Welcome everyone to our nice new home. Pull up a chair, get your book, and lets chat.

Marjorie

Hi Marjorie! Our new home is very pretty. You've done a great job. I've subscribed, so I'm ready now. Sue

Aha! I've found you girls. I've got my copy and I'm heading to be shortly to begin.

Hi ALF. Nice to have you. Glad you have your book. I have read it once but it was several months ago. I have to read it again to get the story straight in my mind.

Marjorie

Have my copy but won't start reading it until the night of the fourteenth. If I start any sooner I will have no idea what everyone is talking about heheh

JUDY: I am starting to read it slowly now. I read it a few months ago. Now I am reading maybe one or two chapters a day. I don't want to leave it till the last minute since I am the Discussion Leader. I "should" know the story.

Marjorie

Couldn't sleep last night and started it. I have something to say. When is the15th hehe

Library called last night that the book was in...so I walked down and picked it up. Started reading it too....think it will be good.

Northern Joan

I could not believe that the story ENDED 2/3 of the way thru the book. There are 3 other stories after "The Invitation." Is everybody's book like that? I finished it and liked it --- in one work it was "hot". Looking forward to your discussion.

ALF: My book is just The Invitation not anything else.

JUDY and JOAN: Glad to see your posts. Let me see ... The 15th looks like Saturday. On the last book, people started talking about it before the start date. The discussion has already been announced in New Discussions. I don't want to encourage that, but I like seeing posts here and won't discourage it either.

I am enjoying the story again. I haven't read much. I am being distracted by the roofers who are banging away overhead. Supposedly they will be finished today. That was the original plan anyway.

Marjorie

I just posted in Jewels - I was able to get Tears on The Moon today- in paperback. I'm going to look for The Invitation tomorrow. Hope I can get it, so I won't be behind in the discussion. I'm trying to finish another novel I started. It's a murder mystery and the trial has started. I can usually figure out "who done it", but this one has me stumped. Bye now. Ruth

This is weird....I came to this site using the clickable in the Jewels discussion and I am automatically subscribed. I went to subscribe and couldn't find the subscribe button so checked my preferences and voila...this discussion was there.

Northern Joan

Hi JOAN and Ruth. Strange goings-on, JOAN.

Yeah ! Joan and Ruth. The more the merrier, correct Marjorie? I still can't get over those other stories in this book. I hope that the invitation was in its entirity.

Hi -- went to Wal-Mart. No "The Invitation". There were 4 others of hers, so I may have to just listen in also. Except it may drive me crazy not knowing what anyone is talking about. Also, W.M. had Tears on the Moon, and a lot less than what I paid at the Mall. That's my luck>>>>> Bye,

I would suggest that anyone looking for this book would go to their used book store, mine had 6 copies.

Next time I crash a small plane I will fully expect a good looking man parked there waiting for me with a picnic basket and blanket as I get out with only a small bump on my head. hehehe

What a nice discussion going on here. Hi to ALF, RUTH, and JUDY. Good to see you all.

I got my copy of "The Invitation" from eBay. I buy lots of books there. I don't know if anyone is interested in trying an auction. Yahoo! also has a book auction. You have to find a book you want, win the auction, then have it sent to you. It takes a little time that way. Now they have a way of paying by credit card and a book can be sent Priority. I don't know if there is a copy for auction right now though. Sometimes I get a book for $4.00 including book rate shipping. (book rate is slower)

Marjorie

Used book store 50 cents. hehe

I am really bumbed. Its three short stories not one entire book. Finished Invitation and started the second one. I like novels not short stories. But it was good while it lasted.

Judy

JUDY: The paperback copy I have of "The Invitation" is 376 pages. Is the copy you have that many pages?

My paperback is 376 pages too, but only 176 of them are The Invitation. Better check yours Marjorie! The cover gives no indication that there are two other stories in there.

Northern Joan

and the invitation is 176 pages, just like Joan says. There are 2 additional stories in my book, too. I think I'd classify The Invitation as a novella rather than a short story, though. The other 2 are shorter with characters who are related to some of Devereaux's main characters in some of her other books. Sue

Well, thank you everybody. I did check and I am sorry that I didn't realize before we voted on this book that there is more than one story in the book. I was reading this morning and getting close to what felt like the climax for "The Invitation" and wondered what the two characters would be doing because there were so many pages left. I guess we know now. Does anyone want to read and talk about the other stories too? Do we need another book?

Marjorie

Toi me romance books are pretty hard to discuss, but I would like to recommend for some time Barbara Delinsky's book Lake News. There are many subjects to discuss in this story including Mother Daughter relationships and what the media can do to a person that is totally wrong and not true.

Joan after talking with you in Chicago about the kind of books you read I think you and I are pretty much on the same page and I am sure you would enjoy this book wheather we read it or not.

Let's just discuss The Invitation for now. Probably won't be a big discussion as the book is short. I, however am no where's near finished....keep falling asleep reading! I think it might be better to choose another book....the stories are so short I feel they won't generate much discussion.

I'm thinking maybe the reason some of our libraries didn't have this book is because of the nature of the book. They didn't even let you know the whole thing wasn't the same book. Dumb.

Judy ....thanks...I haven't read Delinsky either and know that a lot of people like her. I will put it on my list whether we read it in here or not.

Northern Joan

and I haven't read Lake News. How new is it? Sometimes my library doesn't get the newer books right away. Sue

It is copyright 1999 and first paper back May of 2000.

As usual I found it in my used book store. It was like bran new. I guess I am unusually lucky to have such a great used book store in my town. Aalso another new one just opened up last week. I am trying to talk them into getting computers so when I go down to look for books and can't remember the names and authors I can look them up. A list would be good if I could remember the list before I left home. hehe

I haven't finished either NORTHERN JOAN.

When I started to reread "The Invitation," I remembered a confusion I had for the way the story was going. How far have people gotten? I was certainly happy with the rescue. Both William and Jackie were people I liked and since they were both happy, so was I. I have enough tension around me, so I like happy people. Especially when there seems to be a good reason for them to be happy.

Then I got to where she met William when he got back from the planes and was upset at her reaction to him. I won't go on until I know you have all reached this point in your reading.

Marjorie

I am over half done with the book as I would guess most people are....so I would guess the discussion could begin.

Northern Joan

Did anyone else have a puzzled response at Jackie's reaction to William's identity?

I find it a bit far fetched that she didn't make the connection at the crash site. Especially since he told her she "had met" him before. And is William such a stretch from Billy? Suppose you have to have something to give the story intrigue.

What do you think of the fuss she is making about the age difference?

Northern Joan

NORTHERN JOAN: That is what got to me. Hard to make that believable when she doesn't mind breaking all kinds of other rules about living and left home as soon as she could. I was very, very impatient with her for making such a fuss about his age.

Marjorie

I suppose it is that old baby sitter thing that she has in her mind, but she doesn't mind admitting to herself that she finds him attractive.

N.Joan

Oh yes, and wasn't Charlie much older than she? It is OK one way but not the other.....and William isn't that much older.

N Joan

NORTHERN JOAN: Just finished reading "The Invitation." In answer to your question, yes, Charlie was much older. He was like a father figure to her.

Marjorie

I personally found it very sensitive. I don't usually read "romance novels" because they are so unrealistic. Oh well, off to fairy-tale land once in awhile is good. It's not good to be a realist. Jackie wanted what we all wish for- roots! She was tired of moving all around & being the "celebrity." She finally realizes that all of life is just one big invitation and the important fact is WHICH one one chooses to accept! Pretty deep huh?

Now you gals make me wish I'd gone to the used book store this morning instead spending my time cleaning. If I do get there next week, I'll look for the book and read it. At least I'll know a little bit what it is about. Age is relative I think. I went with a guy once who was 10 years older and we had a good time together. Have fun in your discussions. Talk to you next week.

ALF: That was a very inciteful comment about the meaning of the title of the book. I finally got to that point today near the end of the story. I enjoyed it too.

RUTH: I don't think you will be disappointed if you do find a copy of the book.

There was another book that got two votes the last time we were voting on a book to read. Maybe we should all plan to get it and read it soon since this story is shorter than expected. It is:

Julie Garwood The Secret
(4.5 out of 5 stars) (The description is from the Publisher)


Judith Hampton was as beautiful as she was proud, as purposeful as she was loyal. The dear Scottish friend of her childhood was about to give birth, and Judith had promised to be at her side. But there was another, private reason for the journey from her bleak English home to the Highlands to meet the father she had never known, the Laird Maclean. Nothing prepared her for the sight of the Scottish barbarian who was to escort her into his land...Iain Maitland, Laird of his clan, a man more powerfully compelling than she had ever encountered.

In a spirited clash of wills and customs, Judith reveled in the melting bliss of Iain's searching kisses, his passionate caresses. Perplexed by her sprightly defiance, bemused by her tender nature, Iain felt his soul growing into the light and warmth of her love. Surely nothing would wrench her from the affection and trust of Iain and his clan...not even the truth about her father, a devastating secret that could shatter the boldest alliance, and the most glorious of loves!

Marjorie

Hi everyone - Are you all so busy reading. No one is posting.....I've been busy doing other things all morning.It's 2:15 EDT, so maybe I have time to run (drive) over to the used book store. Tell me more about the story.....Ruth

RUTH: One of the things that had me talking back to the book is the way Terri was pretending about who she was when she wrote/talked to Jackie. I wanted them to be able to tell each other "real" things rather than fantasies about what their lives were like.

because I was all wrapped up in Nora Robert's trilogy, SeaSwept, Rising Tides, and Inner Harbor. I was about halfway through the second and just wanted to find out what happened next. My library binds paperback trilogies together with a rubber band and checks them out at the same time. It saves them time and problems with finding the sequels for people when they are ready to read them.

In The Invitation, I'm at the part where Jackie walks out of the house and mindlessly falls off the cliff. I think if Devereaux had made Jackie a little younger and/or William a little older, say 35 and 29, there wouldn't be a reason for a plot. I do think Jackie is making "much ado about nothing". Matches between an older woman and a younger man can often be very appropriate--if the age difference is not too great and neither partner is exploiting the other.

I've only read the one part about Terri, but I agree, Marjorie, that Terri's pretense is a big problem. She would be much better off to kick some butts with those self-centered, selfish men who are her husband and sons. I'm wondering if she'll come to her senses by the end of the book. Sue

SUE: I enjoyed that trilogy that you just read. I just sent for "Tears of the Moon." Did anyone think about what I said about reading Julie Garwood's "The Secret" next? I will need to make a heading for it if we decide to do so. I don't want to stop talking about "The Invitaton." I just don't want to lose all you great people by having too much time between different books because I need to get a new heading ready.

Marjorie

Hi Marjorie & all. I'm for the Secret. I'm for any good book. I read that Trilogy by Nora Roberts and loved all three. I have Tears on The Moon - and just started reading it last night. Only was able to finsih about 3 pages before I started nodding, and nodding lying down isn't easy to do..... Three cheers for the library that binds a trilogy together. I am the one who usually starts a trilogy with the second book and can't find the first one. Woe is me. Happy Reading and don't fall asleep. Ruth

RUTH: Good morning. I agree that binding the trilogy together is a nice idea. I haven't used a library in a long time. Might be a nice thing to do and it would sure save on shelf space.

Marjorie

so that's an OK selection with me. I finished The Invitation today. I was glad that Jackie wised up in the end and accepted William for his present traits, not his little boy persona. I didn't think this Deveraux novella was as intriguing as others I've read, but I liked the dialogue between characters. The book about William's mother and father, Sweet Liar I think, was very entertaining. Nellie was not the most beautiful of 2 sisters, but was loved by Jace for her kindness, honesty, and sweetness.

I thought the second story in The Invitation was a hoot! I loved the spunky mystery novelist who was so independent and funny, too. Sue

SUE: I will have to get the book out again and read the second story. Sounds like it is fun. I ordered "The Secret" from eBay so I won't have it right away. That gives us time to talk about this book and me time to get the heading up.

Marjorie

Hi - I'm in agreement about maybe using the library more to save space. The trouble with me, I like to keep my books. I was thinking about getting a tall bookcase to put in the front bedroom. Then I'd have lots of space for books. I read a little more of Tears on the Moon again last night, but not enough to really get into it. A lot of it so far is kinda repetitious of the first one. I think it's going to mostly about Sean & Brenda. She's already shown up and ooggled(sp?) him & he her. That's as far as I read. I'm going to try to stay awake longer tonight.

RUTH: My copy of "Tears of the Moon" arrived today. I may start it at bedtime tonight.

Marjorie: I read for awhile tonight. I think I'm on Chapter 3. I don't know if it's me, but it's kinda slow to get started. We had some thunder & lots of wind so our cable is out. I'm talking about Tears on the Moon. Guess I'm getting sleepy, talk to you all tomorrow.

No one in since I last wrote. We had quite a lot of wind last night. Cable is still out. i'm reading Tears on the Moon - read a little more last nigt. Maybe I'll see you tomorrow????

RUTH: I started "Tears of the Moon" last night and read the first 2 chapters. The weather has been nice here. I am tired tonight. Busy day.

Marjorie

My library has 5 Garwood novels and The Secret is not one of them Are we definitely going to read it? I need to have them put it on inter library loan if we are.

I too felt that Terri should have confided her problems to Jackie. And, of course, I can't understand why you would put up with such louts as her husband and boys. She must have had doormat written all over her! But alas, she never changed.

Northern Joan

NORTHERN JOAN: Please put "The Secret" on Interlibrary loan. I have had three people say they would like the book and have already created a header for it. Do you have a book to suggest for the next time? It doesn't seem like we stay very long on one story. At least not the ones I have been leading.

SUE: I reread the Matchmaker (the second story in "The Invitation") and liked it. I definitely liked the writer better than the woman who organized the trip. For a short story the writer was clearly portrayed.

Marjorie

I certainly agree with you about Terri. What an idiot to put up with rude, hostile behavior for so many years. It just shows that some women would prefer the role of wife, no matter how demeaning her partner makes it. And really, a husband like Terri's should not be considered a partner. It does seem that she should have talked to Jackie about it, but she wanted Jackie to think that she had a normal relationship which was good. At least in the end, she ditched her husband for the the man she thought would be perfect for Jackie.

Marjorie, I think that it's hard to think up comments for these short romance novels. If you say a lot, you tend to give away the plot, and let's face it, we know from page one that the heroine is going to end up with the hero. That's one of the reasons I read them. I like happy endings. Maybe we need to try to talk about character traits as well as plot. However, I'm not very good at analyzing characters or motivation, etc. Maybe some of the other readers can suggest ways to enlarge our discussions. Sue

Hello everyone. I've been busy all day. A funeral this morning. and then just keep on all day. I went to what I call "my junk store" It's a thrift shop. Believe me the books are not in Alpha. order. I managed to find a John Grisham I had not read - A Time to Kill. I think I've read all the others. Also picked up Killing Orders by Sara Paretsky. I've never read her before. I was hoping I'd find the Secret, but didn't have the time to look at every book they had there. I'll keep looking. Bye, Ruth

SUE: Have you read the third story in "The Invitation" yet. I enjoy the "gunslinger" who likes to settle things without shooting and the prim and proper herione who has passion.

I also liked the gunslinger and the spinster. I thought the dialogue was well done and the plot was clever. I think that I enjoy Deveraux's books because she injects humor into almost every romance.

I just finished Hot Six by Janet Evanovich. It was a hoot. Stephanie Plum, the heroine is an inept bounty hunter who gets into all kinds of trouble with her job as well as her romances.

I've read almost everything Sara Paretsky has written, Ruth. Her V.I. Warshevsky is one of my favorite female P. I.'s. I think you'll enjoy her book. Sue

I'm looking forward to the discussion on Garwoods The Secret.I'm rereading The Gift now. She certainly knows how to bring the reader into the story through her insightful development of the characters. Sue: I read Evanovitch's Four To Score recently and laughed and chuckled throughout.Poor Stephanie Plum gets into more scrapes. Marj

Marjorie - How do you like Tears on The Moon so far? I'm still have a hard time getting into it. Jewels of the Sea kept me turning pages - Can't say the same about this. I'll read a little more tonight and see maybe it's just me. Spring Creek: Thanks for the info on Sara Paretsky. Since you said that, I'll probably read that one before the John Grisham. Was another busy day. How's the Invitation coming along? Almost finished. If I ever find it I'll enjoy it, I know. Good night. Ruth

RUTH: I have been reading "Tears of the Moon" at bedtime. It is not a book that I can't put down. It is just what I need right now. I don't want anything right now that requires too much from me. I haven't gotten very far. Maybe only 4 chapters so far. I am anticipating the next book already. Guessing from the story who will be the next couple.

Marjorie

I'm with you. I don't know what's the matter with me, I used to be able to read for at 1/2 hr. or more, but now I hardly get started and i'm nodding. I'm beginnng to like this one a little better. Has the title of the new one been discussed yet? If so I haven't read about it. I think I know who the next couple will be. Happy reading, Ruth

RUTH: The new book will be "The Secret" by Julie Garwood. I did mention is briefly a while back. I have the heading ready and it will go to Coming Attractions soon. The discussion is set to start August 1 although as usual it will be available before that for us to chat about getting the book, etc.

Marjorie

Marjorie: I thought when you were talking about the new book, I thought you meant the 3rd book of Nora Roberts' trilogy. I'm looking forward to the secret. Talk to you all later, Ruth

The new discussion for "The Secret" is now available here:

The Secret

I haven't had time this morning to post there. I don't have a copy of my book yet. I have ordered it and it hasn't yet arrived. Any day now I hope.

Please let me know if anyone has any more comments on "The Invitation". If no one posts in the next two days, this discussion will be archived.

I still don't have Secret yet either. Ordered it last week from inter library loan, but not here yet.

Northern Joan

I found my copy over in the barn. I started it yesterday and finished it this morning on the way to Montgomery. I'll go over to the new place tomorrow and try to make a few comments. We're going out of town on Thursday and won't be back until the 7th, so you won't be hearing much from me until then. Sue

Good morning SUE and NORTHERN JOAN! Have you gone to "The Secret" yet and subscribed there?

Marjorie