Books and Jams Readalong discussion

How are you getting along with this book? Is it capturing your attention? What feelings (if any) has it brought out in you? How are the characters changing/growing? Any quotes you've liked?

It's hard to stop when this is such a quick read, but two things stuck out to me in this section.

It was clear right away that Ian and Margaret were going to be the couple in this story, but I was having a hard time with it because of their situation. He is crossing ethical boundaries I think, but I'm ok with it because it's fiction. I'm glad he at least addresses it at the cabin, but I understand her hurt. It just makes me more curious about the rest of his story.

The other thing I really loved in this section is Maggie's reflection on emotions. She talks about laughter in the midst of sorrow and having walked through some crazy grief myself, I could really relate to those statements. And then a few pages later... "If you'd asked me before the crash, I'd have told you that feelings were like blocks of primary colors: You felt blue for a while, then yellow, then red. But now I saw the emotional landscape quite differently - more like the pointillism of a Seurat painting: each color made up of many other colors. Look closely and it's dots. Stand back, and it's an afternoon on the lake - all the colors relying on each other for texture and meaning." I absolutely love this description of how emotions work together. It's not so cut and dry as we sometimes think.

OK...on to the rest. Planning to finish today.

I wasn't so sure about the possibility of a relationship between the two of them ( I hoped for one) he did such a good job of being "hard" and "stand offish" that I wasn't sure.

And yes that description was amazing! I love it when an author can draw you in and you have to actually stop reading just to process how profound the meaning of the words are.

Can't seem to put it down. Chip is such a selfish jerk, I understand the guilt he must be feeling but to ask her to marry him again and then sleep with his ex-girlfriend, seriously, what a jerk. I am so glad that Margaret finally stood up to her mother and that her sister is there for her. I love her sister, she may be a little out there but it seems like she sincerely loves her baby sister and wants all the best for her. I love how Ian is finally in the store this section of the book. I feel for both of them because I can understand his issue and where he is coming from when he tells her that nothing can happen with them.

Krista wrote: "It's hard to stop when this is such a quick read, but two things stuck out to me in this section.

It was clear right away that Ian and Margaret were going to be the couple in this story, but I wa..."

I loved the description also and how she finally is willing to fight to get better.

As it has been said, I have also enjoyed the description of all the many contrasting feelings Maggie has felt. Also, I loved this quote: “So much of life is just grinding through. So many moments just exist to deliver you to the ones that follow. But this moment was a destination in itself”. It reminds me to slow down and take notice of all the “small moments”. Love Ian and his story line and I’m wondering if the final 3rd of the book will tell what happened with his business and ex-girlfriend. Can’t wait to see how it all wraps up!

I am still really enjoying this book. I am disappointed with what happened with Ian, but as others have said, it would definitely not happen in real life. I am interested to see where this goes, and I would be willing to suspend disbelief a little to see more of Ian :) I agree with others that Chip is an A-hole!

Krista wrote: "It's hard to stop when this is such a quick read, but two things stuck out to me in this section.

It was clear right away that Ian and Margaret were going to be the couple in this story, but I wa..."

Yep, crossing that line......I know it does happen, I do feel he put up a good fight though!

I’m intrigued what he’s hiding

This book is definitely catching my attention. I can’t wait to see what happens next. I could see where you would want to give up like Margaret did at one point and I’m glad that she is then determined to work harder with Ian. I’m not really feeling the love interest between these two I could see them as more friends than anything else but we shall see what happens in the remainder of the book.

The book is going by quickly, and I enjoy the ease of reading it. I am uneasy about Kitty's secret - I think this may be a big conflict in the last third of the book.

I work in a hospital, and so much in this story is unrealistic, but it has been delightful to read about the physical and occupational therapy sessions. I don't think I've encountered them in fiction before.

I know as many have said that Ian and Margaret COULDN’T have a relationship, but I don’t care. It’s fiction and a sweet story. I would love to finish this tonight but not able to.
I was thinking maybe Ian’s girlfriend died and that’s why he didn’t devote time to the business and it failed. Just supposition. Going to finish it tomorrow though so i guess I’ll see. It’s a nice getaway story.
I can totally understand Margaret’s conflicting emotions and also how difficult it is at times to work to get better. It definitely makes you question at times if it’s even worth the effort. I love the support Kit and Ian give to her.
Also I agree with many of you about the description of the lake and the colors. Beautiful writing!

While the romance is predictable and corny, this story does help you to put things into perspective and forces you to appreciate what you have in your life.

I especially liked the quote: ‘So much of life is just grinding through. So many moments just exist to deliver you to the ones that follow’.

Looking forward to part 3.