Heidi Read-Along: Discussion 2

This week we are discussing chapters 9-13. Check out our host Amber's post on her blog SEASONS OF HUMILITY for all of the details about the read-along.

Format: Quotes that we like, general thoughts about the chapters, and 3 questions that Amber asks to promote discussion.

QUOTES:

"Still I think even a Swiss child would have to touch the earth if she wanted to go anywhere," remarked Herr Sesemann, "otherwise they would have been given wings instead of feet." This made me laugh a bit. Poor Fraulein Rottenmeier is trying to get rid of Heidi by claiming she is otherworldly and Herr Sesemann thwarts her at every turn! I don't know why she took a dislike to Heidi, but she is not a very nice person.

"Fraulein Rottenmeier went about surveying everything, very upright and dignified, as if to show that though a rival power was expected, her own authority was not going to be extinguished." Oh how she did hate it when her kingdom was upset! 

"Never mind! when I am with the children I am always grandmamma; you won't forget that name, will you?" First off I loved this grandmamma! She took to Heidi right away and treated poor Heidi's little love-starved heart with kindness and gentleness. On a different note...my daughters called my Mother-in-law "Grandmama" She said she had always wanted to be a Grandmama and so a Grandmama she would be! 

"That is the reason, Heidi, that you are so unhappy, because you know no one who can help you. Think what a comfort it is when the heart is heavy with grief to be able at any moment to go and tell everything to God, and pray Him for the help that not one else can give us. And He can help us and give us everything that will make us happy again." I loved how the Grandmamma helped restore Heidi's faith, and also gave her encouragement and a way to have an outlet for her loneliness. 

Two things coming together may produce a happy result, as for instance, a fresh zeal for learning and a new method of teaching, and neither does any harm." I love this "put-down" from the grandmamma to the tutor. It sounds like Herr Sesemann's household and those he hires are all bent on doing as little as possible. Plus some people lack imagination...they do it one way and one way only, and heaven forbid they deviate! ha!

"Yes, Heidi shall have what she asks for, but not until the right time comes, so that she may be quite happy. If I do what she wants now, and then one day she sees that it would have been better for her not to have had her own way, she will cry and say, 'If only God had not given me what I asked for! it is not so good as I expected!' And while God is watching over you, and looking to see if you will trust Him and go on praying to Him every day, and turn to Him for everything you want, you run away and leave off saying your prayers, and forget all about Him. And when God no longer hears the voice of one He knew among those who pray to Him, He lets that person go his own way, that he may learn how foolish he is. And then this one gets into trouble, and cries, 'Save me, God, for there is none other to help me,' and God says, 'Why did you go from Me; I could not help you when you ran away.' And you would not like to grieve God, would you Heidi, when He only wants to be kind to you? So will you not go and ask Him to forgive, you, and continue to pray and to trust HIm, for you may be sure that He will make everything right and happy for you, and then you will be glad and lighthearted again." Whew! That's long, I know! But I just love the way Grandmamma is always pointing out spiritual truth to Heidi and trying to instill in her the need to be close to God. 

"There had never been a ghost in the hosue since she had known it, and if there was one now it must be a live one, with which Rottenmeier ought to be able to deal; if not she had better send for the watchman to help her." I love this response from the grandmamma to Rottenmeier after Rottenmeier wrote her about the "ghost" hahahha!

"and it seemed to her that to take back the child to him, after having left it with him once and then taken it away again, was not a safe or wise thing for her to do. Oh Dete...how I despise that woman! First off, "it" referring to the child! Good grief! She is a her, not an it! And I knew she would weasel out of taking her back somehow! She's all about taking care of herself!

"Yes, that was it! and you are a coward, and you may tell John he is the same, and the whole household a pack of idiots." I totally agree with Herr Sesemann's assessment of his household! All afraid of a "ghost" ha! 

"But Heidi did not stir; she had no need now to wander about, for the great burning longing of her heart was satisfied; she had seen the high mountains and rocks alight in the evening glow, she had heard the wind in the fir trees, she was at home again on the mountain." I loved the closing of chapter 13! Heidi home again with her grandfather. Her little hearts desire was fulfilled and it was so sweet! I loved her homecoming! Going in to see the grandmother and presenting her the rolls, but bringing the grandmother the most sweetest gift of all~herself! Her breathtaking stop up the rest of the mountain to watch the Alpenglow, and then her launching herself into the grandfathers lap to greet him...she was HOME! There is nothing like that feeling of belonging and seeing one that we love some much after a long absence. Love, love love chapter 13! 

GENERAL IMPRESSIONS:

Such frustration with the Susemann household! I understand they needed a companion for Clara, but to the detriment of Heidi's health I thought it was a bit cruel. I was not a fan of Rottenmeier for sure, she was cruel and uncaring for Heidi. I think that the grandmamma was the only one that understood Heidi and yet she too disappointed me in that she knew Heidi was miserable but yet she didn't try to change the situation for her. I like all of the lessons of faith that she taught Heidi, but I think there were more ways she could have helped her. The whole ghost situation was totally funny! Amazing what a bit of mystery and gossip can do for people! ha! Heidi's homecoming was just what I hoped it would be!I loved her reunion with all of her "friends" on the mountain. Looking forward to seeing what happens next in her little life.

QUESTIONS:

1.  What struck you most from the grandmamma's(Frau Sesemann's) interaction with Heidi?

I think I answered that in my quotes section. I think that I really liked her spiritual lessons, but I also think she could have done more for Heidi in her homesickness.

2. Do you think Heidi could have learned to thrive in the Sesemann house over time, or do you think she truly needed to go back to the Alm in order to be healthy and happy again."

At the rate that Heidi was going I think she would have gotten sick so I think it was a must for her to go back to her mountain. 

3. What was your favorite part about Heidi's return home?

Running and throwing herself onto the grandfather's lap! I loved that greeting! The whole return was wonderful, stopping in to see the grandmother and presenting her the rolls, then stopping to watch the mountain change for the evening, and then greeting the grandfather. Such a sweet sweet homecoming!

Join us in reading next week Chapters 14-18 to see what Heidi will be up to in the next section of the story. I'm excited to continue!

Heidi Read-Along: Discussion 1

Today is our first discussion for the Heidi read-along. Head on over to Amber's blog SEASONS OF HUMILITY to check out all of the details for the read-along. Today we are discussing chapters 1-8.

The format for each week is favorite quotes, general impressions and 3 questions that Amber asks to promote discussion.

FAVORITE QUOTES:

"The child stay up there with Alm-Uncle! You must be out of your senses, Dete! How can you think of such a thing! The old man, however, will soon send you and your proposal packing off home again!" Oh my goodness! Do not even get me started on Dete! What an awful person! Not just for dumping Heidi on an old man, but then coming back and dragging her away from him after she was settled! Awful! 

"I don't want any clothes," said the child, not showing any sign of repentance for her past deed." I love how Heidi freed herself of all of her clothing except her underclothes and frolicked around so carefree. Dete's response was awful as we expect! She called her a "good-for-nothing little thing" what an awful thing for an adult to call a child! She just makes me angrier and angrier and also happy that the Alm-Uncle was so accepting of Heidi.

"Uncle's hut stood on a projection of the rock, exposed indeed to the winds, but where every ray of sun could rest upon it." I love how it wasn't a dark and foreboding place to be, but I pictured it filled with every ounce of sunlight possible from each day. I bet that helped through the long winter months! 

"Because I want to go about like the goats with their thin light legs."I love Heidi's explanation of why she packed her clothes away in the back of the cupboard! It seems the little girl has been long oppressed and is in need of some freedom for her little soul.

"And everything that she saw was a fresh source of pleasure to her." I love her curiosity, her willingness to jump in and help the grandfather set the table, their putting her little bed together(straw) and she had delight in everything she did!

"so he carried her warm and safe in his arms."I love how the grandfather cared for her. Especially bundling her up to take for a visit to Peter's grandmother. No chance of her catching cold or being frozen. 

GENERAL IMPRESSIONS: 

I love the beginning of the story. But once Dete comes back and takes Heidi away it slows down a bit. Even with the antics that happen. The kittens crack me up! Sebastian snickering behind closed doors and even instigating some frivolity makes me laugh, but I miss the Alm-Uncle and I feel sorry for him and Peter's grandmother. Since I have read the book I remember a bit of what is going to happen, but still I miss Heidi's life in the Alps. She has the ability to make people love her so that is a good thing, but still to be yanked around so much has to be hard on a child. Anyway, I'm looking forward to the next chapters.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Which character ended up surprising you most in these first eight chapters?

Sebastian! I thought he was going to be a stick-in-the-mud, but he really has a sense of humor.

2. Do you think you would enjoy living the way Heidi's grandfather does? What would you like or dislike about that kind of life and home?Only until winter! I do not like being trapped inside when it snows and so can't imagine going months on end being stuck up there. I would hate to have to hike the mountains, but I think they would be beautiful. I wouldn't mind being away from all of the gossipy old crones in town for sure!!!

3. Which scene have you found most touching so far? Most amusing?I think the grandfather helping Heidi make up her loft bed was very touching. The street urchin coming in and playing his hand organ and such had me laughing along with Sebastian! Sneaky guy! ha! 

Have you read HEIDI? I really enjoyed it when I was young and am enjoying it as an adult. If you have read it, or are reading it with us feel free to jump in on the discussion, share your own blog post about it or comment in the comments section. Would love to hear your thoughts.

Protecting Tanner Hollow by Lynette Eason

This is 4 novellas in one book. I enjoyed all of them.

LETHAL HOMECOMING:

Kallie Ainsworth left home several years before because of her step-father's abuse. Now he is dead and Kallie is going home. Just before she arrives though someone tries to run her off the road! Who would want to kill her? And why? Detective Nolan Tanner and Kallie have a romantic past. It broke his heart when Kallie left years ago. The old feelings arise again once he realizes that someone is after Kallie.

I had read this story before. In a compilation of various authors called TARGETED FOR DANGER going back and reading my review of this story I found that I wasn't a fan of it. How sad! Because this time around I really enjoyed it! I wonder what the difference was? I found the story very exciting and I really liked the characters this time around. I liked Kallie and Nolan as a couple and very much enjoyed the story.

LETHAL CONSPIRACY:

Nolan Tanner's firefighter brother Jason Tanner finds a woman left for dead. What looks like an apparent suicide turns out to be an attempted murder. Jason has an instant desire to help Lilly Peterson, a desire that has never hit him before. He just knows that Lilly is telling the truth and he is determined to keep her safe. Especially when he walks into her hospital room and finds someone trying to smother her!

Once again a very exciting read. I really liked Jason and Lilly and the intrigue of who was trying to kill Lilly was very exciting. I liked that Lilly didn't buckle in the end and stood up for herself.

LETHAL SECRETS:

Honor McBride is running from her husbands past. She and her 5 children have been threatened, now that her husband is dead someone wants Honor to pay up on his debts. Upon arriving in Tanner Hollow she has a blowout in one of her tires. Thankfully Eli Marshall is on the scene to help her with her tire and to help her find her way to her aunts home that she has just inherited. But trouble has arrived ahead of Honor and now it is up to Eli and his cousin Nolan to keep her and her children safe.

I think this one was my favorite of the 4 stories. I enjoyed Eli's interaction with the children and his care for Honor. I liked how strong Honor was, but also her ability to see her need for help. Fast-paced and exciting!

LETHAL AGENDA:

When an emergency call comes in that Claire Montgomery is being attacked in her home Sheriff Nolan Tanner wastes no time enlisting his friend who just arrived for a visit to help him. Derek St. John is taking a vacation, but ends up right in the middle of whatever is going on with Claire.

Yes, this is Derek St. John of the St. John's from the Blue Justice series. Finally we get to read about this brother! I enjoyed this fast-paced novella as well. Derek joins in the investigation of who would want Claire dead. The story takes a few twists and turns before it gets to the who-done-it. I like Claire and Derek as a couple, their chemistry was perfect and they fit well together. A very exciting conclusion that left me satisfied, but also wishing that their was more to their story!

Four exciting novella's that kept this reader entertained! If you like novella's and compilations then definitely check this out!

**I received my copy of the book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own**

TOP 10 of 2019

I did a lot of re-reading this year! Seriously, the majority of the books I read I had already read before! And honestly I enjoyed those re-reads! All favorites, and all felt like coming home or eating comfort food! But there were some new stand-outs that I enjoyed and those are what my Top 10 consist of. So here ya go:

 10. This was new for me from this author. I have read her historical fiction before, but not her contemporary with a bit of suspense. I enjoyed it very much!

9. Irene Hannon is one of my favorite suspense writers so any time she has a new one out I'm getting it!

I cheated here on #8 and picked an author I love and who is very prolific in her writing. She was very busy this year! I love each of these books so they are my #8 pick.

 

 

                                                                                

7. This author has been getting a lot of flack from her readers this year! We are all in love with this series and we all wait with baited breath for a new one to come out. She has bitten off a big challenge for 2020 and hopes to write and publish 20 books. That will bring the Psalm 23 books to a finish. I am definitely looking forward to that. I have promised myself that I will not start another one of her series until she finishes this one so I am excited for 2020. All of her other books are just as fantastic so I am excited to jump into another series when this one is finished.






6. Once again, this is an author that I automatically grab when she comes out with a new book! This was definitely a favorite this year and I look forward to more books in the series...at least one more I hope!



5. Once again Susan Sleeman is a very prolific writer and came out with several books in 2019. I loved every one of them and so they claim my #5 spot. If Susan's name is on the book then I am going to read it! I've not been disappointed in her suspense or her characters!

4. Tosca Lee is a favorite author as well and I am loving this series! This is the 2nd book in the series and was quite the thriller!

3. Anything Julie Lessman y'all! Every year she is in my Top 10 and most of the time in my top 3. This one is a Christmas novella, but it was a great read. I love her spiritual lessons and also her real-to-life characters. 

2. If you have never read author Holly Schindler then you MUST pick up one of her books! Again this is an author that is consistently in my top 10 favorites. The Art of the Kiss explored snapshots of an older couple's life and just resonated with me!

1. Beautiful setting, beautifully written! I loved everything about this book! If you haven't read Keturah(the first book in the series) then you must remedy that and then get this one. I can't wait until Selah comes out! 

There you have it! My Top 10 on 2019! I reached my Goodreads goal of reading 65 books, I hope to set my goal for 70 in 2020. If you have a Top 10 list I would love to see it. Leave me a link in the comments and I will come visit your blog and see what you are reading! 

I hope you have a fantastic 2020 and a wonderful year of reading some fabulous books!

NEW READ-ALONG: HEIDI by Johanna Spyri

Amber at SEASONS OF HUMILITY is once again hosting a read-along. This time we will be reading HEIDI. I read this book when I was a child and loved it so I am looking forward to reading it again and seeing if I enjoy it as much as an adult. Here are all of the details from Amber's blog. Hop on over there and read all about it and feel free to participate!

• The read-along will start Wednesday, January 1, and end Friday, January 31.

• We'll read 1 chapter per weekday for a total of 23 chapters. (You can use the weekends to catch up or get ahead if you'd like!)  

• Discussions will take place here on Fridays (January 10, 17, 24, 31) for a total of 4 discussions.

• I'll(Amber) provide ideas and questions, and you can take part through commenting on the discussion posts here or creating your own blog posts!

I hope you will choose to join us. Read-Alongs are so fun and I love discussing books any time! 

The Christmas Book Shoppe by Miranda Atchley

Trudy gave up her job as a librarian to come home to Christmas, Arkansas and run her Aunt's book shoppe. Trudy loves her book shop, which also has her apartment above the shop. When her cousin who now owns the book shop decides to close the shop right before Christmas Trudy has no idea what she is going to do or where she is going to live.

The Christmas Book Shoppe is a sweet Christmas read. I enjoyed the town of Christmas, Arkansas and I also enjoyed the characters. Trudy's customers were quite entertaining and her friends were loyal. I thought the romance a bit forced and unlikely, but since it wasn't the central part of the story I can live with it. A sweet novella that is perfect for a quick Christmas read.

Seconds To Live by Susan Sleeman

Dustee and her twin sister are in the Witness Protection program. Dustee is a hacker who has worked with the person known as Phantom. The last known partner of Phantom was brutally murdered so it is imperative that Phantom is caught. Taylor is a WITSEC deputy in charge of keeping Dustee and Dianne safe. Now someone has hacked into the WITSEC computers and may be selling the names and locations of witnesses. FBI Agent Sean Nichols and his team are sent to work with the marshals to find Phantom and secure the leak. Sean and Taylor have had an online friendship for awhile now, but this is the first time they will be meeting and they

are both nervous about what it will mean to their relationship. With Phantom desperate to find Dustee and seek revenge all of their lives are in danger, will they find who they are dealing with before anyone else is murdered?

From the opening paragraphs to the very last paragraph, SECONDS TO LIVE was a roller coaster ride of excitement! There is so much suspense and danger, just like I like! We don't know who Phantom is until the end so that adds to the suspense of the story. Sean and Taylor's relationship is sweet, I like that they had an online relationship so that they at least sort of knew each other when they finally met in person. Both Sean and Taylor had trust issues from circumstances in their pasts and that added another dimension to what I like about author Susan Sleeman's books, there are always spiritual lessons to be learned from her characters. As they learn to trust and put their faith in God, the reader too can relate and hopefully do the same.

A FAVORITE QUOTE:

"One thing he'd forgotten, an important thing: God didn't betray. Didn't turn His back. He was always the same loving God. Always wanting the best for His children."

A great reminder both for the characters and for the reader.

This is book 1 in the Homeland Heroes series. I'm excited to read more!

**I received a copy of the book from Netgalley and also a paperback copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own**