| Discussion: | February 15-22, 2010 |
| Title: | Miss Templar and the Holy Grail (in Chalice of Roses) |
| Author: | Karen Harbaugh |
| Release date: | January 5, 2010 |
| Genre: | Paranormal Romance Anthology |
| Links: | Author's Website | Amazon | B&N | Excerpt
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There is nothing more annoying than to have the Holy Grail thrust into one's hands when one is about to enter Almack's. But what could Miss Arabella Templar do? As the Grail Guardian, it's her fate to guard the holy relic and do her best to remain ladylike and pure, even though she'd prefer to skewer Napoleon's spies with her sword and discover more about the mysterious Grail Knight who lies gravely wounded in the spare bedroom.
Questions:Personal Discovery- Arabella and William have certain expectations for themselves, and when they fail at fulfilling them, they are disappointed in themselves. Have you failed to fulfill expectations--and what was the result? Were they your own expectations or someone else's? What did you discover--if anything--about those expectations?
Great Expectations- Arabella and William also have certain expectations of each other. Can expectations of a particular thing, person, or situation make your relationship with it worse, or better? Why?
A Higher Purpose- It's easy for William to believe he has a special destiny or purpose. Do you believe that only certain special people have a higher purpose, or do you believe everyone does? Is it something we develop, discover, or is it something inborn?
Teenage Travelers- Though Lady Templar attempts to protect her children from the supernatural as well as the workings of the Grail Council, she eventually lets Arabella travel with William. In times past, it was not unusual for young people, even teenagers, to seek their fortune alone or with friends (ensigns in the British Army during the Regency period, for example, could be as young as 11 years old). Are we, today, better or worse off not letting teenagers and young people do the same? What are the advantages, and what are the disadvantages, if any?
Hidden Talents- Both William's and Arabella's talents lead them to discover their destinies, as well as their own natures. Have your talents or abilities led you to discover your life path, or a better understanding of your true self? How so?
Attitude Adjustment- Both the Grail and the Spear of Destiny appear dull and insignificant to those who don't understand or accept their true natures or acknowledge their talents. Have you ever been in a situation or met someone who seems dull or insignificant but ceased to be so when you realized your part in it or a relationship to him/her? Can a change in attitude change a situation for the better, or is it merely a delusion?
Sir Walter- Trivia question: Which of these things are NOT true about Sir Walter Scott:
a. He was once a sheriff.
b. He had a son named Walt
c. He was very much involved with the care and maintenance of Rosslyn Chapel
d. His coachman was named Mathiason.
e. He probably would have been involved with a Grail Council if there had been one in Scotland.
The answer will be given at the end of the book club discussion. :-)
