These Three Remain by Pamela Aidan (Book 3 in the Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman trilogy)

 I'm so glad I found this one at the library so I could complete the series. I found it along with book 2, not long before Len and I went to Hawaii. I was half-way done with this one, and was so intrigued that I hauled it along on the trip. It made delightful reading on the planes and for the first couple of days in Kona! It had a very satisfying way of bringing Elizabeth and Darcy together, happily. 

What Aidan did very well, I thought, was show how Darcy's character developed over time. How he understood better his own shortcomings, and how Elizabeth helped him see them. She also had some development and both of them were written about really well, I thought. This was definitely the best of the three novels, and was so good, I wondered if people familiar with the story could just read book 3 and skip the other two? Perhaps...I was thinking this because I wondered if it would be a good one for our Ridegeview Ward book club...But then I had a different idea. The Small and the Mighty became available as an audio book on Libby, and I was so taken with it, that I decided to suggest it to read instead...

Duty and Desire by Pamela Aidan (Book 2 in the Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman series of 3)

 Because this was available at the St. George library and I had nothing else pressing, I took on book 2, having somewhat enjoyed the first book. This book covers the the time (months?) when Darcy was trying to overcome his obsession with Elizabeth. It takes a very interesting turn into a kind of retreat with his old university friends, and they have an interesting time with a wide variety of characters. It colors in some of the interesting mores of the time; some superstitions and some manners and pastimes that make me very glad I didn't live in this time. One character I really came to appreciate is Darcy's valet, who shows a lot of detective skills! It's kind of a fun romp, but wasn't as enjoyable as the first book because Elizabeth scarcely makes an appearance. Still, it was fun to learn about what went on in those times, complete with a mystery and peasant uprising...

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

 I had heard of this book, so when I saw it at Deseret Industries, I picked it up for a dollar. A good mystery, it seemed. And it was, but I had no idea it was going to be so violent and so full of sadism. Yuck. Which is too bad, because the whole first third of the book gave no indication it was going to go that direction.

I wouldn't recommend this to anyone, and I'm sorry I'll never be rid of the violent images. On the other hand, it was an exciting mystery to uncover and follow; very cerebral, with very interesting and likable characters.

One of the main characters, Lisbeth Salander, has Asberger's Syndrome, and reading and understanding her traits were enlightening. A brilliant mind with few social skills...

It's set in Sweden, and a lot of the Swedish culture comes through, most particularly their casual attitude about casual sex. Marriage didn't mean fidelity and it wasn't expected in the main characters. That was interesting...Okay, that's about all I can say about this one. Not going down this road again. 

An Assembly Such as This by Pamela Aidan

 This little paperback had beautiful art on the cover which made it stand out from others on the shelf at Deserest Industries. I was looking for something lightweight to take on the flight to Rapid City for our Christmas/50th Wedding anniversary celebration, and this one fit the bill. Plus, it was only $1.00!

When I bought it. I thought it was the Pride and Prejudice story, told from Darcy's point of view, which it is, but what I didn't realize is that this is the first in a trilogy of novels and only begins the story. Still, it is VERY well-writtten and very witty and amazingly reminiscent of Jane Austen, which is very unlike most of the P & P fanfiction.

It was the perfect story to rest back into at night in Rapid City, after a full day, to cozy into Melissa's huge bed, and lose myself. It wasn't exciting enough to lure me away from Leonard or Ann or Melissa, but welcoming enough to be a good and enjoyable sedative to lay me down to sleep.

My only beef is that it feels like the author draws out the story almost unendingly with many detours and new characters which are interesting, but the story progresses at a snail's pace! Really, let's get on with the connection between Darcy and Elizabeth! I haven't decided whether orr not to seek out the remaining two novels in this triology because I 'm not sure I have the patience! Still, it's fun to see someone do something so clever wtih dialogue and imagination to fill out the Darcy character. It also adds context to some of Austen's world with color and social amenities. So maybe I will... Amazon makes it so easy!

What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon

 This author's reviews were good, and she has lots of historical fiction, so I decided to see if she were in the library. She was, so I went with her Irish history story. It was an enjoyable read, but not a compelling read. I learned a sketchy amount of Irish rebellion history, and enjoyed some interesting characters, but will probably not seek this author out again. There is also an interesting time travel twist, where the heroine goes back in time and eventually gets to stay there with her own true love.

It was a bit confusing because Anne is the heroine, the granddaughter, and goes back in time (via boat accident) to become her grandfather's mother and help raise him. I finally got the characters all straight, but had to keep reminding myself who was who! It was well done, the writing and characters interesting, but bascially pretty one-diminsional. A fascinating idea and the quoting of lots of Yeats' poetry was a nice addition. 

I think I need character development to find a story compelling. And I need a love story, if a part of the story, to be real and not sweet and devoted in every detail and instance. Love is complicated and sometimes troubling; here it was seamless and endless. A nice idea but not as interesting to me.

Bottom line? I need more substance!