Only Time Will Tell Read-a-Long! discussion

Another fine read by Archer. It sets the groundwork well for the next books in the series.
The only weak point I detected was Maisie's one time fling with Hugo, it surely fit Hugo's persona, but did not fit Maisie well at all.
I get the impression that sales of this first in the series were not quite as expected, so a little promotion was called for, good move. On to Sins of the Father...

I agree with you Terri, it did not fit Maisie's personality or for a girl or woman of her time to have a fling, but I did have a grandmother who is from this generation who was a bit promiscuous, but I digress. :) I like the suggestion of Hugo potentially being the father of Harry, he would definitely had the means to get and knowledge to find a guest house.
I've only finished the first ten chapters and looking forward to reading on.

Am about to start the book. Had to clear the library books first :)

I love the font on the first chapter of each new character. Wish the whole book was done in this font. I wonder why they did it that way? Anyone have any ideas.

With Follett's 'Edge of Eternity' (3 of 3) due out in Sep and Archer's 'Careful What you Wish For' (4 of ?) due out in 4 days, it would seem a trend is firmly in place, like peanuts, or in this case crumpets? You can't just buy one.

Now on p.222. What a great read! Reminiscent of Woman of Substance or John Jakes. Enjoying it a lot

Andrea wrote: "Now on p.222. What a great read! Reminiscent of Woman of Substance or John Jakes. Enjoying it a lot"

I wonder why you say "John Jakes." Granted, it's been years since I read him, but Archer doesn't remind me of Jakes at all.

I agree with you Susan,

I was at a loss as to why the font changed too, because as each character was introduced more fully, it was much easier for me to read with the slightly larger font. I managed to finish the entire book OK, but I would have enjoyed and preferred the larger font.

Suzan wrote: "I love the font on the first chapter of each new character. Wish the whole book was done in this font. I wonder why they did it that way? Anyone have any ideas."

Enjoying the book and yes, it does remind me of Women of Substance, but has anyone else felt that everything is a little too "pat". Everything happens a bit too neatly? Or maybe that the storyline flows so smoothly that it needs more development? I'm sure I'm not explaining that well, but as an example - everyone comes together and things fall in place so smoothly to get Harry into St. Bede - a bump in the road along the way from Hugo might have seemed more real.

Sandra wrote: "I agree with you Susan,

I was at a loss as to why the font changed too, because as each character was introduced more fully, it was much easier for me to read with the slightly larger font. I man..."

The font at the beginning of each new character is the character's own words. The font changes as the story teller continues.

Terry wrote: "Another fine read by Archer. It sets the groundwork well for the next books in the series.
The only weak point I detected was Maisie's one time fling with Hugo, it surely fit Hugo's persona, but di..."

Not sure I agree with you about Maisie. Don't forget she was brought up in a hard working "lower class" family and perhaps she wanted a little experience before she married. As apposed to an upper class young women who would have been more protected by her parents and society as well.

Terry wrote: "With Follett's 'Edge of Eternity' (3 of 3) due out in Sep and Archer's 'Careful What you Wish For' (4 of ?) due out in 4 days, it would seem a trend is firmly in place, like peanuts, or in this cas..."

Yes I thought of this immediately!

Finished and I like this better than Kane and Abel. Maisie I think could have been developed more, then some of her decisions would have been more believable.
I will not say more, but that I am looking forward to the next in the series!

Joy wrote The font at the beginning of each new character is the character's own words. The font changes as the story teller continues.
Thanks Joy I didn't notice that at the time. I have finished this book and really did enjoy it.

Beth wrote: "Andrea wrote: "Now on p.222. What a great read! Reminiscent of Woman of Substance or John Jakes. Enjoying it a lot"

I wonder why you say "John Jakes." Granted, it's been years since I read him, bu..."

Yes, Beth, I too read John Jakes in my early years. I think the fact that it is a "geneological series" is what prompted my response, and what drives this genre of historical fiction. Now on 305: Giles' voice is so different. He wants to be like Harry, and he wants to be defiant of his father's beliefs and mores. With Hugo being such a schmuck.... that isn't such a stretch. Maybe Sir Walter should be his role model....

After thinking about the comment on Maisie's character - that her fling with Hugo was out of character for her - I had a change of mind. We didn't really get to know Maisie that well through the book. Her character is also one who becomes a prostitute after losing her job. Not that I blame her; she did what she had to do to keep Harry in school but that also says a lot about her as a person.

Sarah wrote: "After thinking about the comment on Maisie's character - that her fling with Hugo was out of character for her - I had a change of mind. We didn't really get to know Maisie that well through the bo..."

Was Maise a prostitute or a woman in love? I'm on 330, and so far it's a rumor that Hugo keeps perpetuating

My mail is being forwarded, so my copy of the book only caught up to me on Saturday. I started it Saturday afternoon and finished it Sunday evening -- just didn't want to let go. Very well done -- except I was expecting a resolution, not a crisis and a cliff-hanger, on the last page! Really enjoyed the book, and I like Harry very much -- a fine character. I look forward to the next installment.

Re Maisie's fling -- maybe we're all full of surprises. In certain circumstances maybe all of us behave differently than one would expect. I didn't feel, as I read that part, that it was unrealistic.

Judy wrote: "My mail is being forwarded, so my copy of the book only caught up to me on Saturday. I started it Saturday afternoon and finished it Sunday evening -- just didn't want to let go. Very well done -..."
I just finished it this afternoon and am about to see the availability of the rest if the series at our local library. Will post and review tommorrow

As I "delve" into the review writing portion of my show, I am happy to report that all the rest of the series is available in audio, ebook and "regular and large print format" books via our local library. Last thing I did was to que up for them (there is a very looonnng waitlist for the series) and now I wait.

SPOILER. I can't understand why Maisie wouldn't tell Harry about his possible paternity when he became involved with Emma. As a mother, I know that my child's well being would be more important than maintaining my image. Emma's pregnancy leads me to believe that there maybe a subsequent twist proving that she and Harry are not half siblings. An incestuous child is a difficult plot device for two virtuous characters.

I am already up to p.287, and thought I would join the group way back as I started. Got caught up in the story and time ran away. As one of you said something about clearing the library books first, how true! Except that after returning the 3 library books, I picked up two more. However, they are going to have to wait.
I am enjoying the story. A few little complaints, but they are resolving themselves as I read. Also each "character" section resolves more of the storyline and clears up some of the questions I had.

Alice, I hear you. Between the three books I will return Wed (pre snow) and my recent goodreads bounty, I removed 3 of the e-books I had on my currently reading shelf.

I did post a 5* review this morning, and the library just called....here comes book 2.

Andrea-
Yeah! Book two is on its way to you. Good idea. I will order from the library too. I love to use my library whenever I can...want it to stay open. The one closest to my house closed a few years back so now I have to go way downtown for the library.

Linda wrote: "SPOILER. I can't understand why Maisie wouldn't tell Harry about his possible paternity when he became involved with Emma. As a mother, I know that my child's well being would be more important th..."

I agree with these thoughts. How could they prove paternity in those days?

Good question. Does anyone remember when they started doing paternity tests?

I was just going back over all the chapter discussions to see what new comments anyone might have and discovered that the chapters 27 - 34 site is missing. Anyone have any idea what happened to it?

Linda wrote: "I was just going back over all the chapter discussions to see what new comments anyone might have and discovered that the chapters 27 - 34 site is missing. Anyone have any idea what happened to it?"

Hi Linda! You have to click on "more discussions" to see all of the chapter topics.

Here's a link, too: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

I too had library books to finish. And, once I began the story found it hard to leave to get back to this discussion group I am enjoying the book, almost done now. Once we got all the background, it seemed to go fast towards the wedding of Harry and Emma. I also felt that Maisie was a bit forward for her time with her one time fling with Hugo. Looking forward to the next book!!!!

Just finished reading the book--couldn't put it down near the end. I really enjoyed this read, and as many others have stated, will be quickly looking for the next one in the series at my local library!

A fun read, but totally predictable in *almost* every respect.

It was a good read for sure. Lots of interesting characters and I was left with wanting to know what happens to them. I will certainly read Sins of the Father. Emma's Mom and grandfather seem a little to good to be true when the truth comes out but they have good moral fiber as the saying goes. Maisie"s occupation surprised me though I can understand why she chose the route she did. Will miss Old Jack< I think he was my favorite

I wish the comment 'is Harry the firstborn son of a scion' hadn't been printed on the back cover. I would have liked to have surmised it on my own.
I don't think Masie would have done what she did sexually.

Just bought Sins of the Father and cannot wait to start it. I really, really enjoyed this first one!