Waterfall Wednesdays (Week 4)

What are Waterfall Wednesdays you ask?  Each Wednesday for the month of September we will be reading, discussing, chatting, and gawking over the Hotties from Waterfall the amazing first novel in the River of Time series by Lisa Bergren.  Come join in the fun. 

Here is the schedule of events:

August 31- Chapters 1-6 Hosted by Tina at Tinasbookreviews

Sept 7- Chapters 7-11 Hosted by Missie at The Unread Reader

Sept 14- Chapters 12-17 Hosted by Joy&Serena at Edgy Inspirational Romance

Sept 21- Chapters 18-23 Hosted by Jenny at Supernatural Snark

Sept 28- Chapters 24-28 and Wrap Up Hosted by Nic at Irresistible Reads

Need more incentive?  The amazingly talented and wonderful Lisa Bergren has offered a trilogy set of her series to one winner each week (signed if the winner is from the U.S.) and an overall chance to win a set of earrings from Venice.  How freaking amazing is that?  I told you she was wonderful.   

Discussion Questions 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?
Oh geez...a tough question right off the bat.  Yikes, I would love to say I have some fierce Xena Warrior Princess genes somewhere in my blood but I'd be completely lying.  I'm all for strong, kick-butt women but I'm sorry to say I'm not one of them.  The sad thing is that I don't think I'd be good at the nurturing the wounded part either.  I'd worry too much about what was happening on the front line and I'd be totally distracted and probably getting sick myself from all the gross sights and smells. 

2. Both girls get to wear extraordinary gowns to their victory celebration; what would your dream medieval gown look like?
I think I'd like something in green or cream. I'd want a simple cut and maybe strapless to show off my shoulders and other...um...assets.  A drop waste would be gorgeous with some tasteful gold adornments. I'm thinking this dress would be perfect for me!

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?
My pain threshold is incredibly low.  I'm pretty sure I would have had to drink enough alcohol to pass out before anyone got near me and those stitches...either putting them in or taking them out.

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 most romantic thing is the respect Marcello shows for Gabi.  He stands by and supports her and at the same time lets her be herself.  He treats her like a lady and never expects more of her than she can offer. He is a true gentleman to the core of his being and it shows in his actions.    

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 definitely think it is a little of both.  Lia didn't have a good experience in this new time period.  She doesn't like it and doesn't really connect with anyone (though I really think she should give Luca a chance...but if she doesn't I'm more than willing to give him a chance).  She wants her old life back and can't understand my Gabi wants to stay.  Gabi on the other-hand has had a wonderful experience and even met someone she cares for deeply.  She wants to stay to see where things will go.  As for which one is being the most unfair and deciding if they should stay or leave; it's an extremely hard decision that I'm glad I don't have to make...I'm pleading the fifth on that one.