It’s not the worst book I’ve ever read and it probably won’t even make my top 10 list of worst books ever. A romance novel set in another dimension is weird, but hey, I love sci-fi and fantasy, I could roll with that. It’s utterly predictable, but that’s not necessarily a death nell, aren’t all romance novels formulaic? So what’s my problem with it?

It’s trite and written at what seems to be a 4th grade reading level. Have readers gotten so dumb that we have to spell everything out, remove all big words and teach simplistic moral lessons in every book? At one point in this book, I believe the point was essentially made “just because someone looks different than you, doesn’t mean they’re a bad person”. Really? I NEVER knew that! Oh wait, I learned that on Sesame Street before I even knew how to read.

So if you know a licentious 4th grader that would like to read a fantastical romance novel, then maybe this works. Otherwise, it probably doesn’t belong on your summer reading list.

Her housekeeper urges her to join the local Penny Pinchers club that meets at a local library to swap coupons and share Costco memberships.

This would make a fine beach book as it’s very superficial and predictable, but still fun to read. The characters are clever and funny and it’s a quick read. Who knows, maybe you’ll even pick up a few tips on how to save some money.

The only drawbacks are that it’s a touch formulaic and lacking in emotional depth. This is a great beach book for the upcoming summer season, you won’t be sobbing in the sand and just might snicker a few times.

Just make sure and tell your husband that it’s fiction.

Your favorite characters are there, of course: Claire, Jamie, Roger, Brianna, etc. along with plenty of new characters who seem immediately familiar and welcome (such as the Hunter family). Lord John features prominently in this book for those of you who’ve been reading her side series about him.

I’ve NOT read them and yet found it easy enough to follow his story line.

If you haven’t read any of her books before, they’re sweeping action/adventure/romance novels  primarily set in Scotland and America with tons of historical and medical references. These are not light reads and they’re not Harlequin romances. Characters are complex, relationships are sometimes painful and circumstances are often bloody and/or gruesome.

While most of the readers of this series are probably female, I do know men who’ve enjoyed them as well. There are enough battle scenes and talk of honor and revenge that most guys will find something that appeals to them.

Of course, the thing that shines through these novels the strongest is the relationship between Claire and Jamie. Star crossed lovers to be sure, but their love for each other seems to be so rich and deep that you almost eat these books up with a spoon.

She tells this story from a variety of characters’ perspectives, which is something that I enjoy about George RR Martin and Christopher Paolin’s books as well. If you feel like you’re getting bored/weary with one character, just keep reading, odds are good that you’ll soon get to read about someone/something else.

Still it has all your favorites back and in the action again – Lulu, Grandma, Morelli, Ranger and Rex. While Janet has it down to a formula, few can argue that it’s not a winning formula. Her books are easy and fun to read, they nearly always have you laughing out loud at least once, and they appeal to most any adult.

If you like Janet Evanovich, you may also like “Skinny Dip” by Carl Hiaasen or Janet’s other heroine in “Metro Girl“.

While I think the book was aiming for suspense, I didn’t feel it much. But please don’t get me wrong, I’ve read a LOT worse. If you’re looking for a quick read that has some sweet romantic elements and you love to sing, you’ll probably enjoy this book.

If you have a creepy ex-boyfriend who was abusive and stalker-ish, you probably don’t want to read this book.

“Born in Ice” is about Maggie’s sister, Brianna, who is as cool-headed as her sister is hot. The romance is slower to come in this book, but when it does, it’s delightful.

And rounding out the trilogy is “Born in Shame” about a girl born in America having no idea of her Irish roots. Will she seek out her father’s family? Will she find love in Ireland? Of the three books, this one takes the weirdest turn, going a bit Druid/spiritual.

They’re fun books, definitely worth a beach read, none requiring any deep thought.

What “The Reader” has that “The Graduate” does not, is a great plot twist that makes us think, even as it sets you reeling. It’s also incredibly short and easy to read.

While it’s romantic, is it for women only? Definitely not. Much like “The Graduate”, my guess is that “The Reader” probably appeals nearly as much to men as to women.

The story is told from a young man’s perspective who’s vulnerable and foolish. Our heroine is not your typical soft and feminine lady. While the characters may not catch your fancy or engender your sympathies, they will draw you in.

If you like “The Reader”, check out “The Book Thief”, a more mature, more complex cousin.

I enjoyed the characters. I thought the plot fell apart a bit, especially towards the end (why must authors get caught up in the cliche of using a panther/mountain lion as the mysterious and ominious portent of change?). Still it was worth a read, got me crying (as do most books) and made me long for the Carolina coast.

If you like Anne Rivers Siddons, you would probably also like Mary Alice Monroe’s “The Beach House“.

The conspiracy theory aspect is a bit over the top, but if you can forgive that, you will find it to be a fairly fast-paced and light read. The romance is more hinted at than actually acted out (which may disappoint some readers. This is no steamy Nora Roberts or Jude Deveraux novel). And Johansen is clearly setting herself up for an Eve Duncan series (which seems to be the trend anymore, does anyone just write one stand-alone romance novel anymore?).

If you’re looking for suspense/romance combo, you might also check out Julie Garwood or Tami Hoag. If you just want steamy, go for Elizabeth Lowell.