenging to track them all. Still, I enjoy it!

The Deeds of the Disturber by Elizabeth Peters

 I just finished this one last night. It's the first one I've read in this series that is not set in Egypt, but relies on Egyptian antiquities. This novel is set in London, and revolves around Lord Liverpool and other aristocratic characters who don priestly robes to terrorize the public who are interested in mummies and other artifacts in the British Museum. Peabody's and Emerson's son Ramses takes on various disguises and continues to attract his mother's ire. At the end, though, she gives him an earned and sincere apology for some of her treatment of him in the course of the story.

This one is the darkest of the series that I have read so far. The ceremony and debauchery of the aristocrats is darkly disturbing and crazy. Peters does not get graphic, however, so it's somewhat less disturbing than it could be.  A major theme in this story is Peabody's jealousy of an Egyptian courtesan who runs an opium den. Opium addiction is a sad side story in this novel as well. Still, an enjoyable and often funny read, due to Emerson's temper and Peabody's uber-confidence. 

I'm having trouble tying all the complicated threads together, largely because there are so many of them, and some quite obscure. It could also be that I am sometimes very tired when I read, and have to reread the previous section the next night because I can't remember what I read before. Am I sleep deprived or losing my memory? Ha! I don't know, but this book helped entertain me and keep me light while I cared for Leonard during his recovery from knee surgery. A very helpful diversion during a busy time!

I should also not that this is the second in the Amelia Peabody series, and the sixth one that I have read. 

The Curse of the Pharaohs by Elizabeth Peters

 This is the fifth book in the series that I have read, and number 2 in the series itself. In this one, Amelia Peabody, and her husband, Radcliffe Emerson, travel to Egypt to help solve the mysterious death of Lord Baskerville. As usual, I enjoyed Peabody's humor and arrogance, but missed a few of the clues and summations along the way. Still, an enjoyable read, with a new Irish character: Mr. O'Connell who has a lively personality and is a refreshing foil for Amelia. 

These are the perfect "put me to sleep quickly" mysteries because they are light and funny. I'm not in the mood for anything heavy while we are figuring out our future in St. George! They make me laugh and are good for my brain to try to follow the threads and red herrings. I have a few more to read, but will probably not pursue reading the entire series. The plots, settings, and characters are still interesting, but not captivating, if you know what I mean. I feel I need to raise the bar somewhat, and soon.

Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters

 This is the first in the Amelia Peabody series, and it sets the stage for the rest. This is the fourth one I've read, and it was fun to read about the beginnings of Amelia and Emerson's relationship, and about how Evelyn was befriended by Amelia. The romances between Evelyn and Walter and between Amelia and Emerson were delightful and humorous as they unfolded. This is a bright story with lots of Egyptian color and culture. Probably the best one I've read so far. She started strong! Both the author and Amelia...it's fun to see the beginnings. 

I don't know if it's because I'm better-rested or if in the beginning of the series the plots were easier to follow...but at any rate I didn't get lost in the characters or the plot like I have in some of her other books. This was more manageable for my little brain!

And...there's something so funny about Amelia's confidence and arrogance. And I love how she grows to absolutely admire Emerson and his physique. It's clean writing with subtle and fun messages.

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

While residing in the Sun River community in St. George, I wandered into the library hoping for a good read. Their selection is heavy on popular suspense novels, which I don't particularly enjoy. However, this one caught my eye because I'd read some Amazon reviews about this particular book, and the cover notes looked intriguing.

It was a good read that held my interest. Good dialogue with interesting characters. The story of domestic abuse of a returned Viet Nam POW was hard to read at times, but probably true to life. The time setting also attracted me--the early 70's, and I enjoyed all of the cultural references to that time. One pervasive force in the novel is the setting. Alaska and its beauty and its terror are described poetically. The hardships and rewards of life in "the great alone" are fascinating to read about. I was unaware of the way people lived "off the grid" and what they did to survive... Like raising goats and chickens, hunting moose, and fishing and smoking their catch for the winter were all interesting to read about. I also enjoyed the description of the remote school, and how the few people in this area relied on each other. 

I had also assumed that the long summer days were spent enjoying the summer and light--wrong. They were spent in intense toil and preparation for the long winters. I understand better now the impacts of long, dark winter on the psyche. It was fascinating to read about.

This author drew real characters with real struggles. The abusive father and devoted mother and their struggles are depicted with empathy and understanding. The pain of Leni, their daughter is evident, as is her strength and resilience. The neighbors are also real-seeming people, who kind of reminded me of some of our old Redwood Road neighbors back in the day... Rough cut, independent, and self-sufficient. I didn't realize that Alaska was (and maybe still is) a refuge for the lawless and crazy who want to get out of society as we know it. All of this was fascinating in the context of the story.

The way the author describes the beauty of Alaska is compelling! I haven't really wanted to visit there before, because to me it's no fun to travel to places that are COLD. However, after Jane's trip and this book, maybe I will reconsider. It sounds overwhelmingly beautiful! 

This was the perfect St. George read on the days that were too cold to spend much of it outside (30's and 40's). I read with a hot cup of cider or herb tea and was taken away. Enjoyable but not enough to read again... Some interesting plot twists and turns with some beautiful descriptions of human devotion, resilience and love.  

Lion in the Valley by Elizabeth Peters

 This is fourth in the Amelia Peabody series, but third one for me. For the first time I could follow most of the threads of the mystery. However, it's still the characters that are the draw for me. In this one, Ramses, Amelia Peabody's son, is eight years old. She is still jealous of him, gives him a hard time when he talks too much, but ultimately has to acknowledge his insights into the mystery.

Emerson, Peabody's husband, continues to show his lion-like temper, and it's fun to listen to Peabody both admire and admonish him! The Master Criminal, Sethos, makes multiple appearances in this story, in various disguises. This one might be fun to tackle again, just to know ahead of time who is whom. I also enjoyed the young opium addict character, Ronald or Donald (I get them mixed up too, like Emerson does), whom Amelia is determined to reform. 

Maybe I'm just getting on Peters' wavelength, but I enjoyed this one the most so far. There were also threads of earlier stories continued in this one that helped me make sense of all the characters. Peters uses lots of characters and sometimes keeping track of them is hard for me. Still, I can always enjoy the dialogue, and of course, Peabody's inner dialogue of utmost confidence in herself!

The Mummy Case by Elizabeth Peters

This is another fun mystery set in Egypt by Elizabeth Peters. This is the second one for me, but third in the Amelia Peabody series. That number is from a list in the front of the book; I doubt it's this late in the series, though, because Ramses, the main character's son, is only six or seven years old. Still, he's precocious, and is able save both Peabody and Emerson at the climax of the mystery.  

Like in the first one I read, the heart of the fun is the relationship between Peabody and her husband, Emerson. They are hilarious and competitive. What was new for me was the outright jealousy of Peabody of her young son, Ramses. He's brilliant, tries to help, but she can't stand to let him talk! It's funny because it highlights her arrogance and confidence. 

The mystery aspects and characters were too convoluted to follow... That could be because of my declining cognitive abilities, or perhaps they were meant to be cryptic? Not sure...I just decided not to let the details derail me and enjoy the characters. Which I did. This is the perfect kind of a book to read while "on vacation" in St. George...Light and fun.