The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy, 248 pages

"Who is this man, this Scarlet Pimpernel?"

"Every day this question grew more pressing to the rulers of the French Revolution. Only this man and his band of followers threatened their total power. Only this maddeningly elusive figure defied the vast network of fanatics, informers and secret agents that the Revolution spread out to catch its enemies.

Some said this man of many disguises, endless ruses and infinite daring was an exiled French nobleman, returned to wreak vengeance. Others said he was an English lord, seeking sheer adventure and supreme sport in playing the most dangerous game of all.

But of only one thing could those who sought him be sure. They knew all too well the symbol of his presence, the blood-red flower known as the Scarlet Pimpernel..." -Back Cover

I've read this book more times than I can count. It's on my short list of all-time favorites, and after watching the Anthony Andrews/Jane Seymour film adaptation of this book this week I had to read it again. (I've seen the movie more times than I can count, too.) I've had me a little crush on Sir Percy Blakeney since the first time I read this as a teenager. I love that he is handsome, brave, honorable, resourceful, intelligent and proud, yet not too proud to appear to be a complete idiot in public to protect his true identity. Who he plays in public is the polar opposite of who he really is. I love that he loves wholeheartedly and is loved wholeheartedly. So, basically he's the perfect man - Edward Cullen included - and that's coming from a huge Twilight fan.

The Great and Terrible books #4-6 by Chris Stewart, 1005 pages total

I'm lumping these books together because I couldn't take time to write about one before starting the next one. This book series is a fictionalized story of the conflict during the Last Days between good and evil. It is written by an LDS author. I loved it. There was action, suspense and drama that made them difficult to put down. There was also a lot of heart and emotion. The characters were well written and you instantly fell in love with them. (I might have a little crush on Sam.) There was also heartache. I cried. I love it when a book makes me cry.

What I enjoyed most about this series is that it was a good representation of some of the truths I believe and those truths were written in a way that made me think differently about them and recommit myself to them. Satan and his angels were very real in these books and yet the overwhelming theme of the story is how hopeless their battle is. (I love the final paragraph in book six.) They will not win in the end and they only win in our lives if we let them. It was a story of hope and perseverance and I'd highly recommend it, but just be warned - if you're like me, my mom, my grandma and some of my sisters, you won't be able to put them down.