Annalisa’s Comments (group member since May 04, 2018)

Annalisa’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

Elena wrote: "Up to chapter 9

(view spoiler)[Looks like second half is picking up a little bit, I struggled to stay interested in the beginning. I'd much rather see Jazz use her mind and skills to save herself and get to the (hide spoiler)] ..."

I agree with you about Jazz. (view spoiler)[To me the narrative does not seem like it is female. I keep thinking of her as a guy. She clearly is an attractive woman. However, her attitude doesn't work for me.

I keep waiting to hear a report on the condom that she got from Svoboda, who I really like. It better come into play at some point or I'm going to be a little disappointed in how many times it was brought up. That being said, I don't really get why Jazz is the way she is. From her conversations with Kelvin it doesn't seem she is quite what others think she is. However, from the narrative I get the same impression as those around her. I still don't know how I feel about the book or Jazz. I've warmed to her a little, but I don't really care about her as much as I would like. I'm hoping that changes though. (hide spoiler)]

Skandia wrote: "Chapters 6 & 7
[spoilers removed]"

I agree with that. I wondered a bit at this as well. (view spoiler)[It almost seemed like the security was lacking on purpose. (hide spoiler)]

Have you participate Eldarwen?

I'd be curious to hear about it. I wonder if I'd have enough time to do it and keep working and having any kind of life.

Eldarwen wrote: "Oooh, I like!

Would you mind continuing with that story? ;-)

(Do you do NaNo?)"

Just realized you might have meant National Novel Writing Month? If that is what you mean, every year I tell myself I'm going to do it this year and then I don't. I would like to though.

Eldarwen wrote: "Oooh, I like!

Would you mind continuing with that story? ;-)

(Do you do NaNo?)"

I don't know what NaNo is...I guess that answers that question. As for continuing the story I have no idea where it would go, but I will certainly think about expanding it. If I did I'm sure I would change the opening...about 10 more times.

Eldarwen wrote: "Annalisa, can you add Hello Stranger to your TT shelf, please? Thanks!"

Added it to my shelf.

I got a slow start on this just finished up the second chapter I read most of the first chapter but then I had so much to do it wasn't until today that I've had time to sit down and read a bit. Like everyone else I've had trouble getting into the book. I'm having a hard time connecting with Jazz.

So far my favorite part is (view spoiler)[the letters at the end of each chapter. I'm interested to see how this plays out. (hide spoiler)]

I'd like to offer a darker narrative for our history of magic. I was going to let Kathleen do it since she volunteered first. However, after seeing hers I started thinking about the titles and was writing one before I even saw the full list of titles. Doing this reminded me how much I enjoyed writing in the past. I don't think I followed the rules as well as Kathleen though. Thought I'd share since I had it.

When Darkness Comes, The Emperor's Blades sing and magic flairs Down Among the Sticks and Bones. Thus began our dark years. Wildfire ragged and Every Note Played called the armies. Many years after the darkness fell, a small child raised a hand pointing at the sky. She called out an old nursery rhyme passed down from mother to child, "Star light, star bright, First Star I See Tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might, Have this wish I wish tonight." And with that wish The Darkness lifted.

Hello Stranger by Lisa Kleypas
Date Read: 6/8/18
Rating: ★★★★
Pages: 375

Letters:
D - character: Devon Ravenel
E - character: Ethan Ransom
G - character: Garrett Gibson
H - title
J - Sir Jasper Jenkyn
K - author
L - author
P - character: Pauline
R - character: Ethan Ransom
W - character: West Ravenel

Classes:
Arithmancy: 351-500
Charms: summoning/banishing (necklace)
History of Magic:
Potions: pink cover
Transfiguration: necklace, dress

Buddy Read:
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I really enjoy seeing other people's comments and thoughts. I noticed at the end of the book there was a recipe for Lemon Ice. I think I might try making it. I'll let everyone know how it is. I have a bit of a sweet tooth so the food and deserts always interest me.

I think this may be one of my favorite books in the Ravenels series. I really liked Pandora's story but I think Garrett was a more intriguing character.

For Chapter 2(view spoiler)[Most of the time it is the women who have a flair for the dramatic in these novels but in chapter 2 Ethan cements his dramatic nature. I absolutely love this first scene with Ethan and West.
"Whether or not you want the property," Ravenel continued, "you have to take it. Because even thought the Ravenels can't do anything with the godforsaken place, we're paying annual taxes on it."
Ethan reached into a trouser pocket, and pulled out a wad of pound notes, and flung it at Ravenel's feet. "Let me know the balance of what I owe," he snapped.
To Ravenel's credit, if he were rattled by the gesture, he didn't show it. Turning to Winderborne, he remarked casually, "No one's ever showered me with cash before. I must say, it inspires feelings of instant affection." (hide spoiler)]

And that spoiler is why I enjoyed the book so much. I found moments like that through out do enjoy and laugh at.

Eldarwen wrote: "Hahaha, right??

Just wait until you get to chapter 16 ;-)

Oh and in chapter 17, West's comment [spoilers removed]"

That comment from West was just perfect.(view spoiler)[ It lightened up a scene that was a bit tense and sad. (hide spoiler)]

SandyL wrote: "This was a great start to the book. I've enjoyed Garrett in the other books she made appearances in and I'm intrigued by Ethan Ransome. Did anyone catch a comment made by Gabriel St Vincent in Devi..."

Yes, I had seen that comment and as a result (view spoiler)[ had a pretty good idea about who Ethan Ransome was. Also, he got a book in the Ravnel series. (hide spoiler)]

Finally finished and now I get to go through and look at all the spoiler tags!

Just saw a note that was added to Lilac Girls BOM thread from the mods. They said go with default version that is 512 pages. I don't think I used that version when I created my completion post. I listened to the audiobook. I will update my post to reflect the 512 pages they said I should have. It may take me a while to get to the update though.

I wouldn't go with the first one as it looks a little orange to me. The others look brown.

I think you may have me as reading Words of Radiance. I'm not sure I'm going to get to it. If you want to put another book in for brown cover over 500 pages that might be a good idea. I'll read it eventually but at my current speed it might not happen before the end of TT.

Yes, they do take a while to read. My library doesn't have a copy of the book so unless that changes I can't get a copy. It's too new for me to request from a library outside of my county. Maybe they will get a copy though. I'll check again before then.

Actually it's the third books hat interests me most. However, I don't think I'll be able to get a copy in the time frame required.

Hmm I might be interested in Rosemary and Rue. I've been enjoying the author a lot. However, urban fantasy and I don't really connect. Also, I think I may have over committed. I'll take a look at all the books I have signed up to read when I get home.

Is it helpful for me to post my current, upcoming, and maybe reads?

It does look like you had fun.