I had the good fortune to stumble onto Kristen Britain’s debut novel, The Green Rider. Despite a rather elementary plot (reluctant hero saves the kingdom from impending doom through a combination of luck, bravery, and the blossoming of latent talents), it proves to be a compelling read. The main character’s adventure starts when she runs away from school to escape unjust punishment. She finds herself entrusted with a dying Green Rider’s mission to deliver a message to the King, a message containing information vital to the country’s security. During her harrowing ride across the wild countryside, she meets a cast of eccentric characters who help her discover her strengths and see some of the magic in the world about her. Perhaps what makes this book so exciting, is how she does not escape unscathed from her encounters with the villains. She is battered, bruised, and scarred. This realistic element heightens the dramatic tension, thereby keeping the reader on tenter hooks to find out what happens next. The book closes with many loose ends. I would very much like to see a sequel emerge from the writer’s vivid imagination.

Fortune cookie messages:

* You find beauty in ordinary things. Do not lose this ability.

* Best opportunities are apt to come throgh associates.

Yep, we had Chinese take-out again. It was good…thankfully I don’t get as tired of it as I do pizza. The only problem was that Robert called the restaurant knowing he didn’t have any cash in his wallet. When I walked in the door, I was informed that I would have to pay for dinner. It was a good thing I had something in my wallet! (Are men always this clueless???) I had to fork over a 20 dollar bill to the delivery boy who scraped the bottom of his car to come up with a handfull of nickels and dimes. It might have added up to the $6 difference. I don’t know. I was too mortified by the situation at that point. I insisted that the delivery boy keep all the change. Not a bad tip. I hope it’ll get me an extra fortune cookie next time we call *g*

Some of the excuses people give you for not coming to your wedding are truly bizarre. A walk-a-thon? Sure, she’s been training for the walk-a-thon for five months, but I’ve been training to walk down the aisle for 28 years. Hrmph. (I’m more amused than mad.)