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Luke - Brazos Bend #1 > What surprised you most?

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message 1: by [deleted user] (new)

I think the thing that surprised me the most was the wild life the Callahan boys had ... I never imagined them being delinquents! That was one of many surprises in this wonderful book. What grabbed you about the story?


message 2: by Lesley (new)

Lesley | 669 comments Paula wrote: "I think the thing that surprised me the most was the wild life the Callahan boys had ... I never imagined them being delinquents! That was one of many surprises in this wonderful book. What grabbed..."

I agree Paula, but they are also so committed to each other the memory of their brother.


message 3: by Kay (new)

Kay (kkfar) | 502 comments I think the separation of the family is what hit me the most. I understand why Branch "disowned" his sons they were spoiled, rich kids who needed to learn responsibility, and it worked. I can also understand Branch reaching out to someone other than his sons when John went missing. The fact that the sons cannot forgive Branch is the part that is hard because they show such hate for him yet I feel they really want him in their lives. Of course, that is the whole premis of the story and how the girls come to be in the sons lives. Very clever Emily, I really like it.


message 4: by Melinda (new)

Melinda M (researcher707) | 592 comments I agree with all of you. I was surprised that it worked so well. Branch never stopped loving his sons but knew that they had to grow up and learn responsibility. I love how Emily does this.


message 5: by [deleted user] (new)

Lesley wrote: "Paula wrote: "I think the thing that surprised me the most was the wild life the Callahan boys had ... I never imagined them being delinquents! That was one of many surprises in this wonderful book..."

I know - that totally made me cry, even though I know something THEY don't know in the book! What a family. I honestly can't wait to read the rest of these stories. I'm in love with the Callahans.


message 6: by [deleted user] (new)

Kay wrote: "I think the separation of the family is what hit me the most. I understand why Branch "disowned" his sons they were spoiled, rich kids who needed to learn responsibility, and it worked. I can also ..."

I agree - that was so heartbreaking for me. My dad was a tough man - to be honest, he was an intimidating presence on a GOOD day - and he did some things I'll never understand - but I adored him and would forgive him anything. I look forward to seeing the reunion I have to believe is coming.


message 7: by [deleted user] (new)

Melinda wrote: "I agree with all of you. I was surprised that it worked so well. Branch never stopped loving his sons but knew that they had to grow up and learn responsibility. I love how Emily does this."

I do, too. Such a well-developed story. I rated it but haven't reviewed it - I'm still trying to find the words to convey the depth of this story. It took me a few chapters, but then I was completely hooked.


message 8: by Kay (new)

Kay (kkfar) | 502 comments I totally understand Paula. This story brings out a lot of emotion. The others are just as good.


message 9: by [deleted user] (new)

Kay wrote: "I totally understand Paula. This story brings out a lot of emotion. The others are just as good."
I have at least three books to read for review before I can tackle the next Callahan man (this thought evokes a smile...)

For those of you who've already read the entire series, which Callahan would you tackle FIRST? LOL.


message 10: by Kay (new)

Kay (kkfar) | 502 comments Paula this is tough. I think Matt but only because it is next in the series and I like reading them in order.


message 11: by Lesley (new)

Lesley | 669 comments I also prefer to read a series in order if at all possible, otherwise I remember bits of the storyline that we are no supposed to know.


message 12: by [deleted user] (new)

I agree...we will revisit this question at the end of our current read! Such wonderful characters. It amazes me how authors build a series with such perfect connections between the stories and yet each book, each character, stands on his or her own. I wish I had such talent. I'm grateful for Emily and others who do.


message 13: by Lesley (new)

Lesley | 669 comments Paula wrote: "I agree...we will revisit this question at the end of our current read! Such wonderful characters. It amazes me how authors build a series with such perfect connections between the stories and yet ..."
Same here.


message 14: by Kay (new)

Kay (kkfar) | 502 comments Paula wrote: "I agree...we will revisit this question at the end of our current read! Such wonderful characters. It amazes me how authors build a series with such perfect connections between the stories and yet ..."

I bet you have more talent than you think. Can't wait to read a book of yours.


message 15: by [deleted user] (new)

Kay wrote: "Paula wrote: "I agree...we will revisit this question at the end of our current read! Such wonderful characters. It amazes me how authors build a series with such perfect connections between the st..."

Thank you. I've just engaged an editor to give me some feedback - and to nag me into sticking to it. My husband nags, but I'm used to tuning him out! Although I know it means a lot to him to see me do this one thing that's always been a dream. So ... this weekend, while he's working, I'm going to send off a partial draft to the editor and see what I can learn from it. One thing I've already learned? Writing a book makes you a little bit crazy. LOL.


message 16: by Lola (new)

Lola  | 1001 comments Darn I am already there Paula and I have never even thought about writing a book lol Hugs Lola


message 17: by Jina (new)

Jina Gibbs | 763 comments You guys are such a hoot!
Love y'all,
Jina


message 18: by Melinda (new)

Melinda M (researcher707) | 592 comments All of you are always busy and still find time to write,take care of the family ,work etc. I get tried after teaching one class of 17 on up students.
You all will laugh at this. I am a history major,a reader and a current events relate to history person not an English person. I find one of my biggest jobs is to teach English instead of texting for papers.
My Mom thinks this is funny as I was horrible at this when I wrote in school. I learned to have a dictionary on hand all the time.

GOD always has the last word and is laughing at me as I correct papers.


I would say that each of Emily's characters are stubborn like all of us but in a good way. Luke and his father are both stubborn for different reasons.


message 19: by Lola (new)

Lola  | 1001 comments My biggest surprise was the sex ,I think this was the first time I have ever skim read a Emily March book lol. I'm not a big fan of sex in a book ,been there done that lol !
Hugs Lola


message 20: by Kay (last edited Jan 21, 2016 05:38PM) (new)

Kay (kkfar) | 502 comments The sex was a lot more than the Eternity Springs books for sure. Somme sex does not bother me but an excess does. I like the fact there is a lot more story than there is sex but I do understand what you mean Lola.


message 21: by [deleted user] (new)

I believe Emily warned us that these were a bit sexier...but honestly? I loved it. It wasn't raunchy, it wasn't gratuitous, it helped show the conflict within each character. Luke, especially, tried to pretend it was casual when clearly it was anything but. I think they were well-written scenes that reflected the age and personality of the characters.

That being said, if a majority of you are uncomfortable with sexual content, we can wait for Reunion Pass as a group and I won't push reading the other books in this series. I just need to hear from you before I start setting up for Book 2 next week.

Thanks for your comments.


message 22: by Lola (new)

Lola  | 1001 comments No don't change anything for me ,like I said I just skimmed through that part. I really like the story. Was just so use to Eternity Springs .
Hugs Lola


message 23: by Linda (new)

Linda (lindamanthey) | 413 comments Lola wrote: "No don't change anything for me ,like I said I just skimmed through that part. I really like the story. Was just so use to Eternity Springs .
Hugs Lola"

I must admit, I skimmed that part as well, and I have read all of these before. I just forgot how intense they were. I get uncomfortable when things are too graphic. I prefer to leave a litte to my imagination. That being said, I agree with Lola. These books are important to the series because they give us a history of the Callahan family and shows why they became the men they are in future books. The last edition A Callahan Carol if worth the wait. They really need to be read in order though. The characters are well formed and they evolve as we get further into the trilogy. Hang in there ladies, it's a bumpy ride but it is worth it.


message 24: by [deleted user] (new)

Agreed, ladies - I love the story behind the Callahan brothers so much. The characters are so well written and Gabe's story is one of my all-time favorites. And - it's great to see how Emily's writing has evolved over the years, too. I learn something from everything I read.

My book WILL have some sex in it - and some language - but it has to do with the evolution of the character, his agonizing journey from grief into joy - and I hope some of you will read it when the time comes. :-)


message 25: by Kay (new)

Kay (kkfar) | 502 comments I am with the other ladies Paula. I love these stories, want to continue with them and do not mind the sex parts. They are not overdone in Emily's books which I appreciate. I have read books where the sex scene goes on for chapters and those I definitely skim over. It takes away from the story when that occurs.


message 26: by Lesley (new)

Lesley | 669 comments I personally don't have a problem with anything in Emily's books, I really enjoy them.


message 27: by [deleted user] (new)

Kay wrote: "I am with the other ladies Paula. I love these stories, want to continue with them and do not mind the sex parts. They are not overdone in Emily's books which I appreciate. I have read books where ..."

I agree with you. Even too much of a good thing is too much. LOL. As in the case with all types of media, if it distracts from the story - if it doesn't move the story forward, it becomes gratuitous. The scenes in Luke were very powerful in building both characters and the relationship, and I appreciate that so much!


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