Waterfall Wednesdays – Discussion #4

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR CHAPTERS 18-23

This week’s questions hosted by Jenny @ Supernatural Snark

1. Gabi and Lia both face several life and death situations in these chapters, having to pick up weapons in defense of those they love and experiencing first hand the brutality of close combat. If you had the choice between picking up a weapon and standing on the front lines or staying behind to tend to the wounded as necessary, which would you choose?

I would probably tend to the wounded.  I’m not really a good doctor though, but I guess I would rather do that than be on the front lines.

2. Both girls get to wear extraordinary gowns to their victory celebration; what would your dream medieval gown look like?

In just a quick google search, I like this one.  I would need the jewels to match too!   I tried on a few wedding gowns that had SO MUCH fabric attached to them – man were they heavy!! Especially with all the petticoats and such.  Some of them felt like I was dragging a dead weight behind me.

3. Gabi has crude stitches put in and must endure both their removal as well as the cauterization of the wound. How is your threshold for pain? Do you think you would have simply gritted your teeth as Gabi does?

I think I have a pretty high tolerance for pain but I definitely think I would have passed out way before Gabi did.

4. Marcello wants to properly court Gabi after they express mutual feelings of affection, wanting to speak with her mother about his intentions. What do you think is the most romantic aspect of medieval courtship?

I think the most romantic aspect would be the guy writing lots poetry and love letters and thinking of unique things for them to do together.  For me it’s really all about the thought and consideration behind it rather than the thing itself.

5. Gabi and Lia find themselves with conflicting desires toward the end with Lia wanting to return home and Gabi hoping to stay. Do you think that Gabi is being unfair to Lia for wanting to stay, or is Lia being unfair to Gabi for demanding they go? A little of both?

They both have valid points and because they have to stick together, it means that both of them will be sacrificing one way or another.  If they stay, how will it affect the future?  The possible ramifications of time travel boggle my mind!

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Waterfall Wednesdays – Discussion #3

Waterfall Wednesdays-A Read-a-Along Event

 Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren

Week 3 – SEPTEMBER 13

Hosted by Joy & Serena @ edgyinspirationalromance

Discussion Questions for Chapters 12-17

I have finally caught up on the read-along. Not only did a catch up, I FINISHED the book!! (Couldn’t help myself!)  And now I’m almost finished with Cascade!!

1. In Siena, on her way to the ball at Palazzo Pubblico, Gabi likened her experience to being on the red carpet at the Academy Awards, the goal being “to see and be seen.” If you were a peasant, watching from the crowd, what would you be thinking as this procession passed by?

It would probably be much like today – I usually don’t watch the Academy Awards or any of the other awards shows.  I love celebrity gossip just as much as the next person, but not enough to really care about what designer they’re flaunting.

2. Though quite nervous about dancing at the ball, Gabi discovers a strange feeling of connection to the time, the people, and the society through the unified beauty of the dance. Have you ever been in a position where you felt out of your element, but, in one, pinpointed moment, became a part of or connected to something bigger than your fear?

I can’t really think of anything profound right now.

3. The kiss. Oh, the kiss. When Marcello finally kisses Gabi, he believes the experience to be proof that they are meant to be together. What did you think about his assumption? Were you surprised at Gabi’s reaction to it? Have you ever experienced a kiss that seemed to be prophetic in a similar (or opposite!) way?

In Marcello’s time, I think a kiss meant more than just a kiss.  I was a little surprised by Gabi’s reaction in that I thought she would have been more swept off her feet and not necessarily thinking about the future.  Of course mentioning futures and marriages during a first kiss these days is probably going to send the other person into a panic. WHAT HAVE I DONE?? lol I don’t know about being “prophetic,” but I married my last first kiss 4 months ago!

4. Many go through their teen years with a subdued sense of immortality. Do you think Gabi has a sense of this teen feeling? And did you think Gabi’s converse observation, “Sometimes death came hunting and there was no way to cut it off at the pass.” was informed more by the experience of losing her father, her self-admitted closet hypochondria, or the forced maturation of being transported to a different time? How does this observation show Gabi’s growth as a character?

I definitely think that Gabi feels like, well I survived traveling through time 700 years, I can survive anything.  I think up until the point of when she actually had to kill someone or be killed herself, she was in a daze/dreamlike state.  Like is this really happening right now?  Also I think too that she feels responsible for Lia being in any danger since she’s the one that brought them to the past.

5. In the span of a few moments, Gabi goes from sword-wielding teen beauty to man-killing warrior. Did you think her realization of the finality of death — and her justification for its necessity — was realistic? And, in her slippers, could you have done the same?

There has been SO MUCH action and they have all been constantly on the run that I don’t think she has yet had time to decompress everything that has happened and all that she has had to do to keep herself and others alive.  So I think it is realistic, as long as you go along with all her bad-ass skills.  Gabi definitely needs some better shoes!  I don’t think I would fare too well considering I’ve never touched a sword before.  I was pretty good in archery at girl scout camp…does that count??

DISCUSSION RECAPS:
WEEK 1 – Chapters 1-6

WEEK 2 – Chapters 7-11

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My Book Boyfriend #1 – Marcello Forelli

Sir Marcello Forelli

from Waterfall (River of Time Series #1) by Lisa T. Bergren

Such dark, piercing eyes, as if he could see through me. -p.32

H♥ttie Stats:

• long, curly brown hair
• chocolate eyes
• youngest son of Lord Forelli
• loyal to his brother Fortino, his men, and his castello
• loved by his men
• he enjoys reading
• late teens/early 20s
• from the 14th century (MINOR detail)
• lives in A CASTLE

He returned his warm, chocolate eyes to me, and, somehow, I gained comfort.  “Forgive me, m’lady.  I’ve forgoten proper introductions.  I am Sir Marcello Forelli,” he said with a slight bow and gesture of hand. -p. 35

“Nay, this is most definitely unwise,” he said, leaning in until my back was against the wall again.  He hovered, waiting, until I gave in, lifting my chin to offer him my lips.  He kissed me again, not touching me with his hands, just tilting his head one way and then the other.  He tasted of cinnamon and wood smoke. -p. 253

Ohhhh to be called m’lady…by at hot knight in a castle…*sigh*

My boyfriend Marcello is played by Nathan Parsons. He plays Ethan on GH.   Seems Marcello has been making the rounds in MBB! =O

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

My Book Boyfriend is a weekly meme hosted by Missie @ The Unread Reader in which we swoon over boys in books! This meme is just for fun! Likeness represented are all fictional fantasies.

In your post, make sure you include your book boyfriend’s stats, a picture of what you imagine he looks like and some quotes from him that had you at hello. Credit the book and please include page numbers when you can.

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Waterfall Wednesdays – Discussion #2

Week 2 – SEPTEMBER 7

Discussion 2 – Chapters 7-11

Today’s questions hosted by The Unread Reader

1. Gabi’s search for her sister is made increasingly difficult by the fight for territory between the Castello Forelli and Castello Paratore.  At this point, do you think rivalry is warranted?  Why or why not?

The rivalry seems to be everlasting between the two castles, one representing Siena and the other Florence.  But it also seems to be not taken too seriously at this point in that they have an understanding that if one of the “important” people gets injured, they will stop fighting for the day.

2. Gabi aids Fortino by having his sickroom cleaned out and using steam to loosen the phlegm inside his lungs so he could breathe better.  Have you ever found yourself in a situation that required you to rely on home remedies to aid yourself or another?  What are some of your favorite home remedies?

Hmmm, not sure I use any “home remedies” other than maybe using an aloe vera plant for burns and frozen veggies for compresses.  Oh and gargling with warm salt water – my grandmother said that cured just about anything.

3. Marcello and his men don’t hide their surprise when they learn that Gabi is skilled with a sword.  What do you think of this development?  Has your initial impression of Gabi changed?  Do you have any secret skills?

Of course they would be surprised! Duh! Women did not go around fighting, much less with swords.  I think Gabi is pretty bad ass at this point.  She doesn’t back down from a fight and it is this great difference from the normal demure women that I think Marcello is most attracted to.  Secret skills…well if I told you, they wouldn’t be very secret would they?

4. “Our lips were so close, I could feel the heat of his breath on my skin.”  Gabi and Marcello’s feelings for one another are beginning to stir.  What do you think of Marcello as a romantic interest thus far?  What do you think of his intended?

I ♥ Mecello! He sounds pretty hot!  I think his intended needs to move over…FOR ME!!

5. Marcello and Luca take turns teaching Gabi the dances of Toscana.  Would you have liked to attend a ball like the one Gabi was practicing for?  Do you like to dance?  Do you know any cool dance moves?

I think dressing up for a ball would be a lot of fun! I love to dance and would love to learn the dances, especially if Marcello was the teacher.

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Waterfall Wednesdays- Discusssion #1

Waterfall Wednesdays-A Read-a-Along Event

 

Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren

Week 1 – AUGUST 31

Discussion 1- Chapters 1-6

Today’s questions hosted by Tinasbookreviews

1. Waterfall opens with the introduction of Gabi, shes depressed, a little angry and is dealing with feelings of loneliness. Are you connecting with her this soon in the novel? Do you see things you like or dislike?

I could definitely see how Gabi and Lia would feel bored skulking after their mom  on her archaeological site.  Not quite what I teenager wants to do and the fact that she is not allowed to really get up close to the relics would be frustrating.  I’m really liking Gabi’s spunky attitude and a little saddened for her that she just lost her dad and her mom is in her own world of grieving and almost ignoring the girls.

2. Gabi gets to time travel back to 14th Century Italy- The Dark Ages in its prime. Is there anytime in history that fascinates you and would you travel back if you could?

I love history so there are so many places I would love to travel in time to.  This castle and knight in shining armor thing is pretty hot.  I’m all for the quiet countryside somewhere.  However, I would definitely need a WORKING time machine because I don’t know if I last very long.

3. Most of the men, including Marcello have a very set opinion about a woman’s place. Gabi gets manhandled a bit in these first few chapters, and even gets asked if she’s a witch. The men are shocked when Gabi rides a horse like a man and shimmies down the castle walls. What do you think of men’s mentality back then? Gentlemanly, chauvinistic, simple-minded?

I think it was really just the way of things.  Even though women were expected to be demure and mind their Ps and Qs, I think many learned to work within the system and get their way anyway.  As seen with Lady Rossi, women can be very cunning and conniving when they want something bad enough.

4. When Gabi becomes a part of this era, the people are immediately intrigued but suspicious of her. Many judge her by her differences. Do you think this is fair? Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like an outsider or that others were misjudging you?

I could definitely see why they would all be suspicious of her.  I mean, really, where did she come from? She just appears out of nowhere – a tomb, no less, in the middle of a battle…kind of suspicious.  It was very common then to suspect women of witchcraft if there was no “logical” explanation of their actions.  I think it’s natural for people to compare differences, especially back when they rarely saw new people.  Of course, it isn’t fair and it never makes you feel good, but I think being judged by others at least some point in your life allows you to see the shoe on the other foot, so to speak, and think twice before judging too harshly of others.

5. What do think the coolest thing would be about living in the Dark Ages? What would be the worst?

I think the coolest thing would be roaming a castle and the grounds, having a cook that does all the cooking and cleaning, riding horses (even if it was side saddle), and even the fancy dresses and balls would be fun.  The worst, I would have to agree that it would be the lack of indoor plumbing.  Chamber pots don’t sound fun, even if you’re not the one who has to empty them…ick!

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Waterfall Wednesdays – Read-along

What is it? Waterfall – The River of Time Book #1 – by Lisa T. Bergren

Hosted by Tina @ Tina’s Book Reviews

Book Blurb:

Gabriella has never spent a summer in Italy like this one.  Remaining means giving up all she’s known and loved…and leaving means forfeiting what she’s come to know…and love itself.

Most American teenagers want a vacation in Italy, but the Bentarrini sisters have spent every summer of their lives with their parents, famed Etruscan scholars, among the romantic hills. Stuck among the rubble of medieval castles in rural Tuscany on yet another hot, dusty archeological site, Gabi and Lia are bored out of their minds… until Gabi places her hand atop a handprint in an ancient tomb and finds herself in fourteenth-century Italy. And worse yet, in the middle of a fierce battle between knights of two opposing forces.

And thus does she come to be rescued by the knight-prince Marcello Falassi, who takes her back to his father’s castle—a castle Gabi has seen in ruins in another life. Suddenly Gabi’s summer in Italy is much, much more interesting. But what do you do when your knight in shining armor lives, literally, in a different world?

Here is the schedule of events:

August 31- Chapters 1-6 Hosted by Tina at Tinasbookreviews
Sept 7- Chapters 7-11 Hosted by Missie at The Unread Reader
Sept 14- Chapters 12-17 Hosted by Joy&Serena at Edgy Inspirational Romance
Sept 21- Chapters 18-23 Hosted by Jenny at Supernatural Snark
Sept 28- Chapters 24-28 and Wrap Up Hosted by Nic at Irresistible Reads

Need more incentive?  The amazingly talented and wonderful Lisa Bergren has offered a trilogy set of her series to one winner each week (signed if the winner is from the U.S.) and an overall chance to win a set of earrings from Venice.  How freaking amazing is that?  I told you she was wonderful.

First off, let me just say I am an epic failure at read-alongs! I have good intentions though… I picked up Waterfall about a month ago on Amazon – it was free for the kindle. Castles…knights…yummmm……So, here goes nothing! And as you can see I’m already behind…

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