Fiona’s Comments (group member since Apr 01, 2023)

Fiona’s comments from the Bookish Challenges group.

Book & Author: Hands Down by Mariana Zapata
Date Read: January 21
Task: A book which is part of a bigger universe
How it Fits: Part of the MZ universe, with characters of other books appearing
Next Case: 16

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3/4 books

The Spark: Attraction and Discovery
a) Read a book about first love or love at first sight.
Crystal Iris by Blair M. Shadows February 10 - Love at first sight between the MCs

The Growth: Building and Navigating Challenges
a) Read a second-chance romance where characters reconcile after a breakup.
b) Choose a nonfiction book about relationships and emotional connection.
c) Find a story where love overcomes adversity.

The Commitment: Stability and Long-Term Love
b) Read the second installment from a romance series focused on a couple’s journey.
This could be home by Lilly Lucas January 25 - Second book in Hawaii Love series, focuses on the journey of Laurie and Tristan


The Legacy: Deep Connection and Growth
c) Find a book about found families or partnerships that celebrates love beyond romance
Fake As Puck by Sarah Smith March 4 - FMC meets her found family (the ice hockey team)

Investigation - William Everett

Daniel: (Glancing up) “Thank you for agreeing to speak with me, Mr. Everett. I understand you’ve been with the Donovan family for quite some time.”

William: (Nods) “Nearly thirty years, Mr. Hunt. I’ve served this household since before James and Sarah were born.”

Daniel: “Thirty years is a long time. You must know the family better than anyone.”

William: (Smoothly) “My role is to ensure the household runs smoothly and the family’s privacy is respected. I observe, yes, but only insofar as it pertains to my duties.”

Daniel: “And yet, I imagine you’ve seen your share of conflicts within these walls.”

William: (Pauses, choosing his words carefully) “Every family has its disagreements, Mr. Hunt. The Donovans are no exception, though they are... more passionate than most.”

Daniel: “Passionate enough for things to turn violent?”

William: (His expression doesn’t change) “I wouldn’t presume to speculate. My focus is always on diffusing tension, not escalating it.”

Daniel: (Stepping closer) “Were there tensions the night James died?”

William: (Hesitates, then nods) “There was a heated exchange during dinner. Mr. James was in rare form, I’m afraid. He seemed... frustrated.”

Daniel: “Frustrated with whom?”

William: (Glances at the floor briefly, then back at Daniel) “There were words exchanged between Mr. James and Miss Sarah, though I didn’t catch the specifics. Later, I saw Mr. Maxwell Carter speaking with him in the study. That, too, seemed tense.”

Daniel: (Leaning forward slightly) “Did you overhear any of their conversation?”

William: “No, sir. I don’t eavesdrop. But when Mr. Carter left, he appeared... agitated.”

Daniel: “Agitated how?”

William: (Pauses, carefully phrasing his response) “He was pacing in the hallway, muttering to himself. I offered to escort him to his car, but he waved me off.”

Daniel: “And what about you? Where were you after that?”

William: “I spent most of the evening ensuring the other guests were comfortable. Mrs. Graves requested tea in the sunroom, and I delivered a tray to Miss Sarah in her room. I retired shortly before midnight.”

Daniel: “Did you see or hear anything unusual after that?”

William: (Shakes his head) “No, sir. The house was quiet when I retired. It wasn’t until the morning that I was informed of Mr. James’s... passing.”

Daniel: “You’ve worked here long enough to understand the dynamics of this household. Do you believe anyone in this family could have done this?”

William: (His expression tightens ever so slightly) “It is not my place to pass judgment, Mr. Hunt. But I will say this: strong emotions can drive people to act in ways they might later regret.”

Daniel: (Watching him closely) “You sound as though you’ve seen something like this before.”

William: (A faint smile) “I’ve been in service for three decades, sir. One learns to anticipate the storms before they arrive.”

Daniel: “And yet you didn’t anticipate this one?”

William: (His smile fades, and he looks Daniel squarely in the eye) “No one could have anticipated this, Mr. Hunt. Mr. James had his flaws, but I never imagined this would be his fate.”

Daniel: “Thank you, Mr. Everett. If anything else comes to mind, you know where to find me.”

William: (Bows slightly) “Of course, sir. I only wish I could be of more help.”

Daniel: (Nods, closing his notepad) “You’ve been more helpful than you realize.”

William: (Straightens, his expression unreadable) “If I may, Mr. Hunt... I hope you find the answers you’re looking for. Mr. James may have made enemies, but he was still a Donovan. That alone makes him worth remembering.”

Daniel: (Turning to leave, his tone thoughtful) “Every detail helps, Mr. Everett. Sometimes the smallest ones tell the biggest stories.”


Read a book that meets the general guidelines.

The Tortured Poets Department / The Anthology



Note: I will not include songs that are on the track list twice (with the addition of “Pop Version” etc.)

Track list:
Fortnight
The Tortured Poets Department
My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys
Down Bad
So Long, London
But Daddy I Love Him
Fresh Out The Slammer
Florida!!!
Guilty as Sin?
Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?
I Can Fix Him (No Really, I Can)
loml
I Can Do It With A Broken Heart
The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived
The Alchemy
Clara Bow
The Black Dog
imgonnagetyouback
The Albatross
Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus
How Did It End?
So High School
I Hate It Here
thanK you aIMee
I Look In People’s Windows
The Prophecy
Cassandra
Peter
The Bolter
Robin
The Manuscript

That's 2 points for the task and another point for finishing the era!

Celeste


Tasks:
- Read a book about overcoming mental health struggles.
- Read a book about personal growth or self-discovery.
- Read a book with a focus on climbing or mountaineering.

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I think I'm going to sit this one out

New tasks will be posted on January 31st!

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Awesome!