Lisa - (Aussie Girl)’s Comments (group member since Sep 26, 2012)

Lisa - (Aussie Girl)’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

Melissa
1542 books | 254 friends
see comment historyDQs Day 1

1. We meet some of the characters in this section (maybe all?) What do you think of them so far?

There certainly is an array of characters - some of them endearing (Eddie) to not so .. (Francesca, she seems down right social climber, snobby) And they all have secrets so it will be interesting to unravel their places in the storyline.

2. Bella seems to have an ulterior motive for going to The Manor. What do you think it could be?

Some vendetta with Francesca.. well that's where the author seems to be leading us at the moment.

3. The Manor seems to be a unique place to stay. Have you ever been to anywhere that fancy? Would you ever want to visit a place like that?

I love holidays, all sorts so yeah I'd be up for staying at The Manor. I've stayed in a few fancy hotels , one of the most interesting is when I went to Vermont and stayed in the Von Trapp Lodge. And hiking up to Maria's chapel and also her grave is on the Estate. It wasn't planned it's just where the tour stayed and it was really interesting.

4. How are you enjoying the back and forth with the past and present? We already know The Manor is burning and someone is dead but who could it be?

I'm guessing Francesca, she seems the one that most characters would have a problem with.

5. We start off with a man being dead in front of a black feather and Francesca finding one in her bed. What do you think the connection could be? Who do you think the man is? Her grandfather maybe?

Mmmm, the supernatural is an interesting part of the novel. But is it supernatural or superstitions someone is using for their own gain. Time and pages will tell.

What... an upcoming New Wheel.. Would it sweeten the deal to say Monster Wheels are among my most favourite challenges EVER.

Thanks Mods, when you are ready..

Thanks Mods. Good for my day. 😊

Eldarwen wrote: "Haha! Give us a month or two ;-)"

Ah yes. Of course! I'll just have to play with the Monsters till then. 😍

Thanks everyone, we had a great team.

A big shout to the amazing housekeeping of the Captains. Great Job.

Mmm.. I wonder when the next Team Challenge is.. I'm a glutton for punishment, LOL.

I like your optimism Andy!

DQs Day 5

19. Have you ever forgotten an important event? How did you make up for it? Did it involve pastry?

I don't think so. Just not the way I roll.

20. So, who is the daftest of the two? Miles, for not telling Daphne what he was doing and basically doing all the things he knew Daphne’s dad did to her as a kid. Or Daphne for immediately stomping off in a huff and assuming only bad things and refusing to talk to Miles? (I can’t be the only one who is so sick and tired of this kind of thing happening in every contemporary romance book?)

Yeah, I hear you. It was pretty angsty with all the hurt feelings being thrown around.

21. The readathon seems like a lot of fun! Anyone even a tiny bit surprised that Miles was there? If you were to set up a dream readathon – budget not a problem, where would you hold it, who would be the participants (kids, adults, women between 33 and 37 only, etc.), and would there be a theme? Any other cool additions, like readings by certain specific authors?

22. What did you think of the book overall?

This isn't my usual style of novel but it was very readable and quite enjoyable. 3.5 stars.

Eldarwen wrote: "Andy wrote: "picked this up after someone in this group mentioned Empire of the Vampire
thank you
it's excellent"


Woohooo!! :-DD

Lisa, we created another Gabe, the Babe fan ;-)"

Enjoy Andy! Probably the best book I've read this year.

DQs Day 4 – Chapters 22-30

15. We finally meet Daphne’s dad and step-mom, Starfire in this section. What were your first impressions of them?

The Dad is exactly how I imagined him. Charming guy on the surface but very self involved. Easy to see how his personality has caused damage to Daphne over the years. Starfire's kooky but in a non threatening sort of way.

16. While Daphne’s dad is in town Daphne keeps wondering if people can change. Do you think people can change? From the beginning of this novel do you think Daphne has changed at all?

Yes, people can change if they put in the work and really want to. Yes, Daphne has really done some soul searching through the novel and ends in a much more whole place than when she started.

17. Daphne’s dad leaves without so much as a goodbye. Were you surprised? Do you agree with Miles’ assertion that it is because Daphne’s dad is scared that Daphne sees who he really is?

Not surprised, I don't really agree with Miles I think the Dad is all about himself. He doesn't realise the damage he's done because it's all about him.

18. Daphne misses Ashleigh’s birthday. Ashleigh accuses Daphne of becoming a “we” and forgetting her because she’s now part of a couple. Have you ever known someone who disappeared as soon as they got a significant other?

When you get a permanent partner relationships with friends are always going to change and evolve. And this might seem like an unpopular opinion but your partner has to come first. That doesn't mean you can't keep friendships though. But they will change from your single days.

Bonus: Starfire believes in psychics. Do you? Do you have any interesting stories from psychic readings?

None whatsoever. It's a lot of crock.

BOM - POSTS

DAY 1 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DAY 2 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DAY 3 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

LISA'S POST FOR BOOK TOKENS.

DAY 1 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DAY 2 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DAY 3 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DAY 4 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DAY 5 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

DQs Day 3, Chapter 14-21

11. Ack! Why do these kinds of stories always have the not-quite-yet couple decide after a steamy session that they need to keep their relationship platonic? You know that both people just go off wistfully lusting after each other and regretting the whole platonic agreement! What other tropes in romance novels drive you nuts?

Misunderstandings and just not talking to one another that would solve problems in minutes instead of whole books!

12. It's a huge step for (view spoiler) It's so easy to get bogged down by things, and then it can be so hard to let them go. Have you had to deal with similar situations (the general situation of having accumulated too much but having trouble downsizing)?

Not really. But I can see how it can be a problem .

13. Any further thoughts about Miles's family background? We learn a bit more in these chapters about what growing up with his mother was like for him; is there more to his estrangement than that?

It's hard to judge without being there, and different personalities are different too. Some children are really sensitive to parental moods and can be affected more than others.

14. What are your thoughts about Julia? What do you think is her real motivation for her visit to Miles?

I think she is honest in just being near him as her closest family member. We haven't heard much about the Dad, I wonder if he'll make an appearance.

DQs Day 2 Chapter 9-13

6. In this section, we learn that the countdown at the start of every chapter is for the Read-a-thon, a reading event Daphne is planning at the library. Did you try to figure out what it was about? What did you think? Or were you just along for the ride, waiting to find to, like I was?

I sort of realised early on there was some reason she couldn't leave to this date. I at first thought she had some sort of employment contract that finished then, the read a thon is a much nicer reason.

7. Speaking of the Read-a-thon, have you heard of or participated in (or even organized!) something like it? Would you like to?

I think the MS Association in Australia had a read a thon as a fund raiser so I have heard of this before.

8. “[Sadie] and Cooper were our best friends” Daphne is not only going through the end of her romantic relationship, but also seems to have lost her best friend. What’s your take on that? Have you ever been on either side of this situation? (No need to answer/go into detail of course!)

It doesn't say much for Sadie frankly. They were girlfriends first and this should have been more important that being couples with Peter and his new girl. If I was Daphne I would be pretty upset.

9. “I think the beard is sheer chaos, but not inherently bad. It’s your face, Miles. All that matters is how you feel about it.” I think Daphne makes a great point here and think we should all remember that a bit more before we judge people’s looks. Were there any quotes that really stood out to you?

There's been some lovely paragraphs in the story where I thought that's nice writing. But I didn't write them down unfortunately.

10. What do you think is up with Miles’s family so he doesn’t have a relationship with his parents? How do you feel about Daphne neither probing nor really wondering about it?

Daphne has had an unconventional upbringing herself so that's probably why she doesn't pry. Obviously there has been some huge family disagreement, which will no doubt be divulged before the end of the book.

Eldarwen wrote: "I had the wrong end date in my head, so I may yet be able to finish the BOM before it's over, which could cover brown cover.

"

What do you think of it, E?

I enjoyed it although half the time I'm not sure I was clear what was going on.

Eldarwen wrote: "Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Could trees on the cover which could be turned in lumber work for item related to district on the cover? "

Trees are basica..."

Yay... I'm reading a U book which I should finish tonight too. With the Emily Henry to finish I'd say that's me done for the challenge.

Could trees on the cover which could be turned in lumber work for item related to district on the cover?

DQs Day 1 Chapter 1-8

1. Is this your first Emily Henry book or have you read others by her? If not your first, what has been your favorite book of hers, so far? If your first, has she been on your radar before or is this a BOM/Games thing you're reading for?

I think I've read one of hers before, I'd have to check my read books though. Her books are the light kind, enjoy them while you're reading, but forget the plot within a week.

2. What do you think so far of the story and the writing?

Enjoying it, I think Daphne dodged a bullet not marrying Peter, he seems like a bore, Miles is way more interesting.

3. What would you do if you found yourself in the same shoes as Miles and Daphne and were invited to an ex's wedding?!?

Probably wouldn't have the gall to do what they are doing, but it really works as a plot point.

4. I love Emily Henry's characters. I always find myself laughing throughout her books. Are you enjoying the characters so far in this one? Anyone in particular an early favorite?

It's a light enjoyable read. with some funny dialogue and also some serious stuff. No favourite characters really they all meld to make a very readable storyline.

5. Any early predictions for how this will turn out? Do you think Peter's call to Daphne is an indication of jealousy? Do you agree with Ashleigh when she said "If Peter was going to break your heart now, he would’ve done it eventually." and "He's a lunch swapper, and whether it was the rusty metal Batman lunch box or a Cars 2 zip-up one that's filled with mold, at some point, he was going to trade in the sack lunch." (I love that metaphor!!)

Like I said earlier she dodged a bullet with Peter. I guess he's going to want her back at some point, and then she's going to realise that Miles is actually the One!

I just finished the last book for the District Wheel, so we can request another one.

A home for my Emily Henry!

My library copy is on the way so I can volunteer for DQ's as well