Author Eugenie Laverne Mitchell's Corner discussion

Comment here about Parts V and VI

Hello - those who wish to discuss Parts V and VI please comment here. Ta

I thought these were the best parts so far.

Reader wrote: "I thought these were the best parts so far."

Thanks for your comment Reader. Do you wish to share why you thought that?

It just had me wanting to know what happened next more than the other parts I've read so far.

Thanks Reader - that's great

Reader wrote: "I thought these were the best parts so far."

You are right...the story just gets better and better!

I’m curious to hear everyone’s thoughts about Bro Steve. Do you think Amelia is foolish to brush off his advances? Or do you think she’s doing the right thing?
(view spoiler)[It was very generous of Bro Steve to buy Amelia a car. I actually thought it was decent of her not to accept it even though she needs a new vehicle. I think she’s smart to be cautious and worry about what strings may be attached.
Also, he wasn’t forthcoming as to what he does for a living. He said, “...I wheel and I deal.” That sounds shady to me. (hide spoiler)]
Anyone else picking up negative vibes about Bro Steve?

What are you thoughts on Yan? All along, Amelia has felt that God would send her a deserving husband. Yan seems to be the model mad—handsome, spiritual, kind. But what about Avarel? What should Amelia do?

(view spoiler)[I felt awful for Amelia as she experienced such turmoil over her strong feelings for Yan. It was heartbreaking to see her struggle with her faith—something she had always held onto so strongly. The line about her committing spiritual suicide truly made my heart sink. (hide spoiler)]

No one is perfect but does Amelia show weakness by letting her frustrations over Yan interfere with her relationship with God?

(view spoiler)[The dream Amelia had with Bro Al was beautiful. I’m so happy that it restored her faith. (hide spoiler)]

Angel wrote: "What are you thoughts on Yan? All along, Amelia has felt that God would send her a deserving husband. Yan seems to be the model mad—handsome, spiritual, kind. But what about Avarel? What should Ame..."
Thanks for your comments Angel. I am curious to know what others think!

I look forward to seeing where this story's going, esoecially now that things are coming full circle, and that's a beautiful thing, Eugenie. I also am excited to read everyone's comnents as I go along. I might not respond to every comment, but I enjoy reading what everyone has to say.

God bless you all!

Dustin wrote: "I look forward to seeing where this story's going, esoecially now that things are coming full circle, and that's a beautiful thing, Eugenie. I also am excited to read everyone's comnents as I go al..."

God bless you Dustin - thanks for your comments - happy reading :-]

Angel wrote: "I’m curious to hear everyone’s thoughts about Bro Steve. Do you think Amelia is foolish to brush off his advances? Or do you think she’s doing the right thing?
It was very generous of Bro Steve to ..."

Thanks for your comments Angel - God bless you :-]

Eugenie wrote: "Dustin wrote: "I look forward to seeing where this story's going, esoecially now that things are coming full circle, and that's a beautiful thing, Eugenie. I also am excited to read everyone's comn..."

😊😊

Hello and good day. I've missed you all so much, and it was these discussions that kept me going.

Were you starting to wonder if I'd left without saying good-bye? I sure hope not.

Anyway, due to the passing of my Grandmother-in-law (who would have been ninety-seven this June,) I hadn't the time or energy to keep up on the reading. This is not to apologize, but a brief explanation.

Then, when things settled down a bit, I could not locate my tablet for two days, which was incredibly frustrating. Turns out that our son, Carter, had decided to hide it under the bed and then proceeded to lie about seeing it.

I'm not mad, though. I'm thankful to be in the story again. Yesterday, I read nine chapters, and am now at 63% (Chapter Four, Part VI.) Page 125.

I thought this was quite powerful, and very revealing of Amelia's state of mind, in that moment:

(view spoiler)[She felt like a wanton woman for having allowed her emotions to roam, having gone so far as to imagine how it might feel to be caught up in a lover's embrace with Yan--and further still-- she had imagined a kiss, not just a friendly peck on the cheek but a KISS with tongues, like she had seen in forbidden sultry love films that she had sneaked away to watch with her peers as a mildly rebellious teenager. And knowing that Yan belonged to someone else, not least her long lost and dear friend Avarel caused Amelia great sadness and confusion. "God please forgive me and help me to overcome my fleshly desires," she petitioned.

Amelia had never felt this way before--this feeling that she might die if she never met Yan again, or..." (hide spoiler)]

How did everyone else feel about this passage?

Angel wrote: "I’m curious to hear everyone’s thoughts about Bro Steve. Do you think Amelia is foolish to brush off his advances? Or do you think she’s doing the right thing?
It was very generous of Bro Steve to ..."

Nope, you are not alone, Angel. Brother Steve (view spoiler)[was shady, indeed. Maybe if he'd been a little more forthcoming about his " wheeling and dealing," I might be more trusting, but as Amelia was wise to point out, we have no idea where that money came from. I don't trust him.

And then to go behind her back (because of numerous decline of his advances,) by gifting the car to Amelia's parents? As if to latch onto her sone other way... (hide spoiler)]

Angel wrote: "What are you thoughts on Yan? All along, Amelia has felt that God would send her a deserving husband. Yan seems to be the model mad—handsome, spiritual, kind. But what about Avarel? What should Ame..."

Hm, Yan. Yes. (view spoiler)[I'm still not convinced that his motives were 100% pure. He's very kind generous, and handsome (similar to Amelia's dream prophecy from God, I thought,) but he's a grown man. He can't be so naive as not to recognize the closeness (even if it was in their childhood,) of Avarel and Amelia. Also, how could ge not see her obvious attraction to him, and think that would be okay?

On a side note, did his proposed record deal to Amelia seem a little too abrupt? A little too good to be true? Per the adage: "if something seems too good to be true, it usually is."

Yes, Amelia's conflicting emotions and agony over them really impacted me, emotionally. I didn't break down in tears or anything, but her inner turmoil definitely was palpable. This also gave me a deeper appreciation for what you've done on the page, Eugenie.

And, my word, those passages with Brother Al and their very special connection! So far, those are some of my favorite scenes!!

Knowing his age beforehand, the reader knows that their friebdship/mentorship cannot last, which made it that much harder, I thought, because you genuinely feel for these characters. Especially Amelia, who up that point, had never strayed from God. That was indeed beautiful and touching, how his devout worship unbeknowingly restored her faith. (hide spoiler)]

Hey Dustin,

I've been away for a couple of weeks too, visiting with family. Sorry to hear of your family bereavement - good to have you back on board.

Your comment about your son's antics made me smile.

Thank you for your comments about "Philanthropic Ways". So glad you appreciate the work. Blessings

Thank you.

It's great to be back. I have truly missed the group, and discussing the book in full.

I hope your time with family was blseed and enjoyed by all.:)

It's kind of funny in hindsight, but it frustrating at the time.

You're very welcome. It's been a pleasure!

I'm back, and at the stary of Part VII-The Homecoming.

Eugenie, I know I keep saying this, but your ability to plumb the depths of these complex characters, and you make it look so effortless, though I know it's not. I think that's part of what makes a good writer: to make it look easy, is truly astounding. I admire that, my friend. Along those lines, you not only put the characters on display, almost basking in their strengths and flaws (which is a feat all its own,) but then you took things further. You describe their emotions and mental states, particularly Amelia's, in a very palpable and gut-wrenching manner.

For instance:

(view spoiler)["As she embraced anger and bitterness, the two emotions joined forces and began a more fiery rebellion against God, which rose up from deep within her heart;


--but she did not care that she was falling fast, that she was commiting spiritual suicide;


And Amelia's relationship with God was fully restored."


Also, near the end of the chapter/section, Assistant Pastor Gentles received an anonymous phone call, which prompts him to call the police. I'm nervous, but at the same time curious as to who the caller was (presumably someone from the congregation,) and about the alluded to revelations, and ESPECIALLY what happened. Are they okay? What happens next?

It was a refreshing change to see that although Amelia's heart was restored, her feelings for Yan have not magically fallen to the wayside, as though they never existed. It's refreshing because in literature, it seems that a lot of the time, once someone's heart has been healed (not necessarily spiritually, but in general,) their former problems seem to wash away, like discarded clothing. It doesn't work that way. These feelings need to worked through, addressed in a healthy way. Otherwise, they haunt you... (hide spoiler)]

Thanks for your observations and kind comments Dustin. It would be great if others could contribute towards the discussion.

Agreed! I want more discussion!😊