I'd never really thought about Anne as being all that dark... I guess mostly because I started reading them when I was really young- I guess it seemed like it was just life. (Also, the eternal optimist saw mainly the good things, I guess). I'm definitely going to be keeping my eyes open for a copy of that book when it comes out.

And with HBP, I'm with you for almost all of it. There were lots of parts that I really enjoyed, but the anti-climax of the non-fight and the horrible last scene stick out. And while I think the Harry/Ginny thing worked for the movie, I too am a fan of the several sunlit days.