I have an old paperback copy of this book. I read it many years ago when I was in my early teens and I do remember liking it, but I don't remember a lot about the plot. I think I'd like to re-read it now and see if I still enjoy it as an adult.

I was originally intrigued with the book because it fell between SW and ESB (and I liked the cover illustration of Luke and Leia looking up at Vader), and I definitely think that most non-EU fans would enjoy it. I'm not an EU person myself- the only other EU book I've ever read is The Truce At Bakura (which I bought it because it was on sale and I liked the cover) and I didn't care for it that much.

*****SPOILERS******
Two things from SOTME that stand out in my mind is the sexual tension between Luke and Leia (har!), in particular a scene where Luke is trying to decide if he should kiss Leia on the lips while she's sleeping, and if I remember correctly, there's one scene when Luke slaps Leia in the face to make it appear that he is angry with her (for the benefit of some stormtroopers, I believe) except that Leia is totally taken by surprise and isn't too pleased with Luke afterwards.