Here are some mini-reviews of three books I recently finished reading. 

First Dawn by Judith Miller
The best thing about this book was the setting--Nicodemus, Kansas during the late 1800's.  Nicodemus is the only remaining western town established by African Americans after the civil war.  Miller follows the first group of settlers who arrive and are dismayed find nothing but open prairie.  I found the historical aspects of the story fascinating, but the plot and characters were pretty standard historical romance fare.  Miller also portrays aspects of the character's spiritual beliefs. Miller is a local Kansas author, and this book is the first of a series.
 
Dragonquest by Donita K. Paul
Once I got into this book, I couldn't help but think of Anne McCaffrey's dragon books as I was reading it. The main character, a 15 year old dragonkeeper named Kale, is sent on several missions involving wizards, dragons, battles, and magic. Kale was an engaging character; she faces many challenges--such as two women who both claim to be her long-lost mother.  She also has pledged her life to the service of Paladin, who is a mysterious leader who only occasionally appears with instructions about what Wulder's will is (Wulder apparently being the "God" of the story).  Paul has created a lively fantasy world peopled with many strange and wonderful kinds of creatures, places, and objects.  I found it confusing at first, and had to consult the glossary at the back of the book many times.  But once I got into the story and connected with the struggles of the main character it was a delightful read.  Definitely try it if you are an Anne McCaffrey fan!

The Judge Who Stole Christmas by Randy Singer. 
OK, so I'm a little behind and I read a Christmas story in February.  But this short book was still a nice heartwarming read about what happens when a man is ordered by a local judge to stop displaying a living nativity scene in the town square.  Singer's legal knowledge is evident as he takes us through several trials and legal proceedings.   Singer also tries to put a human face on these issues, and shows how people on both sides may be neither the saints nor devils they are often made out to be.