Pride & Prejudice Read-Along | Week 3

Welcome to Week 3 of the Pride & Prejudice read-along! You can learn more about the read-along schedule in this invitation post. (We're reading 2 chapters a day.)

Today we're going to discuss chapters 21-23 of volume I and chapters 1-11 of volume 2. If you came prepared, go ahead and share your thoughts in the comments section or in your own post! (Feel free to use the image above, linking back to the Pride & Prejudice read-along tag.) If you still have to catch up on some reading, you're welcome to check in later this week or whenever you're ready. :)

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

~ ~ ~

Pride & Prejudice Volume I: Chapters 21-23 and 
Volume II: Chapters 1-11

Discussion Format: One favorite quote, some general impressions, and three questions for each week's reading.

Favorite Quote

"Next to being married, a girl likes to be crossed in love a little now and then. It is something to think of, and gives her a sort of distinction among her companions." ~ Mr. Bennet

General Impressions

How interesting that when last we left Elizabeth, she had just turned down a proposal from Mr. Collins...and now we end this section with her turning down another proposal. But it's hard to blame her when neither of the offers are very appealing, given the information she knows and the assumptions she has made.

I must admit it's rather telling that Elizabeth is so willing to forgive Mr. Wickham for seeking a more profitable match, while she holds it very much against Mr. Darcy for having concerns about making a match with her. And her conversation with Jane suggests she also cannot imagine Charlotte making a match that would benefit herself materially at the expense of mutual love and respect. I'm not quite sure what to make of all that, to be honest!

I think I have to agree with Elizabeth's aunt: "Take care, Lizzy; that speech savors strongly of disappointment." By excusing Wickham and thinking of him in only a friendly manner (wishing him the best), she would certainly put distance between herself and any personal disappointment or hurt. Not that I can blame her! I feel like I understand. But it's in her lack of grace toward Charlotte (mostly just at first) and Mr. Darcy that is difficult to accept.

Difficult to accept, perhaps, but also easy to understand. She's a fallible human being who wants the best for her family and friends, and isn't as eager to see her perceived enemies in a forgiving light.

It makes her relatable. Elizabeth is like a fierce friend to commiserate with; whereas Jane is the one who inspires and motivates someone to grow in love and compassion. I suppose in some ways I wish Jane were more open with her feelings, but I definitely do admire her for wanting to make "allowances" (as it says at the end of chapter 1, volume II) and think the best of others.

As for the other characters... Well, the group at Rosings is an odd bunch. Fitzwilliam seems nice enough. I feel sorry for Anne in some ways, but she doesn't seem eager to break free from her mother's shadow or reach out to others. I like that Elizabeth and Darcy don't encourage Lady Catherine in her rudeness.

And Mr. Darcy still hasn't won me over. ;) But he's had his favorable moments! Like when he shows affection for his sister, and when he listens to Elizabeth even when he's angry and suffering. (In chapter 11, volume 2, it says at one point "he listened without attempting to interrupt her." I feel like that says a lot, especially in that context.) He's awkward and proud, but I'm looking forward to seeing more to him in future chapters.

Discussion Questions

Feel free to answer one, two, or all three of these questions in the comments section or in your own blog post!

1. In chapter 1 of volume II Jane tells Elizabeth, "Let me take it in the best light"—referring to the situation with the Bingleys. Do you admire Jane for her way of approaching life, or do you think she's too naive? Is it better to always think positively, or are there times when it's more harmful than good?

2. Pick a character from this section of reading and imagine yourself having a conversation with him or her. How would it go? What would you talk about, and how would you respond to this person's attitude and manners?

3. How would you respond to Mr. Darcy's proposal in this section?

Join us next Tuesday for our fourth discussion! 

(Vol. II: Ch. 12 - Vol. III: Ch. 6)

Pride & Prejudice Read-Along | Week 2

Welcome to Week 2 of the Pride & Prejudice read-along! You can learn more about the read-along schedule in this invitation post. (We're reading 2 chapters a day.)

Today we're going to discuss chapters 7-20 (Volume I). If you came prepared, go ahead and share your thoughts in the comments section or in your own post! (Feel free to use the image above, linking back to the Pride & Prejudice read-along tag.) If you still have to catch up on some reading, you're welcome to check in later this week or whenever you're ready. :)

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

~ ~ ~

Pride & Prejudice Volume I: Chapters 7-20

Discussion Format: One favorite quote, some general impressions, and three questions for each week's reading.

Favorite Quote

"Laugh as much as you choose, but you will not laugh me out of my opinion." ~ Jane Bennet

General Impressions

We met some infamous characters in this section, including Mr. Wickham and Mr. Collins. But before I talk about them, I have to say how very much I love Mr. Bingley. He's not perfect, but his attentiveness to Jane is the sweetest. :) He defends her family; he sees to her (and their) needs; and he displays such affection in the ways he talks about Jane and how often he talks to her.

Following this, I have to say I'm still delighted by the sisterly bond between Jane and Elizabeth. I think it's the best how happy Elizabeth is for Jane, and how it changes her mood and perspective simply to think about her sister's joy and prospects. I love that! It definitely makes Elizabeth a better heroine in my eyes.

While Jane was in the spotlight quite a bit at the beginning, Elizabeth is now center stage...surrounded by Mr. Darcy, Mr. Wickham, and Mr. Collins. Such very different possibilities in suitors!

I'm still torn about Mr. Darcy. The fact that his full story remains secret makes him mysterious but not someone I can fully sympathize with. Despite knowing what's to be revealed (at least from a movie adaptation), I think his mannerisms and slightly stoic ways still keep me from liking him a great deal. I appreciate that Elizabeth is making him smile more, and I like that his affection for her keeps his temper in check. And I know he has a vastly different personality than Bingley... But his pride certainly presents a barrier to my own affections at this point.

I wonder what I would think of Mr. Wickham if I didn't already know the plot. He's charming, I'll give him that...but his eagerness to put down Mr. Darcy does him no credit, even if he were telling the truth. And while he seems to favor Elizabeth with his attention, it's hard to tell at this point if he actually has any feelings for her.

As for Mr. Collins...well, I have to admit I thought it funny that he's described as "tall" and "heavy-looking," when he's presented as the exact opposite in the 2005 movie adaptation! And I confess Mr. Bennet's amusement in Mr. Collins's behavior is pretty hilarious. ;) I'm glad the narrator provides a description of why Mr. Collins is the way he is...it helps to understand his strange behavior and odd mix of personalities. It feels like he means well, to the limited extent of his self-knowledge, but I think he needs some parental honesty, someone to show him how to be a little more self-aware about his pride and annoying speeches. One would hope that a clergyman would have a deeper understanding of humility...

One other thing I wanted to note was how I've been surprised by the context of some popular quotes. For instance, I didn't realize that Caroline Bingley was the one who said, "I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading!" (When she very clearly has little enjoyment in it.) And instead of Elizabeth saying this line (like in the 2005 movie), it's Mr. Bennet who asks Mr. Collins, "May I ask whether these pleasing attentions proceed from the impulse of the moment, or are the result of previous study?" Interesting!

Discussion Questions

Feel free to answer one, two, or all three of these questions in the comments section or in your own blog post!

1. Which quote or scene made you laugh/smile the most?

2. Mr. Darcy is often silent: in social settings, in his feelings toward Elizabeth, and in defense of his side of Wickham's story. Do you think his silence is "golden" (a wise choice), or do you think he should have been more vocal in these chapters?

3. How would you respond to Mr. Collins if he proposed to you?

Join us next Tuesday for our third discussion! 

(Vol. I: Ch. 21 - Vol. 2: Ch. 11)

Adventure on the Sea with a K9 Spy | Review of May Saves the Day

About the Book

AMBUSHED!

Undercover missions are challenging, especially with a sinister chef and a Cheetah on deck.

Agent May returns, working incognito to protect young delegates of the international Mastermind contest as they travel from Tallinn to St. Petersburg and beyond.

An elite K9 Squad and Cassidy, an unforeseen Schnauzer ally, join her to fend off Falcons and skilled Russian spies... Leading to a situation she hoped never to encounter.

Learn More about May | Add to Goodreads

My Review

Have you met May the K9 Spy? She's a talented pup who's growing in her skills and having lots of great adventures!

This series for middle-grade readers (and those who simply enjoy a good story starring our animal friends) continues with Book 4, May Saves the Day: Situation in St. Petersburg. Most of the story takes place at sea, and between the setting and the unique cast of characters, there are plenty of new things for May and her readers to learn. Some of the spy terminology might go over the readers' heads...but then again, I love how this story reminds us how smart kids can be and how much potential they have. :)

These books would be great to read aloud with an elementary-age child; May's point of view really stands out that way, as you hear the curiosity, enthusiasm, and energy in her tone. May is always coming up with new ideas, thinking about the case from new angles, and impulsively giving her all to track down leads.

As for May's friends and foes, this book is chock-full of them! There's a Cheetah on the prowl, fellow spies (but whose side are they really on?), the ship's crew, and kids from different countries. Those kids are incredibly smart, but they still have some important lessons to learn about working together, showing humility and compassion, and persevering in the face of hardship and disappointment. Great things for all readers to contemplate, as well!

Join May and the delegates she's duty-bound to guard as they discover old history and new ways of seeing the world. There are some intense moments for young ones (danger is definitely present, and the bad guys aren't always spared), but the adventure and discussion points are worthwhile. And, as with other books in this series, the illustrations add to the unfolding drama...while showing May's cute side. ;)

*With thanks to the author for providing me with an e-copy of the book.*

Want More May?

Connect with the K9 spies on Facebook!

Read my reviews of Book 1 and Book 2 by clicking on the covers below...

Halloween Book Pick | Review of These Vicious Masks

About the Book

England, 1882. Evelyn is bored with society and its expectations. So when her beloved sister, Rose, mysteriously vanishes, she ignores her parents and travels to London to find her, accompanied by the dashing Mr. Kent. But they're not the only ones looking for Rose. The reclusive, young gentleman Sebastian Braddock is also searching for her, claiming that both sisters have special healing powers. Evelyn is convinced that Sebastian must be mad, until she discovers that his strange tales of extraordinary people are true—and that her sister is in graver danger than she feared.

Learn More | Add to Goodreads

My Review

I've had this book on my shelf for a little while now, and I thought it would make a good October read. These Vicious Masks definitely has its fill of danger, creepiness, and twists! But what I also loved was the thread of humor, courtesy of the snarky heroine, the blithe Mr. Kent, and some funny secondary characters (see last paragraph of the review for a side note).

All is not fun and games, though. Be prepared for drama, lots of revelations, and intense scenes and situations. While I certainly wouldn't categorize this as a "horror" story—it's much too tame for that that, evidenced by the fact I was able to read it—this young-adult novel does have a darker side to foil its lighter elements.

The historical setting adds to the shadowy backdrop: bleak London streets and alleys, spooky houses, and places where polite society shouldn't be seen. Although the characters and their attitudes sometimes feel too modern for that setting. (But I will add how surprised I was to find and read a book titled Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow by Jerome K. Jerome, copyrighted 1890, in which those "idle thoughts" felt quite modern and relatable—and sometimes hilarious. Definitely an intriguing read. :) But I digress.)

These Vicious Masks has a great cast of characters and a plot that holds your attention. And while I didn't absolutely fall in love with it all, I did appreciate the points it makes and discussion it raises about having a "gift" and being brave enough to use it for good.

Side note: I enjoyed the "Swoonworthy Extras" at the back of the book! (I read the paperback.) You get some funny insights into one character's sister and a butler. #TuffinsFTW

Pride & Prejudice Read-Along | Week 1

Welcome to Week 1 of the Pride & Prejudice read-along! You can learn more about the read-along schedule in this invitation post. (We're reading 2 chapters a day.)

Today we're going to discuss chapters 1-6 (Volume I). If you came prepared, go ahead and share your thoughts in the comments section or in your own post! (Feel free to use the image above, linking back to the Pride & Prejudice read-along tag.) If you still have to catch up on some reading, you're welcome to check in later this week or whenever you're ready. :)

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

~ ~ ~

Pride & Prejudice Volume I: Chapters 1-6

Discussion Format: One favorite quote, some general impressions, and three questions for each week's reading.

Favorite Quote

"There are very few of us who have heart enough to be really in love without encouragement." ~ Charlotte Lucas

General Impressions

Characters truly have their own distinct persona between movies and books, don't they? In these first few chapters, I've really enjoyed getting to discover different sides and depths of the familiar characters in Pride & Prejudice.

So far, Elizabeth hasn't stood out to me all that much. She seems rather likable, if not entirely remarkable (at least, as little as she's been described so far!). I like that she holds her own, and I especially like seeing the bond between her and Jane. It's really sweet how much she cares about Jane's happiness, and how defensive she is of Jane's introverted ways.

Jane really shines at this point. I love the way Lizzy describes Jane's attitude: "To take the good of everybody's character and make it still better, and say nothing of the bad—belongs to you alone." I appreciate Jane's kindness in how she views and judges (or, refrains from judging) others. Between her gentle ways and her loveliness, Mr. Bingley was bound to fall in love. :)

Speaking of Mr. Bingley...he's definitely made himself much more appealing in these first few chapters than Mr. Darcy has. But I suppose that's the point: the "first impressions" (First Impressions being the original title of the book) are quite unfavorable for him, but they don't tell the whole story. As Mr. Bennet says (in jest to his wife, but with underlying truth in it):

A fortnight's acquaintance is certainly very little. One cannot know what a man really is by the end of a fortnight.

I'm not quite sure what to make of my first impressions of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. Mr. Bennet is rather funny and charming, although it's hard to tell (so far) whether or not he truly has affection for his wife. I prefer to take this line...

The astonishment of the ladies was just what he wished; that of Mrs. Bennet perhaps surpassing the rest.

...to mean that he really cares about making Mrs. Bennet happy, even if he likes to have a little fun at her expense in the process. ;)

Then there is Charlotte Lucas. She seems very jaded, but also wise to the ways of her world and what survival looks like within it. I think what she says about love needing encouragement is a good point even today. We all long for a sign that the person we love shares our feelings. Sometimes, when we have a crush, we can make up those signs. (I think I did a fair amount of this in years past!) But we still look for clues and long to know we're not alone in what we feel. It gives us the courage to reach out.

Discussion Questions

Feel free to answer one, two, or all three of these questions in the comments section or in your own blog post!

1. Which character do you most relate to at this point in the story? Whose worldview/personality most resembles yours?

2. Ponder Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth's first impressions of each other. Might the story have been very different if they had each responded differently at (and after) that first ball?

3. What do you think of the portrayals of marriage/courtship so far? Charlotte claims, "It is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life." Do you agree or disagree?

Join us next Tuesday for our second discussion! 

(Vol. I: Ch. 7-20)

Book Tag, Deals, and More! | Fun with Flowers

Over on my author blog, The Heart's Spring, I'm hosting a "Fun with Flowers" bash this week. :) Here's what's happening so far:

• eBook deals on The Heart's Spring series (including a freebie!)

• a quick, flower-themed book tag (you're invited to join!)

• a stroll through visual gardens (all about the pics!)

The fun will continue through Friday, and I'd love to see you over there! 

P.S. Speaking of exciting activities, don't forget the Pride & Prejudice read-along starts on Sunday! You can get all the details HERE.

Waves of Gratitude | Our Wedding Day

A wedding is such a wild, wonderful thing.

Leading up to the event, there are so many questions to answer and choices to make. So many little details that are somehow supposed to fall in place.

And somehow, they do. :)

Our wedding day was everything I hoped for, with waves upon waves of love and beauty and joy...

Getting ready with my bridesmaids and family was crazy, fun, and so sweet! My "something borrowed" was a pearl necklace that my grandpa gave to my grandma, which my mom let me wear for the occasion.

My bridesmaids, dad, and I trekked down four flights of stairs and across a parking lot to get to the ceremony location. This picture of my bridesmaids and I on the balcony, with my dad poking his head out of our hotel room, is one of my favorites. ;)

Josh's childhood pastor married us, which made the ceremony extra-special.

It was so surreal, preparing to walk into that room and exchange vows with the man I love.

And here we are at the start of our journey, our vows sealed with a kiss. ♥

The venue was simply gorgeous. Driftwood Shores took my dreams for the site and made them tangible. The colors, the lights, the decor, and of course the view...all were perfect for our little beach-themed wedding!

While I didn't taste nearly as much as I wanted to of these desserts, the cake and cupcakes lovingly crafted by The Frost Queen were delightful. :)

My dad and I love to dance, and we chose to dance to "Beyond the Sea" by Bobby Darin in memory of my grandparents and their love story.

I love this picture of Josh with his grandma. The reception was such a treat, to be able to visit with the family and friends who joined us on the coast.

The Holcomb family ♥

The Stokes family ♥

Josh with his great group of groomsmen. :)

I adore my husband's smile, more than words can say!

My beautiful sister was my maid of honor, and she gave the sweetest toast ever at our reception. 

It was a precious gift to have these dear friends by my side that day.

I blame it on Pinterest...but I really wanted to get in the waves and have our awesome photographers take some pictures. ;) 

Best of all, my darling husband patiently and sweetly joined me for a photo session on the beach. 

On this day, World Gratitude Day, I look back on July 15th with so much thankfulness in my heart for the people who gave so much of their time and support to make our wedding beautiful. And I'm so especially grateful to be the wife of Josh Holcomb, a man with adventure running through his veins, dedication and care showing in his work, and love overflowing from his heart. God is good and gives such good gifts. ♥

Photo credit (all photos): Leah Banick Photography