Fly Away Home ~ Kimberly Cates ~ 1/01 ~ Romance Export

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"CEAD MIL FAILTE" ...a hundred thousand welcomes...
Would you like to read a chapter of this book? Click Here	Eve Danaher's eye for beauty has earned her renown in the fine-art community. But for all her success, her life feels empty without the love of her estranged eighteen-year-old daughter. Determined to discover the peace and happiness that has been missing in her life, Eve books a trip to rural Ireland. There she meets Michael Halloren, a handsome horse trainer who introduces her to the troubled children he cares for at Glennamura Farm. For years Eve has buried her emotions, but in the healing beauty of the Irish valley she opens herself to the warmth and compassion that surrounds her. And as Michael Halloren teaches her how powerful love can be, she becomes ever more determined to find her way back-into her daughter's heart, and to the life she knows is her destiny.
7% of your purchase price will go to SeniorNet!	Discussion leader ~ Marjorie

Welcome everyone to our new Romance discussion! We will start discussing January 1 or as soon as people have started reading the book. Let us know how you are doing getting your copy of the book. I have ordered mine from Barnes & Noble but haven't received it yet.

I requested "Fly Away Home" from the library at the beginning of December. I'm hoping for good news soon.

I wish all a happy holiday season and a wonderful, healthy New Year.

Harriet

I just read the sample chapter provided in the banner. It really whetted my appetite for "Fly Away Home." Looks like we have an interesting book waiting for us. I can hardly wait to get the book.

Good choice!

Harriet

Hi HARRIET. Glad to see you here. I hope your holiday season is a good one.

Marjorie I had to go out yesterday for groceries and went to the library and they did not have it so stopped at the book store and bought it. Then back to bed as all the in and out of the car, putting groceries away had taken its toll. But I can read laying down and will do so as this sounds like my kind of book to my surprise (romance) who would have thunk it, not me. I shall be here if I do not get any where else on the net. How are we discussing this, chapter by chapter or read it all.

I love the heading beautiful, just the right size and says it all. Ginger boiling chicken setting here with cloth back brace and heating pad starting page one soon.

GINGER: The one thing about this discussion is that it is very informal. Usually we just talk about things as we read. I haven't started the book yet. Sometimes I try to read it twice before discussing it so I don't forget something in the story. This time I decided not to do it that way. Sometimes there is a lot of discussion about a story and other times just a little.

I really enjoyed a book I just finished reading -- Come The Spring by Julie Garwood. It is a little different than the other books of hers I have read. There is the love interest, of course. There is also a mystery involved that takes some time to solve. I will put it on my next list for us to vote on.

Marjorie

Marjorie If a Book has Ireland in it, for me it is a go. We shall see. Ginger

GINGER: Nora Roberts has a number of books out about Ireland. We have discussed one of them -- Jewels of the Sun. If you want to see the discussion it is in the Archives. This book is the first in a series of 3. The next two are Tears of the Moon and Heart of the Sea. I just got my copy of the third book but haven't read it yet. Nora Roberts also has several other books about Ireland. I particularly liked the "Born in ..." series.

I just read the first couple of chapters of Fly Away Home. I am beginning to think that this is a book we could talk about chapter by chapter. There seems to be a lot to talk about.

Would you each please check in when you start reading. Let me know what you think about discussing this chapter by chapter.

Marjorie Chapter by Chapter sounds good to me so will try to do it that way, hope not to get carried away.

Ginger

My part of the country, (NJ) is having its biggest snowstorm of the last five years. Actually, it's kind of cozy indoors...a gray, sleepy, relaxed atmosphere because there's no way of getting out of my driveway or doing errands. I may as well enjoy the idleness. Outside, it's building toward a blizzard...winds, drifts, snow and all.

I surely won't have Fly Away Home before Jan.1. My library says I'm the next on their list for the book, so I'll give it a few more days before buying it. Anyway I'm not sure when I'll be able to get out of the house. Even if we succeed in hiring someone to plow us free tomorrow when the storm lets up, it's hard to forecast the safety of the roads.

I've been rereading some of my Judith McNaught books, and browsing through my Catherine Coulter collection. It's such a perfect time for reading, playing with computers, watching TV. This lazy day is kind of nice.

Hope I don't fall behind on the book. I'll let you know as soon as I get it.

Harriet

HAPPYHAPPYME: Don't worry if you don't get your book right away. I am sure we can hold off talking about it until you start it. I sure am enjoying it. I was only going to read a couple of chapters a day so that I will have read it on the 1st. I read 3 chapters yesterday. However, I just started reading today and will be finished before I go to sleep tonight. I like this book a lot.

I thought the sample chapter from the banner was a fast, absorbing read. I'm looking forward to the book.

Harriet

Hello......just arrived home from a week of babysitting. I will be leaving again next Sunday for Florida so think I will skip this book. I will read what you all have to say though and might put it on my list to read sometime....but with the busy week I have this week and being gone next week....just don't want to try to cram it in. Besides have no idea if our library has it or not.

Northern Joan

Northern Joan: Where in Florida will you be?

Hi everyone.

I wish you all Health and Happiness in the New Year!!!!

See you next year!

I am going to an elderhostel at Eckard College in St. Petersburg.

N. Joan

We're finally dug out from our Saturday snowstorm. The sun is shining brightly on a cold, clear day, and everything looks SO pretty outside. HAPPY NEW YEAR everybody!

While we were locked into the house by snow, I browsed through a lot of my books. I finally settled on "I Thee Wed" by Amanda Quick...who is also Jayne Ann Krentz...alias, I think, some more names she wrote under that I can't remember. I read it from cover to cover and liked it a lot.

One of the reasons I enjoyed it so much was because I didn't remember very much about it from my first reading. I guess it's an age related thing that some books, particularly formulaic romances, slide right through my memory. The plus side of this problem is that, given enough time between readings, the second time I go with a book can be as fresh and pleasurable as my original experience. I tend to collect a lot of the books of authors I enjoy, with the expectation that time will eventually renew their luster. Fortunately...or unfortunately,...depending on your point of view, this often turns into an accurate prognosis. Even so I adore romantic novels.

Amanda Quick has an appealing writing formula. She does spirited, intelligent heroines, and handsome competent heroes, who tend to interact with a dollop of wit and humor and a good measure of steamy sex. Her dialogue maintains a kind of dry wit throughout that appeals to me. Fun!

I'm writing so much because, after being snowed in for a few days, I'm on a talkie-bookie binge. I wish I had Fly Away Home to expend this energy on. Ah well! Tomorrow, libraries and book stores will reopen and maybe I'll get it then.

Enjoy your day, everyone.

Harriet

HARRIET: I felt sure that I had the book I Thee Wed by Amanda Quick. I thought I had started reading it. I can't even find it anywhere. I know I have an Amanda Quick book somewhere. I guess it will turn up. What I read at bedtime last night is a book by Judith McNaught called A Kingdom of Dreams. One thing that fascinates me is how the formula of a romance novel can be varied to keep the tension between the main characters.

A Healthy and Happy New Year to One and All

Marjorie

MARJORIE

I have Kingdom of Dreams in my house, and I haven't read it in a long time. All I remember is that it is a prequel to her book, Whitney, My Love. You've turned me on! I'm going to start it.

McNaught is more sensual than Amanda Quick, with an entirely different writing style. How right you are, Marjorie! It's amazing how many different ways there are to interpret romantic tension. I really like Judith McNaught.

Harriet

are some of my favorites, too. FYI, Harriet, another alias for Jane Anne Krentz is Jayne Castle. I have 3 of those and they are romance novels with a futuristic twist. As usual the heroines are spunky and intelligent and the heroes are sensitive and sexy. I think Krentz has another pseudonym,(sp?) too, but I can't recall it at the moment.

I've often wondered how these authors, plus Nora Roberts, Debbie Macomber, Jude Devereux, and Sandra Brown spend all that money they must make from their many sales. They've all sold books in the millions. It amazes me that they continue to write. I guess they've just got to tell their stories or burst. Sue

SUE: I just went here to Krentz' web site and Jayne Castle and Amanda Quick are the only pseudonyms listed there. I have a terrible time writing things and can't imagine how any of these authors can write all the books they do. I am glad they enjoy writing because I enjoy reading.

HARRIET: I guess I will have to get Whitney, My Love. Even though I am not quite finished with Kingdom of Dreams, I am sure I will want to read a sequel.

Marjorie

Fly Away Home, first chapter (That can be read on line by clicking on it at the left side of the heading page. I see a young lady name of Eve being taken advantage of by a swave rich boy name Chad who wants her because she is a chalenge for him, he gets his way and them wants to abourt, then deny and go free to more chalenging things. I feel so sorry for Eve as he takes the child (Victoria) even the name says Chad has had a victory and leaves Eve so helpless and takes there child Victoria his (Victory) away and keeps Victoria away from Eve through mipulation till Victoria is age 18, Then the way Eve's daughter feels about her mother and hurts her so bad when Eve was only trying to get reaquainted.

This first chapter is about divide and concure to satisfy Power in my opion. I wonder about the second chapter etc.

Ginger

Harriet, I have been watching what is happening out east (NJ) etc. and we thought we had it bad here in the midwest (Michigan for me) but you are getting it worse. Is not the senior net great that we can talk this far away about things happening in our life?

Northern Joan enjoy but know that you will be missed.

Marjorie and Sue the last book of Ireland that I read was Charmiing Billy by Alice McDermott.

I missed Jewels of the Sun for some reason probably thought romantic books today would be to sexual, but am finding out there are some very good romantic books that are not just sex and am enjoying so far. I have two husbands that have passed and one living so do not need to read about sex.

Ginger

GINGER: Good to see you here. I was so angry at Chad and Victoria for swallowing what Chad told her. I hated that Eve was snubbed by the daughter she loves. Of course, I was responding to what was written. I suppose another author could have taken the same facts and I wouldn't have gotten as emotionally involved. It sure kept me moving to the next chapter.

Marjorie, I to am enjoying Kimberly Cates style and reading chapter by chapter which I have never been able to do before because I just gobble up a book that I like, but will do my best this time, I am learning hopefully

Ginger

SUE: What an interesting question! It never occurred to me to wonder why these megabuck authors continued to write after their first few million dollars of royalties. I just always assumed their next book will be coming soon. I really agree with your conclusion because I doubt that they need the money.

The only author whose lifestyle I can conjecture on is Danielle Steele. Whenever I get a Danielle Steele book, I always look at the author's photo in the back. Most every book has a different photo of her, and almost every one of these different photos shows her wearing one or more EXTRAORDINARY pieces of jewelry. (Of course I'm assuming that all of her jewelry is real.) She outdid herself in her picture on the back of her novel, "Jewels." Whatta batch of rocks! Wow!

MARJORIE: I read in one of McNaught's book postscripts that she wrote Whitney, My Love BEFORE Kingdom Of Dreams. In "Whitney", the rich, powerful mucho-macho Duke of I-Don't-Remember hotly pursues the beautiful, elusive Whitney.

After McNaught's "Whitney" became a best seller, she followed it up with "Kingdom of Dreams" to clarify the origin of her hero's Dukedom and provide a history for her aristocratic, sensual "Whitney" characters. So, Jenny and Royce of "Kingdom" are the ancestors of Whitney and her Duke in "Whitney, My Love." Very lush and romantic! I enjoyed it a lot and I hope you get a kick out of it too, if you decide to read it.

GINGER: I did read the chapter of Fly Away Home in the banner. Your comments truly enriched my perceptions. I agree that Chad used divide and conquer tactics as a power ploy, and I love your interpretation of the symbolism of Victoria's name. Thanks for your insights.

Yes, I agree that Senior Net is wonderful. I love it anytime, but it's especially nice to have when I'm snowbound or closed in. It blows my mind to talk to so many people from faraway parts of the country, and even from Canada, England and other parts of the globe. Senior Net and my computer makes the world a smaller, friendlier place. I certainly appreciate it.

Sue, Marjorie, Ginger, I love talking to all of YOU.

Harriet

thank you for printing the first chapter of FLY AWAY HOME . It got me interested enough to order it from the library, Hope I get it soon enough to join your chat group. I like that when you print enough to get interested in. Shirley T.

HARRIET: After much looking last night, I finally found my copy of Amanda Quick's I Thee Wed. I had started reading it. I thought so. Not a Senior Moment after all. I put it down because another book arrived in the mail that I wanted to read right away and it got pushed to the back of the shelf behind other books. I have ordered Whitney, My Love. Thank you for the history of the publishing order of the books.

GINGER: I was unable to read Fly Away Home chapter by chapter. I had to take it in big gulps. Now I am going back and reading the first chapter very slowly. There is so much meaning in each sentence.

I certainly agree with what has been said about SeniorNet being a great place to talk to people from everywhere. One of these days I will have to go to one of the gatherings that happen from time to time in different places. Hopefully close to home. I like that SeniorNet is available to us at any time of day (or night) we want.

Marjorie

and unfortunately, they don't have a copy of Fly Away Home. We're going into the city tomorrow, so I'll try to get it at my favorite used book store. I'm on the lookout for the third in Nora Robert's new Irish trilogy, The Heart of the Sea (at least I think that's the name). I have the first 2 here somewhere, probably in the same place as Dakota Born, LOL. Sue

sat, Shirley T, Welcome aboard the fly away home discussion, it is so good to have you here. Will be looking for your input on the book and conversation with you.

Sue, I think Fly Away home was 1st printed in July 2000 acording to the book I had to buy $6.99 in paper back as my library did not have it.

Marjorie, Guess I will not feel guilty if I read the book and go back to chapters afterwards

ok. I see we have a banner today, good and hope people come in with us.

Harriet, Chad is a cad, me no like him

. I like talking to you also Harriet.

Ginger

Isn't that black cat at the end of the page that does not want vannila just the cutest thing, capture and all. I just love it.

Ginger

My library doesn't have Fly Away Home yet.

Today, I went to a mall and visited Barnes & Noble and Walden's too. Neither of them carried the book in stock. If I special order it, it might be a week or so. Tomorrow I'll try Borders.

Ginger: I'm mad at Chad too, cause the lad is bad.

Harriet

Harriet, Ha Ha Ha I agree The Lad is Bad, Sad and I hope he gets had. I do hope you get the book. I got mine at a small book store in my SMALL home town.

Ginger

I sure hope someone will give the poor Black cat that don't want vanilla some chocolate milk.

When I was rereading Chapter 1 of Fly Away Home today I found at least one place where something was mentioned that was talked about later in the book. I missed it the first time through. I have too many books to read to reread them all. However, each time I reread one I find something that I missed. An AHA moment.

Hi SUE, GINGER and HARRIET. Great chating with you all.

Marjorie

I'll keep trying for the book.

Ginger: LOL

Harriet

Harriet, Hoping you get your book soon. At Barnes and Noble store in town I have ordered books and got them within a very short time. Please check in from time to time and let us know what is happening.

Ginger

Hi, All:

My local library came through today and I finally have the book. I'm starting it tonight. Unlike Chad, I'm so glad.

Harriet

Harriet, I am so glad you recieved your book and will be trying to catch up with you as this book is hard to put down as any good book is.

Happy Ginger that Harriet has her book.

Oh, good three of us have the book now. I wonder if SUE was able to get hers.

Sue oh Sue where are you. You do not want to miss this Irish tale of tales do you.

Love, Ginger

I'll be gone all day today, but I'm thinking of you all. Most likely I'll be posting again late tonight, or tomorrow.

Take care, all. Have a nice day.

Harriet

Harriet, Will be watching for your return. Ginger

I went to the used book store yesterday and sadly, while they had lots of Kimberly Cates' historical novels, they didn't have this modern one. Then we went to the Montgomery Public Library which operates a bookstore. They didn't have it either, but they did have Cates' Restless is the Wind which I am reading today. I have one more place that I will try and may have a copy then. But don't worry, I'll catch up with you and if I don't find the book (don't want to buy a new one), I'll lurk and maybe comment when I can.

I did buy Debbie Macomber's Dakota Home which follows Dakota Born which I still haven't found since I cleaned up for the holidays. I bought Jayne Castle's After Dark, too. I have her 3 flower titles. The heroines have flower names. Sue

SUE: I am glad you are with us and hope you are able to get the book. It is a good one.

HARRIET: Talk to you tomorrow. Some days I find it difficult to get here also.

GINGER: How did you do with your reading? I think you said you were going to start the book.

Just for a matter of fact, I checked our library today and they did not have one Cates novel on the shelf!

Northern Joan

If people can't get this book, I guess it wasn't such a good choice. Does anyone have an idea how we should select a book so that it is one we can all get? I don't think everyone should have to go check their library for each book selected.

NORTHERN JOAN: Will you be looking somewhere else for the book?

Marjorie

We had a busy day yesterday, riding the railroad into Manhattan, which is about an hour's commute for us. Neither my husband or I care to make the drive in our own car anymore, because the traffic is so ferocious and unpredictable. In the evening our son visited us and we had an enjoyable time.

I did get to read a few chapters of Fly Away Home. I can't figure out why Kimberly Cates isn't getting more space in libraries and book stores. She writes such a lovely story and deserves better. Anyway, I'm going to keep on reading until it's time to begin discussing.

Marjorie, I'm really curious to hear about your AHA! moment. Did you find an early passage in the book that connects up to later events? I sure hope you'll share.

Harriet

HARRIET: The moment I am talking about was the details in one of the memories Eve had about her daughter when she was little. It was one of the italicized paragraphs. I don't want to say more because I don't want to spoil the story for anyone. It doesn't involve the mystery in the story. Later it tells something about how the daughter really feels.

Thank you, Marjorie. Going back to reread.

Harriet

Marjorie, I have read the 1st and 2nd chapter so far. Think I will go ahead and read the whole book and just take notes.

Hi HARRIET and GINGER. What I was noticing in my rereading of the book is how much I like the italic sections. These sections so clearly represent the different character's thought processes/dreams. I get a sense of everything being very realistic. For example, I can just imagine myself with another person's voice in my head commenting on things.

Marjorie....I had posted earlier that I was going to skip this discussion as I had a very busy week and will be gone all next week. I just checked the library out of curiosity as I was doing volunteer work there a lot this week.

Northern Joan

You're right, Marjorie. The italic sections help me to understand what each character is really thinking, even though the outward actions are self protective and sometimes deceptively normal.

I think now that Victoria is 18, and the court order forbidding visits is lifted, Eve must be having an even tougher time than before. Up until now, she put her personal life on hold, let Chad "steal her spirit". Now she feels that she MUST act, MUST try to establish contact with her daughter, and show Victoria how much her mother loves her.

But where to find Victoria? How to convince her? How to overcome years of Chad"s lies? What anxiety when, after years of restrictive court orders, choices finally exist, but Eve doesn't know which are the RIGHT ones to follow... the ones least hurtful to her daughter.

Sometimes, choosing between many choices, all leading to unknown results, is exhausting and scary.

Harriet

HARRIET: I agree with you about how difficult it can be sometimes to take action. Particularly when it is action that has been delayed for a long time.

How many people have the book and have started reading it? I have lost track. Of course I know that I have it. GINGER and HARRIET have thier copies. Has SUE finally got her book since her library didn't have it? Anyone else?

Hope everyone has a good day today.

Marjorie

Marjorie, Northern Joan went to the library but did not say if she got the book or am I missing somthing here. Ginger

GINGER: NORTHERN JOAN later said that her library didn't have the book. She also said that she was going to skip this discussion because she was too busy.

Marjorie, Joan will be missed by me.

Are we ready to coment on the book yet. Ginger

Since 3 of us have the book and are reading, I guess we could go on to Chapter 2. I like Steff. She really cares about Eve. She provides a good contrast to Eve and helps Eve move on past the pain of Victoria's rejection.

Well I have reread the 2nd chapter and don't we all need someone like Steffie in our lives at one time or another to shake us back to reality. Tough love works.

What fate finding the brochure of Bridey McGarrity's saying come find rest and peace just at the time she needed it the most and then thinking it must have some catch, trap or snare. I have done that this year, wondering as when I was made such a fuss over what's the catch and then finding out it was just some insecurity in me.

Ah she is heading to Ireland. I just love the Irish syle of speaking that Bridey McGarrity has makes me feel at home. Ah the mystery that awaits us in the 3rd chapter I am excited are'nt You?

Ginger

but I've become more intrigued by the comments of those who are already reading. I love stories set in Ireland and enjoyed a trip there year before last.

I did finish the Kimberly Cates historical, Restless is the Wind. It is written in the Regency style and is slow getting started. As the action heated up towards the middle of the book, it got better. The first chapter of Fly Away Home really grabbed my attention, but this book published in 1989 didn't.

I'm still looking for a copy and will be here lurking, but go ahead with the reading. If I find it, I'll catch up. Sue

In Chapter 2, Eve agrees to go to Kilrain expecting a neat, tidy Irish cottage where she can hide, and nurse her pain.

As soon as Bridey began to talk I felt myself getting caught up in the music of Irish speech and the sweetness of Irish legends. Bridey's personality makes me feel that magical things can happen for Eve in this soft Irish tale.

Can anybody translate "cead mil faire?" It's the first thing Bridey says when she answers the phone to Eve. Thanks.

Harriet

HARRIET: If I remember correctly, "cead mil faire" is translated in the chapter where Eve arrives in Ireland.

GINGER: I believe something was said that the brochures were ones Eve had collected for vacations for her to take with her daughter.

I am glad Eve had Steff in her life because when she came home from the graduation she realized her apartment wasn't anything special and if she didn't have someone in her life at that point, it would have been more tragic.

SUE: I am glad you enjoy following the discussion even if you haven't got the book yet. I have been reading some early Debbie Macomber books and can definitely see a big difference in her early writing and Dakota Born. I guess that happens to all authors. Their writing matures as they have more experience.

Marjorie

This was posted in the Welcome discussion. I thought perhaps it would be of interest to people who are trying to find a copy of the book:

Hairy - 05:15pm Jan 6, 2001 PST (#56 of 56) Currently reading "Poor White" by Sherwood Anderson I have two good places to look for used books.

Bookfinder

and one I have actually used that I love called "Bookstore Junkies". They have a bevy of people all over the country who prowl through used bookstores and try and find what you are looking for. It was less than a day and someone had my book! I was amazed! She sent me the book and I sent her a check for a very, very reasonable amount.

Bookstore Junkies

Good Luck!! ~ Linda

There was also a post in the Welcome discussion that Barnes & Noble has an out-of-print section that sometimes is able to get books. I mention this because SeniorNet will early 7% of the purchase price if you click on the bookstore link in the heading.

I am enjoying reading everyones comments even though I haven't got the book yet, I'm waiting for my library to get it so I really can't participate but I will keep checking in. Shirley T.

SHIRLEY T: Glad to have you check in with us. I hope you can get the book. I found it very engrossing.

Chapter 4, first sentence. "Cead mil failte"...a hundred thousand welcomes. I sure missed that one. Thanks.

Harriet

Sue, I plan on reading more of Kimberly Cates as found this one, one I could not put down except to sleep. Restless is the Wind I shall check out is it based in Ireland? Is it a romance? I did enjoy Dakota Born. Fly Away Home to me is pure love from the heart, Love of Ireland, and people. I had to read the whole book and could not put it down only to sleep.

Harriet, Eve expecting a neat, tidy Irish cottage where she can hide, and nurse her pain it's true, but I do like what she found

, but then I am Irish and have heard many tales from gramma.

Marjorie, Yes the brochures were ones Eve had collected for vacations for her to take with her daughter and I am so glad she did even without her daughter.

Shirley T, While you are checking, waiting for the book, Please Post so we can talk to you.

Ginger

How quickly do we want to discuss each chapter?

Hi HARRIET and GINGER.

Ginger, Restless is the Wind is a Regency Historical which takes place in London. It is one of Cates earlier books, maybe the first, and I wasn't too impressed. The first 100 pages are very slow reading. I think what Marjorie said about Debbie Macomber's first books not being as good as the later ones applies to this one. However, when we were at the used book store, there were about 10 Kimberly Cates Historical titles with lots of copies. It looks like she's pretty popular and has probably improved with time. The first chapter of Fly Away Home really grabbed my attention. The writing was a big improvement over the one I read. Sue

I have also finished the book. I felt that it just got better and better as it went along. I liked it even more than Dakota Born. I got so involved that I found myself "thinking" in an Irish brogue as I went about my daily routine between reading sessions. The book is SO tenderly written!

Marjorie, I'm relatively new to SN and book discussions and I would prefer to be guided by you and Ginger as to pacing the chapters. I feel I'm learning my way and I'm up for any type of schedule that you think works best.

I look forward to reading each new posting. I enjoy it so and I'm grateful to see each new nessage. To everyone who cares to write I feel like saying: "CEAD MIL FAILTE"...a hundred thousand welcomes!

Harriet

I'm going to look for some more Kimberly Cates novels also. Usually, I get my books from the library, but just last week I found a Used Book Store right in my neighborhood. I think I'll look in on them.

I just finished rereading Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught and enjoyed it a lot again. Now that I have also finished Fly Away Home, I've begun Journey by Danielle Steele. It must be a very recent book, because it was only available in the Lending Library section of my Public Library. I'll probably also reread Whitney, My Love by McNaught simultaneously because I can get a tad greedy in my eagerness to read everything in sight.

I think Danielle Steele is the most amazing, fluent, flowing writer.She makes writing look easy with her fluid dialogue and consistency of style. The book jacket says that this book deals with spousal abuse. When I get further into it, I'll let you all know whether I liked it.

Aren't books nice?

Harriet

SUE: I am delighted to know you found a lot of Katherine Cates' books. I have to get some -- when I have read more of the Debbie Macomber ones I now have.

HARRIET: Yes, books are very nice!!! You say you are new to SN and book discussions. I say you are a great participant and I am very glad to have you here. From the comments of others I believe other people feel the same way. I remember when I first came into a book discussion, I posted very little and very tentatively.

I am rereading Fly Away Home slowly. Since I know what will happen, I can put it down to do other things.

I don't remember just where it was now -- somewhere Eve was looking at the scenery in Ireland and saw sheep in the distance and commented that they had paint on them rather than brands as they would in the United States. She was looking at them from a distance. How did she know it was paint? Just because there were many colors? Could multicolors have been ribbons on their tails rather than paint?

Marjorie

Thank you, Marjorie. I got my first computer last August, and completed a VERY basic computer course last month that taught me a bit about word processing This is my third discussion. My first was Lake News with you.

Like you said about yourself, I posted a little bit in Lake News, and a bit more in Dakota Born. I feel like I'm trying to find my own posting and writing style in Books and Lit.

I'm thrilled with the freedom word processing and computers give me to try to express myself, though I worry that I might wind up spending a good percentage of time with my foot in my mouth. In real life I sometimes talk before I think!

I'm particularly enjoying this discussion. Since it's kind of intimate so far, I feel honor bound to try to post a bit more and not just lurk in the background. I guess I'm trying out my wings...appropriately, on a book named "Fly Away Home".

Thanks for providing the opportunity.

Harriet

Hi Marjorie and fellow readers! Eve was right about the paint. Everywhere we saw sheep (and we saw lots of them as we traveled in the less populated countryside) they had spray painted blotches on them, mostly red or blue. The farmers have to respray after sheering when the new wool is coming in. I don't think they could see a brand on a sheep, but maybe they could put rings on their ears. Sue

Now that I've read the book once, I feel the second reading works best for me if I allow myself to suspend reality and slide into the magic of Irish mysticism and belief in "Fate". I'm willing, because I'm having such fun.

Marjorie, I'm so into the book and its atmosphere that I have no trouble believing in sheep with ribboned rumps. And Sue, I'm just enchanted imagining the painted sheep you described.

Gosh! I believe in Tinkerbelle.

Harriet

I am so glad this was our book selection. This discussion is sooo much fun.

Hi HARRIET and SUE. Did anyone notice I changed the welcome in the heading to be the one in the book?

Marjorie

Oh Marjorie, I love it! Cead mil failte! It's so nice!

Harriet

HARRIET: I think I will use that welcome in the future for any books we discuss that are set in Ireland.

Marjorie, I love the new heading.

Have not been on S/N all day as Dr. put a bone back in place in my back so am better.

We had our last meeting at our V.F.W. aux. tonight as it closed in our town so will join another one about 15 miles away. Sad day for me and did not get any reading done.

Hi all talk tomorrow. Ginger

HI, I'm enjoying reading all the comments on the sheep and the Ireland part, I might have to do something I seldon do and that is to check at the book store and maybe buy this book, it sounds really good, I'm also a Danielle Steele fan and I'm glad she keeps writing. There are so many good authors but I have a problem remembering their names so I have to write them down when I want to check for more of their books. Even when I was younger I didn't pay attention to the Authors and then would be surprized when I find one of their books, so I have learned to make a list of favorites. I also like books which are continued like a family series, like Catherine Coulter does, I never seem to be bored when it comes to reading. Shirley T.

Shirley T, I had never heard of paint on the sheep before either. We never get to old to learn as I seem to learn something new almost every day, special from these people on Senior Net. I have to right things down now also, even the correct name of the book and author that I want at the library as they can't find it under my spelling for some reason, wonder why? smile. Ginger

Shirley T: I really like Catherine Coulter too. My favorite among her books is Wild Star. I think it's part of a trilogy. It's about an English heiress who travels to America to get revenge on the hero, but falls in love instead. It's set in the mid 1800's, I think. I'm so glad to meet you.

Hi, Ginger. Glad your back is feeling better. Missed you.

Harriet

HARRIET: You are right. Wild Star is part of a series by Catherine Coulter. I remember enjoying it. I am not sure which was first. All four titles in the series are: Evening Star, Jade Star, Midnight Star, and Wild Star. From the way you describe the story, I think maybe Wild Star is the first in the series.

SHIRLEY T: I have been writing the titles and authors of books down for a couple of years now. I put them on the computer so I can sort the list and have a 5 page list. I found myself buying the same book over and over without the list. One reason for that is I was buying a lot of books using the eBay auction site. Most of the time it was just the author and title in the listing.

GINGER: I hope what your doctor did yesterday finally allows your back to heal and stop hurting.

LAB031: I saw your post in another discussion asking how to get here. Did you make it here?

Marjorie

I would like to talk about Chapter 3. In Chapter 3 of Fly Away Home we are introduced to Victoria's perspective on what happened at the graduation. Books like this keep serving to remind me how difficult it is to be sure what motivates someone else's words and actions.

Victoria feels guilt after the meeting with her mother because she has been envious of the other girls having mothers to make a fuss over their graduation. She thought she willed her mother to be there.

Victoria seems to have missed having a mother in her life and, at the same time, she has a very strong need to please her father.

I am sure that each of you found other things in this chapter that are notable. Comments?

Marjorie

I feel Victoria, in Chapter 3, figures her father is a man and can't be expected to take the same interest in the details of her graduation that a mother might.

But maybe if Chad were a more sensitive, personally tuned in kind of guy, he might have seen his daughter's need. Seems to me that Chad is still insensitive and selfish, even to Victoria who he loves. And what a liar he is! I get so mad when I see the falsehoods he encouraged Victoria to believe of her mother. Chad is hurting his daughter too, when he convinces her that her mother found her unlovable.

But wait! Irish Fate is brewing up a tasty broth because both Eve and Victoria are planning trips abroad.

About Catherine Coulter: I think I got my "Stars" mixed up, Marjorie and Shirley. Sorry about that. I made a hunt through my bookshelves, and my favorite one that I was talking about was "Midnight Star". It certainly was the first of that group. Weren't they all nice to curl up with, though? All four, thank you.

That's a good idea, keeping a list.

Harriet

HARRIET: I was angry at Chad thoughout the entire book. I think you are right to call him selfish. He was sure worried about his image -- or was that only later in the book.

Harriet and Marjorie, The Doctor got the upper part of the back in place, but the lower is still a problem. We shall see.

Chapter # 3

Chad the Cad says forget what happened today, She Victoria's Mother is just a stranger. ( I think not after caring her for nine mo's and doing her best).

Then he says I just wanted to a chance love you so much. his obcession

then said her mother is nothing like her. his domineering, but Victoria said that her Mother looked over joyed,scared, uncertaing and hurting Just like me . She censed something here.

Just my gleening from Chapter 3.

Sue where are you?

Ginger

I found you!I don't know why I couldn't figure this out for myself,but here I am.I don't have the book,but will look on Amazon.I have a lot more luck there than just about anywhere.I read very fast,so I think I might be able to catch up.

I ordered the book,also ordered House of Sand & Fog.I've been hearing a lot about it lately.Amazon says they are usually shipped withing 24 hours,so hopefully I'll have them by the weekend.

lab0341, Thats great news will be watching for your comments. Ginger

LAB034: Glad you found us and ordered the book.

GINGER: I think you found some good points from Chapter 3. I did like that Victoria at least found a couple of things that Chad told her to question. She at least acknowledged that Eve was different than she had been led to expect.

HI I finally got my book so I intend to sit down this evening and start catching up to everyone. now I will know what you are talking about. write more when I read some. Shirley T.

Our son had his first driving fender-bender, but, thank God he is OK. We have been involved in helping him deal with the minutiae surrounding an accident as this was his first experience.

I have been thinking of you all and will hopefully rejoin you more actively tonight or tomorrow.

Feel better, Ginger. Happy reading, all.

Harriet

Harriet, I am so glad your son was not hurt Thanks for sharing.

Shirley, Glad that you have your book.

Yes I am feeling better as the sharp pain is gone and soreness is leaving.

Marjorie, It looks like Victoria has some of her Mother in her.

Ginger

HARRIET: I, too, am glad you son was not hurt. Accidents are very scary though even when there is no injury.

GINGER: I am glad to hear that you are improving daily.

SHIRLEY: I think you will find it very easy to catch up to us. We haven't gone very far into the story yet. Lots more to come.

Marjorie

I finished Journey by Danielle Steel and I thought it was a page turner.When she writes, all of her sentences are perfectly ordinary...but when I read them continuously, to me they seem to flow. It fascinates me how she manages to make nondescript events seem noteworthy. However, when she gets into a cause that she really wants to increase public awareness on, she seems to do careful research.

She centered her plot around spousal abuse in this book, and if the book wasn't a product of intensive research, then I wonder if she speaks, at least a little bit, from personal experience? She has had several marriages and I once read that she was married to, among other husbands, a convicted felon! Who knows! When I read, I often have fun wondering about things I really know nothing about.

As always, I was interested in her photo in the back of the book. No jewels for Ms. Steele in this picture. Instead, her photo shows her as a pale, saintly looking creature dressed all in angelic white. I thought she looked ready for sanctification. But then, so was her heroine in Journey.

I love comparing the images authors present of themselves in print or pictures with the images they paint of their main characters in their books. I always wonder if there is some connection. Again, who knows? Just part of the fun of reading. And maybe my readiness to believe she personally experienced some of the things she writes about just proves that she is a terrific author.

Harriet

I hope that my book gets here in time for this discussion. I read through the messages and "just had" to join in after doing Dakota Born. I'm intrigued by the story. My library did not have the book as many of you have written. I have not read any of this author's books before, but this one should be interesting--I like romance and mystery and Ireland with its legends. How can you miss with all three in one book! I also go for happy endings so I hope this will be one. I don't read Danielle Steel because I always feel stressed when I do. I know she is a good writer, just not my cup of tea. I guess it's a good thing that we all have different tastes even in books so that we can have so many different ideas to share.

Wynona

I am really into this book, now I'm at the part where she has taken Rory into the castle and we are finding out that Victoria is in the vicinity so I can see the path of this story but I promise I won't peek on the last page and see if my guess is correct. I love these kind of stories and and am glad to be able to read your comments and know what you are discussing. Shirley T.

Wynona, Welcome to Fly Away Home. We are moving along slowly for now so you should be able to catch up.

Shirley, It just gets better and better. Cates has my vote as a good writer.

Ginger

HARRIET: We discussed Danielle Steele's "Silent Honor" last year. The discussion is still in the archives and you can check it out . You can even post there if you wish. I believe PETITE ONE was DL on that one and it was one of the first Romance discussions I participated in. A fascinating book.

WYNONA: Glad to have you join us. As GINGER said, we are moving slowly and you should be able to catch up easily.

SHIRLEY T: I am glad you are enjoying the book.

Does anyone have any comments on Chapter 4? I haven't got my notes in front of me right now but I will be back on the computer later.

Marjorie

I had one reaction to Chapter 4 on my first reading, but quite a different one when I came back to it on my second reading. Since we have people who have not yet finished the book, I'm not quite sure how to discuss chapter 4.

Suffice it to say that I liked it on my first reading...but it fascinated me on my second reading. I reread it a few more times also, because each time it gave me more knowledge of many of the characters, and more insights on Bridey.

Now that Fingall, he's an Irish character with depth! But I didn't appreciate him properly the first time around. At first I wondered why he didn't visit Bridey in the hospital with Eve. Later in the book I understood why he waited for Eve outside. Also, in Chapter 4, Eve gets her first look at Kilrain Castle and meets Bonaparte.

The spirit of Ireland is all around us in Chapter 4. What fun!

Harriet

P.S.

Marjorie and Ginger: Thank you for your concern about my son.

Wynona: I'm so glad you're getting the book. I read your postings with a lot of pleasure in Dakota Born. I love talking to you again.

Shirley T and Lab 0341: It's exciting to have so many people to talk to. In this discussion, we're turning into a New Year's celebration!

Harriet

HARRIET: I agree about you impression rereading Chapter 4. Once I had read the book, I was able to pay more attention to the details there about Ireland. I think Eve was quite brave to go by herself on vacation without knowing anything about where she was going. In Chapter 4 she arrives in Ireland and meets Bridey in person. A good chapter.

Marjorie: I just read the archives discussion on Silent Honor and enjoyed it very much. I was particularly interested in the biographical info on Danielle Steel. I'm going to try to find one of the two biographies written about her.

Thanks for telling me about it.

Harriet

You are most welcome, HARRIET.

I just finished reading FLY AWAY HOME and I can picture Chad as the VILLIN (bad guy) in the old movies with the handlebar mustache tying the herione to the track, with the train coming. Doesn't that just sound like something Chad would do to Eve? I just love to hate those guys and I'm always mad at them til the end of the story. Nice to see Rory come out ok in the end, I don't want to say anymore for the people that are still reading. Lets get some more good books to discuss. Shirley T.

Chapter 4

Eve arrives in Ireland and meets Mr. Fingall a giant of a man who must be well past his sixties

who is to drive Eve to the wee house of Bridey but first to the hospital to meet Bridey in person and Bridey gives eve the BIG key to the wee house

and so Mr. Fingall drives Eve down the narrow winding road in his rattle trap car almost to the wee house where she meets Bonapart. Good chapter meeting all these people.

Shirley, I see that you could not put this book down either

and yes I agreee, we will have to read more books like this one. I like your discription of Chad.

LAB031, Did you get your book yet?

Wynona, Did you get your book yet?

Harriet I agree it is so good to share our reading with all here.

Marjorie you made a good choice here me thinks. Loved this chapter with the beauty of Ireland so well done.

Ginger

Got the other book,House of Sand and Fog,but didn't get THE BOOK.I'll get it Monday for sure.I've spent the day on the couch.I have Fibromyalgia and today I hurt.Haven't even felt like reading.Just resting.But tommorow is another day.I'm looking forward to getting started on the book.

LAB0341: Sorry to hear you were hurting today. Do you know about the discussion in the Health Matters folder on fibromyalgia? Hope you feel better soon.

GINGER: You are great at summarizing what we are reading. This book was chosen by a vote of the group. There were not many people participating. I had gathered authors' names and book titles and made a list of 4-6 books and had people vote for 3. We have now read the top 3 and I will have to start thinking about what will be next.

Marjorie

Marjorie, I feel very confident that you will pick a book that we will all like and am so much looking forward to your new selection after "Fly Away Home" is done as this is a good read.

Lab 0341

We all need a little help from our friends so I am making this a clickable for you my friend.

Fibromyalgia

SUE, Where are YOU??????? If You are observing Check in PLEASE Sue You are missing a good read. Ginger

Marjorie, Thank you for your compliment.

I am up and down tonight but OK.

I had to order my book. Neither the library nor the local bookstores had the book. It should be here early next week (I hope!!!). I read fairly fast so I should be able to catch up. Reading the comments as they are posted will help me understand the book better when I do get it.

I'm sorry about the people who have fibro. I have two very good friends who have the same problem. I should say problems, because there are so many sides to fibro.

Wynona

I appreciate the kind thoughts.I usually can handle it pretty well,but the weather has been difficult for me this year.I love the cold(I can always get warm,but can't always get cool!).I really overdid on Friday when I went out with my daughter & grandchildren.We went to the grocery and Target and lunch.It was a lot of walking! I spent the day on the couch. Monday is a Holiday,no mail,so I wonder if UPS will deliver my book.I certainly hope so.I want to catch up with ya'll.By the way,I am Lynda.I feel as if I have know ya'll for years now.Thank you for making me feel so welcome.

Hi, LYNDA: I just read your personal info. Congrats on the new babies! Are you in the northeast like me?

What about you, WYNONA and SHIRLEY T?

Harriet

I'm in Memphis,Tn.Its been colder here earlier than it has been in years.We've already had snow & ice,that usually doesn't happen until the end of Jan or into Feb. I got my book!I didn't check the mail yeaterday cause I thought it would come by UPS & they don't deliver on the weekend. I went out with my daughter & the grandchildren today & when I got home came in the back & it was at the security desk(I live in a highrise on the 12th floor).I was so thrilled I came upstairs & read the first chapter!Sounds pretty good so far.It'll have to wait for a while tho,Antiques Roadshow is on at 6(its a repeat from Monday) and I missed it the first time around. I have 2 nieces who live in NY so I go to the northeast about every 6 months. Right after I married, we lived in Rochester,NY for a brief period while he finished school at RIT.I loved it even tho I was dreadfully homesick.I cried on Mother's Day because it snowed.Our car was buried for months.And it boggled my mind that people parked on the lake! Those were the days.

Hi, Harriet I am in the great upper midwest, Mn to be exact, and wow am I embarassed by the VIKINGS today. what can I say? I know if they would have by some chance won today they would have messed up the Super Bowl. this is proven history. oh well they will most likely go to Texas and become a great football team.We had one of our beautiful? heavy wet snow storms last night and as much as I dislike dealing with it I have to admit it was really beautiful this AM. I'm anxious for everyone to finish reading the book so we can give away the ending. Shirley T.

Thanks for asking. I've been lurking, but not saying anything as I don't have a copy of the book. Reading the comments makes me think I should have tried harder for the book.

Shirley, did you happen to listen to Garrison Keillor on Saturday night? He had one of his comedy bits about the Vikings and folks in Minnesota. It was a hoot. We had lunch at Applebees today and were astounded when we saw the score was 17-0, Giants. And later what a shock to see the final score! Sue

Lynda, Got her book Fly Away Home, Yea.

Sue, I am glad you posted so we know your here and getting to know you.

I was born close to International Falls, Minnesota and was disapointed at such a loss.

Ginger

SUE: I guess you will just have to get the book whenever you happen to find it. I am sure you will enjoy it even if you aren't able to read it with us.

LYNDA: I am delighted you have your book. Enjoy!

WYNONA: I hope your book arrives soon.

Hi to HARRIET and GINGER and SHIRLEY T. Happy reading everyone!

Marjorie

Hi All,

I live in central NJ. It's been a colder, wetter winter also in these parts than we've had for at least five years. We've been having a thaw the last few days but it doesn't make much of a dent on the snow that's already on the ground.

I love how you get your mail, Lynda. I have to laugh when I think of my own technique lately. The combination of thaw in day and freeze at night has turned things a bit icy on remaining snow around our house. I drive our car backwards down our slippery driveway, and turn at our icy curb. Then I get out of the car and hang on to the side of the car with one arm and our mailbox post with the other arm to get our mail out of the box. Yippee! Mission accomplished.

Today, whenever we have a news report on TV I see pictures of the gridlock on the roads connecting to the Giants game. Lotta people wanted to see that game. Condolences, Ginger and Shirley. Stay safe and don't slip and slide with your new snow, Shirley.

Marjorie, I guess you don't get snow. Enjoy your weather. Any warm weather looks like heaven right now. Talking of pretty, is the photo on your home page of your farm, Sue? Just lovely!

Harriet

HARRIET: I grew up in Chicago, went to college in Wisconsin and Michigan, and lived in New Jersey and New York state for about 6 years. I am glad now to be in California. I haven't driven in the snow in over 30 years now. I think I am spoiled.

Marjorie, I wouldn't be sad if I never saw another snowflake. California must be glorious right now

Harriet.

Harriet, I live in Michigan now and we are having what you are having Drizze, rain, fog days and freezing at night. It is a bear. Thanks for the condolence's on the game.

Marjorie, Harriet and I are on our way to visit in California to get away from Ice skating rinks we wish. Ginger

GINGER and HARRIET: I wouldn't call the weather we are having right now "glorious" although it is not ice and snow. This is our rainy season and the days cloud over and are dreary if it isn't raining. Every once in a while we have a sunny pretty day. The rain is different here than it is in the midwest though. It is softer somehow. I remember when I first moved here from the East. Driving from the airport the air smelled different -- that was in the late 60s. Probably too much pollution now. So many more people now that there were then.

Spring Creek Farm in the spring when the azaleas are in bloom, Harriet. Did you go to my second page and see our beautiful grandsons and my handsome husband?

I have my eye out for the book, romance readers, but most of my time is concentrating on Bob's recent recurrence of cancer and his upcoming chemotherapy which starts tomorrow. I'll continue to look for the book and also to look in here. I'll comment when I can. Sue

I must say, I would miss the snow if I never saw it again. It is so pretty....especially after a new snowfall. I like winter except for the days of -10 or worse. We don't always get lots of them but have had quite a few this year. When I was in Oregon in December they had a couple of what they called "typical winter days" for Oregon and I will tell you....I'll take snow to that kind of rain anyday!

Any plans for the next book yet?

Northern Joan

When I lived in Texas I missed the change of seasons.When it is 80 degrees on Christmas day Its hard to get in the mood...Santa in a T shirt & shorts! I love living here. Just wait 5 minutes if you don't like the weather. Now Summer is awful.It is hot and the humidity will kill you.No beautiful Spanish moss hanging from the trees,just peasoup humidity that drags you down.But Fall,Winter and Spring are fantastic. Started the book.I don't care for the nmae Chad to begin with & he hasn't endeared himself one bit.

NORTHERN JOAN: I am working on a page of books for you all to vote on. I will put a clickable in the heading and my email address will be available for you all to vote. You can select 3 out of 9 or so and that way the selection will be made for awhile.

SUE: I hope Bob's chemo goes well.

LYNDA (LAB): Chad is a real villain. A good contrast to the "good guys" in the book.

Marjorie

SUE: My thoughts and heartfelt good wishes are with you both. I wish your husband a course of treatment EASIER than you both anticipate and a quick return to health.

I never noticed your photograph page until you pointed it out. I enjoyed looking at that picture of you both with your grandchildren. I hope by next spring you can both enjoy your lovely azaleas and your farm together with no further health worries.

Harriet

Sue, Wishing you and Bob all the best.

Ginger

Bob had his first treatment today and all seems to be well. He is expecting to feel tired tomorrow as that is the pattern of the previous chemotherapy, but we've received medication for pain and nausea, so that should help. We really appreciate your good wishes. Love, Sue

Sue, Your page is beautiful.

I to have had a cancer operation and they said they got it all and must have as I have lived long enough to take care of Mom in her house for two years, when she had a stroke and could not walk, talk or eat, tube feeding etc.. When the papers were signed to sell my house she passed away so it has been hard adjust but am doing to the best of my ability. Sue You have just alerted me to check my place the cancer was removed, have not done it in awhile, scared to but it looks ok.

My Thoughts and Prayers are with you.

Love, Ginger

Marjorie, I have looked at the books and they all look so good, but have not read the important 1st chapter so will do so and get back to you.

Are you rapping up I Fly Away or just checking on what we would like to read next?

Ginger

GINGER: NORTHERN JOAN asked what we would be reading next. I thought perhaps she wanted to get a headstart of purchasing the book. Since I don't have any in queue yet, I thought this would be a way to get some feedback from everyone without disrupting this discussion. FLY AWAY HOME continues!

Marjorie

Would someone like to comment about why they were "unable to put the book down" before finishing it? Is it just the transitions at the ends of chapters? Is it that the plot moves quickly?

Which character(s) do you like and which do you dislike? Besides Chad, of course. I think we have all agreed on Chad as one we can dislike.

I put something in the Title of this post so that it would be easy to refer to later. The Title does not have to be used. It might be interesting if we try.

If you go to a discussion and click on "Outline" (just below the heading after "First" "Previous" ...), the title or first words of a post will be listed. You can then look to find a post you are seaching for. If someone has been gone for awhile and has a lot of posts to look through, the title can quickly tell them what is in the post.

Marjorie

I thought my book would be here by this time. But it isn't and the mail has run today!!! Please go ahead with the discussion. I liked the questions in the last posting by Marjorie. It will give me something to think about "when" I read.

Wynona

GINGER: I wish you well. I'm very glad all is OK with you. I tried to look at your home page, Ginger, but it wasn't accessible to me for some reason. I have a MAC computer running SN with IE 5.0. Sometimes that combo doesn't want to work everywhere. Anyway I'm disappointed I didn't get through. I'll try again later just in case it was a fluke.

I' m really into everyone else's home pages today. (Haven't the faintest on how to do it myself.) MARJORIE, your cats are so cute and funny! Your Buffy must give the parakeets a bit of excitement in their lives.

Anyway, I did the best I could and typed a few sentences of personal background info for myself under my name.

Harriet

Marjorie: Thanks for the great job you did assembling all of those nice book choices and links. I'm having a grand time exploring them, and reading sample chapters. Will get back to you when I've come to some sort of decision.

Harriet

Marjorie, Yep that is you, Thinking a head and helping Northern Joan and others.

Could not put the book down because I had to find out what was the next exciting thing to happen, so I guess it was the plot moved quickly.

Best like character Rory with all his troubles.

Least like character was Morgan with his vindictive ways. Would say more about them but do not want to ruin the story for those that are not caught up yet.

Harriet, I have lost two Home Pages and do not know what happened to them and I must make a new one. Geocities mearged with Yahoo and they lost me. The other one was not really a home page and was with Webtv but it is gone also.

Wynona, Thanks for checking in so we know what is going on with your Book.

Ginger

Ginger, what is the URL if your webtv webpage? Have you really lost it? Or just forgot where it is? Back when Tripod was givingus problems with being able to remote link to our own midis and gifs, I put a website with Geocities. I haven't visited it for months so I suppose it is gone. But If I happen into a Geocities site I sometimes get a page full of information with my name on it so they seem to remember me.

Something interesting I have noticed for a few weeks. I automatically subscribed to some sites. Usually there is a button labelled unsubscribe. However lately many of the sites just have "subscribe" so if I would like to eliminate them I can't.

Well Look Who is Checking in. Louise I will check out the URL for my Webtv homepage, However I don't think we can store Gif's etc. on Webtv homepage's can we?

If at a site it says "subcribe" that means you will not see unsubcribe because you are not subcribed. Hope this makes sense to you.

Ginger

Yes, Virginia, we can. I have quite a number stored there. The difficulty I have is linking to them in places like Seniornet. I even have some photos that I took from Seniornet and put them into the scrapbook. The other day, I did see a suggestion that I haven't tried yet.

Louise, I have Photo's in my scrap book also. Lets go back to IM OK.

Answers To Questions About Fly Away Home

I really enjoyed the touch of whimsey and fantasy that runs through the book right alongside of the more serious story line.

I liked that handsome hunk, Michael. After all, what was there NOT to like about the man? My favorite runner-ups were Innisfree and Bonaparte, particularly when they met for a cuppa tea.

The feller I most enjoyed hissing at is Chad, who has no equals in the villainy field. He knows how to be bad!

Harriet

Marjorie, this book moves along at a good pace and you really want to keep reading to see what will happen next. I think when we read a lot of different types of books you start second guessing at what the chacters will do and how the story will go on, so you keep reading to see if you are right. I had a lot of feelings for Victoria, she was in a bad position and lied to all her life but she did come through at the end , she had enough of her mother in her to be a better person than Chad. I hope everyone is enjoying the book as much as I did. Shirley T.

I guess I need to come up with some more questions. Thank you all for your response to those I posted earlier today.

What did you all think about the greeting Eve received from Finegal when she arrived at the airport? How about her meeting with Bridey? Was Bridey what she expected? I can't imagine arriving at my destination and having it be something sooo different than what I expected.

Marjorie

OLD Mr. Finegal was rude, crude to Eve and I would have gotten a cab which she wanted to do. I would have been afraid of Finegal.

Eve's meeting with Bridey was fine and I would have liked Bridey.

Ginger

Harriet, Michael such a caring man, so good with the children. It I could find a single hunk like him caring for the children I might even get married again. LOL. Innisfree and Bonaparte the wild ones meeting for a cuppa tea. Cates sure has a way of putting things.

Shirley, You put it so well that you really want to keep reading to see what will happen next is exactly how it was for me.

Where is everybody? I feel so lonely. Boo Hoo (Who scared You) Alle, Alle in free. I give up, can't find you. Ginger

GINGER: I usually come here with subscriptions and shut down my computer early last night. Here I am at 3:30am BECAUSE MY PHONE RANG 5 TIMES IN THE LAST 3 HOURS AND NO ONE WAS THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry for shouting but that is how I feel.

I also liked Innisfree and Bonaparte meeting for a cuppa tea. Hadn't thought to call them "the wild ones" but, of course, you are quite right. I can't imagine how I would have felt coming upon them after waking up in a strange place in a strange country. Eve had so many new and strange things happen to her in less than 1 day.

Marjorie

Ginger: I wasn't home much yesterday, so I didn't do a lot of computerizing. Re those calls, Marjorie--some people are just nuts.! Don't they have some system nowadays, where you can trace the last number that called you, and give it to the police? If you WANT to pursue it, that is. SO upsetting.

I thought Fingall was pretty rude also, but I didn't give him much thought until I went back for my second rereading of Chapter 4. Then I noticed that Bridey had told Eve that he would be picking her up. Looks to me like Bridey wanted a second opinion on her house guest, and she wanted that opinion from her friend, Fingall. I wonder how he would have behaved if he had decided that it WASN'T ok for Eve to stay at Kilrain!

Bridey is a thoroughly likeable character. She exudes affection in a Celtic way that must be hard for a writer to portray--unless maybe, Cates knew someone real in her past who talked and thought like Bridey. I wonder. And Bridey also has a knack for "people sense" and practicality.

Harriet

P.S.: In real life, if I wound up in a place like Kilrain, all alone, it would have sent me running away. After all, there's very little hero in me. But, when poor Eve wound up in Kilrain, it was just my cuppa tea. I settled right down to enjoy the book and the fun.

Maybe that's why Fingall made her walk the last distance to Kilrain--so she couldn't demand to be taken to another place to sleep right away.

Harriet

I have my book and I've started to read. I've met Eve and her daughter Victoria and the dreaded Chad so I'm on the way.

And the sun is shining and most of the snow has melted so who can ask for more.

We are alive and able to talk to others over thousands of miles about the things we all enjoy.

Wynona

WYNONA: Yippee! You got your book. When you get to Chapter 4 you can see if you agree with us about Fingall and Bridey.

GINGER: You said you would have gotten a cab because Fingall was so rude. How would that have changed the story if Eve had gotten a cab?

Hi HARRIET. I always enjoy your description of the characters.

I did try to call back the number but the recording was that that number couldn't be called back. The operator had said that only worked on local numbers. Oh well! I tried. This day has been very strange because I didn't get the right amount of sleep at the right time. Tomorrow will be different.

Marjorie

Wynona, I am so glad you have your book in hand and am so anxious for your posts about it.

Marjorie, If Eve had taken a cab it would have messed up our meeting Fingall and the mysterious ways he was a very interesting fellow. I am glad Eve did not take a cab. She is a brave person.

Do you have a caller ID, but some times the number does not show up on them also. I check my ID before I answer the phone, but in the middle of the night I'm not sure if I would as I have a phone beside my bed. If you find out who called let us no. I hope it was not an emergence, but they did not speak so gee I don't know what to say. Can you tell I'm thinking out loud so to speak.

Harriet, What a good point If Fingall did not like Eve, Hummmm did not think about that WOW. I think Fingall could not go all the way with the car because the road was impasable, Michael had to take his horse all the time even tho he had a car, it must have really been in the boonies.

The net has been so slow for me and Louise today, Has it been slow for you where you live? Louise lives in Florida, I live in Mich. It got so slow for me that I went to bed watched tv and fell asleep so will probably be up late tonight. Talk tomorrow.

Ginger

Shirley, Are you out there observing?

Louise, How about you, are observing also? Speak up ALL.

Ginger

I just did such a dumb thing. In the middle of typing a post I checked the previous pages to read about a point one of you brought up, and when I came back every word of my comments in the posting box was gone. What a loss to posterity! LOL! But it IS frustrating. So here goes again.

You're absolutely right, Ginger. Fingall told Eve the road was not right for cars, but I hope you and the rest of our group will decide to bear with me because, this morning I'm in a really wacky, theorizing, "what if" kind of mood. For instance, how much would a guy like Fingall know about cars, and the best roads for them, anyway? As the story goes on, there's every reason to suspect he might be much more an expert on horses. And wasn't it convenient that Eve had no way to leave Kilrain after her first sight of it?

Also, if I care to stretch my imagination a bit, a lot of fun type conjectures become possible. Did Bridey ask Fingall to give a second opinion on Eve---or was it Fingall who decided to double check the houseguest who would caretake Kilrain? After all, Fingall wants to protect the interests of his friend, Bridey, and the safety of the home where he has often visited her.

'Nuff rambling on. I leave Eve, NOT an animal lover, making her first acquaintance with Bonaparte and Kilrain, and trying to adapt to her new environment.

Harriet

HI Virigina, Yes I'm having fun reading everyones ideas, keeps the story interesting. In this nowadays world its hard to believe anyone would be as trusting as Bridey, maybe she had the second sight and called Eve to come over to Ireland. Its too bad she had to go to the hospital before Eve got there but I guess that made Eve's entrance into a scarey strange house more believable. I would like to meet someone like Fingall and Bridey just to keep life interesting. Just think they are finally together after many years of waiting. I love happy endings. Shirley T.

GINGER: I don't have caller ID so I don't know if that would have helped. Some people block their number from being seen on caller ID. We do I think. No one called last night and the two people who called during the day yesterday had not called the previous night. I assume if it was an emergency, eventually we would have heard something.

What wonderful speculation is going on here about the characters in this story. Have a good Sunday everyone.

Marjorie

Shirley: You found JUST the phrase I was looking for. "Second sight" exactly describes what I think was happening when Bridey and Eve made their arrangements about Kilrain. It's all part of the mystical undercurrent that I so enjoy in this book. Thanks.

Harriet

I never heard of her before this book was proposed--and now I'm noticing her books in lots of places. Today I had to take Bob into the Cancer Center for a saline IV as he was dehydrating due to nausea. They have a large supply of paperbacks left there for patients and waiting families to read. There were 2 Cates historical novels in the bunch, just not Fly Away Home, but I'll keep looking!

I'm enjoying your comments and I'm anxious to meet Fingall, Bridey, Michael and all in print. Sue

SUE: It sure is interesting how when something is brought to our attention we see it everywhere. A good example is the Kimberly Cates' books you found for patients to read.

Hi HARRIET and everyone looking in. I will try to think of some questions about Chapter 5 to post tomorrow.

Marjorie

Hi to all in here. Just getting in as all is going so slow these last two days.

Ginger

What woke Eve on her first day at Bridey's Kilrain? What were Eve's impressions of Michael when she first met him? After she realized she had read about him before and prejudged him?

Hi GINGER.

Only 2 people so far have voted on our next book. Anybody??? The clickable is below the heading.

I have printed out the choices for new book and plan to take them to the library to see what we have. That will influence my choices.

Northern Joan

NORTHERN JOAN: I think that is a great idea. I could check my library on-line but that doesn't help everyone else. One time I thought if the library here had a lot of copies there should be at least 1 other places. Twice I chose books with that in mind. It seems I was wrong. Books were difficult for people to find anyway.

Marjorie, I have just printed out our choices also and will check out my library. What a great idea Northern Joan gave us.

Marjorie, and all is senior net slow for you also. Barnes and Noble slow also as I cannot get the chapters to come up. Will review Chapter 5 of Fly away Home today.

Ginger

Marjorie: The e mail server wouldn't work,so I humbly submit my 3 choices..Lily Fair,Crazy For You(I really liked the 1st chapter)& High Tide(I've read a ton of her books & liked them all).Got sidetracked with knitting & have to get to my reading. Lynda

Marjorie, I wonder if anyone has found out what (Pogue mahon) means as I have went into search and cannot find it. One more thing about chapter 4 we hear of Regina Danaher who is Eve's mother and what she felt does it make a difference I wonder?

About our choice of books I did call our small town library to see what they had. Now must check out book stores to see what I can get and then report to you my finding. (I am working on this).

I realize that I have been unstable (shaking in my boots) and mostly observing but I really want to find out where I can fit in and get established, never in my wildest dream would I have thought of romance for me but am enjoying it, so much for who I think I am. Will be reporting to you as soon as research is done.

Ginger

Checked the books at the library today: My library has:

High Tide by Deveraux

With Hope By Garlock

Low Country by Siddons....I have read this one

Star Flight by Whitney

The House on Hope Street by Steel

I would probably pick High Tide, With Hope or The House on Hope Street but could certainly live with any of the books I can get at our library.

Northern Joan

LYNDA: Thanks for your vote. So far two of the books you listed have 3 votes and one has 2 votes. We will see what happens when everyone has checked in.

GINGER: I saw a reference to Regina Danaher but don't remember her as being important in the story. Maybe I am wrong though.

Marjorie

Chapter 5

Eve meets the troubled horse Innisfree on her first morning in Kilrain. She also meets Michael Halloran.

I like the way Chapter 5 is handled. Eve is scared to death when she wakes up to the sound of the intruding horse, but her fear is written with a light, humorous touch that made me laugh out loud a few times. For instance Eve's inner thoughts when she protects an ancient Celtic urn from being broken by the horse: "Art restorer dies defending priceless urn. Pug and horse held for questioning."

I also felt a sensual chemistry being established between pretty Eve and hunky Michael in just a few paragraphs. Neat! Right away, I'm rooting for them. Of course they both start out hostile to each other, but the sizzle is undeniably there. That makes me look forward hopefully to future encounters between them. After all, what's a romantic novel without a little romance?

Eve distrusts Michael, is attracted to Michael, doubts her distrust, then questions her doubts and, in short, behaves like an ideal romantic heroine.

Obviously, there's lots of nice stuff coming in this book.

Harriet

Hi Ginger. Hope your computer gets over the weekend doldrums. Missed you. Marjorie, nice questions. Thanks for all the work you're putting into the discussion.

Hi to all of you, Shirley, Lynda, Wynona, Sue, Joan. Love reading your posts.

Harriet

Marjorie, Regina Danaher how she felt about Ireland rings a bell for me having a grandmother from Ireland we do think of our ancestors and how they felt about there home country.

Harriet, Things are fine to night but today there was to much traffic which is understandable with all that is going on.

You have put chapter 5 very well will check to see if I might add to it but I think not and thank you for it.

Hi to all, Ginger

Hi Ginger. I think maybe you just summarized the significance of Regina Danaher perfectly. Maybe she's in the story to show that Eve, just like you said, thinks of her ancestors, and how they felt about the old country. She comes of Irish stock and her mind turns back in time to her Irish heritage when she arrives in Ireland.

I'm curious about "pogue mahon" too, Ginger. Since Fingall says it to Eve "with his eyes twinkling", does that translate to mean Fingall approves of her? I wish I knew.

Thanks for your kind words.

Harriet

I've been thinking about the writing of our author and did some reading on the web after one of you mentioned finding her books in the hospital waiting room. I read an article Kimberly (if I can be so familiar) wrote. In the article "The Miracle of Romance" she said:

There is an almost mystical healing that results from reading romantic fiction.

"Have you ever visited a hospital waiting room? A funeral home? Or stopped to see someone who is very ill?...

Throughout my writing career, women have told me that romance helped them through everything from ugly divorces to chemotherapy. For a little while, you can let go of your stress, your obligations, your disappointments and lose yourself in the world of "Once upon a time."

One reader in particular touched my life in a very special way. I had been autographing books for about an hour and a half, and my latest deadline was looming large. "Mary" came to my table, and I was stunned to see that there were tears in her eyes. She told me that she'd been diagnosed with cancer a year and a half ago. After her doctor told her how vital it was to maintain a positive outlook, Mary chose to take an active role of her own to help fight the fear and anger and pain. During the ordeal of chemotherapy, she took my books with her to the hospital to read.

Thankfully, her disease had gone into remission. I've never met a woman with eyes so full of life-joyous anticipation, warmth and kindness, and a passion for sharing those qualities with others.

Mary confided that recently a friend of hers suffered a horrible trauma. Mary didn't take her flowers or candy when she visited. She brought an armful of hope-the same romance novels she'd read during her own ordeal."

There is much more to the article, but I thought it interesting that she was writing about the same thing we had been talking about.

Wynona

WYNONA: Thank you so much for sharing that article with us. Hope is very important for any kind of healing. I hadn't thought of romance novels in that light. How wrong I was. Of course they are. There may be a lot of trials on the way but there is always a happy ending.

HARRIET: Thanks for reminding me about the part about the "art restorer ..." I think having that art their to care for helped Eve get through much of the strangeness of her time at Kilrain. The author couldn't have had Eve be a typist or waitress and still have Kilrain provide something for her that gave her some grounding. As we talk about the book, I begin to see how important little things are to the unfolding story.

GINGER: You are also pointing up a part of the story that is indispensible. If Eve came from some other ancestry she would probably not have had Irish brochures on her floor to pick from when she selected her vacation spot.

Carry on everyone. You are all doing so well.

Marjorie

Hi Wynona: I have an idea of everyone's home state in this discussion so far, but not you as yet. Are you in the northeast like me? Retired? I think it's such fun to talk to people from so many different locales.

Thanks for the article by Cates.

Harriet

Hi All.

Marjorie, Email sent, Hi Tide can go to the top of my list.

Harriet, Art restorer dies defending priceless urn. Pug and horse held for questioning. Has me laughing out Loud, way to go. I needed that. Thanks

Wynona, I agree that to read a book is very relaxing and yet stimulating. Thanks for telling us about it.

Sue, second sight, Yes I believe Bridey had a feeling that it was meant to be.

Ginger

Morning.

I live in Kansas and I'm a retired school teacher, and I spend most of my time reading--mysteries and romances. I have three other books on my desk that I pick up to read from time to time besides "Fly Away Home--Final Arrangements by Donna Huston Murray, Home to Harmony by Philip Gulley, and Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. (That last one I'm reading as part of the adult reading program at my library.)

I looked up Pogue Mahon also and didn't have much luck. The name of a person--but that doesn't fit the story line. I wonder if we dare email our author and ask her?

Fingall I thought might be all right because I thought he was trying his best to protect Bridey from some unknown American and still do what Bridey wanted him to do by picking Eve up and taking her to the castle. Bridey has to have second sight or be a great believer in fate. I've read far enough that the whole story seems to be in the hands of Fate. I don't think the story line could have worked any where but in Ireland.

And I think our author has a great since of humor!

Wynona

I posted a long one this morning, but it seems to have disappeared.

I've been reading about "bog oak" since then. In chapter five there was mention of a bog oak chest tht Innisfree kicked instead of Eve (p. 53). I didn't know what bog oak was like so I went searching. And I found this site.

Fergus Costello Studios - Bog Oak, Bog Woods, Ireland, Irish ... ... Bog Oak is a form of timber unique to the ancient peat bogs of Ireland. The unique acidic conditions of the peat bog helped preserve giant trees that formed ... http://www.ferguscostello.com/bogoak.html

Maybe you will find it of interest.

Wynona--The second time this morning.

Wynona: I agree with you on all points.

What an interesting idea---to ask the author about "pogue mahon". Maybe it's worth a try. I suppose the worst that can happen is that she doesn't have time to answer us. Certainly worth thinking about.

We are such a diversified group. I really get a kick thinking about our many points of origin. We represent Alabama, California, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey and Tennessee---and we all talk together about a book that is a common point of interest.

Ain't Seniornet swell?

Harriet

P.S.

Wynona: My last post is in response to your "long one". Try clicking on PREVIOUS and your prior post should come up, I'm finally beginning to figure out that immediately after being written, the posts jump around some on the page before they settle into their permanent position. Don't know why, though.

Hi to everyone.

Harriet

Harriet, senior net is great, I'm having a lot more fun playing on my machine now and learning new things every day. Shirley T.

WYNONA: I read two posts from you one after the other. As HARRIET said, things move around when you post.

When you come into the discussion, you see the last post you read and all posts after that. When you first post, what you see should be the post immediately before your post and your post. The page will have just two posts on it. If you edit one of your posts and then click on "Post My Message", you will get the last full page of posts.

I will go see if I can find the author and ask about "pogue mahon".

Hi GINGER and SHIRLEY T.

Marjorie

I did find an email address for Kimberly Cates and wrote to ask her about "Pogue Mahon." Hopefully she will answer soon.

Marjorie and all,

Well I just found out what it means.

Kissing body parts

póg = kiss, the sing. imperative

mo = my

tóin = bottom, hindend, buttocks.

The possesive adjective causes aspiration, therefore you get: Póg mo thóin in Irish.

Then another told me this:

Ginger, I'll be glad to tell you what I was told long ago, it's supposed to mean "kiss my a _ _." (:

Kinda sorry I asked in the Library and Anouncement discussion. But we really did want to know and they were talking about what words mean.

We really have educated people in here that even know more than our search thingy.

I love Senior Net with all our people willing to help. Truly anything we need to know.

Blushing, Ginger

Wynona, Thanks for the definition of bog oak. Ginger

Ginger: LAUGHING OUT LOUD, EVERYONE---JUST LAUGHING OUT LOUD

Harriet

Harriet, Me to.

You get what you ask for. Inquiring minds whated to know.

Ginger

GINGER: That is quite an answer. I don't remember where the phase was used in the book. Anybody? And I sent an email to the author. Oh well. I told her about the discussion but haven't heard anything from her yet.

Marjorie, Pouge mahon was in chapter # 4 Page 46 in my paper back.

I think I will buy the next book also as where can we have this much fun,for $7.99

Dakota Born I borrowed from the library, read it and had to take it back before we were done so this time bought the paper back and hope to the next one so I can review all. Good reading and fun, fun, fun with this group.

Who knows how things might turn out, our Author may just join us due to your question. That would be great.

Red face,Ginger here.

I apologize to all for the shouting, but I laughed so hard when I read Ginger's information, and the reaction of typing capped letters came spontaneously.

Plainly I have led a sheltered life in some respects. You know, the answer was right there on page 46 immediately after Fingall salutes Eve with the phrase "pogue mahon", but I rejected the definition without a second thought, and without any "second sight" either, I might add.

Today I went to my library and successfully renewed "Fly Away Home". Before my trip I was concerned that the library would tell me that someone else had reserved it and was waiting for it. I fantasized that my copy would be confiscated and then I pictured myself returning home empty-handed, ordering a new book for purchase, and beginning the long wait for delivery. I worked myself up over it before anything bad happened. Luckily, none of that occurred. So now I am again safely and legitimately in possession of the book and I am pleased.

I'm astonished to see it is now 2:30 AM in my world. Nite all. And so to bed with me.

Harriet

GINGER: Thanks for the page number. I must have the same copy of the book you do because that is where I found it. How could I have forgotten?

HARRIET: There have been times I have done the same thing you did. Start on an errand and make up stories in my head about what will happen and have everything go just fine. I am told I am doing "what if's." Glad you got your book.

This group has been a lot of fun. I wonder how much of it is because this time GINGER suggested we discuss the book by chapters. We hadn't done that before. The mix of participants is a bit different also. And I had better not forget that this book has a lot to discuss and kept us all enthralled.

Marjorie

A couple of things about Chapter 6 for your reflection.

I liked the very clear way the author introduced Michael's relationship to Bridey as Michael rides back to his farm after meeting Eve for the first time. There is also a very clear description of how Bridey looks at the world around her. Michael is presented as a very caring person and not at all like the image Eve has in her mind because of what she previously read about him.

Then Dennis Moran is introduced as a sympathetic character because he picked Eve up and gave her a ride. Eve gets a good look at the Irish countryside and likes what she sees and then gets out of the car to look around when Dennis stops to "take care of some business."

Each person's point of view is very clear to us when Eve goes over to investigate the argument between Dennis and Michael over Rory. Eve misunderstands the situation and feels she must take some action to "help" Rory.

I like the way the author has both Eve and Michael imagining what someone would be saying to them about the situation they are in. Michael has Bridey in his head and Eve has her friend Steff in her head.

Marjorie

As soon as NORTHERN JOAN and SHIRLEY T vote on the next selection, or tell us they do not plan to vote, I will let you know the name of the next book. Since we are only on Chapter 6 now, that should give everyone plenty of time to locate a copy of the new book.

Marjorie....I posted my choices the other day. Do I need to e-mail you?

Northern Joan

Chapter 6

Hi, everyone.

Hard to add anything to that perceptive summary of Chapter 6, Marjorie. I'll content myself with a few "frills". Michael's protectiveness for Bridey is clarified as we learn that he intervened to protect her interests several times---each time when unscrupulous interests tried to wrest Kilrain from her. Bridey attributes her happy endings to "fate" and even considers her "Michael-my-heart" a gift from fate.

The opportunity for more interaction, both positive and negative, is set up between Eve and Michael when Eve is invited to take her meals at Glenammura with Michael and Sean. Eve's understanding of what is happening between Michael, Rory and Dennis Moran is completely twisted by her past experiences of losing her daughter, Victoria at the hands of Chad, the cad.

But Bridey considers Eve to be another gift from fate. How will the lives of the two "gifts of fate" intertwine?

Harriet

Hi Marjorie, I don't quite understand what you want me to do. Do you have some books picked out or should I tell you what I'm reading? I'll be glad to do it either way. Shirley T.

SHIRLEY: We are selecting the next book from a list. "Click HERE to vote on books for future Romance discussions." I stole this from up above just below the heading. You can either post your selections here or email me. There is a clickable where the table is.

NORTHERN JOAN: Sorry that I missed your posting. I found the list of what is in your library and what you would like to read and have included it with what I already have.

HARRIET: Good additions to what I wrote.

Marjorie

I have not read other books by our author, but she definitely understands how to use Fate as a major story line in this one. She must have had some practice some place. Every word seems to fit the plan.

Chapter 6 seems to be one of those to set the stage for the troubles ahead, to move the story along, and introduce us to a few more of the major characters.

There doesn't seem to be a lot more for me to say than you all have already pointed out. I am just far enough into the story that I'm almost afraid to turn the page for fear of what Fate has done to the people I want to win in the end and how she has allowed the cads to succeed. Michael and Rory and Eve plan for good and Fate puts stumbling blocks in the road. It seems like more than they deserve.

I do like the set up at Glenammura Farms. There is such a place about 30 miles from me here in Kansas, and my granddaughter (She has CP.) used to go to one in Texas.

Wynona

Hi Marjorie

You sure have had a great discussion on Fly Away Home, I have been lurking some since I read it a long time ago. So many wonderful posts.

I just started Luanne Rice's new book Follow The Stars Home, it starts so good that I hate to pick it up again because it looks like an allnighter.hehe

Wynona: I'm sorry to hear about the CP. How is your granddaughter doing? Does she live near enough for you to see her much? How old is she?

Thank you for sharing.

Harriet

WYNONA: How far have you read? I am glad there is a place like Glenammura Farm near enough for your granddaughter to use. Sad that she needed it. I feel good inside knowing that there really are people that care enough about others to get such a place going.

JUDY: Glad to see you post. I got your vote. At this point I have a tie between two books. SHIRLEY hasn't voted yet. Maybe she will be the tie breaker. I would rather not have to do that. I put a list together of books I think I will like anyway.

Hi HARRIET.

Marjorie

Judy, It is about time you posted, Please keep posting so we know you are here with us and interested. Good to see you here. Love, Ginger

Wynona, We have a place in my small town like Glenammura Farm. I am so glad that your grandaughter has a place like this to go to as it does do wonders.

I have nothing to add to the posts about Chapter # 6 and am glad that I do not.

ginger

"CEAD MIL FAILTE"

means a hundred thousand welcomes in Ireland

so where are you our friends

Who are obseving.

Please post and enjoy. We would like to talk to you. Slante, Ginger

It seems that Chapter 7 is as jam packed as Chapter 6. The plot moves ahead and more background is revealed. Who wants to take a minute to talk about what happens in Chapter 7?

GINGER: Why are you "glad that I do not" (have anything to add to Chapter 6)?

Happy weekend everyone.

Marjorie

Marjorie, I doe know, maybe because foot still in mouth from chaper # 4

But I meant me, not you.

Ginger

I have SHIRLEY's vote now. Our next book will be Crazy for You by Jennifer Crusie and the one after that will be High Tide by Jude Devereaux. I don't think we will start the new book until at least the middle of February at the rate we are going now. That should give people time to get a copy of the next book. It will definitely give me time to get a discussion ready.

Oh Ginger, please don't be embarrassed. I thought the whole incident "lit up" our discussion, and I bet it was a delightful diversion to the Library group also. It spread fun and humor everywhere. I told the whole thing to my son who enjoyed it greatly also and, to my astonishment, knew just what that phrase meant. He said it was common knowledge when he was in college.

Keep on posting! I'll miss you so if you get shy and hold off on talking to us. Besides, I really admire the delicacy and refinement of the way you passed the information on, Ginger. You did that so carefully and well!

Hi Judy. I looked up the title of your book "Follow the Stars Home" in B&N and read the excerpt that was provided. That looks like a terrific book! Enjoy! I think I'm going to try for it at the library or Used Book store because I was really impressed by the bit I read.

Hi to everyone.

Harriet

OH Harriet, Thank you so much for your encouargement. I will be staying on and hope to enjoy the rest of the posts on Fly Away Home and the next two books and you to. Must check out chapter seven again and get the next two books also.

Hi to all.

Ginger

Chapter 7

Michael makes his best plans to save Rory in the upcoming court case, all the while fighting the pull of the attraction he feels for Eve. In his mind, Michael sees a comparison and a kinship between the boy, Rory and the horse, Innisfree. He thinks of both as having potential and great value. However each one has been turned destructive through mistreatment , and he longs to offer a safe, nurturing place to both.

Michael avoids close contact with Eve as much as possible, partly because he doesn't want to concede his growing feelings for her, and partly to avoid her constant arguments about allowing Rory to return to his parents.

However a poorly informed Eve takes matters into her own hands. She decides to "help" Rory herself by providing financial aid to his parents. It will be Rory who pays the penalty for Michael's irritable silence and noncommunication towards Eve.

Harriet

Eve thought she was coming to Ireland to recover from her meeting with Victoria--that she needed time to be alone and heal. Those were are opening chapter impressions.

At the very end of chapter 6, Eve decided that "she needed something entirely different. To fight like hell---" And in chapter 7 that is what she does-- fight--to the best of her ability, even if she is on the wrong side.

Wynona

HARRIET: Good summary. Thanks.

WYNONA: How right you are. I appreciate your finding that connection. It is just another example of how much more I learn about a book when we discuss it here as opposed to my reading it by myself.

Just checking in and loved Harriet and Wynona sumary.

Ginger

Wynona: Sorry that you weren't able to receive our monthly newsletter "Book Bytes" but your server says you refuse mail from my email address.

Thanks, Pat, for letting me know about the block. I don't intend to let it block all the fun. By reading the book with the group, I read and study it several times and learn more and the book will stay in my memory. Sometimes just a read through does not allow my memory to retain a book, and I may find myself reading it again in a few months not realizing that I had read it before until I've read a few pages.

I really enjoy being part of a group that combines their efforts to understand a book and bring in all the new things that not every one has thought about. Everybody has different ideas to relate. That makes it all worthwhile.

Wynona

Hi WYNONA and PAT.

Is everyone ready to go on to Chapter 7 or is there more about Chapter 6?

Just saying hi

Ginger

The conflict between Michael and Eve about Rory comes into sharp focus in this chapter. As I was reading it, I kept trying to tell Eve that she shouldn't interfere -- that she should support Michael. However, Eve didn't hear me and the story went on as the author wrote it anyway. If she hadn't taken the other side, she wouldn't have had to testify at the trial. If she hadn't testified at the trial, Rory wouldn't have run away. If Rory hadn't run away, the action in Chapter 8 couldn't have taken place.

At least early in the chapter Michael recognizes that he is attracted to Eve. Attracted to and annoyed by her at the same time and he eats with her every day. The fact that she has to eat her meals at Glennamura Farms is a great gimmick that allows Eve and Michael to get acquainted. There would hardly be much contact is Kilrain had a working kitchen and Eve liked to cook.

Marjorie, I'm confused. I thought in your post #210, we already had the signal to go ahead with chapter 7. I did some comments on it in my post #215.

By the way. I went to the library today and borrowed Crazy For You.The librarian didn't seem to think there would be many problems about frequent renewals.

Apparently there's a big advantage to discussing a book via computer because there isn't a "run" on a particular book from many local residents, Of course the library would have had to limit the amount of time I could keep the book if a lot of other folks were waiting for it.

I guess I'm set for February.

Harriet

Hi just checking in to see how the discussion is going. Its fun to read other peoples ideas about the same story. Shirley T.

HARRIET: You are right. I am not keeping track the way I should be. No wonder it seemed to me like this chapter was repeating itself. Oh well -- on to Chapter 8. One of the things I particularly liked in Chapter 8 was where Eve was thinking about the rules she had as a child:

"Monsters could only come out between midnight and four in the morning. They couldn't get you if you tunneled under the covers, but if you let an arm or a foot dangle off the edgeof the bed you were monster chow."

This was in response to her concern about Rory hitchhiking and Michael's assurance that he would be safe in Ireland.

Marjorie

Chapter 8

For the first few chapters, I talked about how I loved the whimsical strain of mysticism and humor that ran through the book.

It just occurred to me that the storyline seamlessly slipped into realistically written fiction for the last 2 chapters or so. I think it was done in such an engrossing way that I slid right along with the new trend. The plot is serious now, dealing with human relationships and the anguish of defeated hopes.

Eve and Michael have stopped fighting each other and are tentatively building a fragile bond of trust. They each are beginning to understand the other, and now want to unite to protect Rory.

It looks to me as if their underlying mutual attraction for each other will now have an opportunity to rise front and center. Maybe Irish fate needs some cooperative respect between a man and a woman to provide its magic.

Harriet

HARRIET: I like every one of your comments about the book. They are so insightful.

It seems when I was talking about what Eve was thinking in the car on the way to find Rory I was already talking about Chapter 9. So any other comments about any of the chapters through 9.

I have a discussion ready for Crazy for You.

This is NOT to stop the discussion of this book. Just a place to go and talk about getting your copy of the new book if you wish. I anticipate that we will start the new discussion around Feb. 15.

Marjorie

Monsters in the Night

Before I retired from teaching I loved reading the "Frances" series of stories to my first graders. Senior moment---I can't remember the author and the only specific title I remember is "Bread and Jam for Frances". However the books were about an endearing fuzzy little animal named Frances who behaved in every way like a mischievous little girl.

One of the many books in that series described how Frances went to bed one night, had trouble falling asleep right away, and became frightened of things she thought she saw in the dark. Whenever I read it to my class it always provoked a discussion with a flood of recollections from my six year olds. They confided the things that they worried about in the dark, and how they tried to face those fears. ("I hid under the blankets." or "I ran to mommy." or "I put on the lights.")

I always felt more tender and more connected to the children as I listened to their stories. After all, when you are so small and feel something scary is in the room, it's very brave to expose yourself by getting out of bed or reaching out a hand to turn on a lamp. What gallantry! I think it also made the children feel more connected to each other as they learned that other children besides themselves could sometimes feel uncertain or afraid.

Maybe everyone, child or adult, including myself of course, faces some monsters in the night. But, as an adult, there is a comfort for me in talking to others, so I'm really glad to have an opportunity to feel "connected" to all of you that I meet in these discussions. I really enjoy it when we talk and share ideas. Senior Net is such a nice vehicle for communication.

Hey, all you guys! It's nice to take part in discussions with you.

Harriet

I am still here and you are doing so well. I enjoyed all of the book. Talk later.

Ginger

HARRIET: Thanks for sharing that story of your first graders. I just found another place where Eve is identifying with Rory. In Chapter 10 when she is watching Michael with Rory in the stall while she is in the loft, she hears Rory brag that no one can catch him and realizes:

Bravado, pure and simple. Eve had used it to shield herself once a long time ago. But she hadn't forgotten how small and scared and alone she'd felt inside where no one else could see.

That sounds like something we have all done sometime. I think all of these things helped Eve make up her mind to aide Rory and give him a home.

Hi GINGER.

Marjorie

Harriet, I am also a retired primary grades teacher (although I've taught every grade except 8 and 9) who enjoyed the Frances stories. When I have a little time, I'll go look in my barn and see if I can't come up with the author. I've kept lots of the books I bought to use in the classroom. I read them to my visiting grandchildren.

I have really enjoyed this discussion, Marjorie and all you romance reading fans. I think we've had more comments this time than for any other book since I started looking in here. I'm sorry I haven't found a used copy of the book yet, but when I do, I'll comment, even if it has to go to the Archives (if that's possible).

I'm on the lookout for the Crusie's Crazy for You. I hope I can find it by the 15th. BTW, I've already subscribed on the new page, Marjorie. Sue

Hi to all.

Sue, It has been a good discussion, hasn't it. I enjoyed it all and the people posting also.

Hi Marjorie backatcha.

Ginger

Sue: Of course---Bedtime for Frances. How could I have forgotten? Thank you.

I am thinking of you and your husband.

Harriet

I was wondering about the scene in the stable when Eve volunteers to have Rory stay with her at the castle. I remembered her sitting up in the loft making the offer and then the next thing I knew Michael was steering her out of the stall. Somehow that didn't seem right. I thought she was still in the loft. I just reread the section before it very carefully and I guess what happened is he steered her down from the loft and out the stall door so that she wouldn't have to go near Innisfree. Does anyone read that section differently?

I don't see any place in that scene where Eve is described as climbing down from the loft either, Marjorie. As she reveals her presence in the loft to Rory, Eve sits up, and that's the best we get. But, as she talks to Rory and Michael, I have to assume that she begins to climb down to the stable because she certainly couldn't be very persuasive shouting to the two of them from the loft above. (I only make assumptions like that for a book I enjoy.)

"I don't give a damn about you. Why should I?" Rory snarls at Michael. Eve can sense the pain that the boy's angry, rejecting words cause Michael. He cared for Rory as she loved Victoria. To be rejected by a child you loved--nothing could cut deeper.

Michael and Rory are having their showdown and here is a situation that Eve can empathize with and understand. Moreover she feels she played a key role in creating Rory's current problems. Her solution, or maybe her penance, is to offer the boy shelter at Kilrain.

So Eve, who was entirely obedient to the court order that separated her from Victoria for so many years in America, is now ready to defy the Irish courts in order to protect Rory and support Michael.

Foolishness? Invitation to legal problems for herself? Or LOVE?

Harriet

HARRIET: I think the word "penance" best describes Eve's invitation to Rory to stay with her at Kilrain. That and a need to keep another child from being bitter like Victoria. She has a sense that she was not strong enough when her daughter was little and needs to change her behavior. The situation seems to be exactly right for her to show she can be strong. In this case her caring is recognized and not vilified. Will she be able to behave in a way that is recognized as caring if/when she sees Victoria again? This gives her an opportunity to be different without directly affecting Victoria.

MARJORIE: What a good point you make! Eve has an opportunity to replay her behavior with another young person in trouble, and this time Michael understands that she cares about Rory. Even Rory is appreciative and willing to come to Kilrain. Eve must have wished so much that her own beloved daughter, Victoria, would have understood how much her mother really loved her.

Both you and WYNONA bring up the point that Eve is, in a sense reborn, and is now willing to fight for her beliefs.

Harriet

GINGER: How are you doing? Is your neck better?

Harriet

Harriet, I am doing fine and enjoying all the imput On our book and Thanks for asking. I am just traveling around Senior Net to take a break.

Ginger

I think our author put a lot of meaning for us to catch in this chapter. And then she has left some things to our imaginations. Wouldn't it be great to see a picture of that barn. There seem to be all kinds of ledges in there. Michael sets Eve up on another ledge in the tack room. Those ledges seem to give Eve a reason to learn to trust Michael. He keeps her from falling off the first ledge while they are waiting for Rory, and he puts her up on the second one to help her feel safe from Innisfree or anything else that might come too close. Eve seems to be afraid of life almost--children, horses, cars, and men.

I agree that Eve needs to help Rory because she feels a failure with Tori. (Do you suppose it is just coincidence that the names of those two young people rhyme?)

I think Eve recognized a kindred feeling in Rory. (p. 150) Rory said. "There's no place for me. I should have figured that out a long time ago." Then "Eve peered down over the ledge, hating the pain in the boy's eyes, understanding it completely, down in the very marrow of her bones. Oh, God, she remembered it all--believing everyone else fit somewhere, except her, and that she never would." She had to do something since she felt it was too late with Tori, maybe she could do something (even if she is afraid) for Rory.

Wynona

Wow WYNONA. You sure are right. I entirely missed the rhyme in the names Rory and Tori. Also about the ledges. Thanks for mentioning those things. I do think this entire book is full of meaning. I will have to get some more of her books.

Has anyone read any other books by Kimberly Cates? Any ones you liked or didn't like? This author certainly writes in a way that makes very clear what the characters' reactions are to every situation they find themselves in.

Hi HARRIET and GINGER.

Marjorie

Wynona, What insite you have on what Kimberly Cates is meaning.

Harriet, I sure enjoy Kimberly Cates writing.

Marjorie, I have never read any of Cates's books but I sure like her style and hope someone comes in to tell us of another of her books that is good.

To all of you I have enjoyed your posts.

Ginger

Hi Everyone, please excuse my brief interruption of your discussion but want to let you know something that I think Marjorie is probably too hesistent to say. She has made a number of Romance Novels available for our Book Exchange. Just click on the Book Exchange link and you will see the listing at the bottom of the table in the heading.

Larry

Chapter 11 brings us back to Victoria and her reaction to being in Ireland at a riding school. She is certainly uncomfortable with all of the people around her because she lived her whole life alone and is sure that no one will want her. It took until Chapter 11 to find the reference to the stuffed animal that was mentioned in Chapter 1. I was encourage to find that Victoria still has it.

Our author is one of the most clever or careful in the usage of words that I have read in a long time. She puts words throughout her story to establish a feeling or a theme or a meaning that seems hidden if you don't follow carefully.

Marjorie is looking at the same thing with the toy horse Fly.

I think that our author used the words Fly and home-- even the word away--carefully inserted throughout the story to develop her title and meaning of the story. I've been trying to track the use of these words in the story, and I know I'm not catching all of them.

Eve and Tori and Rori and Innisfree do not have homes. Michael seems to be the only one to have a since of home. Everyone else is "flying" away from the place called home and to someplace they have not yet found for the love and security they need.

Bit by bit those hints are dropped in--and Kimberly makes us feel this as we read.

As I read, the further I got into the story the more hestitant I became to turn the page for fear what bad things fate was laying on these people. And then I cried my way through two of the last chapters. I haven't yet decided for what emotion, but it sure was there because of the way the author planted her words.

Wynona

The story is gaining depth and dimension as we move into the middle section of the book. All the characters begin to interrelate and coalesce. Victoria, Rory and Michael blend together in Eve's emotions in a complicated mix of protectiveness, love and fear. Michael finds that thinking of Eve brings up images of Rory and Bridey in his mind as he remembers his own angry youth and the tenderness that Bridey offered him. Both Victoria and Rory share traits of loneliness and vulnerability, much like Eve and Michael feel themselves on a more adult level.

Into this romantic, realistic mix the author again produces the mystical weave of Irish fate and humor. Michael and Bridey have an extraordinary phone conversation in the middle of the night in Chapter 13. Like so many other parts of the book, their phone conversation resounds with added significance on the second reading.

Bridey urges Michael to protect her "poor wee American houseguest" and to beware lest he, like Bridey herself, grow old loving only castles and ghosts. Michael, weary of arguing with Bridey over her talk of ghosts like "his lordship" listens to her patiently and lovingly.

Victoria also emerges in a more three dimensional way. As a child, she had named her toy horse Fly because of her conviction that riding a horse was like flying with the wind. Now she is looking for the one real horse that is her destiny; the one that will "teach her to fly."

All of these people are now ready to react to each other.

Harriet

.

Harriet, The way you capture each chapter is beautiful.

Ginger

Ginger:

It's good to hear from you. Hope all is well with you.

Hi Marjorie and Wynona.

Harriet

Thank you, thank you, thank you WYNONA and HARRIET. You are both so insightful. Wonderful thoughts about this book.

WYNONA: I would never have thought to look for the words in the title if you hadn't mentioned it. Wonderful!

HARRIET: I am glad that we have reached the part of the book where the main characters get to interact with each other. The backgrounds of each has been established and the story can move forward. I thought the scene between Eve and Michael in Chapter 12 was touching.

Hi GINGER. I hope everyone has a good evening. Talk to you all tomorrow.

Marjorie

This is the link for Crazy for You for when you are ready to go there. I have my book.

This discussion is not finished yet so please don't run away.

At this point I have the next discussion listed as starting on Feb. 15. That is only 6 days away. Do you think we will be finished with Fly Away Home then or should I set the start of the next discussion after that? There are still a lot of chapters and many events left in Fly Away Home. I will follow the consensus here. I guess another option is to have them overlap a little.

At the end of Chapter 13 we get a good picture of what Chad is like as a father. Not a father I would want that's for sure. Victoria's self-esteem is pretty low because she isn't perfect as her father expects her to be. She doesn't find the house that will make her "fly" and doesn't want to be pushed into a decision. I was please that Mr. Butler, the trainer, provided her with an out so that she didn't have to decide on the spot about a horse as her father wanted her to. Now she has to deal with jealous kids because she was asked to ride Puck.

Marjorie, I think we could do a sumary of the book totally and move on. For me with the people who were taking part in this It could have gone on for a while so we shall see what happens with Crazy For You. I do not have my book yet but will shortly see if I can get it.

Thank You so much for bringing in Fly Away Home for us to enjoy as I did enjoy it so much.

Ginger

Thanks for your suggestion GINGER. Anyone else?

Marjorie, You are Welcome.

Ginger

I think I would enjoy the freedom to skip around a bit in the book, Marjorie. I'm interested in any other opinions also.

Harriet

HARRIET: Skip away. Nothing is set in stone and I appologize if it seems that way. I usually don't deal with books the way we did this time. It was just a trial.

I am going to have to get some more books by Kimberly Cates and see if I like them as well as I like this one. I sure like the way she uses words to present things. I feel like I can get inside her characters.

Marjorie

I was asked to mention the book Rose Daughter by Robin McKinley that is now in Upcoming. It is listed as sci-fi. The description compares it to the fairy tale Beauty and the Beast. Just in case anyone here is interested.

Marjorie, I definitely agree with you that our author has a way with words. I have never read any other of her books, but I understand that they were historicals, and I've been more interested in other areas for several years.

Many authors use the words of the title maybe once in their books. In this book the words are used so often, I kept looking for them as I read along and marking them for further reference. (In all the literature courses I took in college, the professors asked, "What does the title mean?" That is why I do such a thing. In this book I was really intrigued.)

Another technique that our author uses is comparison and contrast--the three horses races, Rory and Tori, Eve and Bridey, Michael and the other men in the story.

And the ability to build suspense!! The further I read, the more involved I became. This book was definitely an excellent choice.

Wynona

I agree with you Marjorie, about the touching conversation between Eve and Michael in chapter 12. Eve confides in Michael and receives, in return, tenderness and compassion. She reacts with terror because she fears making herself vulnerable to the pain that caring about Michael might produce. "Dreams have sharp edges. Eve had cut herself too many times to risk it again."

Not far away, Victoria also pursues her dreams in chapter 13. She hopes to find "destiny and magic...that indefinable connection between horse and rider that made champions...the horse that can teach her to fly." But she suffers from the jealousy and competitive hostility of the local kids. They will never know how lonely, alienated and motherless she feels in their midst. For Tori, just as for Eve, "dreams have sharp edges." She has stumbled on her hopes through childhood and knows the pain of them.

At Kilrain in chapter 16, Rory continues to lavish love and care on Innisfree. He finds "the indefinable connection" with his horse that lends grace to both of them and leads to the possibility of a more productive future for each. He longs for "his" horse to win the Glengarry race. Then Michael brings him back to reality.

"Glengarry. Lad, it's impossible. There's no way you can ride there." Public exposure would mean a legally enforced return to his parents, and legal problems for Eve. "Dreams have sharp edges." Rory has certainly cut himself too many times to not understand the truth of it.

Harriet

Today I was rereading the part where Eve tells Rory about Victoria and then goes in the house and starts writing letters to Victoria. I found again a place where the author mentions something in passing and it isn't referred to until much later in the book. This time is had to do with the stack of letters Eve is writing.

Eve added the letter to the pile, hoping that when she came back, they might actually be the way she left them instead of having pages out of kilter the way they had been when she'd first sat down this morning.

At this point Eve blames a ghost or the wind and much later in the book we find that Rory has looked at the letters. The real question is did Rory look at the letters before Eve found them mussed or only after Eve told Rory she was writing the letters which happened later. Was it indeed a ghost that mussed them?

I found myself thinking a lot about how I have lived my life. Today I am more aware and do my best to change lifetime habits. What I remember doing so often is encouraging people to do something because someone else wants them to rather than doing what I I wanted or explaining how I felt about something. It seems to me that Eve lived many, many years doing what she felt would allow her to be with Victoria again. She wasn't living her life the way she wanted to at all. Now at Kilrain she is beginning to try to find out what she wants and how she needs to live.

I can't take credit for selecting this book. I put it on a list and it had more votes than others. I am definitely glad that that is what happened. It has touched me very deeply.

Marjorie

Marjorie, This book has touched me deeply also.

Ginger

I think it's really hard to get in touch with our own inner selves, Marjorie. For some reason women in particular often bend over backward to adapt to others...even against their own best interests. I wonder if this might not be a common female pattern, maybe related to our own expectations that women are the family caretakers and nurturers.

I remember once, in a time of personal crisis, I tried to think of a treat that I could give to myself...an emotional band aid of sorts to help me through a bad time. I was genuinely surprised to discover that I wasn't sure enough of my own preferences to select a treat.

I could have easily told anyone what would give pleasure to each other member of my family, but I couldn't figure out what I, myself wanted. That really made me think, and, for me, it was the beginning of trying to include myself among the people I wanted to be kind to.

Sounds like you are referring to a similar epiphany, Marjorie, and I wish us both well in our progress. It's nice to be able to decide what will give us happiness and then go after it.

Harriet

I love the line of conjecture that a ghost might have ruffled Eve's letters. As she sits in an ancient castle in Ireland with history all around her, who knows what magic resides in the walls and turrets?

Hi Ginger.

Harriet

I think I believe in ghosts--at least for this book--if you believe in Bridey, you do.

When Eve met Fingall at the castle at the airport, she thought that Fingall "looked like he'd feel more at home in one of those portraits of fierce chieftains...." (p. 39).

If we had read some of the works of our author before, maybe we would have known how cleverly she lays those hints about what is to come....Eve did find Fingall in a portrait (p. 428).

Wynona

I have my book, Crazy for Love.

Harriet, I believe in a ghost of a type such as feeling close to lost love ones, I just know they here. But then I Irish,

Hi Wynona Well said.

Marjorie, You do fine work leading a discussion.

Ginger

Hi HARRIET, WYNONA, and GINGER.

I was delighted with the way Eve was asked to take pictures when Innisfree was going to race so that Rory would have pictures. It allowed Eve to be where Victoria is and it allowed Rory to sneak in to watch because Eve wasn't watching him at the castle. Using the video camera also allowed Eve to describe the race track and training as a novice so that I was able to get a view that I wouldn't have otherwise. I think I went to the races one time many, many years ago. I know next to nothing about horses and racing. Eve probably knows more than I do because she has been keeping a scrapbook.

GINGER: Do you have the next book?

Marjorie

Hey, Everybody! I've been lurking right along and wish I could have been reading along with you. Your comments have really been intriguing.

When we were in Ireland in 1999, we spent the day at the races at Curraugh. It was freezing cold and Bob and I were wearing lots of layers plus warm hats and gloves. Many beautiful Irish ladies were coatless in colorful dresses and wearing gorgeous picture hats. I had tried some on in a Department store in Dublin and there was not one there for less than $150 U.S. dollars! The horses run in the opposite direction to that in the U.S., clockwise over there, counter clockwise here. The track was a grassy one, not dirt like here. There were many bookmakers in stands down by the rails and people were betting like crazy. There was also a glass enclosed bar where we had a glass of Murphy's stout which we preferred to Guinness. During the race, I heard lots of yelling and cheering from this glass enclosed bar. It was full of men who were watching a soccer match in another country, but an Irish team was playing. I got a terrific picture of them cheering when the Irish team scored. These men had taken a break from the races.

We stayed in the grandstand for most races, but went down by the rail for a couple. What a thrill when the horses thundered by. The horses were magnificent. You could go to a ring before the race to look at the horses and jockeys so you could see who you wanted to bet on. Up close, the horses were unbelievably beautiful.

While we are at the rail, an Irish gentleman started talking to us "Yanks". He wanted to know if we had Irish roots, I guess lots of Americans who visit there do. When I told him my mother was a Carney, he called his wife over. Her mother was also a Carney, from County Mayo. We have not been able to pinpoint our Carney ancestors place of origin. My sixth great grandfather was born in Virginia, which later became West Virginia, in the early 1700s. We have not been able to trace farther back than that. Sue

Hi SUE. Thanks for sharing the story of your trip to the races in Ireland.

Sue, Ah yes I could never stand the heat when I was a youngester but as age has setteled in need more clothing, but I am still Irish

The fact that the horses run clockwise and that the track was of a green grass over there interest me because I never knew that. I have loved horses and delivered the newspaper on horse back in the late 40ies. My horse would bow etc. we won the trail in competion here in our state, he was a beautiful paint. I love the horse racing state side but have not been for a long time and expect no to go again, but I love the smell of the horse, Manure and all. Give me horse or cow manure any time to that of Chickens.

Murphys Stout I have never tasted or Guinness but do like a good beer, if this is what you are talking about. I have bought some Jameson Irish Whiskey a product of Ireland to be had when I die also have a bottle of Jim Beam my Mother's favorite so they remember her also. But my favorite is Bailey's Irish Cream that some SN friends introduced me to last year.

Ah Sue ,to smell the green grass of home even on the turf.

My Grandmother's name was Hynes from County Cork so they may not have been on SPEAKING TERMS then but this is now and I so enjoyed your post,To me you are very special, good to hear from you again. Thank You so much.

Ginger

Marjorie, I do not have Crazy for you at this time as you know my plate is full but w ill try to get it and be here with ALL of you.

Ginger

Sue: Reading your post was like taking a mini-vacation in Ireland. I enjoyed it so very much. Thanks.

To my Irish friend Ginger: If you believe, then I wish you the loving aura of lost dear ones always near to protect you. Yesterday I browsed the pictures of the SN trip to England. All the photos of you made me feel as if I really know you, Ginger. Yum! Bailey's Irish Cream.

Wynona: I loved the second reading more than the first because of all the supernatural themes quietly inserted in the book. Wasn't it fun?

Marjorie and everyone: By the end of the book I lost track of the actual time period that Eve had been in Ireland. So much happened, and I became so strongly wrapped up in the people and events. It was as if a year or more had passed, and in that time Eve and Michael fell in love, Eve and Tori finally made a start at knowing each other, and Rory began to grow up. Yet Bridey was still in the hospital during all this, so maybe the real time interval could be measured in weeks.

And his Lordship! Bridey had such a thing going on with that cheeky, arrogant, ephemeral OLDER man. It was really fun to submerge myself in the mysticism of the book.

Harriet

HARRIET: You are so right. Many, many things happened in the book in what was probably a short time. I hadn't thought much about that except when Eve would muse on how much longer she would be staying. She expected to leave when Bridey came home from the hospital. I think she finally found her home. She hardly ever had a home before. Her parents didn't know how to make a home for her and her daughter was taken away from her so young. I was delighted that she was able to let in and return Michael's love.

Time was hard to tell in this story. We had no familiar signals given--no months or holidays or seasons. Little was said to give us a clear passage of time.

Tori's graduation was one hint for the time of year. Then Eve had been in Ireland three weeks when Rory was in court to be returned to his parents. At that time Rory remarked that he would be eighteen in ten months. Some where I got the idea that two months passed between the trial and the race at Glengarry. Then in a very short period of time, Eve brought Innisfree home and Bridey died and Michael and Eve married and Eve learned to ride Innisfree.

And by the end of the story, the ten months have passed and Rory is back.

Harriet, I agree with you. I did indeed become wrapped up in the book and time slipped by. Time passing didn't really seem to be an important factor to the author. "Fly Away Home" was an excellent choice to read.

Thank you, Marjorie, for the opportunity to be part of this group.

Wynona

WYNONA: I appreciate what you do when you go back and research something. Thank you for your analysis of the time. I finished rereading Fly Away Home last night. When I finished I thought things were compressed because I had thought Eve was taking a short vacation so that no more than a month had passed before the race. I didn't realize that it was three weeks Eve was there before Rory's trial. Wow!

I was rereading it slowly so that I could savor the story. I was struck by this at the end of the book: (Eve is talking to Michael)

"Remember when you asked me to marry you? You said we would have troubles? Make mistakes?"

"Why think about that today?"

"Because today is perfect. And I just realized something strange. It was all the mistakes that led us here...."

That is so true. I have always thought of how life changes because of the choices that are made along the way. When a "mistake" is made, choices are forced on us. Each thing we do changes the way we live just a little.

This book was a wonderful choice that I might not have selected without the votes of the participants in this discussion. I would have missed something really great.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Marjorie

If reading in preparation for a discussion,I have a tendency to mark my book heavily as I read, and it takes me longer to "read" when I work my book that way. I had marked the "three weeks" (p. 98) in the first read through. I try to study characters. time and place, title hints, themes, plot, words that I don't know, etc. I like to "talk" about books. Thanks for letting me be a part of this group and don't let me talk too much.

Wynona