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Osborne, Maggie : Silver Lining "Buddy Read" - Dec. 8, 2011
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Lisa Kay
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rated it 5 stars
Dec 11, 2011 06:36AM
Sure, Vi. My favorite is
- one of my best reads this year! Followed closely by
. Still reading her backlist.
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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.
Thanks for that rec. I never would have picked up this book on my own. Glad I discovered the author!
I love The Promise of Jennie Jones!!!
Questions for Chapters 10 - 1227. 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.
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.
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!
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).
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!
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?
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?
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.good question. Max is wanting a lady, though. Maybe he'll change his mind someday.
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.
lol, I knew they would come through eventually.
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!
Hmm, not saying.
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).
Yes, I expected it. Afterall, Louise destroyed her "dreams".
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!
That's right. MEN!!! Max is certainly clueless at times.
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?
Caanot give spoilers.
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?
Maybe not. Who knows.
Pamela did you finish the book? I am tempted to keep going. I have so many books going on right now though...
I read it through a few months ago.
Why haven't I been getting the notices for this thread? Hmmmm... I have to run pick up a friend at a autoshop, be back later to answer these great questions! ☺
Oh, we'll probably go out to eat...
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.
Okay, I going to stay the night with a sick friend, so I’m posting on a tiny little laptop that my friend CaroB calls “little polka-dot.” Please forgive any errors or delays in your responses.Lisa Kay’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.
Oh, yeah. Max is going to have to relax some in order to make the ranch a success. I see him as the one who is going to grow the most in this book, while Louise will be the one who realizes her dreams. Yes, I bet it is hard for her not to slip back into her comfort zone, and hide in her men’s clothing.
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.
Yes, loving this part of the story. One thing Ms. Osborne is great at is realistic women’s relationships. That part was hilarious. So surprised and happy that Livvy joined in.
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!
Yes, I know your theories, Sandy!! LOL! However, I think you might have something here. It is a little too suspicious and there are other little hints. She is not showing yet, nor worries about the corset.
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).
I expected Philadelphia to stub her, but I didn’t expect her to be so V&C. I think this supports your theory, Sandy!
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!
I know! He is oblivious. 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 hadn’t really thought about whether or not Philadelphia carries to term or not. I did think for a while that she would eventually run off and leave the baby for Max and Louise to raise, but now I thinking, “Nah!” Yes, I think Louise will get pregnant. Hmmmm. Livvy & Mr. H.? Not unless he has a major overhaul of how he treats Max.
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?
I don’t know, you’d be surprised how some people are resilient and have a positive attitude no matter what. They persevere and pull themselves up by their bootstraps. (Geez. A lot of clichés there!) Still, I think she finds the good in people and then, for them, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy
@ Pamela#27 – Yes, I think he’ll see the light.
#29 – Tease! LOL!
#30 – Really!? You are a better judge of character than I am. At least in Romancelandia.
#31 – I know!
#32 – There you go again!
@ Vi#27 – Good point. He doesn’t’ know what he wants. I think it is another flaw in his character that he not only was attracted to Philadelphia , but can’t see her true nature now, especially after the way she treats Louise.
#28 – You nailed Livvy’s personality.
#29 – LOL! Good for you. It is a hard one to resist. I guess you are reading The Promise of Jenny Jones now. I hope you like it as much as Pamela and I. Let us know with an update! Thanks.
#30 – Oh, good! I’m glad I’m not the only one. Sometimes I can be so naïve, even though I’m old.
#31 – Men!
#33 – I just love Louise, and ache for her, but I don’t pity her. Neat how MO does that.
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.
Oh, I'm so glad you loved it, Vi! Neat.Looks like we are all done with Silver Lining. I have to drive a sick friend around today, so I don't know when I'll get back home. However, I think I will just finish off the questions for the rest of the book when I do. If that is okay with you ladies. :)
That's fine with me, Lisa Kay. I stayed up until 11:30 last night finishing the book. :-)
Yeah, it is that kind of book. **hee hee** Love those. :)
Me too. I NEVER would have picked this up on my own. So glad you told me about it!
Sandy, you'll have to read
the next time you need a "P." :)
Let me know; I may re-read it with you.
LOL! True. :) A good "O" is hard to come by.
You literally made me laugh out loud!
You naughty girl! Are you thinking of
that
kind of "O"? **hee hee**
Of course I am! :-)
O. Great review, Lisa Kay.
You always find the best pictures for your reviews!
Thanks, ladies. :)
My friend wasn't up to even being driven, so I'm just hanging around here. I will get to the questions later tonight when I have my copy in front of me. Hmmmm. Maybe I can download Kindle for PC onto this laptop and then download my copy from Amazon... We'll see.
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 13 – 21 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?
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?
36. What did you think of the “darlin’” conversation?
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?
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.
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…”?
40. Are respect and admiration part of love? Can you have love without them?
41. I don’t know why, but Philadelphia’s reaction to the baby’s cradle surprised even me. Wow. You?
42. Where you surprised that Louise didn’t want the baby shown to Max? That Livvy insisted? Which stance would you have taken?
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?
44. Did Mr. Houser make it up to Max and Louise?
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?
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?
Still at my ex's house, but I figured out a way to download Kindle for PC to this little laptop and reference the book. I didn't even know you could do that. All my Kindle books popped right in. Neat.LOVED doing this "buddy read" with you, Sandy, Pamela, & Vi! Let's do one again. :)
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 :(
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
No, thank you Lisa Kay and Vi and Sandy. Enjoyed it!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?
Philadelphia, to me, is a product of her upbringing. I didn't like her but I think I actually starting warming up to her at the very end. She really couldn't help being what she was.
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?
To me a story is not how many sex scenes and how sizzling hot they are. I can read a book without any sex and love it just as much. So much depends on the plot and how well it is written. That said I think it was done well for this story. I don't think it would have worked as well if there had been more or less. So just right IMO.
36. What did you think of the “darlin’” conversation?
Been a while since I read and can't really remember it. Sorry.
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?
As I've said before, I didn't like Max at first. But as time went by and he grew as a man and as a husband I saw him grow into the man I wanted him to be.
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.
Yes, I remember that part and loved it. I loved Louise's sunshine outlook on the world. She was so humble and adorable.
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…”?
I felt it was very conceivable that Louise would step up to the plate. It's in her nature to help.
40. Are respect and admiration part of love? Can you have love without them?
No, you cannot have love without the respect and admiration part. Its not really love without it.
41. I don’t know why, but Philadelphia’s reaction to the baby’s cradle surprised even me. Wow. You?
Nah, I wasn't surprised.
42. Where you surprised that Louise didn’t want the baby shown to Max? That Livvy insisted? Which stance would you have taken?
I'd have gone with Livvy but I know Louise just wanted Max to keep his vision of Philadelphia pure and not be tainted with the truth of the matter.
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?
I don't think Max had much to say.
44. Did Mr. Houser make it up to Max and Louise?
Perhaps to a small degree.
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?
It takes 2 in a marriage and if both Wally and Phildelphia work at it then maybe. One never knows what the future will bring.
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?
I loved the chase. I loved this book but not on keeper shelf because it was a library book. lol Maybe some day I'll get a copy for my shelves.
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 13 – 2134. 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?
I'm glad we got her POV to understand her motivations. I think she's a bit of a psychopath. She did not have one iota of remorse for killing her baby, which I found very disturbing. She belongs in a mental institution.
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? It could have used a little more sizzle, but I thought the kitchen scene was very good.
36. What did you think of the “darlin’” conversation? I thought it demonstrated the extent of her feelings for him when she was bothered by him calling her that, knowing that she would have to leave him eventually.
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? I didn't think very highly of him for most of the book, but when he began to realize what a heartless b-tch Philly was, I started liking him better.
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. Yes, I love how Sunshine saw Philly's true colors and had no problem voicing her opinion. I believe that Louise not only assisted with the pox, she saved many lives. She is a hero.
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…”? I did laugh! Of course she stepped up to the plate. She's all about helping/healing others and putting the needs of others before herself.
40. Are respect and admiration part of love? Can you have love without them? That is such a great question! I think they are very important components of love. They aren't exactly necessary, since you can love someone who does things you don't respect or admire, however I think if respect and admiration are lost, then the love could die.
41. I don’t know why, but Philadelphia’s reaction to the baby’s cradle surprised even me. Wow. You? Like I said, she's a psychopath.
42. Where you surprised that Louise didn’t want the baby shown to Max? That Livvy insisted? Which stance would you have taken? WAY TO GO LIVVY! Yes, I was surprised at Louise's reaction.
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? I guess it was a very subtle confrontation. I would have expected a more explosive reaction.
44. Did Mr. Houser make it up to Max and Louise? Yes, but he has much more making up to do, in my opinion.
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? Wally will never be happy married to a psychopath.
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? Sadly, I did feel it was a bit cliche. I will recommend the book and read more by the author.
Vi wrote: "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"Yes, let's definitely do another buddy read soon!
@ Vi#34 – I wonder about the “sleeping” part too. Did she really only have relations with Sadleck once? Certainly, it is possible. Still… That is the trouble with characters like this, you don’t know when they are telling the truth or lying.
#35 – I read all levels. I’ve been known to skim, myself. Sometimes a sexual scene seems obligatory and is just sandwiched in. These all worked for me.
#36 – I thought it was a hoot. And was surprised I got an even clearer pic of Louise in my mind. I found that interesting; wasn’t expecting that.
#37 - :o)
#38 – Yeah, Sunshine will turn out great.
#39 – LOL! I really liked Gilly too.
#40 – Mind Meld.
#41 – I guess I’m surprised I was surprised. **hangs head sheepishly**
#42 – My heart squeezed, I swear; I totally understood why Louise wanted to protect Max, but I think I would have been more inclined to act as Livvy did. Yes, the poor little innocent baby. And Philadelphia was so cold and detached.
#45 – Ah! You are finding the “silver lining” here. Good for you.
#46 – LOL! I just loved it. Oh, I rolled my eyes a tiny bit, but I still gobbled it up like candy. :o)
@ Pamela#34 – Interesting that you started warming up to her at the very end.
#35 – Yes, plot and how well written a romance is are both important to me. I have one fav author who does everything well, but doesn’t write great love scenes; that’s okay with me; she gets everything else right. I think this one is perfect.
#36 – Oh! If I wasn’t fighting a migraine, I’d re-type it here for you. Maybe on another day. :o)
#37 – Sometimes I feel I give an asshat hero the benefit of the doubt, b/c I kind of have to have my HEA. Not here; it was neat to see Max mature into a better man.
#38 – Maybe I should start saying, “Excuse me, Sunshine…” after every curse word. LOL!
#40 – I agree. Granted, there are different types of love… but mature love, between a husband and wife, needs respect and admiration.
#42 – I can understand Louise’s reasoning, and I think it is in character for her too.
#46 – I’m with you. LOL! No, don’t steal a library book. :o)
@ Sandy#34 – I know how you like to have the villainess’ POV, LOL! She’s certainly not as bad as Queen Cersei! Still, she is a sociopath; or maybe someone with Narcissistic Personality Disorder. The poor little baby. I think you’re right; she needs mental health help.
#35 – The kitchen? LOL! Okay. :o)
#37 – Yes, it was a gradual thing for me too.
#38 – She is a hero!
#39 – I’m glad we shared a laugh.
#40 – Yes. There are all types of love. Oh, dear! I’m repeating myself.
#43 – Do you think he took it easy on her b/c of what she just went through? I was wondering. He’s not really volatile in nature… but still…
#44 – I’m of two schools of thought here. A part of me says he didn’t make it up to them enough. Another part says, they’ll be fine and move on, and that’s good.
#45 – As much as I want to find a “silver lining” for Wally, ultimately I’m afraid I agree with you. **sigh**
#46 – Ah! LOL. I LOVED it. At least you recommend the book. :o)
A once a month "buddy read" sounds good to me. Let's all start scouting for books. :o)
If we are going on historical, then I'll recommend The Passions of Emma. It's not western but it's a very good book :) I think I've re-read it twice at least.
Lisa Kay, I saw you had Rhapsody: Child of Blood in another thread - is it a buddy read? If so, when are you starting?
Yes, Vi, the RLftCI is starting two series reads, reading the next in a series every other month. We will start the first in the Smphony of Ages, #1:
starting January 2nd. Here is the link: Rhapsody "Buddy Read".
Vi wrote: "If we are going on historical, then I'll recommend The Passions of Emma. It's not western but it's a very good book :) I think I've re-read it twice at least."Looks like a bit of a tear-jerker, Vi. Don't know if I'm up for that as I am caring for a sick friend. But, I marked it for TBR. I haven't read that author before; however, I hear she is excellent.
Oh yeah, it is a bit of tear-jerker. The book is pretty good, actually. Oh well. Up for other suggestions.
I'm not sure I can read a book in a series every other month. Join a group for more challenges when I don't know how much challenges I'm in?? I must be out of my mind. ;)Lisa Kay wrote: "Yes, Vi, the RLftCI is starting two series reads, reading the next in a series every other month. We will start the first in the Smphony of Ages, #1:
st..."
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Rhapsody: Child of Blood (other topics)The Passions of Emma (other topics)
Rhapsody: Child of Blood (other topics)
Rhapsody: Child of Blood (other topics)
The Passions of Emma (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Kaki Warner (other topics)Connie Brockway (other topics)
Maggie Osborne (other topics)
