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Posts: 42.855 Topics: 2.329 Members: 1.401 Welcome to our newest member, KarenPinco |
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Cherry Forums Book Club Archive
Once a book has been discussed in the Cherry Forums Book Club, all its topics are merged into a single topic, and it is archived (locked and moved) to our general Book Disscusions forum. Below you'll find our past selections and links to their individual view-only archives.
To check out our current and upcoming selections view the Book Club Schedule.
Past Selections
From the publisher:
Sadie Novak’s got the kind of job that kills cocktail chatter dead: she owns Scene-2-Clean a crime scene cleanup company. And if wiping up after murders weren’t spooky enough, she can also see and talk to the ghosts of the victims…
When grieving relatives hire Sadie and her employee, ex-cop Zack Bowman, to clean up after the murder-suicide of Trudy and Grant Toth, Sadie figures she’s bound to meet at least one chatty ghost. But Kent, the man Sadie first encounters at the scene, is very much alive—so much so, that Sadie soon finds herself agreeing to a date with him.
Then a real ghost shows up—the oddly silent spirit of Trudy, who seems determined to prove that her husband’s innocence, and inspires Sadie to track down the real killer. But as she scours the crime scene, Sadie quickly realizes she’s in way over her head, that Kent has a strange connection to the dead couple, and that someone wants her to give up the ghost… for good.
View the Remains of the Dead discussion questions
- It’s a dirty job… As a crime scene cleanup person, Sadie Novak has to tackle situations that are both grotesque as well as emotionally difficult. If you had to do this job, what would bother you more, the emotional side of cleaning up crime scenes, or the physical work itself?
- I see some dead people Sadie has never been able to see the ghost of her dead brother, Brian. Why do you think she is unable to connect with suicide victims?
- In the closet or out? Sadie keeps her metaphysical talent hidden from most people. What do you think she would gain or lose if she came out of the closet?
- I love him, I love him not… Zack Bowman is obviously in love with Sadie but he comes with his own baggage. Can you see Sadie and Zack becoming closer over the series or do you think their relationship will flounder or end?
- A helping hand During the course of the book Sadie becomes friends with psychic Maeva Morrison. How does Maeva help Sadie deal with her own abilities?
- Bad boys What were your feelings about Kent Lasko and his brother? Did you have suspicions or were you surprised when the killer was revealed?
- Best Friends Forever? As I wrote the first draft for The Remains of the Dead I planned on keeping Pam as Sadie’s best friend throughout the series. It wasn’t until I was writing the last dozen pages of the book that I realized Pam’s fate and it broke my heart. How did you feel about Pam, her relationship with Sadie and her ultimate demise?
The discussion for Remains of the Dead is no longer taking place in our Book Club Forum but you may still view the merged book club discussion for Remains of the Dead
| Started on: |
January 15th, 2008 |
| Title: |
Atlantis Awakening |
| Author: |
Alyssa Day |
| Release date: |
November 2007 |
| Genre: |
Paranormal Romance |
| Links: |
Author's Web site | Blog | Amazon|
B&N |
From the Author:
Ven’s story! When the Atlantean prince serving as King’s Vengeance must join forces with a human gem singer witch bent on revenge, will their alliance triumph over the dark forces threatening both of their peoples?
From the Back Cover:
To rescue the world from an overwhelming evil, Poseidon’s warriors have risen from Atlantis. Chief among them is Ven, serving as the King’s Vengeance by birthright and by battle challenge. None can conquer him--except perhaps for one human female...
The Warrior… Ven’s mind is filled with duty. He must serve as Atlantean liaison to the humans in a war waged against the vampires. A sword is his weapon—not diplomacy. But on a mission to recover the Nereid’s heart—a ruby of immense power—it will take every ounce of strength he possesses to resist the sexual allure of the beautiful witch chosen to work with him.
And the Witch… Erin’s heart is filled with vengeance. She lives only for the chance at revenge against those who murdered her family. Now she must partner with a legendary Atlantean warrior whose dark desire threatens to crash through the barriers built around her emotions—and her heart. Caught in the trap of shifting alliances, how long can Ven and Erin resist their awakening passion?
Dark forces beware: Atlantis is awakening.
View the Atlantis Awakening discussion questions
- The priest and the psychic There’s been a lot of buzz about Alaric and Quinn. What do you think of their story arc? What obstacles do you think they’ll have to overcome in their book, now due out in early 2009?
- Dark/Light Ven is so hard core and fierce. It seems such a contrast to Erin’s (surface) softness and beauty. What do you see as some of the contrasts between Ven and Erin ?
- Are you my ally?Alyssa added another paranormal dimension by showing us witches. Do you enjoy the shifting alliances and various types of paranormal beings in these books? What do you think about the fact that human women are turning up with ancient Atlantean gifts?
- Justice redeemed?What do you think of Justice’s sacrifice? Did he have another choice? Were you shocked? Alyssa loves the theme of redemption - do you feel that Justice’s action began the process of redemption for his character? What kind of heroine would you expect to see in his book, Atlantis Unleashed, coming in May 2008?
- Awakenings Erin talks of “awakening”. Were there other characters in AA that also underwent an “awakening”? Who do you think the characters were and how did it happen?
- Dig Deeper Alyssa had an epiphany (that she talked about at Cherry Con) when she began writing these books — that she really wanted to reach for the stories that resonated emotionally with readers — even though she had to go to a much deeper place within herself that was, at times, painful to do. Do you feel she has been successful? If so, in what way? If not, why not?
- It’s Tuesday it must be Atlantis If Atlantis really existed and came to the surface, would you be interested in visiting? Why or why not? Alyssa is toying with the idea of a future heroine who is not adventurous in any way and does not want to go anywhere near Atlantis. How do you think such a woman could be brought around? Would it be fun to read about?
The discussion for Atlantis Awakening is no longer taking place in our Book Club Forum but you may still view the merged book club discussion for Atlantis Awakening
| Started on: |
January 1, 2008 |
| Title: |
It's Not About the Accent |
| Author: |
Caridad Ferrer |
| Release date: |
August 2007 |
| Genre: |
Young Adult |
| Links: |
Author's Web site | Amazon | B&N |
From the Publisher:
Sporting a new name and an exotic new Latina flair, she's ready for her college debut. But is the luscious Carolina really better than plain-Jane Caroline?
Sick and tired of her life in small-town Ohio -- completely boring with a side of dull -- college-bound Caroline Darcy is determined to start fresh...as a new person. And that means following in the footsteps of her late Nana Ellie -- her witty and vibrant Cuban great-grandmother with a glamorous, well-traveled past. Donning a seriously caliente new wardrobe and a vivacious persona to match, she becomes Carolina, a half-Cuban aspiring actress ready for adventure.
Once at school, everything goes according to plan. Putting her primo acting skills to use, she flirts up Erik, a smooth-talking frat guy with gorgeous baby blues -- who can't get enough of her "exotic" charm. The only person who doesn't seem impressed by her Latina facade is Peter, a quiet, sweet Cuban guy from Miami. But when "Carolina" gets in over her head and finds herself in a dangerous situation, it's Peter who comes to her rescue -- and leads her on a real adventure to discover the truth about Nana Ellie and her family. It turns out that being boring old Caroline is way more exciting than she ever could have imagined.
View the It's Not About the Accent discussion questions
- Reinvention, Take One Caroline reinvents herself in Nana Ellie’s image. Is this understandable? How is pretending to be Cuban-American the same or different from other changes one might make? Is it a lie, or something else?
- Reinvention, Take Two Going off to college is a time when many people reinvent themselves. What are some others? Why can that desire be so strong? Have you ever reinvented yourself?
- Is What You See, Actually What You Get? How do Caroline’s first impressions of Erik and Peter and their reactions to their first impressions of her affect their subsequent relationships? How might things have turned out differently if they’d met under other circumstances? What effect did Caroline’s new persona have?
- It’s the Time of the Season How did going to the summer session change things? What might have been different if she’d waited for fall?
- Friends Through Thick and Thin What was the significance of Amy not being there with Caroline? How does Amy’s situation compare to Caroline’s, both in the immediate sense and later on, when Caro sees Erik with another girl and when it appears that Amy and James might be getting together?
- If Only… Peter didn’t get to Caroline’s room in time to prevent the rape. How was that important to the story? Would it have worked as well if he’d gotten there just in time?
- Bad Guy or Simply Misguided? How was Erik culpable? How do you feel about him not being portrayed as a villain?
- Who I Am Secrets have a way of coming out in the end. How do you feel about how Caroline’s was revealed, and Peter’s reaction to the truth? What could Caroline have done differently?
- Can’t Back Down From a Dare Caroline made the decision to return to school rather than take more time off to recover. Was that the wisest thing for her to do? Why?
- It’s All Like a Roller Coaster The whole thing started because Caroline wanted an adventurous life like Nana Ellie’s. Did/will she succeed? Did you see any parallels in their lives?
- So… That’s Who She Really Was How did researching Nana Ellie’s life help Caroline heal? How—or did—it change her opinion about her masquerade and her heritage?
- Food is the Staff of Life Food plays a huge part in the story, starting with Caroline bonding with Nana Ellie over learning how to cook and learning of Nana’s many adventures based on the different dishes they cooked. Can you see parallels between how food was used to how Caroline’s primary relationships evolved?
The discussion for It's Not About the Accent is no longer taking place in our Book Club Forum but you may still view the merged book club discussion for It's Not About the Accent
| Started on: |
December 1, 2007 |
| Title: |
Veil of Roses |
| Author: |
Laura Fitzgerald |
| Release date: |
January 2007 |
| Genre: |
Women’s Fiction |
| Links: |
Author's Web site | Publisher | Amazon | B&N |
From the Publisher:
This compelling debut follows one spirited young woman from the confines of Iran to the intoxicating freedom of America—where she discovers not only an enticing new country but the roots of her own independence…
Tamila Soroush wanted it all. But in the Islamic Republic of Iran, dreams are a dangerous thing for a girl. Knowing they can never come true, Tami abandons them… Until her twenty-fifth birthday, when her parents give her a one-way ticket to America, hoping she will “go and wake up her luck.” If they have their way, Tami will never return to Iran… which means she has three months to find a husband in America. Three months before she’s sent back for good.
From her first Victoria’s Secret bra to her first ride on a motor scooter to her first country line-dance, Tami drinks in the freedom of an American girl. Inspired to pursue her passion for photography, she even captures her adventures on film. But looming over her is the fact that she must find an Iranian-born husband before her visa expires. To complicate matters, her friendship with Ike, a young American man, has grown stronger. And it is becoming harder for Tami to ignore the forbidden feelings she has for him.
It’s in her English as a second language classes that Tami finds a support system. With the encouragement of headstrong Eva, loyal Nadia, and Agata and Josef, who are carving out a love story of their own, perhaps Tami can keep dreaming—and find a way to stay in America.
View the Veil of Roses discussion questions
- My sister and I Compare and contrast the two Soroush sisters, Tami and Maryam. How do their outlooks on marriage differ? Do you think Tami believes Maryam takes advantage of all of the liberties that are available to her now that she is settled in America?
- Behind a veil Discuss the significance and the meaning of the veil within the novel. At one point in the story, Tami explains, “My bedroom has always been my refuge… It is the only place I did not have to wear some sort of veil, some sort of mask… It has only been alone at night that I get any sense of who I am, of who I might become. It is alone at night that I have found my greatest peace.” (page 109) How does this passage represent so much of Tami’s Iranian life?
- ESL Tami becomes close friends with the somewhat eccentric people in her English as a second language class. From all over the world, these people have had different experiences in America. Besides a better understanding of English, what does Tami learn from these daily classes and the people in them? What, in turn, is she able to teach her peers?
- My neighbor Rose Besides the people in her class, Tami also makes a connection with one of her neighbors, Rose McClellan. Though Rose is of a considerable age, she is not married and never has been. How is Rose’s lifestyle as a single and happy woman somewhat shocking and bewildering to Tami? What impact does Rose’s lifestyle have on Tami’s mode of thinking?
- Picturing rebellion While in Tucson, Tami is able to pursue her passion for photography. She sets about capturing on film “everyday acts of rebellion” that she sees women committing all around her. What are some examples of these acts of rebellion and why are they so significant to her?
- Love and/or marriage In the United States, it is a sound assumption that love is a prerequisite to marriage. However in order to stay in America, Tami may have to forfeit this privilege and concede to an arranged agreement. Considering Nadia’s situation, do you think giving up this choice is worth gaining the other potential freedoms?
- A voice of reason Maryam’s husband, Ardishir, seems to be the voice of reason throughout the novel. Why and in what ways is his character’s role essential to the story?
- It’s my wedding How is Tami’s actual wedding significant to the underlying themes of the book as a whole? Not only does the ceremony exclude any and all Persian traditions, but she also decides to forgo wearing any type of veil. What do you make of this scene?
The discussion for Veil of Roses is no longer taking place in our Book Club Forum but you may still view the merged book club discussion for Veil of Roses
| Started on: |
November 15th, 2007 |
| Title: |
Wild Wild West |
| Author: |
Charlene Teglia |
| Release date: |
August 7, 2007 |
| Genre: |
Contemporary Erotic Romance |
| Links: |
Author's Web site | Book Excerpt | Amazon | B&N |
In Missoula, Montana, the old West attitudes are rocked by the entrance of New Age espresso-drinking poetry-reading transplants. Three cowboys meet three wild city women who are ready to saddle up and ride, but getting these mismatched couples to ride off into the sunset together will take a few tricks that aren’t found in the code of the West.
View the Wild Wild West discussion questions
- Cowboy hero Why do you think the appeal of the western man embodied by cowboys has endured in romance fiction, both historical and contemporary?
- New frontiers The West used to represent the frontier, a place for new beginnings and new opportunities for people from all walks of life. Did the three heroines of Wild Wild West experience a new frontier in their lives by relocating to Montana?
- Opposites attract Missoula, Montana is a unique cultural melting pot that has been called the new Paris, with a growing community of creative people in the midst of conservative western traditions. Do you think the men and women of Wild Wild West found they had core values in common despite their differences?
- I know it when I see it Erotic romance has proven difficult to define, boiling down to “I know it when I see it.” Did Wild Wild West meet your expectations of the subgenre?
- Love that lasts Did you find the three connected novellas in Wild Wild West provided a satisfying romantic experience and established a lasting emotional connection between each of the three couples? Do you feel erotic romance has a place in the romance genre?
The discussion for Wild Wild West is no longer taking place in our Book Club Forum but you may still view the merged book club discussion for Wild Wild West
A vampire’s insatiable passion cannot be denied…
Why is Charles Nash financing an archaeological dig in a remote corner of Northern California? Investigative journalist Regan Cluny is determined to find out. But despite repeated phone contacts, Nash refuses to grant her an interview. Undaunted, she sets off for California to confront him in person.
Within a few miles of the dig, a gang of vampire bikers surrounds her. Regan doesn’t believe in monsters. Even after one of the bikers sinks his fangs in her throat, she refuses to acknowledge the truth.
The bikers leave her for dead, but Nash comes to her rescue. He’s shocked to see the puncture wounds on her neck, even more shocked to realize she’s the image of his beloved Katie, a woman who’s been dead for over a century. Like Regan’s attackers, Nash is a vampire, tied to the bikers by a vicious blood feud that dates back to the Civil War. He’s tried to keep a low profile while searching for the legendary Font of Miracles, but the bite on Regan’s neck tells him his past has caught up with him. And this time he’s not the only one at risk.
Because of her resemblance to a dead woman, Regan’s in danger, too—not only from the bikers, but perhaps from Nash as well. The attraction between them is a powerful force. If he can’t control his baser urges, she may find herself face to face with…something wicked.
View the Something Wicked discussion questions
- Closure A wise woman once said that a novel’s ending should reflect its beginning. Or words to that effect. In Something Wicked, the heroine starts out in hell, figuratively speaking, and ends up in heaven, again figuratively speaking. Does this sort of story structure work for you?
- Breaking the rules The vamps in Something Wicked aren’t demon-faced Buffy vamps. Nor do they morph into bats or crawl up walls like Dracula. Does it bother you when an author makes up her own rules?
- An unforgivable sin Both Nash and Regan lie to one another by omission. Nash doesn’t tell Regan he’s a vampire until she discovers his secret by accident, and Regan doesn’t tell Nash she’s dying of cancer; he finds out from Harper. So is this an unforgivable sin? Or not?
- Sacrifice In the Catherine Mulvany storyverse, characters often have to prove themselves worthy of a happy ending. In Something Wicked, Regan refused to betray Nash even under torture, and Nash was willing to sacrifice himself to save her. Is this trait heroic…or merely foolish?
- Multi-faceted villains A truly believable villain doesn’t see himself as a villain at all. In his mind, he’s the hero. Harper, for example, viewed himself as the wronged party in his long-time feud with Nash. Do you think Harper exhibited enough “heroic” qualities to qualify as a multi-faceted character?
- Should books come with a warning label? In the original review, RT mistakenly rated this book MILD, although it contains sex, violence, and graphic language. What do you think? Should books come with a warning label?
- Surprise, surprise What surprised you most about the story?
- Hero potential This book is the first of a projected trilogy. In your opinion, are there any secondary characters with hero potential? Any character you’d like to see have his or her own story?
The discussion for Something Wicked is no longer taking place in our Book Club Forum but you may still view the merged book club discussion for Something Wicked
Police Lieutenant Phoebe MacNamara found her calling at an early age when an unstable man broke into her family’s home, trapping and terrorizing them for hours. Now she’s Savannah’s top hostage negotiator, defusing powderkeg situations with a talent for knowing when to give in—and when to jump in and take action. It’s satisfying work-and sometimes those skills come in handy at home dealing with her agoraphobic mother, still traumatized by the break-in after all these years, and her precocious seven-year-old, Carly.
It’s exactly that heady combination of steely courage and sensitivity that first attracts Duncan Swift to Phoebe. After observing her coax one of his employees down from a roof ledge, he is committed to keeping this intriguing, take-charge woman in his life. She’s used to working solo, but Phoebe’s discovering that no amount of negotiation can keep Duncan at arm’s length.
And when she’s grabbed by a man who throws a hood over her head and brutally assaults her—in her own precinct house—Phoebe can’t help but be deeply shaken. Then threatening messages show up on her doorstep, and she’s not just alarmed but frustrated. How do you go face-to-face with an opponent who refuses to look you in the eye?
Now, with Duncan backing her up every step of the way, she must establish contact with the faceless tormentor who is determined to make her a hostage to fear … before she becomes the final showdown.
View the High Noon discussion questions
- High Noon The book echoes High Noon the movie in the showdown—could you see any other parallels? What’s the significance of the title?
- Winning Ticket Winning the Lottery seemed a life altering event for Duncan. Are the changes in his life and the decisions he made typical of lottery winners? Why or why not?
- Agoraphobia Do you know anyone who has experienced agoraphobia? Is Essie’s case typical? Did her family handle it appropriately?
- Hostage or Have it All Phoebe’s family seems to be held hostage in their home by Essie’s fears and by the terms of Cousin Bess’ will. Could you see another way out? Phoebe seems to “have it all” because of the support of all these people she’s responsible for—agree or disagree?
- Instinct vs Training Phoebe’s skills as a hostage negotiator seem to be instinctive. Duncan says “You have to know.” Which has more influence on her job—training or instinct (knowing)?
The discussion for High Noon is no longer taking place in our Book Club Forum but you may still view the merged book club discussion for High Noon
| Started on: |
October 1st, 2007 |
| Title: |
Mad Dash |
| Author: |
Patricia Gaffney |
| Release date: |
September 2007 |
| Genre: |
Women's Fiction |
| Links: |
Author's Web site |
Dash has just left her husband… because of a dog. Of course, it’s not just the dog. It’s her mother’s death. It’s her daughter going off to college and not needing her anymore. It’s the job she’s not sure she ever wanted and a husband who doesn’t understand.
Andrew’s wife has just left him… because of a dog. Andrew doesn’t have a clue what’s wrong with her; is it Dash just being Dash, or is this something bigger, something outside his comfortable world of old dog, old job, and old friends? He’s spent years fearing he’ll end up like his father, but suddenly he’s more afraid of ending up alone.
Mad Dash is about two people who have never been able to live without each other— and are suddenly forced to try. With humor and insight, this novel examines that one moment— so common in long-term relationships— when one partner just has to get out, and the changes and growth that follow.
View the Mad Dash discussion questions
- You Say Tomato and I Say Tomahto Everyone has heard the old axiom “Opposites attract.” Do they? And can they last? Dash and Andrew don’t have much in common. What attracts them to each other initially? What keeps them together in the long term? How important are shared hobbies and interests to a relationship?
- It's Better to Have Loved and Lost... Dash’s mother passes away just months before Chloe, her only child, leaves home for college. How big a factor do these events play in Dash’s decision to leave Andrew? What does it mean to be a member of the “Sandwich Generation?”
- Taking Sides Both Dash and Andrew claim to be annoyed by the others foibles. What do you find annoying about Dash? About Andrew? What do you find endearing about each of them? Who would you rather be in a long term relationship with, gender notwithstanding? Why do the quirks we love at first turn into pet peeves over time?
- (And They Called it) Puppy Love The puppy Dash finds on her front porch becomes the catalyst for leaving Andrew. What does the puppy represent to Dash? What does it represent to Andrew?
- Breaking Up is Hard to Do Andrew tries to break things off with Dash after their first night together—why?
- Separation Anxiety Like many people in the throes of a midlife crisis, Dash wants to “find herself.” What does this mean? Is it even possible? Does Dash manage to do it during her separation from Andrew?
- Thank God I’m a Country Boy While living in Virginia Dash begins to spend time with the Benders’ son-in-law, a local farmer named Owen. Why is Dash attracted to him? Do you think she has more in common with Owen or Andrew?
- I Don't Need Your Attitude—I’ve Got One of My Own Dash’s friend Maureen is newly divorced after a long marriage. How is her experience of life after marriage different than Dash’s? What do you think of her attitudes about love and marriage?
- I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry On page 178 Maureen says that only married people can appreciate the allure of loneliness. Why is the thought of being alone attractive to married people? Can you relate to that sentiment? Dash thinks women experience this more than men. What do you think? Is this experience the same regardless of gender?
- Third Time’s a Charm Her flight to the cabin makes the third time Dash has left Andrew. What happened the other two times? Why did she come back in the past? What’s different now? What does this tendency say about her?
- If Two’s Company and Three’s a Crowd, Four’s a Learning Experience During their separation both Dash and Andrew come very close to committing adultery but don’t go through with it. Why? What does Dash learn from Owen? What does Andrew learn from Elizabeth?
- Reunited (and It Feels So Good) Once they’ve reconciled, Dash admits to herself that she never really planned to stay separated from Andrew. In light of this, do you think the separation was a good thing? For Dash? For Andrew? For them as a couple? What do you think its long term effects might be?
The discussion for Mad Dash is no longer taking place in our Book Club Forum but you may still view the merged book club discussion for Mad Dash
| Started on: |
September 15th, 2007 |
| Title: |
Agnes and the Hitman |
| Author: |
Jenny Crusie and Bob Mayer |
| Release date: |
July 2007 |
| Genre: |
Romantic Adventure |
| Links: |
Authors' Web site |
Agnes Crandall, a food columnist better known as Cranky Agnes, knows she’s in trouble when a dognapper invades her kitchen one night, seriously hampering her attempts to put on a wedding that she’s staked her entire net worth on. Then a hero climbs through her bedroom window… That’s Shane who has his own problems: he’s got a big hit scheduled, a rival trying to take him out, and an ex-mobster uncle asking him to protect some kid named little Agnes. Then Agnes turns out to be not so little and the problem turns out to be a missing five million bucks. Agnes and Shane have their hands full with a bunch of lowlifes looking for the money, a string of hit men coming for Agnes, a lot of wedding guests arriving for the wedding, and—most of all— with each other.
View the Agnes and the Hitman discussion questions
- Long Time Gone A tragic history comes back to haunt many of the characters. Did you find the back story echoed and enhanced the main plot, adding richness to it, or drew attention from Shane and Agnes? If the weight of the past hadn’t been shadowing all of the characters, would the book have been lighter? What impact would that have had on the story, for better or for worse?
- Cold Day in July A big motif in Agnes is loneliness. Who in this book is lonely? How have they brought that isolation on themselves? What events, characters, symbols can you find that show how loneliness and longing is one of the subtle motivators in this story? What events inspire the characters to retreat deeper into isolation or to reach out for each other?
- I’ll Take Care of You Most readers have pointed to the air conditioner as the moment they knew Shane was a good guy. How does taking responsibility for others characterize the people in this story beyond the romances? What other examples can you find? How does this acceptance or refusal of responsibility make or break the families and communities in the novel?
- Tortured Tangled Hearts Several critics have mentioned that Shane and Agnes hit the sheets pretty fast and then commit to each other in just seven days. Did you find this believable? Do you think the unusual circumstances—constant danger while trying to put on a high stress wedding—had a impact on this? Do you think that their individual histories have an impact on it? Did you notice that neither of them ever say “I love you”? Did that make you distrust their future at the end?
- Not Ready to Make Nice Agnes is about anger, one of the reasons we named her Agnes, because it was so close to “anger.” Agnes has made her reputation on being cranky, but she’s not the only one with a small rage problem. Who else is repressing or not repressing enormous rage? Why? How does the motif of anger both create the conflict in the story and help pull the story together? Is anger always a bad thing in this story?
- Voice Inside My Head As part of her efforts to control her anger, Agnes has long internal conversations with her court-appointed psychiatrist, Dr. Garvin. Did you find this believable and/or effective? How did the Dr. Garvin conversations both characterize Agnes and show her character arc?
- Let ‘Er Rip Agnes makes her living as crabby food columnist. Did the Cranky Agnes excerpts at the start of each day in the book add to her character or disrupt the book? Do you think the fact that Agnes cooks all the way through the book added to the plot or distracted? What role does food play in this story?
- Goodbye Earl Twelve people died in this book, although the authors feel that none of them will be much mourned. Did the high body count strain the credibility of the story or raise the stakes? Did anybody die you couldn’t spare? What place does violence have in romantic adventure? What place does it have in this story; that is, was it necessary to this story to have this much violence? And why does Agnes quote “Goodbye Earl” to Shane?
- Are We the Only Ones? Agnes and Lisa Livia are close friends. Is friendship in a book important to you? Did you believe in their friendship? Why or why not? What impact did their friendship have on the story; that is, did you feel their friendship was necessary to the story? What other strong friendships or missed friendships are important in this story?
- Baby Hold On A big theme in Agnes is the failure of parenting. What actual, perceived or symbolic parenting failures are there in this book? How do they parallel and contradict each other? Are there signs at the end of the book that things will be different, that there will be good parenting in the future?
- A Home The house and land at Two Rivers are the MacGuffin in this story, something that several people are ready to risk everything for. What does Two Rivers mean to Agnes? To Brenda? To Shane? To Taylor? To Lisa Livia? To Garth? What is the effect of all these people seeing the house through their own prisms of reality? What impact of the geography of the house (the basement, the bomb shelter, the kitchen, the screen porch, the front porch, the various bedrooms) have on the adventure plot? On the romance plot? That is, how did the authors use the house to symbolize events and relationship arcs? How do you feel about Two Rivers?
- I Like It Two Rivers wasn’t the only major symbol used in Agnes. The authors worked most of the objects in the book pretty hard. What is the meaning carried by the necklace? Rhett? Brenda’s wedding dress? The Venus de Milo? The flamingos? The dock? The bridge? The mother of the bride dresses? Brenda’s yacht? What other symbols can you think of? How did they add to or detract from the story?
- There’s Your Trouble There are an assortment of Big Bads in Agnes, but the troubles can be traced back to one antagonist for Shane and one for Agnes. How are their antagonists like them, doppelgangers in fact at the beginning? How do their character arcs make them stronger than their antagonists at the end? What role does gender play; that is, would the stories have been the same if the antagonists had switched gender? Why does one live and one die? Did you feel those were the right choices?
- I Hope Did the ending work for you? Did it pull together all the themes and issues discussed in the questions above? Did it give a satisfactory resolution to the adventure plot, the romance plot, and all the subplots? What makes a good ending to a story?
The discussion for Agnes and the Hitman is no longer taking place in our Book Club Forum but you may still view the merged book club discussion for Agnes and the Hitman
| Started on: |
September 1st, 2007 |
| Title: |
An Unladylike Offer |
| Author: |
Christine Merrill |
| Release date: |
August 1, 2007 |
| Genre: |
Historical Romance |
| Links: |
Author's Web site | Blog |
Miss Esme Canville hatches a daring plan to escape a tyrannical father and a forced marriage: she’ll run away from home and into the arms of her notorious neighbor, Captain St. John Radwell, and become his mistress.
St. John is struggling to restore his tarnished reputation and in no mood to involve himself in Esme’s wild scheme.
But fate has other plans.
View An Unladylike Offer discussion questions
- Reforming a Rake Redemption is an important theme in this story. Did St. John reform sufficiently to earn his brother’vs trust? Are there any sins or behaviors so bad that a romance hero can never recover from them?
- Rakes & Rogues & Scoundrels--oh my! Although he thinks he’s fully reformed, how often is St. John still rewarded for being a ‘bad boy?’ Would a truly virtuous man have been as successful at getting a title, getting the girl, and thwarting the villain?
- Desperate Measures How wise was Esme’s decision to be a mistress, rather than a wife? Were there any other alternative plans she could have pursued?
- Powerplay Esme sees sex as a way to gain power over others and over her own future. Does it work? To what degree is she merely using St. John ? At what point does she love him?
- Opposites Attract? Although ‘opposites attract’, it usually helps if two people in love have some characteristics in common. In what ways are St. John and Esme alike and well suited for each other?
- Are you strong enough to be my man? Since St. John is a decorated war hero, we can assume that he can safely be called brave. And yet, he spends most of the book in retreat, avoiding conflict and commitment. Esme proves unable to save herself from her situation without help, but she exhibits courage in how she deals with it. Is one character stronger than the other, or are they equally matched?
- Brothers in conflict Sibling rivalry between St. John and his brother the duke, fueled the conflict of Ms. Merrill’s first book The Inconvenient Duchess. What did St. John need to do to work through his ‘issues’ so that he could willingly reunite with his brother in An Unladylike Offer?
The discussion for An Unladylike Offer is no longer taking place in our Book Club Forum but you may still view the merged book club discussion for An Unladylike Offer
From the Publisher
Clues only this psychic can see
Can an art thief earn an honest living? Raven Callahan does, with the help of a rare psychic power that lets her read the emotions locked inside ancient objects. But when her partner is kidnapped and Raven is forced to steal a priceless masterpiece to save him, ESP takes a backseat to quick wits, steely nerves, and the lethal skills she needs to survive.
A killer only this cop can catch
Ex-cop Dax Maddox made just one mistake on the job, but it took a young rookie’s life and cost Dax his ability to see color. Now stalking a killer brings Raven into his life-and floods his gray world with vivid and conflicting emotions: anger and lust, suspicion and awe. Are the criminals they seek one and the same? If so, Dax and Raven’s growing need for each other could inspire a madman’s terrifying scheme for the ultimate revenge…
Sight Unseen
View the Sight Unseen discussion questions
- You know, honey, you’re kind of sexy when you’re vulnerable Raven Callahan is a strong woman. Her fears are few. But fearless characters always have a vulnerability. Can you think of other strong characters who had one source of vulnerability? What makes these types of characters so interesting?
- Two wrongs don’t make a right, but three rights make a left Do the ends justify the means? Raven is supposed to “acquire” stolen artifacts for API’s clients but her “ways” are not always legal even though the goods were stolen to begin with. Is she still right? Or do her illegal recoveries make two wrongs?
- Dreams? I’m having nightmares in CinemaScope! Throughout the book, Dax’s nightmares dredge up twisted memories. Dream sequences are generally frowned upon in fiction, but the author felt that this was the only way to adequately explain the torment that Dax was experiencing. How do you feel about the dream sequences? Did they add to the story or detract? Was there another way to tap into his torment?
- Could this be my Yoda-like mentor? One of the themes about this book is the mentor and mentored. Walter and Raven. Dax and Nick. Raven and Paulie. Gilmore and Clayton. Did you notice the theme in the book? Was it obvious or something that you didn’t see? How do you feel about the mentor and mentored relationship and did you see it change during the story?
- I don’t know what I like, but I know what art is Raven and Dax argue about the importance of art. As a street cop, Dax feels lives are more important and that’s where he focused his time. Property crimes were low on his priority list. But Raven argues that priceless, irreplaceable national treasures and history are being stolen day by day and smuggled out of the country. Which means she is forced to pursue illegal means because even the cops don't care. Who is right?
- Together with my stalwart sidekick… Paulie is Raven’s loyal assistant. What makes him a good sidekick for her?
- I don’t have a gift, just a curse Raven considers her psychometry a curse yet uses it to fuel her thirst for adventure and justice. If you had her gift, what would you do with it?
The discussion for Sight Unseen is no longer taking place in our Book Club Forum but you may still view the merged book club discussion for Sight Unseen
| Started on: |
August 1st, 2007 |
| Title: |
Royal Harlot: A Novel of the Countess Castlemaine and King Charles II |
| Author: |
Susan Holloway Scott (aka Miranda Jarrett) |
| Release date: |
July 2nd, 2007 |
| Genre: |
Historical Fiction |
| Links: |
Author's Web site | Book Excerpt | Amazon |
London, 1660: Ready to throw off a generation of Puritan rule, all England rejoices when Charles Stuart returns to reclaim the throne. Among those welcoming him is young Barbara Villiers Palmer, a breathtaking Royalist beauty whose sensuality and clever wit instantly captivate the handsome, jaded king.
Though each is promised to another, Barbara soon becomes Charles’s mistress and closest friend, and the uncrowned queen of his bawdy Restoration court. Rewarded with titles, land, and jewels, she is the most envied and desired woman in England––and the most powerful.
But the role of royal mistress is a precarious one, and Barbara’s enemies and rivals are everywhere in the palace. Even kings can lose their heads to treason, and swirling political intrigue brings new threats and danger—until not even Charles himself is safe.
In this world where love is no more than a game, and power the ultimate aphrodisiac, only one woman holds the key to it all: Barbara, Countess of Castlemaine, Duchess of Cleveland, and the royal harlot.
View the Royal Harlot discussion questions
- Storytelling By telling Barbara’s story, the author also tells the story of Charles II’s return to the throne. How would this story have been different if Charles had been the narrator?
- A Woman of Appetites Lord Clarendon, Barbara’s enemy at Court, called her a “woman of appetites.” What do you think he meant by that?
- An Unnatural Mother One of the criticisms leveled at Barbara by her enemies was that she was an “unnatural” mother. What do you think was meant by this?
- Skin Deep? Barbara was always conscious of her appearance, saying “I was my beauty, and when my share of it would finally drain away, I’d no notion of what else would be left.” (p. 592) How did she use her beauty?
- Husband Swap If Barbara had been married to Charles instead of Roger Palmer, do you think she would have been a more faithful wife?
- Libertine or Whore? You decide. The promiscuous gentlemen of Charles’s Court were called libertines, while the equally promiscuous Barbara was called a whore. Discuss this double standard.
- Gold Digger? Throughout history, Barbara has been regarded as an evil, immoral woman who purposefully set out to bewitch the King for her own gain. How much of her immorality was a product of her times, and how much do you think was a part of her character?
- The Eye of the Beholder? The artist Sir Peter Lely painted numerous portraits of Barbara, regarding her as not only his muse, but the most perfect representation of feminine beauty. It also made good business sense for him to be so closely linked to the King’s favorite. In an era before photography and television, how could painted portraits like those of Barbara influence public opinion?
The discussion for Royal Harlot is no longer taking place in our Book Club Forum but you may still view the merged book club discussion for Royal Harlot
HOCUS POCUS. HANKY PANKY.
Meet the Fortune sisters:
Dee is trying to control her sisters and her shape-shifting power and not having much luck. Things don’t get easier when Danny James shows up with his deadly smile and dangerous questions about the past.
Lizzie is determined to save her family from financial ruin by turning straw into gold if she could only stop turning forks into bunnies. Then Elric, a sorcerer, appears—annoyed with the chaos Lizzie is creating in the universe and in his heart.
Mare towers above her older sisters in height, but her telekinetic power is dwarfed by their gifts; on a good day she can stack DVDs with her mind, on a bad day she drops muffins. Then a gorgeous VP shows up at work and her long lost lover comes back to town and soon muffins are the least of her problems.
And behind the scenes, pulling the strings, is their Aunt Xan, an aging beauty who could use a little extra power. Like theirs.
THE UNFORTUNATE MISS FORTUNES
The only thing worse than their luck is their magic.
View The Unfortunate Miss Fortunes discussion questions
- Madame Butterflies (Puccini) We put butterflies on the page for each of the four point of view characters. Did that help or hinder your ideas of the characters? Schlocky gimmick or brilliant characterization device? Please don’t say you didn’t notice.
- Colors of the Wind (Vanessa Williams) Eileen characterized Dee in a large part by her painting. How does art help communicate Dee’s desires? What does it say about her as a person?
- An Acceptable Level of Ecstasy (Lyle Lovett) Krissie (Anne) fell in love with Elric so Lizzie spends most of time in the bedroom with him. How does sexuality communicate Lizzie’s desires beyond sex? How does the physical inform the emotional for her?
- She’s a Rebel (The Crystals) Jenny vented a lot of rebellion in Mare, who sees herself as Queen of the Universe (no, these characterizations are not at all autobiographical, why do you ask?). Did you find Mare’s confidence annoying? How does her need to be Queen reveal both her fears and desires? How does it fuel her character arc?
- There’s Your Trouble (Dixie Chicks) Speaking of autobiography, Jenny wrote Xan, too, and thinks she’s the greatest. Do you feel the same or was she the character you loved to hate (always good in an antagonist)? Do you feel she got her just desserts? How would you have saved the world from Xan?
- It’s Raining Men (The Weathergirls) Elric is a sorcerer, Danny has supernatural powers but doesn’t realize it, Crash has the power to fix motorcycles with his bare hands. Did the fact that they were so different knock the book out of balance, or was it good for the heroes to be varied?
- Brand New Me (Dusty Springfield) The theme in UMF is about transformation, embodied not just in the sisters’ powers, but also in the objects that surround them, starting in the first chapter when Lizzie changes the muffins, and in their character and plot arcs. What do you think of both the concrete transformations and the characters’ transformations? Did they echo each other for you as you read the story?
- It’s Not Easy Being Green (Kermit) Because we occasionally lose our grip, we buried a lot of frog jokes in the story, telling each other it was foreshadowing for Jude. How many of them did you get? Did they make you lose all respect for us?
- Let’s Pretend (The Raspberries) Which sister would you choose to be? (Think powers, lovers, clothes . . .)
The discussion for The Unfortunate Miss Fortunes is no longer taking place in our Book Club Forum but you may still view the merged book club discussion for The Unfortunate Misfortunes
Is Kate London suffering from “postromantic stress disorder” when she attacks Mayor Balfours, her cheating fiancé, with a golf cart? Maybe she should have counted to ten before sending him tumbling down a hill inside a port-o-john. Kate can handle her sentence: anger management classes from a deranged instructor. What really hurts is the mayor’s payback—condemning her Aunt Kitty’s beloved Egyptian Theater on the brink of a grand re-opening. By the next day, Kate’s fury turns to shock when she finds the mayor’s Tidy Bowl-stained body dead in the trunk of her car. If Kitty, a former B-list movie star, has taught Kate anything, it’s that the show must go on. With a murder charge pending, Kate wears out her Jimmy Choos trying to find the killer and save the family theater… when love makes a surprise appearance.
View the BrigaDOOM discussion questions
- Port-o-potty Blues In BrigaDOOM, Kate has a public, spectacular, and slightly illegal break-up with her fiancé. Should Kate have just walked away? What would you have done? Obviously, this is one of those kids, don’t try this at home things, but is there a place for creative revenge in real life? Do you know anyone that’s done something outrageous as a payback? Did it make things worse?
- To Change or Not to Change? Much of the story revolves around the condemnation of the Egyptian theater in the name of progress. Progress can be good or bad. What is your opinion of the homogenization of America, and even the world? Does every town need a CVS Pharmacy, a Wal-Mart, and a Starbucks? Should we give up the older buildings for a better economy? What about convenience versus character? Commerce versus character?
- A Plot within a Plot? Much of the storyline of BrigaDOOM is a riff on the play Brigadoon. Does this make the story stronger, weaker, is it irrelevant to you? If you know the play, can you find all of the Brigadoon parallels and references?
- Second chances A lot of BrigaDOOM’s story involves second chances. Kitty wants a second chance at fame. Kate prays to the God of Second Chances. The Egyptian may get a second chance. Ben wants a second chance at dental school Even Ernie the rescue dog has gotten a second chance on life.
What about second chances on love? Do Kate and Ben make sense as a couple? Should couples who dated once go back for another try, or is it true that once it’s over, it’s over? Does anyone have a story of going back to an old love and making it work?
- The Show Must Go On… or Not? Did it bother you that you didn’t know the fate of the show? Did you assume they would find a way to produce it even though the front rows of seats were scorched? Did it matter? Did you notice at all?
- I Want to Live Forever Kate’s Aunt Kitty hopes for a comeback. Would you like to see her make movies and have a shot at fame again? If the chance came her way, would it be worth the risk of failure to try it again at seventy-five, or should she stick to being the Queen of Mudd Lake?
- Torn Between Two Lovers Kate and Ben have a strong connection, one they may want to pursue, but in the second book, Kate’s life is further complicated by an old flame. A white-hot old flame, I might add. Do you like to see your mystery heroines loyal to one lover or does the love triangle work for you?
- Series BrigaDOOM is Susan Goodwill’s debut novel. Little Shop of Murders is scheduled for a March 2008 release. What would you like to see more of as the series goes on and what could have worked better for you? Here’s your chance to influence the rest of the series!
The discussion for BrigaDOOM is no longer taking place in our Book Club Forum but you may still view the merged book club discussion for BrigaDOOM
Suffering from writer’s block and with no lover to speak of, novelist Laura Watkins is in a funk. She needs a getaway and a release. Fast. Fortunately, she finds both in the retreat of a friend’s isolated Colorado home. It’s hers and hers alone for as long as she needs it. Then she comes upon the webcam, and her curiosity is aroused. So is her secret fantasy-to be watched by a stranger.
His screen name is Flyboy. He likes what he sees. He wants to open up for her, too. Now, they’re only one click away from exploring an after-hours game of exhibitionist and voyeur where anything goes. But now it’s time to take it one step further—by meeting in the flesh. This time, no rules, no limits, and absolutely nothing to come between them.
View the Voyeur discussion questions
- Would you describe Voyeur as Romantic Erotica? Erotica is a term being used to describe a great deal of books these days. I personally define erotica in a traditional sense — as a book about one or more characters' sexual journeys, usually without a happily ever after attached. Therefore, I describe my own books as “romantic erotica.” After reading Voyeur, do you agree with that description? Why or why not?
- For those new to erotica, was Voyeur what you expected? If this is the first erotica you've read, was it what you expected? Will you read more, try other erotica authors?
- Did Laura match your notion of an erotica heroine? Was Laura Watkins the kind of character you expected to find in an erotica novel? Why or why not?
- Metaphors in Laura's mystery novel The scenes in Laura's mystery novel in many ways mirror what's taking place in her real life. Did you notice the metaphors Laura used in the book, and if so, what were they?
- Variations in the theme of voyeurism Although the book begins with an obvious element of voyeurism via the webcam, did you notice other sexual variations on the voyeurism theme even after Braden arrived at the house?
- Do you think the book's cover should reflect the story? You may have noticed that the book's cover — as sexy as it is — does not at all reflect the story. As a reader, do you notice this? Does it bother you?
- What do you think about the growing popularity of erotica? Why do you think erotica and erotic romance have become so popular in the past couple of years? Why do you think women enjoy reading it?
The discussion for Voyeur is no longer taking place in our Book Club Forum but you may still view the merged book club discussion for Voyeur
| Started on: |
June 1st, 2007 |
| Title: |
Theodosia Throckmorton and the Serpents of Chaos |
| Author: |
R.L. LaFevers |
| Release date: |
April 2007 |
| Genre: |
Young Adult |
| Links: |
Book Web site | Book Excerpt | Amazon | B&N |
Theodosia Throckmorton has her hands full at the Museum of Legends and Antiquities in London. Her father may be head curator, but it is Theo—and only Theo—who is able to see all the black magic and ancient curses that still cling to the artifacts in the museum.
When Theo’s mother returns from her latest archaeological dig bearing the Heart of Egypt— a legendary amulet belonging to an ancient tomb— Theo learns that it comes inscribed with a curse so black and vile that it threatens to crumble the British Empire from within and start a war too terrible to imagine. Intent on returning the malevolent artifact to its rightful place, Theo devises a daring plan to put things right. But even with the help of her younger brother, a wily street urchin, and the secret society known as the Brotherhood of the Chosen Keepers, it won’t be easy… she quickly finds herself pursued down dark alleys, across an ocean, through the bustling crowds of Cairo, and straight into the heart of an ancient mystery. Theo will have to call upon everything she’s ever learned in order to prevent the rising chaos from destroying her country— and herself!
View the Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos discussion questions
- Concrete Emotions There are a number of concrete objects used in Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos to convey various emotions: fear, parental love, emotional abandonment. Were these effective ways of conveying complex emotions in a lighthearted romp? Or did they not give enough weight and heft to the emotions the characters were coping with? Can you identify some of the concrete objects?
- Different Time, Different Place? They say for a book to be effective historical fiction, it cannot have taken place in any other place or time. Do you think TATSOC could have been set in another time period and worked just as well? Also, how much historic and atmospheric detail is enough and when does it become too much? Where did TATSOC fall on this spectrum?
- Character is in the Details—Or Is It? Theodosia is a very precocious, peculiar, singular child, not necessarily representative of all eleven year olds. Do you think her specificity, her very individual quirks and characteristics help make her real or make her seem larger than life? Why or why not?
- Emotionally Abandoned Do you feel that Theodosia was, in essence, emotionally abandoned by her parents? How did that drive her actions? Was she a vulnerable enough heroine? What other options were available to her besides coping with the circumstances the way she did?
- To Teach or Not To Teach Many people are of the opinion that children’s books should teach a lesson. Do you feel this book taught a lesson, and if so, what lesson was it?
- It’s a Girl Thing Do you think that Theodosia’s cleverness, precociousness, and competency would have been treated differently by those around her if she had been a boy? If so, in what ways?
- Sixth Sense Do you think children are open to the world in ways that adults aren’t? Are their intuitions more in tune to the events around them? Can you remember knowing or noticing things when you were young that the adults around you didn’t? What sorts of things?
- Suffocation—Victorian Style Grandmother Throckmorton was a physical embodiment of the Victorian restrictions placed on women during that time. Was she an effective counterpart to Theo’s newer, more modern Edwardian attitudes?
- Cultural and Social No Nos? Some reviewers comment on how the book dealt with the subjects of British Colonialism and national artifacts. One reviewer decided against recommending the book because even though it was historically accurate, she felt it was unseemly to write a book that dealt with the British removing artifacts from another culture at a time when so many nations are asking for their artifacts to be returned. Do you think certain subjects or attitudes, even when historically accurate, should be off limits in children’s books? Why or why not?
The discussion for Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos is no longer taking place in our Book Club Forum but you may still view the merged book club discussion for Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos
In this enchanting anthology, four award-winning romance authors work their usual literary magic to create a quartet of entertaining novellas inspired by dragons. Jo Beverly brings fairy-tale charm to “The Dragon and the Virgin Princess,” in which Sacrificial Virgin Princess Rozlinda of Saragond finds an unexpected version of happily-ever-after. In Mary Jo Putney’s exquisitely crafted and deliciously witty “The Dragon and the Dark Knight,” freelance knight Kenrick of Rathbourne is hired to slay a dragon but changes his mind after meeting the mysterious Lady Ariane. Karen Harbaugh gives her cleverly crafted “Anna and the King of Dragons," a refreshingly different twist by setting her tale of a practical Dutchwoman and a dragon in seventeenth-century Japan. And Barbara Samuel brings the dragon myth into the modern world with her superb “Dragon Feathers,” a bewitching novella about a young widow who makes a surprising discovery in her new Santa Fe home.
The discussion for Dragon Lovers is no longer taking place in our Book Club Forum but you may still view the merged book club discussion for Dragon Lovers
Museum curator Summer Hawthorne considered the exquisite ice-blue ceramic bowl given to her by her beloved Japanese nanny a treasure of sentimental value — until somebody tried to kill her for it.
The priceless relic is about to ignite a global power struggle that must be stopped at all costs. It’s a desperate situation, and international operative Takashi O’Brien has received his directive: everybody is expendable. Everybody. Especially the woman who is getting dangerously under his skin as the lethal game crosses the Pacific to the remote and beautiful mountains of Japan, where the truth can be as seductive as it is deadly…
View the Ice Blue discussion questions
- Truth vs. Fiction The cult in Ice Blue was loosely based on the Aum Shinrikyo cult in Japan— the people who used Sarin gas in the Tokyo subways. Did the villain seem believable or over the top (truth being stranger than fiction)?
- Turning Japanese (I really think so) How did you feel about having a hero who’s half-Asian? Was it difficult to get used to? Not your particular fantasy?
- Who are these people? Anne’s only recently started writing connected books and characters from previous books. Peter, Genevieve and Madame Lambert make appearances in Ice Blue. Did they seem natural or did you get the sense that you should know more about them? (Anne says that’s always been her complaint with connected books— when characters show up from a previous book that she hasn’t read. “I always feel like I’m at a party and everyone knows each other but me.”).
- Age ain’t nothing but a number Madame Lambert has had extensive plastic surgery and, like most members of the Committee, she’s able to change her appearance at will. Do you have any idea how old Madame Lambert actually is? Anne admits she’s been very cagey about it.
- Wild thing Here’s the biggie. What did you think about Reno? Anne’s madly, desperately in love with him and wants to write a book about him and Summer’s sister Jilly, but she’s afraid that might be one step too far. What do you think?
- Consenting adults? The sex in the book is controlling and complicated until Taka and Summer actually make love in Reno’s apartment. Was that a turn-on or a turn-off?
- Smart women Did you like and sympathize with Summer? Did anything annoy you about her?
- Love and violence Anne’s books are romantic suspense— She’s totally invested in her characters’ relationships. Did you feel there was too much about the relationship and not enough suspense? The other way around?
- Heroic? Taka spent the first part of the book planning to kill Summer. Was it difficult to see him as a hero because of this?
The discussion for Ice Blue is no longer taking place in our Book Club Forum but you may still view the merged book club discussion for Ice Blue
Eleven thousand years ago, before the seas swallowed the Atlantaens, Poseidon assigned a few chosen warriors to act as sentinels for humans in the new world. There was only one rule—desiring them was forbidden. But rules were made to be broken…
When she calls…
Riley Dawson is more than a dedicated Virginia Beach social worker. She’s blessed with a mind link that only Atlantaens have been able to access for thousands of years. Being an “empath” may explain her wistful connection to the roiling waves of the ocean, the sanctuary it provides, and the sexual urges that seem to emanate from fathoms below…
He will come.
Conlan, the High Prince of Atlantis, has surfaced on a mission to retrieve Poseidon’s stolen Trident. Yet something else has possessed Conlan: the intimate emotions—and desires—of a human. Irresistibly drawn to the uncanny beauty, Conlan soon shares more than his mind. But in the midst of a battle to reclaim Poseidon’s power, how long can a forbidden love last between two different souls from two different worlds?
View the Atlantis Rising discussion questions
- Worldbuilding Alyssa (AKA Alesia) has been fascinated with the world of Atlantis since she was a little girl. What did you think about the way she used it in her book?
- Different agendas The different groups in Atlantis Rising had different agendas that were not based just on race or species. Did you enjoy the unexpected alliances that cropped up or do you prefer the white hat/black hat style?
- Too dark for romance? Atlantis Rising features a number of scenes with graphic violence as well as a hero who endured unimaginable tortures. What did you feel about those scenes and the torture Conlan suffered? Were the scenes too graphic for you? Do you think they were too dark for romance? Okay for a paranormal romance?
- Bad vamps? These days, paranormal romances often feature vampires as good, or at least misunderstood. Do you think that Alyssa returned to the older vision of vampires as unredeemably bad? Or is it just some vampires that are bad? What about Drakos and his work with Quinn and her group?
- Love at first sight? Often in paranormal romance, there is a special connection or affinity that allows the hero and heroine to fall in love much more quickly and deeply than in other romance genres. What do you think of that?
- Pick a hunk Who was your favorite Warrior and why? What did you think of Alaric?
- What’s Next Alyssa is continuing the Atlantis series. What threads would you most like to see developed? What characters do you think should have their own story and why?
- Speak to me The Warriors lapse back into “formal speak” sometimes, since they’re several centuries old. Did that work for you? Why or why not?
The discussion for Atlantis Rising is no longer taking place in our Book Club Forum but you may still view the merged book club discussion for Atlantis Rising
| Started On: |
April 1st, 2007 |
| Title: |
The Fortune Quilt |
| Author: |
Lani Diane Rich |
| Release date: |
March 2007 |
| Genre: |
Women's Fiction |
| Links: |
Author's Web site | Amazon | B&N |
Carly McKay's life is going just fine until she produces a television piece on psychic quilt maker Brandywine Seaver and receives a quilt with an enigmatic reading telling her that everything is about to change. And it does. She loses her job and her best friend (who proclaims his unrequited love for her). And her mother, who deserted the family seventeen years ago, returns, sending Carly into a serious tilt.
Convinced it's the quilt's fault, Carly races down to the small artists' community of Bilby, Arizona, to confront its maker, and ends up renting a cabin from her. Carly even starts to enjoy her reimagined life, until her old life comes calling. Now Carly has to decide what parts of each world she wants to patchwork in...and how much she's willing to leave to fate.
View The Fortune Quilt discussion questions
- Psychic Phenomenon What’s up with that? Do you believe in psychic phenomenon? If you were Carly, what would you have done with the quilt?
- Being Towered During the book, Carly is introduced to the new age concept of being “towered,” which means having your life fall apart and being forced to rebuild from the ground up. What did you think of this concept?
- Gay. Lesbian. Transgender. Oh, my! The Fortune Quilt sports a handful of characters with alternate lifestyles. How did you feel about that?
- Tough girl At the beginning of the story, Carly’s got a pretty hard outer shell. Did you see a significant difference in her character from the beginning of the story to the end? What do you think she learned from her experience?
- The art of forgiveness Carly’s family goes through some hard times. How did you feel about the way they each reacted when Mary came back? Who do you think was right? Would you have forgiven Mary?
- Catharsis The Fortune Quilt has a lot of emotion in it. Did it make you cry? When? Why?
- Friends and lovers Carly gets a lot of attention from male paramours. Were you happy that she ended up with Will? Or were you in Christopher’s corner? Do you think she made the right choice? Why or why not? Who would you have chosen?
The discussion for The Fortune Quilt is no longer taking place in our Book Club Forum but you may still view the merged book club discussion for The Fortune Quilt
| Started on: |
March 16th, 2007 |
| Title: |
Natural Born Charmer |
| Author: |
Susan Elizabeth Phillips |
| Release date: |
February 6th, 2007 |
| Genre: |
Contempory Romance |
| Links: |
Author's Web site | Book Excerpt | Amazon | B&N |
A gorgeous football star...
A lonely Colorado highway...
A woman dressed up like a beaver.
Life's funny that way.
View the Natural Born Charmer discussion questions
- Gridiron Hero Dean Robillard has everything: looks, talent, money. Was he too strong a hero? Could you relate to him? If so, why?
- Beaver heroine Blue Bailey, on the other hand, has very few of the expected heroine qualities-- at least she’s like no one he’s ever dated before. Was she someone you could root for?
- Sketch artist The first 2 sketches Blue did of Dean in the hotel room in Kansas seem to be a mirror image/reality check for Dean. Agree? Disagree? Why?
- Confrontation Did you take sides when Dean confronted April at the farm? Whose? Why?
- Bold face lie Was Blue’s lie about Dean’s mother’s dying the right thing to do? Did you get that Dean knew within a half hour that it was a lie?
- Literal talk Dean rejected Annabelle’s client, Julia, because she took everything he said literally. Blue did not take anything Dean said literally. Other than being attracted to a homeless beaver is this what drew Dean to Blue?
- Betrayal All the characters in NBC are reacting to betrayals in their lives, each in his or her own way. All of us have experienced some sort of loss or betrayal. Did their reactions seem real to you? Which character’s reaction to their betrayal resonated most strongly with you and why (discuss the story, not your own life)?
- What do parents owe their children? Dean, Blue and Riley’s parents all made sure they had 3 squares, clothing and a roof. Do you think they had a right to complain? How did their childhoods affect their adult behavior? How did Riley’s presence on the farm help them confront their past? What did you think about Jake’s speech to Dean? (The one where he basically says “I was a jerk and I have to live with it and I’m not letting myself off by apologizing to you as if it could make anything better”)
- Cultural changes since the 60s There were two iconic paths from the 60s/70s portrayed in NBC: hippie protester and rockstar groupie. Given the differences in their mother’s choices-- do you think it was harder or easier for Blue than Dean? Did you find it easier to sympathize with one of the mothers? If so, which and why?
- Wonderfully misfit Dean and Blue were so different in so many ways. Was their attraction believable? Did this make the romance more interesting to you?
- WTF What did you think about Dean’s going off to Chicago - not communicating with Blue and kissing the bimbo in public? Did you buy Blue’s reaction? Did you find yourself able to understand Dean’s mind game ? Did it make you doubt their longterm prospects?
- Magnolia Time Several of SEP’s novels take place in the South. Do the characterizations feel real to you? Is there a quality to the south that makes some of her stories work, when they wouldn’t in a different place? What is it about the south and romance?
- Fairy Tales Fairy tales are an important theme, from the beaver suit to the gypsy wagon. Did you notice any fairy tale elements? What role did they play? Why did April insist on the gypsy wagon to begin with?
The discussion for Natural Born Charmer is no longer taking place in our Book Club Forum but you may still view the merged book club discussion for Natural Born Charmer
| Started on: |
March 1st, 2007 |
| Title: |
Manhunting |
| Author: |
Jenny Crusie |
| Release date: |
September 1993 (reissue: Feb 1st, 2007) |
| Genre: |
Romance |
| Links: |
Author's Web site | Book Excerpt | Amazon | B&N |
Kate Svenson is attractive, successful, a brilliant businesswoman—and miserable. After three failed engagements, she realizes it's time for a PLAN — an organized, detailed agenda with a clear goal: finding Mr. Right. The Cabins resort is ripe with eligible bachelors, all rich, distinguished, and ambitious — just her type. And they're dropping like flies around her... at least, that's how Jake Templeton views the situation. After he's stuck pulling her latest reject out of the swimming pool, Jake's convinced this femme fatale is trouble. Especially for him. But can a man who's sworn off ambition for good and a woman hanging from the top of the corporate ladder find common ground in the unpredictable territory called the heart, where the word “proposal” takes on a very different meaning...?
View Manhunting discussion questions
- “You’ve been engaged three times in the past three years and not one of them could keep you” Manhunting was not Jenny’s title; Harlequin gave it that title. Her title was Keeping Kate. How important is a title to you; that is, what impact does it have on the book for you, and keeping that in mind, which do you think was the better title?
- “We’re going to improve your life” Kate has three important friendships in Manhunting, her longtime and long distance friendship with Jessie, and her new friendships with Nancy and Penny. Were they all necessary or was that too many in such a short book? What were their functions? Which was the most important? Why are women’s friendships so important here and in Jenny’s work in general?
- “This floats?” Place is important in Jenny’s work, particularly houses, but this time the heroine spends a significant part of her story stuck in a boat on a lake. What’s up with that?
- “Your next step is to find a hunting ground” So what’s with the fishing and hunting themes going on here, Kate hunting for a man and Jake fishing out on the lake? What other examples of hunting and fishing are going on in the subplots? What does that do to the romantic idea of “someday your prince will come” since it seems to imply “today you’d better go hunt him down”?
- “You sure you left those three guys you were engaged to? Have their bodies been found?” Kate’s a Type A over-achiever, Jake’s lazy, there’s a reason these two have broken engagements and a divorce in their pasts. Does that make them harder to like?
- “Of course you’re not Valerie” There are two romantic subplots in Manhunting, Will and Valerie’s and Penny and Mark’s. How do they echo or reverse Kate and Jake’s romance? Do they add to the plot or confuse it? In a very early draft of the book, Nancy and Bob had marital difficulties that were resolved amicably in a third subplot. Would that have added or detracted from the main plot?
- “He was just sitting there saying , ‘Great,’ like a big dummy” Much of this book is about miscommunication between men and women, such as Will not realizing Valerie was serious about marriage or Kate not understanding how Jake felt about her. Do you think it was realistic, or did the conflicts seem contrived?
- “It’s too soon and too fast” Kate and Jake fall in love awfully fast. Does it help that they become friends first? Is it easier to believe that they’d become friends quickly than that they’d become lovers quickly? How does that affect your belief in their love story?
- “It really hurts too much to stay here anymore” Popular fiction tends to have a dark moment about three quarters of the way through the story where the characters hit bottom. In Manhunting, the dark moment begins with the fight that Kate and Jake have over Will’s public rejection of Valerie and culminates when Kate leaves and goes back to the city. Did this conflict in the relationship seem contrived or inevitable?
- “I have a list of demands” Kate proposes to Jake at the end, or at least she tells him she needs to be married and to propose. A reader once wrote to Jenny saying that she disliked her heroines because they were so desperate, they were always asking the heroes for sex and marriage. Would it have been better for you as a reader if Kate had waited for Jake to pop the question?
- “You’ve got to start somewhere” This was the first novel Jenny wrote. (First fiction was the novella Sizzle; this is the first novel). Can you tell?
The discussion for Manhunting is no longer taking place in our BookClub Forum but you may still view the merged book club discussion for Manhunting
| Started on: |
February 16th, 2007 |
| Title: |
No Regrets |
| Author: |
Shannon K. Butcher |
| Release date: |
February 1st, 2007 |
| Genre: |
Romantic Suspense |
| Links: |
Author's Website | Book Excerpt | Amazon | B&N |
No Surrender
Renowned cryptologist Noelle Blanche refuses to have blood on her hands. So when the military asks for her help in a covert operation, she refuses--until masked gunmen raid her home and threaten her life. Suddenly it's all too clear that any blood spilled may be her own. Noelle has no choice but to trust the dangerous stranger sent by the military to safeguard her. A stranger who is everything she detests, everything she fears...and everything she desires.
No Looking Back
Former Delta Force operative David Wolfe thought he had left it all behind--the horror, the hurt, the guilt. But now the men who savagely murdered his wife have set their sights on a brilliant cryptologist who can lead them to the cache of weapons they prize. As passion ignites between David and the woman he's sworn to protect, what began as just a mission escalates into the fight of his life. But can he prevent history from repeating itself?
No Regrets
View the No Regrets discussion questions
- Brainy heroine Did Noelle seem realistically smart to you? How do you feel about very intelligent heroines or characters in general? Does it bother you that the heroine has a higher IQ than the hero?
- Job vs. Principles Noelle has a policy of not accepting any grants funded by the military. Do you agree with her reasons? Is she short-sighted or admirable in sticking to her principles? How about the university's ultimatum to accept the military grant or lose her job? Have you ever been in a similar situation? How does her ultra-specialized field complicate the situation?
- Changes Noelle starts the book with a negative view of the military in general. How does her relationship with David change her outlook, or does it? How does his relationship with Noelle change David's outlook on life?
- Out of her element Noelle is thrust into a situation that's completely out of her everyday experience. How does her intelligence affect how she deals with it? Does it help or hurt or both?
- Sequels Caleb and Grant are David's best friends and seem to be heroes in their own right. Should they get stories of their own? Do you look for sequel possibilities in romances?
- Kick-ass heroines Noelle uses her brains, but she's not an expert with weapons or fighting. Is it important to you in romantic suspense that a heroine be able to physically kick ass, or is it enough that she's not TSTL?
- Perfect heroes David feels guilty for the death of his first wife, Mary. Does he seem like less of a hero because of his past failure? How does the fact that he loved his first wife affect how you view him as a hero?
| Started on: |
February 1st, 2007 |
| Title: |
The Book Of True Desires |
| Author: |
Betina Krahn |
| Release date: |
August 2006 |
| Genre: |
Romance |
| Links: |
Author's Website | Amazon | B&N |
To get funding for her first expedition, Cordelia Blackburn finds herself searching for three Mayan stone carvings and something known as "the gift of the jaguar"-accompanied by her grandfather's arrogant butler. But as the trail leads them across the Caribbean and into Mexico, she learns that Hartford Goodnight is far more than just a butler. Soon the pair is hip deep in danger and desire-trying to keep the sparks between them from setting the rainforest ablaze.
View The Book of True Desires discussion questions
- Can a heroine be too strong? Cordelia is a very strong heroine. Beautiful and bright, with a lot of experience and gumption to boot. Is there such a thing as a heroine that is too strong? Does Cordelia flirt with being too perfect to be believable?
- Does the hero have to be macho? Does a hero have to be macho or in a position of power to be desirable? Hart starts the story as a harried but snarky butler. Does this make it difficult for the reader to connect with him? What aspect of him did you find most appealing? Most off-putting?
- How'd you like the setting? The setting of The Book of True Desires is unusual for an historical romance. Did the details of time and place seem authentic? What bits of information/setting did you find the most surprising or interesting? How much does the setting of a book influence whether or not you choose to read it? How much credence do you give the factual or historical aspect of a book?
- What's your Originality Quotient? What one aspect of the book (if any) stands out in your mind as “original”? How much does originality or creativity count with readers? Would you rather read more tried-and-true story lines that punch all your “romance” buttons than take a chance on a different kind of romance that isn't quite as predictable? Where do atypical romances fit in the marketplace?
- Was this a Romance? A critiquer on Amazon insisted this book was not a romance. Do you think it was or wasn't?
- Should Adventure Romance be its own sub-genre? This book certainly gave “romance” and “adventure” equal parts of the stage. Are “adventure romances” just another kind of historical or contemporary romance… or do you see them breaking out into their own sub/separate genre like romantic suspense? If you were shelving it in a bookstore, would you put it in the “romance” section or under straight “fiction” as an adventure? If you were deciding where to enter it in the RITA's… what category would you choose?
As a talented singer-guitarist with a dream of going pro, Alegría Montero is getting fed up with the endless, boring parade of family party gigs. She’s longing for something bigger. And Oye Mi Canto—a new reality TV show that’s searching for the next Latin superstar—is definitely that. Ali figures she’ll never make the cut, but auditioning seems like a good way to get her overprotective father to take her ambitions seriously.
To Ali’s complete shock, she passes her audition. Next thing she knows, she’s dealing with wardrobe fittings, cameras, reporters, vocal coaches, and websites designed by lovestruck fanboys. She’s also dealing with jealousy, malice, and sabotage among the contestants, all of which has her wondering: Is it really time to shoot for the stars and try to win the whole competition, or is it time to say “Cut!” and become a normal teenager again?
View Adiós To My Old Life discussion questions
- Speak up! This story was written solely from Ali's Point of View. If there had been other POV characters, whose POV do you think would have served the story the most or might have been most interesting to hear from?
- Rhythm Is Gonna Get You What about the Latin culture or Miami and/or world of music setting appealed most to you or did you find most interesting in that "Gee, I never knew that" sort of way?
- Not just for teens While this is ostensibly a YA-genre book, the story seems to have cross-generational appeal. What do you think contributes to this?
- Single parenting is not for wimps Almost until the end of the book, each time Ali made strides towards establishing her independence, her father reacted badly. Do you think Robbie's reactions were based on cultural mores, the fact that his daughter was growing up and growing beyond him, because he was a single father or some combination?
- Music--Can you relate? Music is almost a third language for Ali. Was Ali's passion for music relatable to the non-musician?
- How far is too far? Ali and Fabiana are almost Yin and Yang. Both desperately want to win, both are confident they can win, but only Fabiana feels the need to bully and manipulate in order to gain the advantage. Do you think this was a case of her behavior masking a lack of confidence or is she simply a product of the "win at any cost" mentality that seems so pervasive in sports and entertainment? Were you surprised at how far she was willing to go? Have you seen this mentality in action yourself or been the victim of it?
- Adiós Sequel? When & Why? The story ends with Ali on the cusp of adulthood and a whole new way of life. Do you think it would be more interesting to continue the story shortly after Adiós ends, or would it be more interesting to resume the threads of the story and these characters' lives say, ten years down the road? Why?
The discussion for Adiós To My Old Life is no longer taking place in our BookClub Forum but there are two related topics in our general Book Discussion Forum:
"Nobody ever tried to stab me when I did corporate work."
December Vaughn is tired of her roots. Not the ones in her hair--she is a real blonde after all--but her life in Ohio as a corporate attorney. She's used to turning heads, but now it's time to turn her life around. And what better way to prove all those dumb-blonde jokes wrong than by opening up her own practice in Florida? She's going to take the Sunshine State by storm...
View Blondes Have More Felons discussion questions
- Lawyers. Good guys? Bad guys? Do you generally like reading about lawyers ? Why or why not ? Did you find December similar or different from the usual legal thriller protagonist ? How ?
- Can you go home again? December is making a brand-new start in one way but coming home in another. What impact does that have on December herself?
- Animal lovers Why do you think mystery readers are fine when a human is murdered but are outraged when a dog is killed ?
- Legalese. Huh? How did Alesia handle the "legalese"? Too much? Not enough? Was it done in a way that explained -without curing your insomnia for life ?
- The time is right? Have you ever had an intense reaction to a person, like December does to Jake, yet wanted to wait for the 'right time' to pursue him/her/ the relationship? What are your thoughts on sexual tension in a series of novels?
- Subplot. Or not. Alesia is a self-confessed subplot fiend. Are there any secondary characters you'd particularly like to hear more from ? Why ?
- The good. The bad. The ugly. December's family and friends play a crucial role in the book. How important is it to you as a reader to know about the relationships that are important to the main characters? What does it tell you about the characters?
The discussion for Blondes Have More Felons is no longer taking place in our BookClub Forum but there are two related topics in our general Book Discussion forum:
"From destitute to duchess… in a day!"
Dear Cici and Father,
I have come to Devon and married a duke. And I'm more tired and hungry than I have ever been in my life. Please let me come home.
Compromised and wedded on the same day, Lady Miranda was fast finding married life not to her taste. A decaying manor and a secretive husband were hardly the stuff of girlish dreams. Yet every time she looked at dark, brooding Marcus Radwell, Duke of Haughleigh, she felt inexplicably compelled--and determined--to make their marriage real!
View The Inconvenient Duchess discussion questions
- Marriage of convenience plots Some plot lines work better in historical romances than in contemporaries. How believable is a marriage of convenience in either context? Did you accept the idea that Marcus would marry a total stranger, especially one chosen for him by his mother?
- "Real" history in historical fiction As I was writing, I was conscious of the vast differences between the American and British class systems. How likely is it that Marcus would be such a ‘man of the people’, helping his tenants and accepting his wife’s disgraced family. Would Miranda have any chance to marry a duke, outside of a romance novel, or would working at all permanently ruin her chance to marry a noble?
- Settings & atmosphere People read different sub-genres for different reasons. I wanted a ‘Cinderella’ element in The Inconvenient Duchess, since I liked the idea of moving the heroine from poverty to opulence. But opulence requires more description. How important are ‘food and frocks’ in historical vs. contemporary stories?
- Villains and redemption I like my heroes dark and I was aware, almost from the first, that I was saving St. John to be the hero of another story. I tried to make him villainous, but redeemable. But at what point does dark, become too dark? Is there such a thing as an unredeemable character?
- A match made in heaven What characteristic(s) do Marcus and Miranda have in common that make them a good match? At what point in the story do you think they moved from "a good match" to a "love match?
- Love & happy endings In the past, marriage was more of a social or financial contract. Miranda and Miranda aren’t bothered tremendously by the idea of a loveless marriage, although they are happy by the end of the story. Since this is a romance novel, why doesn’t the happy ending go to St John , who was expecting to marry for love?
The discussion for the The Inconvenient Duchess is no longer taking place in our Book Club forum but there is one related topic in our general Book Discussions forum:
What if you found out your whole life had been a lie?
Luc Grayson thought he was just like any other boy. He’s about to turn thirteen, and his body is changing. All too suddenly he finds himself becoming faster, stronger, more aggressive.
But on the eve of his thirteenth birthday, a man called Ranger offers him a horrifying, enticing truth: Luc is a shapeshifter, a werewolf. It’s time to come home to his pack—his father’s people—and to make his first change into wolf form. Luc is dazzled by his newfound powers and hopes to find the longed-for sense of family with his pack. But not everyone is happy he’s returned, for they know a secret he does not. Luc’s uncle wants to see the shapeshifters destroyed, and now that they have reclaimed Luc, his uncle will stop at nothing to see the Lycanthians wiped from the face of the earth. It will take all of Luc’s abilities—wolf and human—to save his pack, and himself.
View Werewolf Rising discussion questions
- Societal Structure Wolf vs. Human: Wolf society is as highly structured as human society, perhaps even more so. Does human society have the equivalent of an Omega? If so, what would that be? How does having an Omega benefit a society such as that of a wolf pack? Or does it?
- Rites of Passage One of the issues that compelled the author to write this book was the male adolescent experience and their transition from being a kid to being thrust into the hormonal maelstrom that is puberty. In his books The Wonder of Boys and A Fine Young Man, author Michael Gurian talks about how our society has failed male teenagers by not having marked rites of passage into manhood. He also talks about how this lack, in addition to a decline in male bonding activities and mentorship, has contributed to the enormous rise in youth gang membership.
How important do you think rites of passages are in helping kids become adults? Do you think that as a society we prepare girls for their puberty experience better than we prepare boys? Do the physical changes experienced by girls during puberty, and the necessary immediacy of addressing them, give girls a more concrete rite of passage than boys? How is this beneficial?
- How the title affects reader expectations The original title of this book was Wolf Moon Rising. The marketing department decided it had to be changed because “werewolf” was a better marketing hook than just “wolf.” Do you feel that the word werewolf in the title was misleading? Were your expectations from the word werewolf met?
- Luc's Influence on the Pack What influence might a modern teenage boy have on the pack. Might it improve the education of the juveniles? Or will Luc's independent spirit give in totally to the pack mentality?
- Exploring Personal Power One of the themes explored in Werewolf Rising is that of moving from powerlessness to having some kind of power. Coming into his wolf power is a concrete way of showing Luc moving from powerlessness to powerfulness. In what other ways or areas of his self does he gain power? What other themes do you see explored in this book?
- Things Left Unsaid It has been said that that which remains unspoken, defines the relationship. There were many things left unspoken in Werewolf Rising. Did you feel that those secrets defined the nature of the relationships? In what ways? Would healthy relationships have been possible between the characters if those unspoken things remained unspoken?
- Uncle Stephen's Fear and Loathing of Lycanthians Unfortunately, prejudice and bigotry don’t seem to be something the human race ever fully leaves behind. Was Uncle Stephen’s fear and loathing of the Lycanthians realistic? Do you think there is a chance that Luc could ever change his uncle’s perceptions? And if Uncle Stephen were to become a Lycanthian, do you think that hatred would be turned inward or would he find a way to get over it?
- Ranger and Luna as Societal Taboos The sub plot thread with Ranger and Luna and their forbidden romance was intended to show the restrictions of the strict societal structure followed by the Lycanthians and to illustrate just how subject they were to those rigid rules. Was the subplot effective in driving that point home? Were there other sub plots or plot threads that addressed the Lycanthians’ societal taboos as effectively as the Ranger/Luna thread?
The discussion for the Werewolf Rising is no longer taking place in our Book Club forum but there is one related topic in our general Book Discussions forum:
| started on: |
September 1st, 2006 |
| Title: |
Madame Mirabou's School of Love |
| Author: |
Barbara Samuel |
| Release date: |
March 2006 |
| Genre: |
Women's Fiction |
| Links: |
Author's Web site | Book Excerpt | Amazon |
Sometimes real passion means living the life you've always wanted.
Nicole Bridges still can't believe she's taken up residence in a Colorado apartment complex nicknamed "Splitsville." She's still reeling from her husband's affair, a divorce she never saw coming, and having to leave the upscale, comfortable world she helped make for her ex and their teenage daughter.
With little money, even less work experience, and no idea what to do next, she takes tentative steps - if only to keep her head above water. Along the way, Nikki unexpectedly finds herself falling in with eccentric new neighbors - and being seduced out of her funk by a charming, elusive ex-Londoner. And through her delight in the sensual elements of perfume, she will discover the courage to form bonds she never imagined.
When a discarded flyer printed with the name "Madame Mirabou" provides the spark of inspiration, Nikki dares to blend the fragments of her life into a fragrance that's uniquely and passionately her own.
View Madame Mirabou discussion questions
- Divorce is very common in American society, and yet it is still often the most traumatic thing that happens in an adult life. In Crazy Time, Surviving Divorce and Building a New Life, Abigail Trafford cites statistics that show the dangers of becoming a divorce “flameout:” alcoholism, hectic sex, or an inability to engage or maintain intimacy. Learning to navigate those dangerous waters becomes very important. Nikki and Roxanne present two ways of managing the delicate post-divorce period, and they have different results to show for it.
What did the two characters do differently? Was everything Nikki did the right thing? Were all of Roxanne’s actions self-destructive, or were there times different choices could have taken her in a different direction?
- Nikki’s marriage is interracial. How much a part did race play in the disintegration of the marriage? Do you think there are extra pressures on interracial marriages, or are those pressures easing? How did you feel about her conflicts regarding her daughter?
- Nikki’s business and perfume journal are called Scent of Hours, and she makes perfumes to celebrate the moments of a life. It’s human nature to want to concentrate only on the moments and memories in our lives that are positive, but often we learn more in the dark times than in the bright ones. Do you think Nikki became a stronger, wiser person by undergoing the divorce? Or would she have been happier, long-term, with her marriage?
- Often a writer is influenced by another, older book. Madame Mirabou is, in part, a tribute to a classic novel by Ray Bradbury, Dandelion Wine, about a boy’s summer and the daily distilling of dandelions into wine, which later tastes of that specific day. Have you read Dandelion Wine? How do the two writers handle the subject of “saving time” differently?
- A sense of place is often a marker of Barbara Samuel’s work, and Madame Mirabou is set specifically in Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs, where Samuel is native. Can you tell how the author felt about the setting? How does the setting contribute to the story? Does having the mountains make a difference to the characters? What about a large military population? Could this book be moved to a different place and remain the same?
- The original working title of this book was Scent of Hours. A second author choice was Madame Mirabou's Emporium of the Senses. Would one of those titles have made more sense for this book? How much does a title influence your choice to pick up a book? And how much does it shape your expectations?
- Nikki is re-entering the dating world after more than twenty years with the same man. Sometimes, it’s a little awkward. How did you feel about her first sexual experience, with Wolf? Were you embarrassed for her? Repulsed? Understanding? What about the interrupted sex with Niraj? Were you appalled, disappointed, or did you understand?
- Our choices make the sum of our lives. How did Roxanne’s choices shape her life and those lives around her? How much was her own doing, and how much the result of things that happened to her?
The discussion for the Madame Mirabou's School of Love is no longer taking place in our Book Club forum but there are two related topics in our general Book Discussions forum:
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