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October Read - Tempting Faith by Crystal Hubbard - Chapters 1-6
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I haven't had a chance to get the book yet. I've been trying to get ready for a move.
No problem, Debbie. Feel free to join in the discussion when you can. Everyone one is welcome to lurk and make comments even if they haven't read the book or weren't able to get a copy. As you can tell from the other threads, we rarely stay on topic so stop by anytime.
That's next month, Sharon. We were just a jump on November book so we could keep the book discussions on a more regular schedule.
OK, I admit it. It is October 20 and I have completely dropped the ball on the book club this month.Has anyone read it yet? If so, please let me know and I will buckle down and get to reading it myself.
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Has anyone read it yet? If so, please let me know and I will buckle down and get to reading ..."
I'm about half way through it. I probably won't be done until sometime this weekend.
OK, here's a few questions to get the ball rolling: 1. What is your first thoughts regarding the story?
2. How do you feel about the characters of Faith and Zander? What did you think about their "initial" meeting at the press conference?
3. Do you find the flashbacks between the present and the past contribute to the overall flow of the book or to be a distraction?
4. Is chemistry between Faith and Zander plausible, why or why not?
5. How do you feel about Faith's wanting to run the story about Zander's past? Do you feel she has his best interests at heart or is more concerned with her career?
6. How do you feel about the way Zander "left" Faith? Was it is really for her or him?
7. How did you feel about the secondary characters of Olivia and Brent? Are they out to protect Zander or their business asset?
OK, that's all I have for now. I will chime in with my opinion and more questions later this week.
OK, this is going to be long because I have a lot to say.First off, this book is a re-read for me, but I am definitely adding it to my keeper pile. I think I like it even more now than I did the first time.
So far (Chapter 7), I am intrigued by the relationship between Zander and Faith. I like that so little emphasis is placed on their races. This could have been just she's black and he's white tale, but it's not.
I think the flashbacks are an assest to the overall flow of the book. Each one reveals some slightly new information about the lead characters, their personalities, and their pasts. You get to see how mature Yvonne was even as a teenager. She saw that there was so much more to life than being rich and popular. I think her insight into life really made her feel more like an outsider than the popular "IT" girl. Therefore, I think it was really easy for her to see Zander as a kindred spirit. I don't think he really understood Yvonne's isolation. All he saw was the rich, head cheerleader. I don't doubt his feelings for her, I just think he couldn't understand that the world is less black and white than the haves and have nots. That being said, I really get Zander's shame re: his past and why he would want to keep it hidden. At the beginning of the story and even midway, I think he's still running away from so much instead of celebrating his triumphs and accomplishments. It seems like he thinks he got a lucky break, but if people learn about his past, that everything will just magically disappear and he would go back to being "Trailer trash Al."
I just have to saw that the chemistry between them is "SCORCHING." I find it very believable that these two people who once had such a connection could feel such a strong pull toward one another.
As far as the magazine story on Zander, I really think initially Faith had planned to write the piece as a form of revenge. As the two grew closer, I think she really thought the only way to shield him from the potential fallout of the story was for her to write it herself. I think she was right in thinking that Zander's growing fame was going to lead to greater and greater curiosity re: his mysterious past. Midway throguh the book, I think that her career has been a very minute factor in thinking that his story needs to be written.
As far as the "leaving" is concerned, I think that Zander doubted the extent of Yvonne's feelings for him. I think he felt that she kept their relationship hidden because she was ashamed of him. He just wanted to break ties with his past and thought that they would both let go of their relationship and move on. He thought she could do better and wanted to give her that opportunity.
I think Olivia, Brent, and Daiyu are interesting characters, but very two dimensional. She's the &!+@# agent and they are the best friends.
I can't really think of anything else to add for right now. I hope others are reading the book and have their two cents to add.
I actually read this book months ago. I really enjoyed it and it's definitely a keeper. As far as the characters...Zander seemed so caught up in the negative self-image of his childhood that it was like he was scared to believe in the fact that Faith could love someone like him. No matter how successful he became, Zander still viewed himself as the poor trailer park kid and Faith as the unattainable Princess. In a way he seemed to prefer holding on to that image in order to justify his hatred for his hometown, as well as his reason for holding himself aloof from others. One thing I liked is that despite Zanders internal struggles he could never deny his feelings for Faith.
Mod
1. I was blown away by the power of the writing. I love the way they connected as kindred souls, despite their difference.
2. I didn't know what to think at first. I was hoping Faith wouldn't be a cut-throat journalist. I have to admit that I am not fond of journalists as heroines. I like that she is conscientious and caring. I like her a lot. Zander is a character I am in love with. His vulnerabilities appeal to me greatly.
3. Do you find the flashbacks between the present and the past contribute to the overall flow of the book or to be a distraction?
--I like the flashbacks. They really help me to understand Faith and Zander, and to feel the love that never died between them.
4. Is chemistry between Faith and Zander plausible, why or why not?
--The chemistry is very plausible. I feel the unique, soul-deep connection to them. I see that they were always missing each other, even though they had to go on with their lives.
5. How do you feel about Faith's wanting to run the story about Zander's past? Do you feel she has his best interests at heart or is more concerned with her career?
--I was torn about the story. I wish that there was a way for her not to do it. I think Zander deserves a second chance to have a life, and I worry that the story will compromise this. I think Faith is being fairly conscientous about this, although there is a bit of her almost emotionally blackmailing Zander to get him to open up to her. But things are changing and it's almost like Zander is doing the pursuing now.
6. How do you feel about the way Zander "left" Faith? Was it is really for her or him?
--I think Zander thought he did what was best. He really didn't feel he had anything to offer Faith. He wanted her to have a good life, and didn't feel worthy to be in her life. I think he left her for her own good.
7. How did you feel about the secondary characters of Olivia and Brent? Are they out to protect Zander or their business asset?
--I don't have any strong feelings or thoughts about Olivia yet, but I like Brent a lot. He has a good head on his shoulders and is a genuine friend to Zander.
Mod
As you may have guessed from the topic, this month's book discussion will be about Tempting Faith by Crystal Hubbard.
I should have a few preliminary questions posted in the next few days. Didn't realize that this book had to few chapters, but c'est la vie.
Please make sure you only post comments related to the first six chapters as not to give away juicy facts re: the last half of the book. There will be a separate thread for that and it will be a free-for-all with the spoilers. So, you have been forewarned.