The Silver Chair: Read-Along-Final Discussion

Welcome to the final discussion of our read-along. For all of the information and our host Amber's thoughts and wrap-up hop on over to her blog SEASONS OF HUMILITY.

Today we are discussing Chapters 12-16-The end of THE SILVER CHAIR:

QUOTES:

"It is not easy to throw off in half an hour an enchantment "which has made one a slave for ten years."

"The more enchanted you get, the more you feel that you are not enchanted at all."

"Puddleglum was still fighting hard. "I don't know rightly what you all mean by a world," he said, talking like a man who hasn't enough air. "But you can play that fiddle till your fingers drop off, and still you won't make me forget Narnia; and the whole Overworld too. We'll never see it again, I shouldn't wonder. You may have blotted it out and turned it dark like this, for all I know. Nothing more likely. But I know I was there once. I've seen the sky full of stars. I've seen the sun coming up out of the sea of a morning and sinking behind the mountains at night. And I've seen him up in the midday sky when I couldn't look at him for brightness." YES! You go Puddleglum!!!

"I'm a chap who always like to know the worst and then put the best face I can on it."Puddleglum!

"They say there's no roof at all there; only a horrible, great emptiness called the sky." Horrors!

"You can't really like it---crawling about like flies on top of the world!"

"That's right, Sir," said Puddleglum's voice. "And you must always remember there's one good thing about being trapped down here: it'll save funeral expenses." Snort-laughed right there!

"Well, I wouldn't have dreamt of her doing that. Even though I am a good-looking chap." Jill had just kissed Puddleglum on the cheek good-bye. Made me laugh!

"After that, the Head's friends saw that the Head was no use as a Head, so they got her made an Inspector to interfere with other Heads. And when they found she wasn't much good even at that, they got her into Parliament where she lived happily ever after."Isn't that the way it goes? You don't want to deal with someone so promote them out of the shop until they become the boss over everything? Ack!

THOUGHTS:

Once again Puddleglum is kind of my hero! He had two excellent speeches that he made that made me cheer and say, "Hurrah for Puddleglum!" I love that he knew they were being enchanted and he was not going to put up with the nonsense. I love that he stuck by his faith in Aslan no matter what the witch said or did to them. And what a great sacrifice he made for all of them by putting his foot in the fire to wake them up! Yes, Puddleglum is the hero in my opinion! Besides the fact, he is funny as all get-out! I love the quote I picked where he says he is the chap that always likes to put a good face on a bad situation! Made me laugh! ha! My favorite quote is his one about saving funeral expenses! How practical! bwahahaha!

QUESTIONS FROM AMBER:

1. Which part of the chapter featuring the Witch ("The Queen of Underland") impacted you the most?
In chapter 12 her speech that was wrapped up in a kind of hypnotic cadence along with her potions and such to get the children, Puddleglum and Prince Rillian under her spell. I saw so many spiritual parallels throughout this book. With her speech it just reminded me of the Devil using his enticing ploys to tempt us. Everything she said was filled with lies, but wrapped up in reasonableness and enticement in order to make the others question everything they believed. 

2. Would you have been tempted to visit Bism if offered the opportunity? Why or why not?

I don't think so. To again put another spiritual take on it I saw Bism as being a bunch of demons trying to entice the children once more into a world that they didn't belong. Another of the witches ploys to get more followers. I think that it was a side-track that would have derailed them just like the pitfalls that derail us when we allow satan too much sway in our lives. Don't you just love the spiritual insights that you can glean from these books?

3. How did you feel about the ending of the story—for Narnia, for Caspian, for Eustace and Jill?
It kind of wrapped up quickly and tidily for sure, but all good things must come to an end so I thought it was a reasonable ending. I felt bad for Rilian that his father died, that was sad. And I was glad that things were going to change at the school that Jill and Eustace attended, even though the Head didn't deserve her promotions!


4. What was your favorite line or scene in the whole book? If you've read the other books in the Chronicles of Narnia series, how does this one rank in your opinion?

Well I would say anything that had Puddleglum in it, but I did so love his speeches in chapter 12 where he was fighting the enchantment of the witch and standing up for Aslan and Narnia. And his willingness to do whatever it took to wake them all up. I think my favorite of the series will always be The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, with Puddleglum being my favorite character, but The Silver Chair ranking way down the list in favorites. 

How about you? Have you read the Narnia series? I would love to hear your thoughts on the series. Do you read the series thinking about the spiritual applications, or do you read the series for the fun of it and enjoy it at face-value. Which honestly, I do most of the time with my reading! I've enjoyed the read-along and in March Amber is going to host another read-along with the book Emily of New Moon by L. M. Montgomery. Hope to see you then!

Cold Dawn by Susan Sleeman

Samantha is investigating the death of a friend in a warehouse that has been torched. While there someone tries to kill her by locking her in the building and once again setting the place on fire. Griff shows up just in time to save Sam. Sam and Griff have a past. Seven years earlier Sam walked out on their relationship. She would prefer to never have to see Griff again, but she needs his help to find whomever killed their friend. Both Griff and Sam have emotional baggage to work through. Griff is a former SEAL turned firefighter blaming himself for things beyond his control. Sam saw her parents' marriage fall apart and knows she can never trust a man with her heart. Both risk their lives and their hearts to catch a murderer.

I truly enjoyed Sam and Griff's story. I love the Blackwell Tactical team that Sam is a member of. I love how they are a family and as such they feel free to butt into each others lives! They take care of each other and they push each other to be better people. It was fun to catch up with all of the couples. Sam's fears did kind of get on my nerves a bit. I'd think she had dealt with them and could move on, but then she would be right back where she started. It kind of frustrated me, but also reminded me that our fears and anxieties do not just disappear over night. They are constantly having to be worked on. Griff was a combination of tough guy and mushy guy which always fascinates me. I love to watch a tough guys heart melt over the woman he loves! All of the Blackwell guys are kind of in the same boat where their women are concerned! Susan Sleeman captures the readers attention right from the start and keeps the tension going throughout the story.

 This is the last of the COLD HARBOR series, but fear not, there is a spinoff series coming! The Truth Seekers first book DEAD RINGER will be coming out in April of 2019. I was hoping that we would find out what Emory's(whom we met in COLD DAWN) story was and my wish has been granted! And it looks like Sheriff Blake Jenkins from the COLD HARBOR series will play a big role in the story as well...YES! I am a romantic suspense junkie and am looking forward to this new series! 

If you have never read any of author Susan Sleeman's books please remedy that! They are among my favorites!

Check out my reviews of the rest of the COLD HARBOR series:

COLD TERROR(part of a novella series that I read, but also available individually)
COLD TRUTH
COLD FURY
COLD CASE
COLD FEAR
COLD PURSUIT

Convergence by Ginny Yttrup

Dr. Denilyn Rossi wrote a book on bullying. Then she picked up a stalker. Years later Deni once again is feeling out of control. She feels eyes watching her all of the time. How can it be her stalker? He hasn't been released from jail yet, or has he? Once again Deni's life is in danger. How can this be happening to her again?

This is author Ginny Yttrup's first suspense book and I have to say I was hooked from the very beginning! It did take me a bit to get used to the flow of the book. There are flashbacks and then present scenes so pay attention to the dates at the beginning of chapters. Denilyn wasn't my favorite character at first, but as the story developed she matured and became more likable. I really liked the spiritual lessons that Deni learned and how her faith matured. CONVERGENCE kept me turning the pages and not wanting to put it down until the end. It was exciting and well developed. If you are a suspense fan then I definitely recommend it to you!

The Silver Chair: Read-Along: Discussion-2

For more information on the read-along you can head over to our host Amber's blog at SEASONS OF HUMILITY. Today we are discussing Chapters 7-11.

FAVORITE QUOTES:

"He looked at the children with curiosity. Blue faces, he said. I didn't know they were that color. Don't care about it myself. But I dare say you look quite nice to one another. Beetles fancy other beetles, they do say."

"And there's one thing about this underground work, we shan't get any rain."

"Many sink down, and few return to the sunlit lands. They say he will wake at the end of the world."

"Many have taken ship at the pale beaches, replied the Warden, "and---" "Yes, I know," interrupted Puddleglum. "And few return to the sunlit lands. You needn't say it again. You are a chap of one idea, aren't you?"

"And the worst thing about it was that you began to feel as if you had always lived on that ship, in that darkness, and to wonder whether sun and blue skies and wind and birds had not been only a dream."

"No, go back," said Puddleglum. "We may pick up some information, and we need all we can get. I am sure that Queen is a witch and an enemy. And soon those Earthmen would knock us on the head as soon as look at us. There's a stronger smell of danger and lies and magic and treason about this land that I've ever smelled before. We need to keep our eyes and ears open."

MY THOUGHTS:

I know that the quotes I chose seem a bit random. So I'll just let you know why I chose them. The first quote just amused me! I mean, seriously! "Beetles fancy other beetles, they do say." Just made me laugh! To the kids the giants looked funny, to the giants the kids looked funny. I just love the whole, "to each his own" attitude.

The second quote is Puddleglum. He stood out in this section for sure. And I loved his trying to comfort Jill as they were going to have to crawl through a small little tunnel. He was looking for the silver lining. Underground? No rain! Yay!

The third and fourth quotes go together. Puddleglum's response to the Warden repeating that saying over and over cracked me up. Yes, Puddleglum is still my favorite character! ha!

The fifth quote I chose was kind of a spiritual reminder to me. When we allow ourselves to get mired in our sin, when we wallow in it so to speak, or when we embrace it, it becomes as if we never walked in the light of Jesus before. It becomes the norm. It is a sad place to be, it is a depressing place to be.

The last quote I chose was because of Puddleglum once again. I love how much discernment he had about the witch and about the situation.

The children seem to be getting back on track with the signs that Aslan gave to Jill. And setting the Prince free was such a relief! Let's see if the last chapters of the book work out for them.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Which character's journey/growth resonates with you the most so far? Do you relate more to Eustace, Jill, or Puddleglum—or perhaps Prince Rilian?

I think that I relate a little bit to all of them. I can be a mouth and jerk like Eustace. I can be afraid of everything and whine like Jill. I can be sarcastic and gloomy and dry-witted as Puddleglum and finally I can be like Prince Rilian in all of his craziness! ha!

2. Did you find yourself liking the giants at any point in these chapters, or did they seem like villains to you from the beginning?

Being only 4'9" tall I feel like I live in the land of giants most of the time! But no, I did not like the giants even though the kitchen giant seemed a jolly sort. Having read the book before I knew what they were up to from the time that the wicked queen sent them to the giants. Ack! 

3. Which moment in these chapters made you feel the most emotion, be it frustration, relief, aversion, eagerness, or happiness?

I had a very great aversion when they all went underground! Especially, like Jill, when she had to crawl in the little tunnel. I was about ready to hyperventilate with her! That is one of the reasons this was not my favorite books of the series! Ha! I hate the thought of being under all of that earth! Even though I feel like a cave-dweller the majority of the time because I don't like being outdoors, at least it is above-ground!

4. What are your first impressions after meeting Prince Rilian and seeing the role of the silver chair in the story? If you've read the book before, do you remember what you felt when you read chapter 11 and discovered the truth about the Black Knight?

Honestly I have no remembrance of my feelings when I read the series for the first time. I am happy that he is finally set free and found. 

Have you read THE SILVER CHAIR before? Have you read any of the Narnia books? What are your thoughts? What are your favorites? Jump in on the discussion either here or over on Amber's blog. Would love to hear what y'all think. Join us again next Thursday for the final discussion on chapters 12-16.

The Silver Chair: Read-Along Discussion-1

For all of the details about the read-along go to our hostess Amber's Blog at Seasons Of Humility and check it out!

Today we discuss chapters 1-6:

FAVORITE QUOTE:

Walks after the first halt---like school mornings after break or railway journeys after changing trains---never go on as they were before.

Have you ever felt that way? So excited to start out on the adventure, but then it kind of gets old real quick! ha!

THOUGHTS:

I love Narnia! I love all of the hidden spiritual messages and meanings in the characters and the place.

Eustace has definitely grown some, but he can still be a jerk! As with all of us, there is still room for improvement in his character. This is Jill's first time into Narnia. While she understands that Aslan is important, I don't think that she quite gets how serious she needs to take the task that he has given her. Puddleglum...he cracks me up! I love him! He's so gloomy, yet I can see him using that to manipulate the kids to do what he wants. He is definitely a wet blanket, but I think he has a good heart.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. What do you think of Jill's first impressions of Aslan and Narnia? If you were in her shoes, how might you react to the Lion and the new world in which you arrived?

I'm glad that she had a heads up from Eustace about Narnia, otherwise she might have been totally freaked out! Talking lions? Yeah, if I was in her shoes I'd probably be running for the hills! 

2. Which scene or character has made you laugh (or smile) the most so far? What makes it (or him/her) so amusing?

Oh definitely Puddleglum! I just love his, "The sky is falling" attitude. I have no idea why, but it just amuses me. 

3. How did the recounting of Prince Rilian's disappearance make you feel? If this is your first time reading the book, do you have any theories about what happened to him and why? If you've read the book before, did you notice anything new or more impactful when rereading this scene?

This isn't my first or even my second or third reading of this book, but it has been years since I last read it. Nothing new or impactful in re-reading the Prince Rilian's disappearance. Just that foreboding feeling of knowing where he is and with whom he is with. 

4. What do you think has been Jill and Eustace's greatest challenge so far on their journey? What do you think they might struggle with in the future based on how they've already acted?

Their greatest challenge has been trying to get along with each other. But also trusting each other. Eustace has been to Narnia before so he thinks he has all of the answers. But Jill has seen Aslan already and has a mission from him that Eustace needs to trust her on. Jill's greatest challenge is to remember all of the signs that Aslan gave her. Both of them need to be more respectful of Puddleglum, I mean seriously, at one point Jill told him to, "Shut up!" That really bothered me. So not only do they need to be more respectful towards each other, but as Puddleglum is probably the adult figurehead right now they need to start listening to him and treating him more respectfully instead of acting like two childish brats. Hmmmm, no wonder I like Puddleglum best! 

Have you read the Narnia series? What are your thoughts on this installment? Honestly for me it is not my favorite book of the series, but at least it has its light-hearted moments...Puddleglum!

Taken In Texas by Susan Sleeman

Kendall McKade has worked hard to become a detective in her small town. The job isn't hers yet, but she has just landed a case that will help her prove that she is capable of holding that position. Kendall is called to make a welfare check on an elderly woman. When she arrives at Eve's home Eve is missing and Kendall is ambushed by an intruder. When she awakes after being clobbered Cord Goodwin has arrived. He is Eve's nephew and had called in for the welfare check. Cord and Kendall have a past together that did not end well, will they be able to put aside their old feelings for each other and find Eve before it is too late?

Cord is a detective in Houston, he and his nephew have suffered too much loss recently, they do not want to lose Eve as well. Can Kendall help the two navigate their touchy relationship and can both Cord and Kendall learn to allow God to be in control of situations instead of themselves?

This is the last of the McKade Law series. They will be missed let me tell you! I think this may have been my favorite though. I loved how strong Kendall was, but also mature enough to realize when her life was in danger she needed to let others help her. I also loved her caring nature, she's a hugger! Sometimes that is all you can do for someone, give them a hug and let them know you are there. I liked that about her character. Author Susan Sleeman always captures the readers attention from the very first pages of her books to the very end. The suspense ran throughout the story, not overdone, but enough to move the story along and keep the reader invested in the outcome. TAKEN IN TEXAS was exciting and moving. I love how the characters faith is interspersed throughout the story and how both Kendall and Cord mature in their trust in the Lord and learn to hand over their control to Him. An excellent ending to a series that I totally enjoyed!

Other books in the series:

Holiday Secrets

Rodeo Standoff

Christmas Hideout

**I received my copy of the book from the author for review purposes. All opinions are my own. Book releases February 1, 2019**

The Line Between by Tosca Lee

Wynter, her sister Jaclyn and their mother arrive at the Enclave and feel safe for the first time. At first everything seems peaceful. They have learned a new life and Magnus, the founder of the Enclave, seems like he truly is the mouthpiece of God as he claims. After years of Magnus telling the people what God expects of them and being their prophet how can they doubt him when he has a new revelation from God? Wynter does just that though, and it eventually gets her banished from the Enclave into eternal hell(the outside world).

When her mother's best friend picks Wynter up from the Enclave she takes her home and has to teach Wynter a whole new way of thinking. Strange things are happening in the world now. People seem to be getting early onset dementia for no reason. Could Magnus possibly have been right? Is the world really coming to an end? When her sister Jaclyn escapes the Enclave with something of Magnus's, Wynter's life is in danger as she risks travelling to Colorado to help save those infected with this horrifying disease. With the world in chaos, and lawlessness abounding, nowhere seems safe for Wynter. With the help of a stranger will Wynter be able to reach her destination and then ultimately go back to the one place she fears most in order to save one more person from the Enclave?

Author Tosca Lee certainly knows how to write a nail-biting suspenseful novel! I loved this one from the very first page to the very last page! Wynter's time in the cult was written in flash-back form which was interesting to me. I didn't understand all of the scientific terms of the disease, just that it wasn't good! The author wrote very believably about the life of the cult and also what could happen if there ever was a pandemic breakout, with lawlessness abounding, but also the ability for humans to help each other survive. I love Chase's character! An ex-Marine and very capable of protecting Wynter and getting her to where she needs to go. THE LINE BETWEEN was very entertaining and hard for me to put down! I haven't read whether the author plans a sequel, but I think there needs to be one as there were several things left unanswered. Entertaining, suspenseful in parts, and scary to think that something like this may someday happen in our world. I definitely recommend this book!

Web Of Lies by Brandilyn Collins

This time around forensic artist Annie Kingston teams up with Chelsea Adams. Chelsea has visions from God. Her latest vision includes a case that Annie may be working on. Chelsea's vision is petrifying to both of them, but the detective that is handling the case refuses to listen to either one of them. Two people's lives are at stake and Annie and Chelsea forge their way through the case hoping to save them before this latest killer gets away with murder once again.

Spiders y'all! Gah! I'm not normally skittish about spiders, but yeah, this book was terrifying in it's description of them. No spoilers, but be prepared to be repulsed! Okay, now on to the characters. Annie's son Stephen has matured a lot since his mother's life was in danger the last time. Now all of the sudden he is the man of the house and ready to take on anyone who threatens his family. Good for him! A definite turn-around for the better. Both Jenna and Stephen are skeptical about Annie's and Kelly's faith in God but neither one are scoffers. Dave and Annie have progressed in their relationship, but Annie still has feelings of guilt and unworthiness that she has to deal with. I'm a definite skeptic about "visions from God" but for the purpose of the book it was entertaining and provided a nightmarish look into the killer's reasoning and thoughts. This was the last book in the Hidden Faces series. It was just as good as the first 3, but I am glad that it is over with. I don't think Annie and her family could handle anymore killers coming out of the woodwork! Annie was less hysterical this time around, but still there were scenes that provided her with lots of emotional trauma that translated into panic/hysteria. Author Brandilyn Collins' books are described as "Seatbelt Suspense" and WEB OF LIES fit right into that category! Buckle up and be prepared for a wild ride...er, read!

Murders and Metaphors by Amanda Flower

The magical book shop is doing it again! Helping Violet solve another murder. When someone is murdered at a book signing Violet feels that she has no other choice but to help solve the murder in order to clear her friend. With the bookstore throwing copies of LITTLE WOMEN at her every time she turns around, Violet is having a hard time figuring out what the bookstore is telling her this time around. As always, Chief Rainwater is there to discourage Violet from snooping, but he knows it is a useless cause. Suspects seem to be coming out of the woodwork, but finding the murderer before Violet gets hurt proves to be a difficult task. Not only is Violet trying to solve a murder, but she is also trying to deal with her feelings towards David Rainwater. Having just taken over the Caretaker position at the bookstore Violet assumes that she is destined to be single the rest of her life, but is that really what is expected of the Caretaker? Can Violet trust David with the secret of the bookstore?

I really enjoy this series and am so glad that the author found a publisher to continue writing it! I love the uniqueness of the bookstore and how it helps Violet to solve murders. As always with this authors writing there are animal characters. And boy are they characters! Faulkner the crow cracks me up with his quotes and sayings and general grumpiness. And Emmerson the tuxedo kitty that seems to be an escape artist is entertaining as well. The town of Cascade Springs has many entertaining people characters as well. They keep the reader chuckling and trying to guess who the killer is. I love Chief Rainwater, but I do have a complaint. I wish that the author would decide what she wants Violet to call him. I find it very unromantic for her to constantly be referring to him as "Rainwater" or even "Chief Rainwater." I think to make their romance a bit more believable Violet needs to have a more personal way of talking about him. Either call him David or Chief. That's just being a bit nit picky maybe, but it bothered me while reading.  The mystery was pretty good and had a few twists and turns that kept me guessing as to "who-done-it." I was pretty surprised when it was revealed! If you are a cozy mystery fan then definitely give this series a try.

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