Wednesday, September 21, 2011

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.  
   

17 comments:

  1. Love that dress! It's so simple and stunning and would clearly highlight your, um, assets:) My pain threshold is crazy low too, I'd like to think I'd be strong and grin and bear it, but I know I'd pass right out. Couldn't be helped:)

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  2. Good answers! Your Xena Warrior Princess comment was funny!I definitely liked your answers to #1. And #4, I too like the fact that Marcello respects Gabi the way she is.

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  3. Ok that dress almost made me gasp....it looks so elegant!

    I have a stomach that can handle the gross...however I may puke too if ever faced with a serious wound- I think kids falling off bikes is different than say your average medieval sword wound...blach...

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  4. i agree! isn't it good we live in 2011 and don't have to be a warrior or a nurse?

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  5. *le sigh* Lisa! That dress! If I were 10 years younger, I'd be wearing that to the grocery store!

    And yes, the respect and care that Marcello shows for Gabi is so very romantic.

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  6. We were similar on #1 also. Don't really want to charge into battle nor get stuck with the wounded.

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  7. Love your answer to number four and totally agree. He is such a really good man esp for the time. I mean I am sure mean where more respectful back then then they are today, but again they were considered the superior sex so many could abuse that power. Also love the dress you picked. Simple but beautifuly elegant.

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  8. Beautiful dress! I love drop-waist gowns, but I'm already so long-waisted that I start looking rather...interesting ;o) That's a gorgeous one though!

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  9. Ok, So I'm agreeing with your answer to number 1. The more we get questions based on Gabi's hero complex the more I'm realizing that, realistically, it's just not me! I would have been a total Lady Rossi. Hide me in a tower babe, yell when it's all over. Heck, I even make my husband check out what goes bump in the night...He's not a big fan of this tactic, lol. We've lost this chivalric duty in my household!

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  10. Xena!!!

    That dress is gorgeous! :)

    R.E.S.P.E.C.T. :)

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  11. I'm totally with you on loving kick-but women but not being one of them myself! Also completely agree with your answer about Marcello's respect for Gabi.

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  12. That dress is gorgeous! And I agree that respect is the most romantic part of it all!!!

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  13. I LOVE how Marcello respects Gabi. I think that is one of my all time favorite things about Marcello. It makes me happy to see that he lets her be who she is and doesn't try to be all manly and bossy...most of the time anyway.

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  14. The dress is fab but I want to know where that model is! Looks so intriguing...And I love that you GET Marcello. Thanks for your great answers and taking part in another WW!

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  15. Xena Warrior Princess...been awhile since I've heard that one. And the dress is beautiful!

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  16. I love your response to #4. I also find it sweet that Marcello respects Gabi enough to let her be herself even if he doesn't completely understand her. I think it's a sign of strong character in a man if he can do that and not try to control or change a woman. I love your choice of dress- it's so elegant!

    Looking forward to next week:)

    Sarah@Random Thoughts

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  17. Any idea where you can buy this beautiful dress?

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I love love love hearing your wonderful thoughts! Thanks for stopping by and happy reading.