Isn't this a lovely place? Don't you love the color? And all the room here. Plenty for all of us. Come on in, sit, and let's chat a bit.

Hi. It is beautiful here. A great place to share.

It is beautiful here. I love the chairs that we can curl up in while we talk. I hope no one minds if I bring my cup of tea along. Shall I bring a bowl of mixed fruit for us to share?

I should have the book by the end of this week, providing the person ahead of me returns it on time and they do not let her renew it. Sometimes they say no renewls if there is someone a head of you but then they go ahead and renew someones book. I only have it for 7 days though so I have to read fast.

Jeanine

I just got my book today but will wait to start it until I finish what I am reading now.

Hey booklovers! We stopped in at the Trade 'N Books store yesterday. Luckily they had one copy of The Eye of the Beholder. I was able to get it for $3.98 with my trade-ins. I'm holding it until closer to the 31st before I start reading. I also got several Debby Macombers and a Jayne Castle (aka Jayne Anne Krentz and Amanda Quick). I'll probably read a couple of those first. Sue

to let you know I got the book from the library today. It's only mine for 7 days so I have to get busy and read! Be back in a few days!

Hi everyone, so glad you like our new home. Yes, tea and fruit are most welcome. Sit anyplace. East coast is all snowbound so its a good day for baking or reading. I started the book yesterday and its going along fairly fast. It will be easy for you to be ready to talk by next week.

George Hamilton is co-host with Kathie Lee Gifford this week and he said he is dating Danielle Steele. Somewhere in my pile of papers is a note with all the names Jayne Ann Krentz uses as she writes her various stories. Am having a senior moment now. Will have to come back when I remember it.

I caught bits and pieces of Geroge Hamilton and Kathy Lee but with an anctive 3 year old and 2 babies, I don't catch a whole lot. (I am a child care provider. Out of the centers this year and in a private home)

I started the book and maybe it is just me but I think it is very slow going. I was tempted last night to forget it! Hopefully it will pick up?!

Thank heavens we have no new snow here but according to the weather my daughter in NYC wode up to a good 5 inches this morning. I am waiting to get an e-mail from her.

By the way I just love the fireplace we have in our library! That roaring fire sure feels good to those of us who are snowed in! Pass the marshmallows, please!

Jeanine

I have 4 more chapters to read then I am finished. I have a couple questions too!

So glad you are almost done, Jeanine. I finished today and must say I enjoyed the book. I have a book titled "How to Write a Romance" and there is a bit in there from Jayne Castle aka Jayne Krentz, where she says "I want the story to hit the ground running because it gives me the sense of excitement, the sheer impetus I need to start the thing and get through that first chapter(one of the hardest to write). And you said it was slow moving.

She writes under five names that I have come up with. Jayne ann Krentz, Amanda Quick, Joyce Castle, Jayne Taylor, and Stephanie James.

I've been waiting until the 31st to start, but now that I see you are already reading, I'll finish the Debby Macomber I'm reading tonight and start tomorrow. Sue

Hi all. I started the book last night and I agree, for one of Krentz's books, it's a slow beginning. I'd read this one before but didn't buy it. Now I think I remember why....I'll continue, it can get better, I hope. Oh, how do these discussions work? Stay warm. I live on the NC coast and we've had two snowfalls in a week--unheard of.And it's staying in the 20's.Brrrrr. This is why I left Ohio! Marj

I just finished reading the book and had in mind Jeanine's comment that it was slow starting as I was reading. It didn't seem slow starting to me. Like Shirley I enjoyed the book. I was a little turned off by the metaphysical stuff and sort of skimmed that. I felt as impatient with it as Alexa was. I may reread it to see if I can pick up where Krentz left clues to the ending early on. I have lots of time for reading right now.

but I don't think it's particularly slow. I like the prologue because it gives us background to the problem and introduces the most important characters, Trask and Alexa. I have read a chapter or two and have learned that Trask does recognize Alexa as the independent and brave teenager who warned him away from her family in the prologue. Sue

Got up and went to church early this morning. Then out to breakfast with friends. Then hubby and I decided to go for a walk on the Roaring Run Trail. It's snowing and so pretty out. I just hope that the roads are ok tomorrow and I can make it to my neices's house.

I have to return the book to the library tomorrow. But I took notes as I was reading so I hope my notes are acurate enough to help me through the discussion. The metaphysical stuff was ok by me. I am a little into some of it. I'm sorry Sue and Shirley I thought the book was kinda of slow. I was glad it was a library book and I didn't buy it!

Jeanine

See you all tomorrow.

Jeanine

When I was reading yesterday, I was struck by Alexa's thoughts during and after a conversation with her friend, Foster Radstone. His comments made her feel she was being patronized. I could identify with that. Have you ever been in a conversation with a guy (usually) who thinks he has to explain everything he knows to "poor little me" as if I/you don't have a lick of sense. It really bugs me.

Afterwards, Alexa thought:

She refused to be impressed. Deep down inside she knew she was just as smart as he was. Okay, maybe she was not as enlightened, but she was definitely as smart.

I like the confidence she has in herself. I think this is a common trait with most of Krentz's spunky heroines.

Such good comments going on here, I almost hate to interrupt it. So there are mixed feelings about a fast opening. Good. Yes, having a prologue helps to introduce the main characters. As some of you do, I keep a list of characters and counted 25 of them in this book. Did they all need names? When I started considering "who done it" I had to go back and try to find out who wore the bracelets. When did you realize this would be a clue? The tea? Any others?

Jeanine, I hope you did feel it was worth your time to read this book. Because not everyone likes what we have chosen but still wants to take part, I feel the book should be available at the library. Makes it so much easier if you can get it there. But only a week? With a waiting list?

I hope you all realize that the movie is not our book.

May I wish you all peace and serenity.

I was watching an ad for the movie yesterday and said to myself "that CAN'T be the book I am reading." Thanks for the verification, Shirley.

I never thought of listing characters in the books I read -- it might help sometimes. Lots of times I go back in the book to check out something I sort of remembered.

I learned and got in the habit of listing characters in a college English class. Depending on the book, I still do this.

Sue, I love your quote (actaully Thomas Jefferson's) "I cannot live without books." I feel the same way.

I HATE being patronized. I had a doctor do this to me one time. He wanted to preform surgery and I was asking questions and he wounld not answer my questions he just kept saying "trust me." When I refused to let hime do the surgery he decidd he better sit down and talk. Then he says to me "Oh, you know what you are talking about." Did he really think I was going to go into this blind?

I did realized that the bracelets and tea would be a clue. I kept waiting for someone to get poisin in their tea!

The book was worth the time to read I just would not buy it! I guess in my mind their is a difference. I had my momget this from the Lower Burrell Library for me. I am not familiar with thier library. I know out in Apollo where I live we have a very small library. Extremely limited funds. We have a group of books that are "borrowed" and these books are only loned out for a week or two. This group of books changes every so many months.

I am glad to know that the advertizement is not for our book. My hubby was asking me and I wasn't sure. I got a bit of TV this morning and they didn't seem to think this movie was very good.

Jeanine

I'm not sure when this discussion is supposed to start but I'm usually on early in the morning and I've checked all day so anyway I'll post now.(it's 5:30 here) I could not seem to connect with this book. I was disappointed that the usual Krentz wit and byplay between the two preotagonists seem to be lacking. I wasn't too interested in the outcome, in fact I had to go back to check on who Dylan was. This authors last few books have not been as fun to me as some of her older ones. In case this is the only one of hers you've read may I recommend A Coral Kiss or Perfect Partners?...O.M.O. I'm eager to read others. Marj

For a romance, this book got my interest, mainly because of the mystery involved. For years I have thought of reading mysteries but just never got around to it. Too many other subjects and authors to enjoy. In fact, I wasn't that excited when theis book became our next one for discussion, but I soon began to enjoy it. I did like the play between Alexa and Trask. Hmm, is that what she called him?

The starting date for discussion is posted next to the name of the book where it is listed in the index. As of now, it is still under coming attractions but will be moved into "books under discussion". When do we really start to discuss the new book? Probably at the end of the current one before we move into coming attractions. I get in here the day before(just for all you early birds) and ask a question or two and then come along with comments on anything you talk about. Discussion between any of you is very important and adds to the enjoyment of the book. So talk away.

Besides listing characters in a book, I try to put the page number next to the name so I can go back to find them easier. Don't always remember to do that.

I did find the wit and byplay interesting. But you say it's even better in her other books? Will add them to my booklist. Thanks.

Marj I am glad to see that I am not the only one who could not connect with this book. Maybe it is just my mood! I am really into women's studies/spirituality books right now.

Jeanine

Marj: I have read Deep Waters and enjoyed it in spite of having to go back and check who was who as I did in this one. I also read two Silhoutte books by the same author: Test of Time and Uneasy Alliance. I didn't like them at all. Not enough character development. I felt this book had good character development.

Jeanine: Someday I may write down names and page numbers but for now I read in bed or laying back in my recliner and am reluctant to move away from a story long enough to do that. I salute you for your persistence. Do you do that every time you read or only when you read for a discussion?

I bought the book but haven't started yet. Happy to see some familiar commenters (is that a word?) Back later when I've read a bit.

I have enjoyed this book and thank you for it.

A BIG welcome to Ginger! This is a lady I met in Chicago last Nov. when the Bookies got together to meet each other. She wore a purple dress and a red hat. Dare we call her an old woman? I'm still looking for a red velvet hat to go with my wool purple dress. So glad you read the book and enjoyed it.Were you able tofigure out who done it?

Who can tell me what is New Age and what is art deco?

I don't know if I really understand this, Shirley, but New Age refers to the psychic and spiritual qualities of life--music, art, peace and love sort of like the Hippies of the 50s, but new as in Cool. Art Deco was a style of art in the 20s and 30s. I think of flappers and painted vases, china tea pots, black lacquered furniture--sort of modern looking with stylized colors and textures.

Jeanine, if you are interested in the spiritual, particularly psychic energy, let me recommend two of Jayne Ann Krentz's books written under her pseudonym, Jane Castle. I've just finished reading Amaryllis and Zinnia which are romantic mysteries set in the future and have lots of psychic, spiritual mumbo-jumbo in them. I have no personal knowledge of this type of spirituality, mine leans to the old Protestant-Christian type, but these were fun reads.

I enjoyed Eye of the Beholder, too. I thought the interaction between Alexa and Trask was well written. I also liked that Krentz advocated safe sex (Trask always had a condom ready). I think Krentz's love scenes are pretty romantic and not too graphic for my taste. I can use my own imagination to fill in the blanks. I especially like Alexa's independence. Every Krentz, Castle, and Quick heroine that I have read about is a pretty spunky independent woman. I really enjoy that. Sue

Majorie, I take notes when I am either reading for discussion or reading to learn. (I think somewhere up above I mentioned I was into womens studies/religion.

Sue, I too caught that Trask always had a condom ready and was very impressed by the safe sex. Don't see that too often in romance novels.

Also, thank you for the book suggestions

Jeanine

Bought the book today and am leaving for Vegas Thursday morning and hope to start reading it on the plane. I read all of Judith Krantz books, and the ones she writes under other names. One of my favorites and I am having a senior moment, it had a red cover and she lived in a small town in Washington and owned a health food store. Has anyone elso read it?? It was so much fun.

I, too, was struck by the safe sex in this book. I talk back to books a lot about that. Very few have it. It was there and it didn't spoil the romance of the moment.

Good morning. This book seems to be generating a lot of discussion so it was a good pick. When I find an author I like I tend to look for her other writings. If I then find what I perceive to be a change in her style I am disappointed.I finished Krentz's new one Soft Focus a few weeks ago--same thing. Not as good as older ones. Judith McNaught was the first romance writer I followed. She has the knack of pulling the reader right into the story. But her latest books are not like her older ones.(I've read others comments who thought the same) Does going into hard cover demand changes?? More pressure?? Comments? Marj

A BIG welcome to Judy Laird. Happy to have you join us and certainly hope your pockets will be full when you return home.

Thanks Sue for the info. I believe Art Deco also includes geometrics and plastic stuff. Miami Beach is suppose to be a hugh area of Art Deco. Have any of you been there? When I was single, I worked there for a season but was not into art or architechure. Had a boyfriend with a convertable and that "Moon Over Miami". Sigh. Memories.

Marj, we hear it so often about authors changing with their later books. Danielle Steele and John Grisham are two that I can think of right now. I picked up four more books at the Book Seller today. Left two others that I' sure I can pick up at the Romance Book Sale on the 13th.

Jeanine, going back to the beginning of this discussion, didn't you mention that you had questions? What are they?

Sue, in reading the posts today, I realize that I got Orchid by Krentz in the books I picked up yesterday. Oh, that sale is the 12th. Saturday.

Judy, Jayne Ann Krentz lives in Seattle. But you knew that.

If you read a lot of romances, you can usually figure out that the spunky independent woman and the handsome intelligent man who are introduced in the prologue or first chapter, even though they seem to have nothing in common, are going to end up together.

What I like about Krentz's romances is the way she makes problems for the couple. They have such ingenious ways to solve the problems and become closer as they discover ways they are thinking alike and finding that their differences add a little spice to the relationship. Usually her characters have a sense of humor, too, and have witty conversations like I wish I had (I never think of a witty comeback until much after the topic is exhausted). I also enjoy the mysteries Krentz employs to make her stories interesting.

What do you like about her books? I have noticed, like M mentioned, that the plots do seem somewhat like repeats, same with Judith McNaught whose books I also like. But hey, it's escapist literature for me. I enjoy it.

Oh, Shirley, I just finished Orchid. It was a little slower getting started than the first 2 by Krentz/Castle, but it was a fun read once I got into it. Sue

Oh, look. We have a banner. How nice. Anyone dropping by, please say hi to us. Do you read? What do you like? So nice to have you drop in and do come back.

Questions, I had quetions? Looking through my notes trying to find them. AHHH, got it. At the beginning I didn't get the "guardian". They said about the guardin sitting in his cave sipping tea. I w as questioning what the guardian was. Also I had questioned in chapter 26 whether or not Joanna was realling trying to help Alexa. Both questions were answered as we read the book. However, do you think Dylan really saw himself as a 'creature'?

Jeanine

Hmmm, will have to look up that part about Dylan. Any one else have an answer? No one has stopped to say HI. Makes me sad.

This is an edit. I just found out that Sr Net was corrupted and they had to back up. Any posts that were put here were lost. That would also explain why Eye was still a banner after 12hours. So if anyone posted, please redo your post. Sorry for what happene and thanks for understanding.

JEANINE: I think Dylan saw himself as godlike. I think he really thought he was there to protect the institute. He seemed to think he was more powerful and more knowledgeable than anyone else. I also think that "guardian" was a gimick the author used to let us know that there was a crazy person running amouk without telling us who it was.

I think Krentz does try to throw readers off the track in order to keep them hanging in there until the end. She drops these little hints to whet our appetite. We start questioning everyone. At one point, I thought Joanna might be the guardian. Silly me. Sue

There are no guardians? The Celts believed there were. And it is not good to wake the guardians.

No, Sue, not necessarily silly. For a while I thought there was more to Johanna's character also.

However, when Mac came to see Alexa at the end of the story I was waiting for her to pull a gun on her or something. So we can both be silly.

There were a lot of people who seemed to fit the guardian role until the very end. Somehow the note left behind when Stewart Lutton went off the cliff did not seem real to me though. Until that time I thought he might be the guardian.

Hi, isn't it great to have B&L back on track? I've just read Eye of the Beholder. I must say it kept me turning the pages! It was agood read, but maybe a bit more of a "thriller" than a romance. Anybody still around?? What's next?

Hi Mem. I think Shirley is traveling now and should be home soon. I believe she's chosen a book by Barbara Wood, Virgins in Paradise. She'll be telling us more about it when she returns. I've never read anything by Wood. The title sounds "racy" (as my Grandma would say), doesn't it? Sue

Sue, it was good to hear from you. No, I'm not familiar with Wood either. I'll have to look around for it. Do you know if it's new? Paperback?

HI EVERYONE! Books is back and so am I.Good to see some of you here already. Ginger, good to see you. Speak up at any time.

It's kinda hard to take up a discussion after being down for a month, but maybe we can remember a few things to help anyone along with the story. I know there were a few others who read the bok and might want to join the discussion. You can skim thru the posts as there aren't too many.

I had contacted those whose email address I had to let them know we would be starting a new book shortly after B&L was back. It is VIRGINS OF PARADISE by Barbara Wood and was recommended several times by Northern Joan.I believe it is only in hardcover but try the library first. Then if you want to buy a copy, it is about $22.00 or Barnes and Noble had listings in the used book store for less than that. I'll start reading tomorrow and discussion will start March 20th, if only with a few pages or chapters till we can all get the book and start reading. OK?

The tornado that you might have heard about in Milwaukee was just a mile from where I live but was JUST a small one. Windows, trees, and roofs mostly although several cars were tossed over. I was in Florida.

Glad to know you're back at the helm, Shirley. How was FL? I'm leaving FL this Friday, but stopping at Williamsburg,etc. on the way home to PA, so I'll wait til I'm home to check the library for the new book. Happy to hear you missed the big storm! MEM

Well, I tried posting yesterday but I think Webtv was having problems. FL was great. Shells, Birds, and the Keys. Loved it all. Another good memory with my oldest daughter.

Anyone else with a comment ot two? I started VIRGINS and so glad I list characters. Even that can be confusin'.

and asked them to order Virgins for me. I hope the APLS has a copy, as I don't want to buy a hard back. I'll let you know when I get it.

Your Florida trip sounds great. And I'm very glad the tornad passed you by. Sue

SHIRLEY: Hi. Welcome back.

I should get my copy of Virgins in a couple of days. I won it at auction and it is being sent Priority mail so I should be able to start reading it soon. Guess this time I will try making a list of characters.

Marjorie

Good to know you all are getting copies of the book. Sue, does your library have inter-library loan? Is that how they are getting it for you? Or will they buy a copy for their own use?

I'm going to ask for a new discussion to be set up for VIRGINS so be on the lookout for it. OK?

Just got my copy of the book. As I started reading it I realized that I read it some time ago. I had forgotten the title. I also seem to remember that I didn't particularly enjoy it. What I will do is go to the discussion and if it seems that something people are saying gives me a different perspective, I will read it again. I think I did not like the customs of the people in the book.

Happy to hear that you got the book but sorry that you did not like the story. This happens. But it is true of a country in this world and is good for us to know what they are like. Keep in touch with the discussion, Marjorie.

Yes, Shirley, I asked my library to order it on ILL. I stopped in today to see if it had come in yet, but it hasn't. I'll try to catch up when it does come in.

Marjorie, give me a hint. What is the setting of the story? Sue

SUE: The story is set in Egypt. I will stay subsribed to the discussion. What is happening is that I don't remember all about the story but I remember the names and father's occupation and setting so I am sure I already read it. I remember being very impatient as I read it. It is a BIG book. SHIRLEY said that I think. She is right. I may still read it again. I don't know yet.

It sure is a big book and I am about half way thru. It is quite an interesting story and I feel it is just unwinding now. We should have our new room by tomorrow and can move in slowly. See you there.

While we were out of town yesterday, my library called and left me a message that Virgins had arrived. We're going to play golf in the morning, so I'll stop in at the library afterwards and pick it up.

Shirley, leave a message in here when you start the new discussion, so I can go there and subscribe. Sue

Sue, the new discussion is now open - look in the nenu, or click HERE

Thanks, Joan. Sue found us and I think the others will also. Let's leave this discussion open for a short time,just in case others need to find us.