Welcome one and all to our new Romance discussion. I haven't had a chance to read the book yet. I expect I will start on it tonight.

I hope this well-lighted, comfortable space is pleasing to everyone. I would like it to make our discussion a breeze.

It is a lovely home and so romantic. Even though our new home is well lighted I will light the candles on the tea table. and I do hope someone brings little dainty tea cookies to serve with tea during our discussion. ( If anyone wants New York Ice Tea they have to ask Marjory) Will be seeing fellow discussers then. Faith

PS first time I was ever the first to post on a site.

Hi, Marjorie. I never heard of the book or the author, but I think I'm going to check it out because I have met you online.

Mal

Hi Faith and Mal: Glad you found our new home.

Thank you for the tea cakes Faith.

Mal, I like this author but haven't read this particular book yet. I just got it an apparently it was originally written in 1986 and republished in 1994. I think it will be interesting to compare her books. Some of us already read her book "Eye of the Beholder."

Marjorie

Boy Marjorie I am ready and excited. I got Crystal Flame yesterday Its an original paper back and I hate the cover but I will love the book. I swore I would never but a book with one of those Fabio covers but there you have it.

Also but Crazy for You by Jennifer Cruise because that sounded like fun.

Looking forward to the discussion.

I stopped in a used book store today. At first we couldn't find Crystal Flame. While the owner was rummaging through her storage room, I happened to browse through the $1.00 sale books, and there it was! This copy has a torch on the cover, no Fabio. Sue

JUDY and SUE: My book has a torch on the cover just like the image in the heading. No Fabio. Now to make the time to start reading it. I am glad you were able to get the book.

Marjorie

What is a Fabio?

While I am reading the book, I am going to keep in mind Sue's definition of what a Romance book is for her:

"Some of the things I look for in a romance novel are a spunky heroine, not quite so handsome sensitive hero, and a plot that gives each of them something to do besides hit the sack! I want the love to be tender and not just based on physical attraction, although that is one aspect of it. "

I am enjoying this book now that I finally started it. Jayne Anne Krentz really keeps my attention.

Marjorie

and I'm delighted that the setting appears to be futuristic. Kalena seems like a gal who knows her own mind and is taking steps to take care of her own future. I'm anxious to meet the hero! Sue

SUE: I am glad you are delighted with the book. I was very surprised when I started to read it that the setting was so different. I was hoping it would not turn people off. I am about half-way through and the story is really compelling.

PETITE ONE: You asked about Fabio. Do you remember the TV ads that say "I can't believe it's not butter!!!" The hunk who says that is Fabio. Bare chest with lots of muscles.

Marjorie

Petite One A few years ago someone had the brilliant idea if they put women in low cut blouses and men with long curls down their back they would sell more books. I must be getting old because they really turn me off. My copy of Crystal Flame is a 1986 and a guy with kind of like a pirate shirt on kissing a woman with pretty much of half a blouse on. Fabio was the begining of those type covers I think. A hunk with long curly hair and not much else. Well I got that off my chest hehehe

JUDY: Aha! Now I know how we got different covers. You got the original copy and I have the republished one. I don't like those covers either, but have decided to go by the authors instead of the covers.

Marjorie

When I go to the doctor's office or some other public place where I'll be reading, I usually pick a book with a cover that doesn't embarrass me. I love to read romantic pot boilers, but I don't really care to have the general public know it. Am I a snob or what?

What did you think about the lock and key around the woman's neck as a symbol of marriage? Do you think Krentz is trying to tell us that women are bound by their vows but perhaps men are not? I think Kalena is somewhat of a feminist, so perhaps this is Krentz's way to tell us that marriage for some is like a prison.

Another piece of symbolism is some of the names of places. Crosspurposes seems to be a city of just that, cross purposes. For Kalena, a place of freedom and for Ridge, a place to succeed by domination.

This story fits my criteria for a romance novel pretty well. Kalena is pretty spunky--although no assassin. Ridge is described as grim-featured with no room for conventional handsomeness. He seems to be tough and rough around the edges, but I'm beginning to suspect that he's a pretty sensitive guy.

I loved the scene where Kalena and the other trade wives get into the tavern brawl the night before the wedding. I wouldn't want to do that myself, but I can see where Kalena feels she's getting a taste of freedom there. It's the old "sauce for the goose, sauce for the gander" syndrome. Sue

SUE: I am almost at the end of the book. It is very gripping. You gave a good description of the main characters.

Has everyone gotten the book yet? The discussion is supposed to start on Monday, May 1. We will get a banner near that time I think. I would hate to get too far ahead for people who aren't reading yet. I am concerned because I haven't ever tried to lead a book discussion before. I want to do everything "right." Is everyone like me?

Marjorie

I found a very interesting website when I was looking for information about our author, Jayne Anne Krentz.

Jayne Ann Krentz / Amanda Quick - Official Website

What do you think "sand" is? Am I missing something? I am thinking its either gold or some kind of a drug. Cocaine? Well maybe thats too modern but I want to know what it is.

JUDY: I didn't notice that "sand" was explained properly anywhere. I assumed it was a hallucinagen (sp?) of some kind. I don't know how it was made. It wasn't discussed.

Marjorie

I am going to try to reread the book to see if I can get answers to some questions that hang on. Things like what the sand is.

Thanks Marjorie and Judy for explaining Fabio. I think of them as the new designs so I guess I know what you mean. I don't like them either.

I believe the sand is really sand, but having special healing properties. I think it says that this sand is used by Healers while working on visions. I'll go back and check. Krentz's heroines (at least in the 16 books I've read) never get involved with drugs. They usually are on quests to locate something, perhaps something lost to their families and important to their pasts. The sand is valuable because the people who inhabit the North Continent rely on healers for physical and spiritual healing. Sue

SUE: You sound like quite an expert on Krentz' books. Thanks for your input.

Looks like the banner people have scheduled a banner for us for
May 2nd. Watch for it.

Hi, all, I haven't been able to find this book, but it sounds more "Sci-Fi" than Romance from what you are saying. Right?? Maybe, I won't bother with this one. See you next selection!

MEM: Sorry you haven't been able to find this book. I was a little put off at first by the fact that the setting was different. It isn't sci fi. I don't know what I would call it. I was really caught up in the story before I got very far.

Marjorie

Marjorie, I'm sorry if I sounded like a "wet blanket"! I'll keep looking for the book, but would rather not buy it new.

It seems to be about the future, but it could be about a past civilization. It's just not about the times we live in now. I think we could say it's a romantic quest.

Mem, I don't think you sounded like a wet blanket. I don't like to buy books like this new either. My library didn't have it, but I found it at a used book store on sale for $1.00. Now that's a good price! Have you asked your librarian about ordering it for you on interlibrary loan? Sometimes our library can find something I want in other libraries in the state. They usually let you use them for 2 or 3 weeks.

I've really enjoyed reading it. The journey and the conflict between Dark and Light kept up my interest. Sue

Lately, I have found myself reading a couple of books at one time. When someone else told me they were doing that some years ago, I thought they were nuts. How would I keep them straight? Sometimes that is a problem. I read one on the treadmill, another I keep in the car and one I read in bed.

This morning I have been thinking about the conflicts in this book. One of them SUE talks about between light and dark. My mind went to the other books I am reading. All have conflicts in them and the books I like best have the most real (I don't know if that is the word) conflict.

The book I am reading on the treadmill right now is a drag. It is a detective story. No blood and guts. Also a romantic interest. I just realized why I can't get involved in it. The conflict in the book doesn't ring true. It is only recently that I have given myself permission to stop reading a book before I finish it. I decided to give up on this one. Too many others to read.

MEM: I don't think you are a "wet blanket" either. I usually get my books on eBay. I only pay a couple of dollars and then pay postage. But I have to wait for the auction to finish and the book to be sent. SUE's idea sounds good to me. We have a couple of used bookstores in our area. Are you in a large city or a small town?

Marjorie

At the Jayne Ann Krentz website listed in the heading I found six names that she used when writing: Jayne Ann Krentz, Amanda Quick, Jayne Castle, Stephanie James, Jayne Bentley, Jayne Taylor, Amanda Glass. From the list of books it looks like she only used the first three names now.

I went to the bulletin board there and asked the author what Sand is.

Marjorie

Thanks for the suggestions for finding the book, Sue and Marjorie. I'm in the country and about 20 miles from the closest used book store. It's a good one though-- has a huge selection, fairly well-organized so that you don't have to sort through bins of books. My libraries are closer; one is in my closest town and the County Library Center is not much farther away.

It really looks neat. I hope it brings us some new readers.

Your idea about writing the author to ask what sand is was right on the money. I hope she or someone reading the bulletin board answers you soon. After reading the book, I'm still pretty sure that it is a substance like beach sand that is flammable--so the healer can use the smoke, of course.

I like a good conflict in a book, too. I think the theme Krentz uses here (at least I think it's the theme) is Balance. There are a number of conflicting ideas, the prime examples are dark and light and male/female traits IMHO. I like the idea of balancing opposites as she has done in this book. It makes for interesting reading.

I own books by Jayne Ann Krentz, Amanda Quick, and Jayne Castle. I always forget the names of the other pseudonyms when I'm in the used book store. I'm going to write them down and start looking. Thanks, Marjorie, for posting them. Sue

I haven't gotten a respond yet about Sand. I did find an interesting paragraph from an interview with Jayne Ann Krentz on the website in the heading. I will put the question and her answer below:

"Q: What's your take on romance vs. mainstream?

"Jayne: As far as I'm concerned romance is mainstream. It meets every criteria. The books are widely available in major bookstores, the best-selling romance titles hit all the important best-seller lists; they get bought for public library collections; they gets reviewed in such places as Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, People Magazine and several newspapers; and some of them get made into films. What more is there to being mainstream? No, not everyone loves romance novels, but not everyone loves suspense or science fiction or horror or any other genre, either."

I've often thought that well written romance novels are right up there with other popular fiction. One of my friends once told me that romance novels are "sub-literature", so I quit telling her what I was reading. I think she might have been referring to Bodice-rippers and Silhouette 200 page romances which are pretty predictable. However, I've often noticed books by Krentz, Sandra Brown, LaVerle Spencer, Julie Garwood, and Jude Devereaux on the New York Times best seller lists. These are the authors who write a really good story in my opinion. Sue

Last night I was thinking about Romance books in general. It seems to me that there is a conflict between at least two people and there is a love interest. If there are children, they are very much in the background. They may be part of the conflict. They are never very real. The author doesn't try to look at anything from their point of view.

Does someone know of a Romance book that contradicts me? If I didn't clearly explain what I mean, ask and maybe I can clarify it for me too.

Marjorie

I am reading David Baldacci's new book, Saving Faith. In a part I just read I thought it was interesting that the villian laughs at one of the characters for trying to save the have-nots of the world. He goes on to say "That's what makes the world go 'round. The rich and the poor. The powerful and the powerless. We'll always have them until the world ends. And nothing you do will change that."

I think this is an example of another author using opposite forces to develop the plot, just as Krentz does in Crystal Flame. However, Krentz lets her hero and heroine adjust to the other's different traits and find a balance between them. I'm pretty sure Baldacci is heading in this direction, too. Sue

I am reading the book and enjoying to a certain extent but it is definately not her best book and I have read almost all of them. Most of them take place in the greater Seattle area so I know lots of the places. I am not much into futeristic stuff, but this is allright same theme as a million other books just a different setting, pretty funny they are riding on birds.

I found this book quite inventive. I like the names for things: fingerspears for forks, for example. I also liked the way the birds are portrayed as workhorses here.

Marjorie

I just came to a part in the book where the Healers say that there will be Sand ready in the morning. It is in the kiln now. If it needs cooking, it may start out as regular beach sand but it is changed somehow before it becomes useful. Still no answer to my post on the Krentz' bulletin board. Maybe the heading of my post wasn't catchy enough to draw the author's eye.

Marjorie

J A Krentz is one of my favorite romance authors and I've read most of her books. But I don't care for futuristic stories--I'm surprised this one isn't under her J Castle pseudonym.I did look but I can't find it anywhere. So I think I'll just hover, if you don't mind. Incidentally if you like action-adventure with a touch of romance that does have a warm relationship between the protagonist and his son and other children in the story try Clay Harvey's Flash of Red or Whisper of Black. Marj

M: I wonder if this book was written before she started to use Jayne Castle for some of her stories. It was originally written in 1986. I don't know when the first Jayne Castle book appeared. I have no problem if you want to "hover."

Marjorie

One of my favorite movie scenes occurs in Swiss Family Robinson by Disney. The kids have a race and some of them ride on ostriches. Whenever the creets are mentioned in Crystal Flame, I get this image in my mind of the running ostriches. Think about it if you've seen the movie. Sue

P.S. I think the Jayne Castle trilogy is fairly recent. I have read all three. There are other futuristic Krentz novels under the name Krentz.

SUE: Thanks for mentioning the possibility that the creets are ostriches. That makes sense to me now. I hadn't thought of that possibility. In my mind I imagined birds that were lower to the ground. I doubt they would be as effective as ostriches.

I just finished rereading the book. I didn't miss as much the first time as I did when I read and reread Eye of the Beholder. I thought maybe I would learn something new rereading it. I have enjoyed this book.

Marjorie

I still haven't received an answer on Jayne Ann Krentz' Bulletin Board. I put another post about Sand (using a different name) and this time mentioned the different things people have posted here and asked if we were close to what was intended when she wrote the book. Maybe we will get an answer this time.

Marjorie

I think I have part of the low down on the sand. It is started in a kiln then the sand is saved. It is sold to Healers who burn it, then inhale the smoke and this allows them to have visions on how to heal sick people. Did everyone get that or am I dreaming, I read at night you know.

Have a great weekend everyone.

JUDY: What you described is what I read about Sand too. The author has not responded to my query. I did get a response from someone named ANNE to my last query. ": Since Jayne is a science fiction reader, my theory is that sand is some sort of nanotechnology--incredibly small machines (remember FANTASTIC VOYAGE?) that surgically alter genes or cells to heal. They could even be biologically evolved, naturally occurring machines rather than invented devices." I told her just was you described above that Sand was for diagnosing and not healing.

Marjorie

Well, Jayne Krentz was finally provoked to respond to the question about Sand:

"I appreciate your interest, but Let's not get too obsessive about this. I invented Sand for the book. It is not of Earth and therefore has no real equivalent to anything here on Earth. This is a classic situation in which the writer encourages the reader to use his or her imagination. Hope you enjoy the book!"

Thats funny------I think sometimes we do get a little obsessive about stuff. I say its fiction. I remeber in UpIsland I thought they never would get done with trying to figure out why the author made the hat the color she did. I thought to myself, probably because that was her favorite color. hehe

Well, I was trying to get a response from the author and I sure did even though she was scolding me.

Before we finish the discussion of this book do any of you have comments about: the concept of Houses (for families); the description of the towns and countryside; the power of Quintel; or anything else?

Marjorie

Before Ginny left for her trip, "Seasons of the Heart" by Cynthia Freeman was mentioned for the next selection. She should be back soon I think.

I have tried 3 on-line bookstores, including Barnes & Noble, and Cynthia Freeman's books are all special order or 'out-of-print.' They may be available in a library or used bookstore. Some libraries and used bookstores can be checked on-line. I have looked and found an index to public libraries on the Internet.

Should we continue with this author or choose another? Any preference as to the book? In my next post I have listed four books by Cynthia Freeman with descriptions copied from one of 3 on-line bookstores.

Marjorie

Seasons of the Heart (c.1986)
They had been newlyweds once, fabulously happy, but that was before the war, before Ann's startling career success and Phillip's long, slow courtship of failure. Then, astonishingly, at an age when such things were not supposed to happen, Ann met Adam, and nothing had ever felt so glorious-- or so complicated.

The Last Princess (c.1988)
Lily had everything she could possibly desire--beauty, fortune, a wealthy fiance. And yet, on the eve of her wedding, she threw it all away...for love of another man. Harry Kohle was everything her parents despised-a brash young man with nothing to offer but passion, devotion, and a driving ambition to write. Still, Lily knew it was love at first sight...From the high society of New York's Upper East Side, to the corrupting glamour of Hollywood and haunting beauty Of Israel-their hearts were challenged by the ultimate test of time. Their love, shadowed by success, betrayal and infidelity, is a story so poignant, so powerful, it will touch your heart forever.

Come Pour the Wine (c.1980)
She toasted life and drank to love until the wine turned bitter, and she had to begin once again.... From the Kansas heartland to Manhattan's gilded towers, here is the triumphant saga of a woman torn between new love, old attachments and a family in search of its roots... Janet Stevens - Vogue supermodel, loving wife and mother... until her perfect world is shattered and she had to pick up the pieces one by one. Bill McNeil - Every woman's dream, Janet's nightmare - the man she thought she couldn't live without. Allan Blum - He had passion, patience and the key to a past she could no longer deny. Nicole McNeil - She was her mother's guide to the promised land, the first to embrace her forefathers' faith.

Fairy Tales (c.1977)
This story of the Rossis, their loves, their fight for power, their vivacious offspring, their protean adventures in a world made for them to conquer is a panoramic, emotion-charged novel by a master storyteller- a multi-generational story for and of all Americans.

Marjorie

I have a few of Cynthia Freeman's books packed away, but I don't know if I have this particular one. I am not too fond of her stories. They usually involve "high society" and just seem out of touch with reality. If they are out of print, they will be hard to find.

I'm glad Krentz finally answered you. So we're obsessing over Sand (teehee). I guess we do need to get our imaginations in gear and quit being so literal!

The questions you've posted are good ones. I'll come back later today and talk about the House idea. I've got to go now. Sue

SUE: I am worried that the books are hard to find. And when I suggested "Seasons of the Heart" I was just starting it. This book was not what I would call "high society." It was a long book with the romance near the end.

I would be happy finding another author. I enjoyed Krentz much better. There are lots of other Romance writers. Anyone have a favorite who would have a more recent book?

Marjorie

Marjorie I know of a Krentz book that I enjoyed the most. I don't know if you want to read another one but it is in Barnes and Noble paper back for 3.19 It is called Hidden Talents and is about a gal called Serenity Makepeace in Witts End Washington. It was a great book. I laughted all the way through. Read it years ago and would not mind reading it again. My used book store has copies of it. Even if you would not like it for the book club it is a fun book for anyone who likes Krentz. I am reading Crazy For You by Jennifer Cruize now.

JUDY: I don't know how other people feel. Crystal Flame is the second Krentz book we have read and there are lots of other authors. I have been enjoying her books and appreciate your recommendation. I have Hidden Talents on my shelf waiting to be read. Are you enjoying "Crazy For You" by Jennifer Cruize ?

Marjorie

I have read the following two books and enjoyed both of them. They are more current and available than Cynthia Freeman's books.

The Invitation by Jude Devereaux (c 1994)
Beautiful daredevil pilot Jackie O'Neill returns to her hometown to put down roots and maybe even to fall in love again someday. But she never dreams that her wish may be fulfilled by little Billy who is now most definitely a man - handsome, sexy, and rich.

A Cottage By The Sea by Ciji Ware (c 1997)
After a scandalous Hollywood divorce, Blythe Stowe ran away from the tabloids that shouted how her famous husband had dumped her for her own sister. On the wild coast of Cornwall, she found a cottage by the sea claimed by her ancestors, a wickedly handsome neighbor and a love story 200 years old.

Marjorie

I have Krentz's Hidden Talents and Devereaux's The Invitation and would be willing to read either of them again. I could also try to get Ware's book, too. It also sounds like a fun read. Sue

Has a Nora Roberts book ever been discussed? I read one fairly recently that I enjoyed. It is "Jewels of the Sun" and is set in Ireland. It is the first in a new trilogy so there wouldn't be anything that came before it.

Another question before a final selection is made: Has anyone discussed categories, such as: Historical Romance, Contemporary Romance, Western Romance, Romance set in the South. Any preferences?

Marjorie

so I'd be willing to read Jewels of the Sun. I've read some of her other novels with an Irish setting and they're pretty good. Sue (I guess I'm being wishy-washy here as I haven't stated a definite preference. So whatever the majority wants is OK. When you get it narrowed down a little bit, I'll vote for just one)

I've not read Nora Roberts, but would like to try one of her books. Or, how about Anne Rivers Siddons? I haven't read her either but have heard good reviews. For Regency Romance, I've found Elisabeth Fairchild fun to read. Always like it when authors have a sense of humor.

I've enjoyed Judith McNaught's books until the last few. Julie Garwood is a favorite--she writes with warmth and wit. And I like Nora Roberts. Some Jude Devereau books are well written, others ? I'm open for whatever the majority wants.If you want titles of above author's books I can supply a few. Marj

Thank you all for your responses. I will wait until later today or early tomorrow to either select a specific book or give you a couple to vote on. I am keeping your posts off-line and will review then all together.

Good day to all.

Marjorie

I have put three books up in the heading for you all to vote on please. Several people mentioned they might like to read Nora Roberts so I included one of her recent books. A Jude Devereaux book is also there and another one by Jayne Ann Krentz. The clickables go to Barnes and Noble where all books are available in paperback. There is a description of the books and reviews at the B&N site.

Marjorie

Marjorie when I click on the book I want to vote for it takes me to B&N. How do you vote?? Do we state our preference here with a post?

I'd like to vote for The Invitation by J. Devereaux because it's available at my closest library, which is a bonus!

JUDY: Sorry about not being clear. I put the clickables there so that you could check the description, price, and any reviews of the book before voting. Please post your vote as a regular post.

MEM: Thanks for your vote.

Marjorie

I'll vote for Nora Roberts Jewel of the Sun, but since I have the other 2 books already, I will be glad to reread and discuss either one. All 3 selections are good choices. Sue

Did everyone have a good Mother's Day? I am hoping for a couple more votes today so that a decision will be obvious for the next book.

Happy Monday.

Marjorie

I vote for Hidden Talents

Judy

OK is there anyone out there to break the tie. I have one vote for Jude Devereaux, one for Nora Roberts, and one for Jayne Ann Krentz. Probably the best thing would be to read them all (one at a time of course). If there are some more votes, we can read the highest vote book first.

Marjorie

I can switch to Hidden Talents. I already have a copy. But you may want to wait to see if someone else checks in with the tie-breaker. Sue

Hi, Majorie. Put my vote in for Jewels of the Sun by Nora Roberts, please.

Mal

Hi all, I am just back from yet another excursion. Will be gone again this weekend. I like Nora Roberts so would have no objection to her novel.

Northern Joan

Hi romance readers. I'll vote for the Nora Roberts book. When is this discussion scheduled to start? Marj

OK everyone. It seems that Nora Roberts has it! We will start the discussion on May 25. I will go and see about getting everything set up now. Thanks for the votes.

The book to get is Nora Roberts' Jewels of the Sun.

Marjorie

Went to my bookstore and got Jewels Of The Sun This is th

JUDY

e first in the new Irish trilogy. # 2 is out in hardback and #3 not out yet, so says the lady at the store. I'll put it on my shelf for May 25th

Humbug.....I went to the library to get the book and they don't have that one. They have many Nora Roberts books. I checked the computer file of books and they don't have a copy period. I then checked the Arrowhead Library system and the ones in libraries nearby are checked out. Is it in paperback? I won't buy a hardback fiction book as they pile up too easy.

Northern Joan

I went to the library and put in my request for the book -- though I think I may have written, Jewels in the Sun instead of, of the Sun, so, I hope somebody makes allowances! I should have it by the end of the week. I never was able to find Crystal Flame. I look forward to the new selection, because I've never tried Norah Roberts.

JOAN: I have the book in paperback and it is available from Barnes & Noble in paperback. If you want to buy it from them, use the link in the heading. It is a 1998 book and I thought it would be available. I was hoping I provided enough lead time for people to find the book.

Marjorie

Maybe this is not a necessary apology. I just found out the Jewels of the Sun has a 1999 copywrite date. I must have read it wrong before and just remembered it without checking the book itself. Sorry. I didn't mean to select something that new. Oh well I hope people can get it. At least it is in the stores in paperback.

Marjorie

Does anyone have anything else to mention about Crystal Flame before this discussion gets archived?

Marjorie

except that I really enjoyed it!

I went to the used book store yesterday, Marjorie, and was able to buy Jewels of the Sun at a reasonable price. I'll start reading it on the 25th. It sounds familiar. I could swear that I read it from our library last year, but the librarians say they haven't had it yet. Sue

OK. We have a new home for our new book. Just go to

Romance -- Jewels of the Sun

and I will see you there. Don't forget to subscribe.

Marjorie