Lorna Doone- R.D. Blackmore

I was first exposed to this terribly romantic story as an A&E movie.  Hoping to immerse myself in it for longer, I checked out the book from the library.  I was not disappointed.  The book includes many details that the movie just can't touch.  You learn a lot more about the minor characters and I find the ending much more satisfying.  That being said, the first part of the book was a slog for me to get through.  There was some history of England that I just wasn't interested in, but once the story started, I didn't want it to end.

A short overview.  John Ridd is the son of a farmer who lives in the same area of Exmoor, England as the villanous Doone family.  The Doones are known to ride through the land, pillaging and murdering anyone who stands in their way.  John has good reason to hate the Doones because they murder his father.  As a young boy, he accidentally ends up in the valley of the Doones and there meets an enchanting young girl.  After many years, he falls in love with her against his better judgement.  But, Lorna is not who he believes.  Instead of being a Doone, she is actually an heiress who was kidnapped by the Doones as a very small child to give them respectability when she grows up and marries a Doone.  It is up to John Ridd to save her and quite an adventure they both have. 

Count of Monte Cristo- Alexandre Dumas

Of all the books I've read in book club (and having been in one for over 10 years, that's a lot of books!), I think this is my favorite find.  It's such a big book, I was put off by its size.  I had watched the movie in my high school french class but was never tempted to attempt the novel until is was our summer read in book club.  I also don't enjoy other classic authors from the same time period like Charles Dickens .  At its heart, it is a story of revenge and redemption.  Edmond Dantes is wrongfully imprisioned for many years before he escapes with the knowledge of where a large treasure is hidden.  He uses his new found wealth to establish himself as "The Counte of Monte Cristo" and sets out to seek revenge against his enemies.  Although he is consumed by his desire for revenge, he is also moved to correct many wrongs he encounters with his wealth.
The writing in this book is wonderful and I was totally pulled in to the story.  There are lots of characters in the story and sometimes you wonder why they are included, only to have them resurface later with new importance.

Don't be put off by the heft of the book.  If you are like me, you will want it never to end!