I read a number of positive reviews of Alena by Rachel Pastan. It was on the shelf at the library, so I eagerly grabbed it. Unfortunately, the best part of this book was the cover. Those lovely paint swatches feel like real paint. Otherwise, I found the book lacking. It was tedious to get through until the last 50 pages where all the action happened. I liked finding out what had happened to Alena (who mysteriously disappears before the book begins), but I could have left this one on the shelf. Here’s hoping that the next selection is better.