tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post4258143728228029693..comments2024-03-27T03:04:01.422-06:00Comments on Seasons of Humility: Book Discussion: A Passion Most PureAmber Holcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15100265646497152198noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-86241966342764489552010-06-12T17:26:56.056-06:002010-06-12T17:26:56.056-06:00Julie
Thank you!!! Your encouragement means so mu...Julie<br /><br />Thank you!!! Your encouragement means so much to me! :D And it has been so nice to have you here for our book discussion! You are welcome here anytime!<br /><br />~Borders Girl (That's so sweet that you remember!)Amber Holcombhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15100265646497152198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-11117540665069450882010-06-12T15:37:32.532-06:002010-06-12T15:37:32.532-06:00KAV SAID:
I'll look forward to your summer blo...KAV SAID:<br />I'll look forward to your summer blogs, Amber, even though I'm not as young as Julie thinks I am.<br /><br />Oh, KAV, you have NO idea how good that makes me feel ... the older the better because at my age, I always feel like an old lady around you young kids. But I relate well, I think, which should give you some idea about my maturity level for a woman my age ... :)<br /><br />KAV SAID REGARDING MY REVISIONS:<br />You think they'd give yo free rein by now!!!!! <br /><br />GRIN ... uh, no. I actually got spoiled because A Passion Most Pure and A Passion Redeemed literally sailed through with very few revisions, but on Denied, I got taken to the woodshed, and it was the same thing on Undaunted. Trust me, I'm shaking in my boots on A Heart Revealed ... :)<br /><br />Thanks, CASEY ... I'm giving the revisions my best shot, so we shall see.<br /><br />AMBER ... LOVE the blog!!! And you will always be "Borders Girl" to me! :)<br /><br />It was great chatting with you guys -- THANK YOU for reading my books and your invaluable support.<br /><br />Hugs,<br />JulieJulie Lessmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00406395645316139292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-88456381293829006132010-06-12T14:43:34.633-06:002010-06-12T14:43:34.633-06:00KAV: Thank you! I'm having fun planning out so...KAV: Thank you! I'm having fun planning out some cool summer events for this blog! Hope you'll enjoy them, too!<br /><br />JULIE: Thank you for addressing that point. :) It is such a hard thing to think about, but it does seem that a lot (definitely not everything, though!) depends on the individual. It's so nice to hear your thoughts on the subject! And no worries about rushing off--I completely understand and I'm just thankful you took the time to stop by and leave such thoughtful comments! <br /><br />EVERYONE: As long as you have anything you want to discuss about this book, and as long as you keep leaving comments, then the book discussion will continue. :) It's entirely up to you!<br /><br />~AmberAmber Holcombhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15100265646497152198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-23073990026501880352010-06-12T09:22:57.116-06:002010-06-12T09:22:57.116-06:00Oh Julie, what a sweet meeting for you and your hu...Oh Julie, what a sweet meeting for you and your husband! You were certainly blessed for sure! :) Thanks for stopping by, you'll get the rewrites done, I know you will, I have complete confidence in you!!<br /><br />Love,<br />CaseyCaseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00920406327885410557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-17420727813275348382010-06-12T07:01:18.812-06:002010-06-12T07:01:18.812-06:00Oh, KAV ... STUBBORNESS!!! My ALL-TIME favorite tr...Oh, KAV ... STUBBORNESS!!! My ALL-TIME favorite trait in the characters I write ... mmm, wonder where they get it ...<br /><br />AMBER said: Do you think some things differ for the individual? (regarding kisses and purity).<br /><br />Oh-oh, this is a subject that I wish I had time to go into today, but I am leaving in five minutes and will be gone all day and night BUT ... I DO think it differs per individual, Amber, up to a point. For some, kisses are okay, for others, maybe not. We are responsible before God for our own hearts and consciences to tread the line that protects us from sin.<br /><br />I apologize, but hubby is dragging me out the door again (talk about a cave man!!) for a day of landscaping at my son's house, so gotta scoot. I will try to pop in tomorrow before church, but then will be gone all day, so not sure how long this book club will be up.<br /><br />Have a GREAT weekend, everyone!<br /><br />Hugs,<br />JulieJulie Lessmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00406395645316139292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-11030241563644605832010-06-12T06:54:08.699-06:002010-06-12T06:54:08.699-06:00KAV SAID:
If you aren't sure of your standards...KAV SAID:<br />If you aren't sure of your standards yourself, any guy you're with can't be expected to be able to figure it out for you. <br /><br />Oh, lady, you said a MOUTHFUL!! You MUST set standards and be married to those standards if you ever want to be "married" in the way God intends. Not that we aren't human and make mistakes, but as young women, you must make the men you are dating understand that you mean what you say AND that you really MEAN what you say! <br /><br />Bluerose ... oh-oh, those "shy" people with tempers are dangerous ... talk about still waters running deep. But I LOVE writing about people with tempers because I am from a family of HUGE tempers, myself included (which, I am happy to say, God has curbed considerably!).<br /><br />Thanks Kav and Bluerose for your kind words -- always music to my ears!<br /><br />Hugs,<br />JulieJulie Lessmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00406395645316139292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-42726736592713195312010-06-12T06:19:23.281-06:002010-06-12T06:19:23.281-06:00I'll look forward to your summer blogs, Amber,...I'll look forward to your summer blogs, Amber, even though I'm not as young as Julie thinks I am. LOL. <br /><br />Julie -- loved all your comments!!!!! Thanks for taking the time to share so much. And goodness...even a celebrated writer like yourself has to contend with editing logistics? You think they'd give yo free rein by now!!!!! LOL. <br /><br />And just so you know, you converted me to Charity when I read her story in A Passion Redeemed. I set out not wanting to love her, but I did in spite of myself! :-) <br /><br />For anyone who hasn't read the rest of the Daughters of Boston series...don't stop until you're all caught up and ready to read 'A Hope Undaunted' coming out in September.Kavhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03719229222267994577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-79077440131181795442010-06-11T22:32:52.246-06:002010-06-11T22:32:52.246-06:00KAV: Thank you so much for being a part of the dis...KAV: Thank you so much for being a part of the discussion today! You really added a lot, and I appreciate it! :)<br /><br />I'm so glad you enjoyed the discussion, and maybe I will have to do another one soon. I've got some great stuff planned for this summer, so I hope you can stop by again!<br /><br />Thanks again! :)<br /><br />~AmberAmber Holcombhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15100265646497152198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-28024713818479051172010-06-11T22:22:37.575-06:002010-06-11T22:22:37.575-06:00Oh Julie!!! I cannot tell you how wonderful it is ...Oh Julie!!! I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to see you here, and how thrilled I am that you took the time to respond to all of us! :D You are so sweet! (Although I'm horrified that I'm taking you away from precious time writing more of the books I love to read!) ;)<br /><br />It is amazing how God works! :) If I ever write anything worth discussing, it will all be because of God! Any great connections, any depth and beauty, will be from Him. It is so humbling to know that He can use us to bring Him glory! Our humble efforts can be used in mighty and powerful ways! It's wondrous, indeed!<br /><br />As to your first responses to Kav, I can't wait to see how Charity matures even more! It's so great that you're writing a saga so that you can make the changes more gradual--and thus more realistic--so we can really appreciate the outcome! :) <br /><br />And don't be surprised! I LOVED Mitch, and I remember that when I read the book I was so sad for him...I really wanted Mitch and Faith to be together! As much as I agree that the ending was happy-sigh-worthy, it was also heartbreaking. I guess that added another dimension of realism to the story, though, as in a love triangle, someone is going to be hurt. <br /><br />And thank you for sharing that story in response to Casey's comment! What an encouragement and a wonderful reminder--that God has a plan, and if He wants us to be married, He will bring the right man to us. He will bless those who honor Him! Your story is so inspiring! :D<br /><br />Also, thank you for pointing out the repercussions of Hope's death on the O'Connor family. It's very insightful to see those connections, and a sad but true reminder of tragedy's toll on us all that affects us in ways we might not even realize. That is definitely a reminder for me to be more understanding and not quick to judge, because only God knows how others have been hurt and why they behave the way they do (even if it doesn't excuse that behavior).<br /><br />Anyway, enjoy watching JAG, and hope to see you again soon! :) Can't wait until July 9! ;)<br /><br />Thanks again, Julie!!!<br /><br />~AmberAmber Holcombhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15100265646497152198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-59583461034257967092010-06-11T21:25:42.997-06:002010-06-11T21:25:42.997-06:00Hubby's calling ... gotta go to bed and watch ...Hubby's calling ... gotta go to bed and watch JAG (our new obsession! That David James Elliott is one good-looking hunk, let me tell you ... at least to an older gal like me!).<br /><br />I'll check in tomorrow to respond to the additional comments. I hope this is as much fun for you guys as it is for me! Thanks, Amber!<br /><br />Hugs,<br />JulieJulie Lessmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00406395645316139292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-50393118770779016872010-06-11T21:23:03.525-06:002010-06-11T21:23:03.525-06:00BLUEROSE SAID:
The best way to change someone, whe...BLUEROSE SAID:<br />The best way to change someone, whether the male or female, in my opinion is by example. Faith was a great example. She even inspires me with her faith! <br /><br />AMEN TO THAT, GIRL!! When I married my husband, I made darn sure he believed in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, so he was definitely a "Christian," but not on fire (or born again) like me. <br /><br />Early in our marriage, he told me that he was worried that I was a fanatic and that it would ruin our marriage. I remember crying to my sister, asking her if she thought I was a fanatic (I was REALLY on fire for God with TONS of fervor). Fortunately for me, I had JUST brought that very sister to the Lord the prior year and she told me point blank, "No! You are not a fanatic. You love Jesus Christ, and that's how you live. Do not let Keith (my husband) change you! You are right where God wants you."<br /><br />You know what? She was right. I stayed the course, but kept my mouth shut (a VERY difficult thing to do!), loving Keith by example (and submitting to him in love). As result, my husband is today 100% on fire for God and we pray about everything. He tells our kids all the time that their mother demonstrated love he had never seen before. And what kind of love was that??? The love of God ... the only love that NEVER fails.<br /><br />Hugs,<br />JulieJulie Lessmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00406395645316139292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-33002939957096082682010-06-11T21:06:14.501-06:002010-06-11T21:06:14.501-06:00KAV SAID:
I was demented by the end. Really...I wa...KAV SAID:<br />I was demented by the end. Really...I was an emotional basket case and had to read a romantic comedy to snap out of it! LOL. <br /><br />Oh my, Kav, I never meant to do that to you, girl!! I'm just one of those authors who THRIVES on romantic tension and drama. When my best friend and prayer partner (who is NOT a romance reader) first read APMP, she asked me why it had to be so "tense." "Why can't you you just write a sweet romance?" she asked, "without so much tension?"<br /><br />DUH ... because I'm a drama queen, pure and simple. And a romance-loving DQ at that! :)<br /><br />Hugs,<br />JulieJulie Lessmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00406395645316139292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-84384453119508203882010-06-11T21:01:50.954-06:002010-06-11T21:01:50.954-06:00AMBER, yes, Hope was the middle sister because I w...AMBER, yes, Hope was the middle sister because I was going for "Faith, Hope and Charity," so it is interesting that "Hope" is the middle or connecting point to Faith and Charity's relationship. Faith "hoped" in book 2 that someday she and Charity would be close, and that finally happens, at first at the end of book 2, and then completely in book 3.<br /><br />And there's no question that Hope's death affected Faith and Charity's relationship AND how they both interacted with others. Hope was the sister who doted on Charity, so when Hope died, you might say Charity's hope died too. Especially when the person she loved most in life other than Hope, her father, turned away from her to dote on Faith, the cripple.<br /><br />This affected how Charity saw Faith and consequently treated her poorly, and in turn, how Faith saw Charity. As a result, because of Hope's death, Charity was robbed of love and spent the rest of her life looking for it in all the wrong places.<br /><br />Faith was devastated by her twin's death, a factor that eventually helped turn her to a deeper relationship with God.<br /><br />Because of Hope's death, Charity resented Patrick, resulting in their poor relationship.<br /><br />Bottom line, the death of someone we love affects all of us in profound ways we never even realize.<br /><br />Hugs,<br />JulieJulie Lessmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00406395645316139292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-62547946520800818462010-06-11T20:51:57.252-06:002010-06-11T20:51:57.252-06:00MICHELLE, you are dead-on -- Collin was never in l...MICHELLE, you are dead-on -- Collin was never in love with Charity, he was in love with her beauty and the fact that she was in love with him. Think about it ... Collin was looking for love ... Charity's name means "love," yet Collin wanted to be in control of that love so it wouldn't hurt him, which is what he could do with Charity. With Faith, he was vulnerable because it meant he could get hurt.<br /><br />And you are absolutely correct that he had no clue what real love was, which is why Faith and the O'Connors fascinated him. He wanted what they had ... and he wanted it with Faith, but she knew the true definition of "love" ... having God in the middle of the relationship. I know from practical experience that THAT is the only way to the type of love we are all looking for.<br /><br />Hugs,<br />JulieJulie Lessmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00406395645316139292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-13166884110528955232010-06-11T20:46:45.456-06:002010-06-11T20:46:45.456-06:00CASEY SAID:
"I think because I am so much lik...CASEY SAID:<br />"I think because I am so much like Faith. And when she stood up to Collin, is what I appreciate so much about her. She has a strength of character that is inspiring, but she has her weaknesses too. She isn't perfect, but she grows and that is what I love about her."<br /><br />Move over, girl, because if you are like Faith, we are two of a kind. I became a Christian at the age of 23, a 70's "wild child" who completely turned over a new leaf to become a totally on-fire Christian. As a result, I WAS Faith, which is where I got the character of Faith O'Connor in APMP. I was determined to be totally moral for God and even went so far as to tell every guy I dated up front that I was a Christian and would not put out. They would laugh and act like it was no big deal, but NONE of them would ever take me out past the fourth date. I could never understand why until I finally called this one guy I realllly liked and said, "We had a great time together and really seemed to like each other, so I don't understand why you stopped calling." His response? "Well, Julie, I do like you a lot, but to be honest, I can find a girl I like who will put out too." I was stunned. So much so, that when my husband and I were dating and we came to the fourth date, I told him that I was really glad to have met him and that I wished him well. He was confused and asked me what I was talking about, and I told him that no guys ever took me out past the fourth date because I was a strong Christian. <br /><br />But guess what?? Being moral is a safety net built-in by God to protect us. Because when we stay true to God's precepts in dating, the wrong guys will leave, and the right guy will stay. Trust me ... I'm living proof and have the best marriage I have yet to see on the planet. Why? Because "God honors those who honor Him!" 1 Samuel 2:30. COUNT ON IT!<br /><br />Hugs,<br />JulieJulie Lessmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00406395645316139292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-54834853653570188382010-06-11T20:33:07.363-06:002010-06-11T20:33:07.363-06:00KAV ... as far as Faith's name fitting her and...KAV ... as far as Faith's name fitting her and Charity's not, actually Charity's DOES fit her! She is woman obsessed by the need to be loved, which is what her name means -- Love. <br /><br />It is, however, rather ironic that a woman who goes by the name of Love cannot attain or give love in the truest sense of the word in Book 1. But Book 2 begins to change all that, and by Book 3, we see definite growth. BUT ... it is in book 5, A Heart Revealed, where we see the true depth and healing of Charity, when her name truly typifies her. I guarantee you are going to LOVE her by book 5!<br /><br />And, Kav, very insightful when you said, "We saw Collin at his worst, whereas we met Mitch at the tale end of his debauchery." I hadn't thought of that, but it's true. And I think it's interesting that both you and Amber found it easy to like Mitch. I thought most young girls would like Collin best, at least based on Renee's poll (I think it was Renee, wasn't it?), but as an older woman, I favored Mitch because I just love the grumpy, no-nonsense type who will not let me get away with murder (my husband is not grumpy, but he definitely doesn't let me ride roughshod over him, like Mitch is with Charity, which I SO appreciate and love).<br /><br />Hugs,<br />JulieJulie Lessmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00406395645316139292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-67987758611084745822010-06-11T20:21:35.931-06:002010-06-11T20:21:35.931-06:00OMIGOSH, Amber, my apologies for getting here so l...OMIGOSH, Amber, my apologies for getting here so late. I have been lost all day in rewrites for A Heart Revealed, Sean and Emma's story which took me nine months to write and was like giving birth with nine months labor!! And the real kick is that just last week, my agent threw a grenade in it which means MAJOR rewrites ... and the book is due to Revell JULY 1ST!!! Can you say nervous breakdown??? But God has stabilized me (what would we do without Him???) and I am on the fast track to get it done. So THAT'S why I forgot to stop in today!<br /><br />That said, I am absolutely BLOWN AWAY by the comments in this discussion! You guys are all pretty young, right? (teens and 20s?), so to see how articulate and deep you are in dissecting a book is truly impressive. <br /><br />For instance, I am SO totally impressed that Amber hooked in to the "Hope" symbolism! Wow, to be honest with you, I didn't figure that out till I was halfway through the book, so to answer Kav's question, NO, I did not plan that! As often happens when God is involved, things come out realllly freaky.<br /><br />For instance the Scripture at the front of the book is from Ecclesiastes regarding "Chasing after the Wind," which was the original title of A Passion Most Pure. I did not realize until after I wrote the book that that Scripture applied to both Collin and Faith. Faith was "chasing after the wind," or the Holy Spirit, which is symbolized by wind, and Collin was "chasing after the wind" as Solomon referenced it in Ecclesiastes, which is chasing after things that cannot satisfy.<br /><br />Anyway, I cannot tell you HOW many times that has happened in these books! Soooo God and soooo fun!! :)<br /><br />Hugs,<br />JulieJulie Lessmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00406395645316139292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-78519984120167729782010-06-11T19:07:42.912-06:002010-06-11T19:07:42.912-06:00I've enjoyed book talking, Amber. I hope you d...I've enjoyed book talking, Amber. I hope you do this again sometime.<br /><br />:-)Kavhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03719229222267994577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-77379800818164886102010-06-11T18:11:01.945-06:002010-06-11T18:11:01.945-06:00Wow! I feel like I'm interrupting a great conv...Wow! I feel like I'm interrupting a great conversation. ;) Hope it doesn't feel that way to you two!<br /><br />KAV: Oh, that reminds me of Little Women! I saw the movie again recently, and it's just as Laurie says: "Just as you have known you would never marry a pauper, I have always known that I must be a part of the March family." What an intriguing concept! Do you think if Faith was from a different family that he still would have fallen in love with her? And how much does family background play into romantic relationships, do you think?<br /><br />As to your note regarding Charity--I confess I already read the second book in the series. :) So I do know what happens! I guess I was kind of tossing that question out there, just to see what everyone thought and if it seemed like a realistic possibility. :)<br /><br />Also, I agree with both you and Bluerose that Faith is a great example. She was direct about her stand on not being physical before marriage, and I know we all applaud her for that! :) I like what you said about the girl needing to know before even entering a relationship, because the guy won't know unless you make it clear. <br /><br />This reminds me of the book discussions I had with my roommate on the book Quest for Love by Elisabeth Elliot. It really makes you wonder what exactly our stand should be. No kissing until you're engaged? Or is a peck on the cheek alright? What about holding hands? Do you think some things differ for the individual? Perhaps some people can share a kiss without getting too carried away, but others should avoid it until they're married in order to assure their purity. It's a lot to think about! But in all of this, I think we can agree that purity is of the utmost importance in a relationship. <br /><br />BLUEROSE: I really like what you said in regards to my fourth question/observation. God is all-powerful, and we should never underestimate his power to change others. And He can definitely use those with a godly lifestyle to influence others. BUT, I most definitely agree that one should never enter into a relationship expecting to change a person. I feel like I'm echoing my mom here :), but it's so, so true! People can make themselves seem very different in order to catch someone's eye (in a sense), so it's always best to get to truly know someone first. And people can promise all kinds of things to secure a relationship, but not really mean it. It makes one wonder when you can really trust someone when it comes to dating. But I think God speaks to our hearts, and knowing the person--seeing how they interact with family, friends, and strangers--before dating/engagement/marriage is key. At least, so I've heard. :) I don't really have much experience in this area, but I've heard some great advice throughout my life! <br /><br />Anyway, it's great to bring up the point once again that we are not perfect--and one of Faith's weaknesses could indeed be her temper. ;) We all have a lot of growing to do, and perhaps reading about certain characters' weaknesses will remind us of some of our own we need to work on!<br /><br />KAV and BLUEROSE: Thanks for contributing so much to this discussion! :) Way to go!Amber Holcombhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15100265646497152198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-9450046082341964522010-06-11T17:07:50.868-06:002010-06-11T17:07:50.868-06:00Well, tempers do spice things up, don't they? ...Well, tempers do spice things up, don't they? :-) And we can't forget to add in another fine O'Connor sister quality -- stubborness!!!! Those two are a lethal combination for the men in their lives!Kavhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03719229222267994577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-47523398912955066392010-06-11T14:51:38.006-06:002010-06-11T14:51:38.006-06:00I think maybe I like Faith more because of her tem...I think maybe I like Faith more because of her temper. :) I'm strong in my faith and very shy, but I also have a temper, which, as my husband tells everyone, has been passed onto my son. :)It's a great reminder that even the strongest Christians have weaknesses. <br />I completely agree about Faith already having her mind made up! I want to shout it to the world, too, about making that decision before even starting to date. <br />I am just amazed at how beautiful Julie Lessman writes!Bluerosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00680170638396181756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-55276098839273259662010-06-11T12:57:52.611-06:002010-06-11T12:57:52.611-06:00About what bluerose said re. Faith being a great e...About what bluerose said re. Faith being a great example. Totally agree, but she had a temper too and I like that she stood up to Collin and spoke her mind when she needed to -- and not always calmly either. She had an edge to her, but her faith tempered it so it wasn't as sharp as Charity's. (hope that makes sense). <br /><br />I completely marvel at how Julie Lessman created such vibrant and distinct individuals in these sisters and then remained true to them right through the series. Now that's talent!<br /><br />As to Faith's stand on chastity: I loved that she was up front with Mitch right from the beginning. That was a gutsy thing to do because she risked losing him. given his background. What I liked about that whole scene was the fact that she had obviously made the decision to remain pure long before she met Mitch. I think that's a great example for any woman. Those kinds of decisions have to be made 'when cooler heads prevail' so to speak. If you aren't sure of your standards yourself, any guy you're with can't be expected to be able to figure it out for you. Julie did a huge service to her readers by providing them with an example of the right way to enter a relationship with a man. And it's just as applicable today as it was a hundred years ago.<br />(stepping off my soapbox now!)Kavhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03719229222267994577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-58708119743851294622010-06-11T12:46:44.351-06:002010-06-11T12:46:44.351-06:00About whether Charity can grow into her name...:-)...About whether Charity can grow into her name...:-) Read the rest of the series to find out. (Bouncing up and down in excitement because I know what happens next!)Kavhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03719229222267994577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-54495951952979009792010-06-11T12:43:54.593-06:002010-06-11T12:43:54.593-06:00I didn't put together Hope's name at the b...I didn't put together Hope's name at the beginning either. I love that! <br />I'm going to address the last two. I love that Faith stayed pure! I don't think she demanded too much or too little, and I don't think that issue should change with times. Maybe kissing isn't so taboo, but it's still very respectable to stay pure. :)<br />I loved both Collin and Faith's characters the most. They were my favorites. I knew that he didn't love charity and while i didn't approve of him being with her, I still longed for the moment Collin and Faith would get together. I don't know that i could marry someone after all that, but i guess we all do crazy things for love.<br />And about changing a man(or woman)....never expect it. That is more of an exception than a rule!!! It does happen, though. There are several examples of couples at my church. The best way to change someone, whether the male or female, in my opinion is by example. Faith was a great example. She even inspires me with her faith! I don't know if I could have not married my husband if he didn't have faith in God. I love how the characters do prove that anybody can change, though, with lots of prayer, example, and faith. :)Bluerosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00680170638396181756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-49763957810798954482010-06-11T12:41:15.676-06:002010-06-11T12:41:15.676-06:00About Collin and Charity: I think he was infatuate...About Collin and Charity: I think he was infatuated with her -- the allure of a young woman of good standing. What a challenge! I think it was the O'Connors he fell in love with and he'd do anything to be a part of that family! It was everything his was not. From the very beginning of the book he was yearning for something more but didn't know how to go about finding it. The O'Connors had the answer, it just took him...like the WHOLE book to figure that out!!!!! LOL. I was demented by the end. Really...I was an emotional basket case and had to read a romantic comedy to snap out of it! LOL.Kavhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03719229222267994577noreply@blogger.com