Vi’s Comments (group member since Jun 04, 2011)

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

True, true. My bro knows but my parents are turning a blind eye, I suspect. But the advent of e-readers have solved lot of problems. It's going to be a slow transition from Anomander to Midu. Midhat is Hindi or is it Urdu?

Thanks Lisa Kay, Pamela and Sandy for doing the buddy read. Without which, I wouldn't have picked up this book! We have to do another one - maybe a monthly read? :P

Vi's Answers to Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 13 – 21

I think I *might* have gone overboard in the answers.

34. We’ve been let in to villainess’ internal thoughts before, usually in mysteries and suspense. Not so much in historical romances, though. But we are allowed access to Philadelphia’s private thoughts quite a bit. Did this work for you? Where you surprised she would rather have had Max died of the pox? That she wasn’t sleeping with Wally and had no plans of “sleeping with any man, ever”? She considers Louise immoral, yet we now know the truth of her own duplicity. Do you think there was a part of her that didn’t want to admit her own sins? Livvy basically asks her to “rise above these feelings.” Is this part of seeing the silver lining in a bad situation?

Yes, it worked for me. I really wanted to know what that female was thinking. No, she's really a very self-involved character that she can't see anything - good or bad about her. She doesn't do anything wrong. She only does right things. I'm skeptical about that sleeping part - if she didn't like it, then she wouldn't be pregnant by Sadleck, right? We know the truth, but she didn't do anything wrong right? There is a part of her that ignores her sins - they don't exist. Sadly, I don't think she can see the silver lining of any situation. I couldn't stand her at all.

35. Was the sexual chemistry at the right level for you in this book? Too much, or not enough love making scenes? Did Ms. Osborne manage to make them sizzle? Do you read books with varying levels?

Yeah, it was at the right level for me. I tend to skim the explicit scenes so it was the right level for me. I read books with varying levels but lately without much explicitness.

36. What did you think of the “darlin’” conversation?

It was so damn funny. Again, somehow, Max shows how out of touch he is with his own feelings :P Louise, so hopeful yet doesn't want to get hurt. Man, so funny.

37. Ever so slowly Max begins to take the measure of his former fiancée. Was this slow realization more realistic? Nicer that he recognized he loved Louise b/f the Big Reveal? I began to see him in a different light as he acknowledged his faults and failures. You?

Yeah, that is one of the best things about the book. Even though it looked that he might be too slow (and irritate me), it wasn't and that made the book more realistic. As you said, Lisa Kay, Max growth was so much fun to watch. I wish, though, he'd had a frank conversation with Louise before the final scene. He acts like a man, so ignorant!!

38. Louise tells Sunshine that the silver spoon reminds her she did “one good thing.” I find it interesting this she sees assisting with the pox as her crowing achievement. I was so glad Max overheard that conversation. You? Then Sunshine saying, with regards to self-centeredness, “That’s not Aunt Louise, that’s Aunt Philadelphia.” Out of the mouths of babes.

I think it's her one good thing because that is probably the first incident that she realizes she has done when everybody thanked her. I doubt it was her only incident. I'm willing to bet that she has done good things but either nobody thanked her or she didn't realize/believe. Me too! I was very glad he overheard this and maybe realized somethings at least unconsciously. I loved Sunshine. Such an innocent. I predict she'll be mix of Louise and Gilly and very likely Livvy.

39. What did you think about the arm splinting scene? Is it conceivable that Louise would step up to the plate? That Gilly would faint? Did you laugh over the frequent phase, “Excuse me, Sunshine…”?

My jaw dropped when I read what he did (though I can't really relate having never seen snow nor ridden a horse) but can sort of understand. What hasn't Louise done? She knows and has done so many things. I also think Osborne portrayed Gilly in the other extreme so that the differences between Louise and Gilly will be highlighted. That she made Gilly likable as well is thanks to her talent. At this point, I don't think Sunshine will mind the curse words.

40. Are respect and admiration part of love? Can you have love without them?
No, respect and admiration (to an extent) is an integral part of love. Without them, especially respect, you cannot truly love a person.

41. I don’t know why, but Philadelphia’s reaction to the baby’s cradle surprised even me. Wow. You?

She is going to be BAD mother. She doesn't show any motherly feelings. The cradle somehow just highlighted that. Besides, Wally really should have an idea of Philadelphia by now. I was surprised that she was still able to surprise him.

42. Where you surprised that Louise didn’t want the baby shown to Max? That Livvy insisted? Which stance would you have taken?

No, I wasn't. She loves Max and would want to cause him any hurt. This baby would and she knows it. I was surprised when Livvy insisted - though it is very understandable. of course, my reaction is still shock at how Philadelphia behaved - how clinical she was before and after the incident. Not an ounce of regret or anything regarding the baby. And in a way, I was at others as well. Nobody seemed to have thought about the baby ( And I seem to have - too much. Poor guy, he didn't do anything at all.)

43. Were you surprised that Max confronted Philadelphia in her room after the loss of the baby? Yet he didn’t say much. Was that just because she was beyond reach?

No. He had to. There are somethings you can't really say much about. They're too important or too close to the heart. That one word said all the things he needed to.

44. Did Mr. Houser make it up to Max and Louise?

He really is a decent guy though foolish enough that he played a part in turning Philadelphia to what she is now. His repentance and this incident is his punishment enough. Nah, they don't really have to care about him. In a way, all he did bought good things for them - especially Max.

45. I really feel sorry for Wally in this story. Were you surprised he was the one that revealed Louise’s history to Philadelphia? That he apologized? By the end of the story, do you think his marriage has a chance of success? At least he has his work where he seems happy, right? Is he just going to thrown himself into it the rest of his life? Do you seem him and Philadelphia working it out or him eventually taking a mistress?

I really feel for him. Initially, his revealing the secret is not that shocking. He didn't know Louise but Max was engaged to Philadelphia. Of course his loyalty was towards P. I though he'll be one of those less spined guys but he showed otherwise when he apologized and took a stand against his wife. I'm not sure if his marriage will have a chance of success but I'm beginning to believe that Wally will be a positive influence on P. It's not like she has any other choice - so she has to grow up. I think he will try as hell to make his marriage work and I believe he will not resort to mistresses. Not after having Livvy as his mom.

46. Did you like that Max had to chase after Louise? Or was that too cliché, just right, or delicious anyway? Will this book remain on your keeper shelf? Will you recommend it? Will you read more of this author?

That was the weakest point of the book. That chasing scene is so cliche and too tiresome already. But this was what Osborne was setting up for a while. So, I just rolled my eyes when it happened. This book is going to remain on my keeper shelf. I already read The Promises and loved it. I read I Do, I Do, I Do and it was an okay read. My library has only 6 other books of hers :(

Happy Birthday, Jex!

*_* I think I'm in chocolate heaven after seeing that cake.

Ah, same here too! They sorta know half of what I'm reading but the other half - they don't. AND they'll think I'm silly for joining this website just to discuss books. Though, after I bought an ebook reader last year they sorta know how "serious" a book reader I am.

I finished The Promise of Jenny Jones earlier yesterday (12 Dec) (burnt the night!) and I loved, loved it. How does Osborne write such characters and themes? Superb book.

Vi's Answers to Sandy's Questions for Chapters 10 - 12

27. Louise is really at home hanging out with the cowboys, wearing trousers, and rounding up cattle. Do you think eventually Max would allow her to do all these things habitually? Must be really hard for her to act like a "lady" when it's not at all the life she is used to.

IMO, Max does not know what he really wants. He says what he thinks he wants. That's a shame because it would great if he could accept Louise as she is.

28. I like how Gilly and Livvy are warming up to Louise. The scene where they make fun of the snotty woman was funny, especially when Livvy jumped in on the action. I wonder how Livvy will navigate her relationships between her two new (and very, very different) daughters-in-law.

Ha, I was so surprised when I read that scene. I didn't expect Louise to do that impression. I'm liking Gilly so much more - she's just so optimistic and innocent. I'm sure Livvy will do whatever she can to make sure her family still remains one.

29. OK, I have a theory (and, Lisa Kay, you know how I love a good far-fetched theory!) I think Philadelphia may be carrying someone else's child. Gilly tells Louise how Philadelphia had to play hostess to her father's business contacts, even going to a picnic on the 4th of July. I think there is something rotten in the town of Fort Houser. OK, it is far-fetched but it's fun to speculate!

I finished the book too (Sorry!), so not saying. I guess that would say something though.

30. Did you expect Philadelphia to be so vicious and cruel to Louise? Louise expected her to act like a lady, which she certainly didn't (further making me think she got in a family way with someone else).

No, I certainly did not expect her to be so crude and petty. She's so very spoiled and self-centered that she cannot even see her own mistakes.

31. After Philadelphia chews up Louise and spits her out, Louise asks Max if he is OK. He doesn't even think to ask her how she's doing. Men!

Oh yeah, Max is so wallowing in his own self-pity that he can't see Louise is the best thing that has happened to him. But MEN!

32. Any speculation on how things will progress? Will Philly carry to term? Will Louise get pregnant? Will Max give into temptation from Philly? Willy Livvy hook up with Mr. Houser?

I'll bet Louise will get pregnant. It mostly is a given. It would be nice if Livvy could hook up with Mr. House but I suspect, probably not.


33. I liked the scene where Louise is taking stock of the house, the laundry, the baking and realizing it is hers, even if only temporarily. I hope we get more of her backstory. There had to be some good people in her life at one point, right?

Louise realizations are pretty good. It is so much telling of her that you can't help feel for her. There might have been good people in her life but nobody that lasted, I think. Otherwise, she wouldn't be so positive.

Thanks, LK! I took out the Jenny Jones book JIC when I was borrowing the Silver Lining. I can jump into that one I guess.

Good q, Anomander.

Sure, Lisa Kay. No hurries.

God, I have to re-read my posts before submitting. I just eat too many words in between that it is embarrassing.

Oh yeah, I'm very shy - if you meet me face-to-face for the first time, you wouldn't hear me speaking much.

Oh LK, have you any of Osborne's other books? Care to recommend one for me?

Vi's Answers to Lisa Kay's Questions for Prologue to Chapter 3

1. Have you ever read any of Maggie Osborne’s books before? How do you like her less than perfect heroines? What about westerns as a subgenre of romance? Have you read many? If so, who are your favorite authors?

No, I hadn't heard of the author prior to this book. I've read 2 Western Romance so far - Heart of the West by Penelope Williamson and Never Love A Lawman by Jo Goodman. I liked the latter better than the former.

2. What did you think of Low Down’s method of “sweet talking” to motivate her patients into rallying? (BTW, ugh. Who gives fish stew to someone who is tossing their biscuits? LOL!)

Oh, I was shocked but realized it was very effective. Great thinking!

3. We don’t know Low Down’s history yet, but I’m willing to bet it is a sad one. I’m under the impression that she has nothing. Given this, is her yearning for a family and someone to love not only understandable, but believable, despite being impractical, or less than sane? (BTW, I got a kick out the fact that Low Down was looking at Max McCord when her “fondest wish” came to her.)

Obviously, I can't really relate but I can understand that she wants someone to love for her own. She doesn't want to be alone anymore which is so understandable. The only I didn't was the fact that she asked for a baby in front of so many people. I couldn't have.

4. I must admit that when I read reviews that Max was already promised to Philadelphia yet made to be part of the “lucky twenty-four,” I was a little skeptical about the storyline. Nevertheless, the way Ms. Osborne writes the scene and sets it up in escalating stages worked for me. You? At first he was just going to join the group that was willing to “poke” her, and I could understand to a certain extent about of saving face, when push came to shove, mingled with hope against the odds ー and then Preacher Jellison insisted on marriage, of course.

This requires a huge suspension of disbelief on the reader's part if you ask me. I mean, who the heck in their right mind will insist on a promised guy to do it. Plus, she needn't have had to do it like this - I mean she's in a mining town with all guys, for crying out loud! So yeah, huge suspension of disbelief

5. Are you like me and feeling for both these characters already? They are in an impossible situation. I felt for Low Down when she was not “duded up” like the rest of the town and when the men all balked; but, it was excruciating the next morning when she was at the riverbed and Max was talking to her – then he turned down her dinner invitation! She may have a generous heart, but she has pride too.

Oh yeah, my heart was cracking up for her. She's so naive and so clueless that you just want to hug her. I can understand with Max also and the impossible situation. I also liked that Osborne didn't make him a perfect character - he had his flaws.

6. Bookquote: “Had he troubled himself to inquire if she had someplace she would rather go, like south? No, he had not. . . If she wanted a baby, she had to follow where her husband’s privates went…” I love the way Ms. Osborne writes Low Down’s thoughts. As frustrating as the set-up of their situation is to me, these wry notes of insightful humor are softening me up. How about you?

Oh yeah, it shows Low Down so properly and also just about tells her how she was treated previously. It somehow seems a miracle that she is so like her now even with all the turns life gave her.

7. What did you think about the “treasures” the men left outside Low Down’s tent? Her gratitude for them?

Well, they damn sure had to do something. All of them were relieved that it was Max who was trapped. And this somehow redeemed them. Mighty telling of Low Down when she was able to savor the gifts as they come - she's such a positive person.

8. There are many things that endear me to Low Down, but I have to say when she was thrilled at being considered a temptress, that was an ice cream sundae topper. Did she work her magic on you? If so, when and how?

Osborn writes good stuff - I don't know when I fell for her but somehow I did - completely. The magic is subtle that you don't you're falling until you're all done.

Um, so start date? When is your pref, Lisa Kay? Before or After Christmas?

Anomander, I saw you post that link somewhere and now I'm spending hours on that blog. Bad Anomander! ;)

Lisa Kay - I don't celebrate Christmas and I don't think Anomander does either. I can start anytime after 12th. I want to finish The Mists of Avalon that I'm reading (You should read that one - it has lots and lots of discussion topics - a very good BR book).

I'll be getting my hands on this book today. I'll join in as soon as I'm caught up.

Can I join in this buddy read as well? I saw the thread and the blurb and I wanna read the book! I should be able to get the book tonight/tomorrow morning..

How about 10 chapters per day? The 7th day we can finish the rest of the book. I don't have the book so I don't know the count, unfortunately.

OK, I can get the book on Dec 6th. Can we start of Dec 7th?

I finally finished this book today and finished all my backlogged books. Yay! First, man, this book was awesome. I read it late last night and got up early to finish the book. It was THAT awesome. I'm so so glad I finally picked up the book.

After the fiasco of this buddy read, I'm hesitant to suggest the next book as buddy read. But I really would like to read the next book ASAP! Anomander, would you like to continue the series?