Waterfall Wednesday (5)

Hosted by Tina at Tina's Book Reviews, Missie at The Unread Reader, Joy & Serena at Edgy Inspirational Romance, Nic at Irresistible Reads and Jenny from Supernatural Snark, each week we'll be reading and discussing a set of chapters from the book. There will be prizes for participants, so click the button for more information and to sign up!

Discussion Questions for Chapters 24-28 & Wrap Up

1. After Gabi is injured, the doctor gives her a tonic. Gabi questions the doctor several times what is in it but he refuses to tell. Would have you taken the tonic in Gabi situation?

No way. I'm all about trying new things, but if some shady guy hands me a mysterious "medicine" I don't think I could take it. I'd call for a royal food taster first. ;)

2. Before the games Gabi asks Lia to let Lord Forabosch win in the archery event as people especially Lord Forabosch are becoming suspicious of them. But during the games Lord Forabosch upsets Lia trying to throw her off her game. So Lia decides to win. Do you think she did the right thing by not letting Lord Forabosch bully her or do you think she took an unnecessary risk?

It was definitely risky, but I get where Lia was coming from. It's so hard for me to stay cool when people are especially aggravating or not playing fair. Was it the right choice for Lia? Probably not. With that much attention on them, they certainly didn't need to show off Lia's archery skills to boot!

3. When Gabi is dying and she and Lia decide to return to the tombs so they can get the cure at home but they have to tell Marcello the truth. Even though Marcello thinks that it is madness that they are from the future he believes in Gabi because he loves her. Do you think this is believable? What would you have done if you were Marcello?

I definitely wish Marcello needed some more convincing. Wouldn't that have been exciting if Gabi had to leave unsure of whether he believed her? That she'd have to come back if she wanted to prove it to him? That would have been exciting. With all of the books on time travel I've read, and movies I've seen, I like to think that I could be accepting of someone telling me something outlandish like that...but in reality I'd probably write them off as crazy.

4. In the end Gabi and Lia return home. Do you think Gabi will return to Marcello? Would you go back?

I think Gabi loves Marcello too much not to at least try to get back. I think it's one of those situations where you wouldn't know unless you were in it. Would I travel back hundreds of years for someone I was convinced was my soul mate? I think maybe I would. Besides, it would be nice to leave all your modern troubles behind and start over, wouldn't it?

5. Looking back at Waterfall what was your favourite moment?

I love when Gabi and Lia are reunited. I was so worried about Lia through the first part of the book, and to finally have her be safe and a worthwhile partner in battle was a huge relief. Maybe it's because I have a sister myself, but I just couldn't enjoy the book fully until I knew what happened to Lia!

Waterfall Wednesday (4)

Hosted by Tina at Tina's Book Reviews, Missie at The Unread Reader, Joy & Serena at Edgy Inspirational Romance, Nic at Irresistible Reads and Jenny from Supernatural Snark, each week we'll be reading and discussing a set of chapters from the book. There will be prizes for participants, so click the button for more information and to sign up!

Discussion Questions for Chapters 18-23

1. Gabi and Lia both face several life and death situations in these chapters, having to pick up weapons in defense of those they love and experiencing first hand the brutality of close combat. If you had the choice between picking up a weapon and standing on the front lines or staying behind to tend to the wounded as necessary, which would you choose?

I am a walking contradiction on this one. I always loved the idea of the military, and really really wanted to become a Marine for a while, but when I think about this scenario I would be much more comfortable behind the scenes. I have no desire to be caught on the front lines, thank you very much. I'll just enjoy the hard-fought rewards combat buys me.

2. Both girls get to wear extraordinary gowns to their victory celebration; what would your dream medieval gown look like?

I always wanted a sumptuous velvet dress, preferably with as much gold trim as possible. If I could be dripping in jewels that would also be acceptable.

3. Gabi has crude stitches put in and must endure both their removal as well as the cauterization of the wound. How is your threshold for pain? Do you think you would have simply gritted your teeth as Gabi does?

I have a pretty high pain tolerance, actually. I can take a lot. That said - I am a baby when it comes to anticipating pain. If I know it's coming it puts the fear of God in me, but after it starts I'm usually just fine. Maybe they work in tandem - I freak out so much that the reality never lives up to the hype?

4. Marcello wants to properly court Gabi after they express mutual feelings of affection, wanting to speak with her mother about his intentions. What do you think is the most romantic aspect of medieval courtship?

I think the feeling of being pursued would be nice. Not that this doesn't happen today, but there are certainly more ways for women to express their feelings. I think just knowing that a man had to come to you and beg you to be with him would be kind of cool.

5. Gabi and Lia find themselves with conflicting desires toward the end with Lia wanting to return home and Gabi hoping to stay. Do you think that Gabi is being unfair to Lia for wanting to stay, or is Lia being unfair to Gabi for demanding they go? A little of both?

I'm Team Lia on this one. No way would I be convinced to stay in medieval Italy just because my sister thought she was in love. Love you sis, but no. I'd tell her to suck it up and find a modern man. It's been a fun trip, we've got lots of nice memories, but let's get back to civilization. Sorry Gabs.


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Waterfall Wednesday (2)

Hosted by Tina at Tina's Book Reviews, Missie at The Unread Reader, Joy & Serena at Edgy Inspirational Romance, Nic at Irresistible Reads and Jenny from Supernatural Snark, each week we'll be reading and discussing a set of chapters from the book. There will be prizes for participants, so click the button for more information and to sign up!

Discussion Questions for Chapters 7-11

1. Gabi's search for her sister is made increasingly difficult by the fight for territory between Castello Forelli and Castello Paratore. At this point, do you think the rivalry is warranted? Why or why not?

Land disputes are tough, particularly when they go on for hundreds (or perhaps thousands) of years. It's hard to yield what you believe is rightfully yours, and when both sides are convinced wholeheartedly that they are right, the conflict seems to never end (see: Israel and Palestine). I absolutely think that this rivalry is warranted and that the fervor over this small bit of land would still keep them in conflict.

2. Gabi aids Fortino by having his sickroom cleaned out and using steam to loosen the phlegm inside his lungs so he could breathe better. Have you ever found yourself in a situation that required you to rely on home remedies to aid yourself or another? What are some of your favorite home remedies?

I would be so hopelessly lost if I had to rely on home remedies. I am in awe of people who know secret herbal tricks to solve complicated medical ailments. Gabi really shocked me here with her maturity and wisdom. Though in retrospect these seem like mostly common sense, I would never have thought of them! So, take note...don't ever go camping or hiking or time traveling with me. I know no cures.

3. Marcello and his men don't hide their surprise when they learn that Gabi is skilled with a sword. What did you think of this development? Has your initial impression of Gabi changed? Do you have any secret skills?

I think the difference between fencing and fighting with a broadsword would give her some more trouble than it seemed to here, though it didn't truly bother me. I just went with it. She'd be better off than me, that's for sure!

My secret skills? I would say synchronized swimming, but that's not much of a secret and I'm not sure it's as beneficial to survival as swordplay.

4. "Our lips were so close, I could feel the heat of his breath on my skin." Gabi and Marcello's feelings for one another are beginning to stir. What do you think of Marcello as a romantic interest thus far? What do you think of his intended?

I will admit that I was a bit uncomfortable with the fact that Marcello is taken, even if Lady Rossi is scummy. We loathe our men when they stray, but cheer them when it's for true love. That said, love is complicated, and it's hard to deny that they have an intense and real connection here.

5. Marcello and Luca take turns teaching Gabi the dances of Toscana. Would you have liked to attend a ball like the one Gabi was practicing for? Do you like to dance? Do you know any cool dance moves? Extra (not really) points if you YouTube yourself dancing and share the video. Come on, it will be fun! :)

I so wish that modern dances had more community to them. It's sad to me that there aren't a set of dances that everyone knows - although maybe some would consider line-dancing a form of that. That's probably why I like line-dancing, even if I only know a few. Dancing is so much fun, and I would love to go to balls. If I was in olden times, I would go to balls like it was my JOB. Because, well, it kinda would be my job. That's how you hook a man, right?


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Waterfall Wednesday (1)

Hosted by Tina at Tina's Book Reviews, Missie at The Unread Reader, Joy & Serena at Edgy Inspirational Romance, Nic at Irresistible Reads and Jenny from Supernatural Snark, each week we'll be reading and discussing a set of chapters from the book. There will be prizes for participants, so click the button for more information and to sign up!

Discussion Questions for Chapters 1-6

1. Waterfall opens with the introduction of Gabi - she's depressed, a little angry and is dealing with feelings of loneliness. Are you connecting with her this soon in the novel? Do you see things you like or dislike?

I had a hard time connecting with Gabi at first. She's really frustrated, which makes her frustrating to read. I also found her impulsive actions a bit selfish - though I think that's part of who she is as we come to see in the rest of the trilogy. I had a hard time accepting that this daughter of famous archaeologists would be so careless with the tomb, and dragging her sister along for the ride. Let's just say I was glad the time travel happened so early on before I started to really dislike Gabi.

2. Gabi gets to time travel back to 14th Century Italy - The Dark Ages in its prime. Is there any time in history that fascinates you and would you travel back if you could?

I've always been obsessed with 17th century France - Louis XIV, the Sun King; Versailles palace; Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. In fact, even going into 18th century France, I'm still intrigued. The tearing down of the Bastille, the French Revolution, Napoleon - I love it all. French history fascinates me, and the culture is so proud, artistic, and democratic that I can't help but love it. Visiting Versailles will go down as one of the best moments in my life, and I've never felt more at home than in a country that prides itself on the values of its beloved Tricolore - liberté, egalité, fraternité. In fact, my husband and I are in the midst of planning another visit in March!

3. Most of the men, including Marcello have a very set opinion about a woman's place. Gabi gets manhandled a bit in these first few chapters, and even gets asked if she's a witch. The men are shocked when Gabi rides a horse like a man and shimmies down the castle walls. What do you think of men's mentality back then? Gentlemanly, chauvinistic, simple-minded?

One of the things that I love about Marcello is that despite his shock at Gabi's conduct, he doesn't try to change her too much. Yes, he wants to protect her, and I admire that about him, but he doesn't try to lock her in her room to keep her out of harm's way. His behavior is very similar to another man-from-another-time, Mr. Jamie Fraser, so I didn't mind Marcello's actions at all. It's a different time, better or worse, and I like that Gabi can remain respectful but independent, and that the men may find her bizarre or forward without taking complete advantage of her or dismissing her as a crazy person.

4. When Gabi becomes a part of this era, the people are immediately intrigued but suspicious of her. Many judge her by her difference. Do you think this is fair? Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like an outsider or that others were misjudging you?

Well, I always feel like an outsider, but that's due to my innate and intense shyness. It's hard being the new person in any situation, and I think that's what makes Gabi stand out. Back then, people didn't travel far unless they had to, so to see this strange girl all alone, many miles from home, is an oddity. Of course they're curious about her! Plus she has a funny accent and limited Italian, so she does stick out quite a bit. I think it's natural for the people to be skeptical and judgmental of her, since she is an outsider in every sense of the word.

5. What do think the coolest thing would be about living in the Dark Ages? What would be the worst?

I think spending time in castles would be pretty awesome. I've always wondered what it felt like to be in a castle full of tapestries and fires. Is it comfortable? Is comfort relative? I also think riding around on horses everywhere would be fun. You know, until the saddle sores caught up to me.

To me, the absolute worst would be a lack of plumbing. I like my flushing toilets and running water far too much to want to live without them forever. Oh, and a lack of medicine. Yikes.


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Waterfall Wednesdays are almost here!

We all know what a ridiculous fan I am of Lisa Bergren's River of Time series. (If not, see my 5 star reviews of Waterfall and Cascade.) So imagine my giddy surprise when I saw the announcement for a weekly read-along of Waterfall!

Hosted by Tina at Tina's Book Reviews, Missie at The Unread Reader, Joy & Serena at Edgy Inspirational Romance, Nic at Irresistible Reads and Jenny from Supernatural Snark, each week we'll be reading and discussing a set of chapters from the book. It all starts next week, so hurry up and get your copy if you haven't already. It's going to be a blast!

Click the button to sign up at Tina's Book Reviews, and on that post you can also peek at the discussion questions for next week covering chapters 1-6. Whether it's your first time reading or your 10th, this gives all of us new and old fans of the River of Time series a chance to dish on why we love those hot Firenze men and the fiery women who love them.

There will be giveaways of books, signed copies, and even a pair of Italian earrings bought by Lisa Bergren herself on a trip this fall! Come and join us! I. Cannot. Wait. In fact, I think the most difficult part of this will be keeping myself within the allotted chapters. :)


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