Waterfall Wednesdays Read-Along

Waterfall Wednesdays Read-Along Week #4
Pages read:  274-
Chapters read:  18-23

Here are the discussion questions and my answers for the read-along.  This week's questions are provided by:
 Nic at Irresistible Reads

1.  After Gabi is injured, the doctor gives her a tonic.  Gabi questions the doctor several times what is in it but he refuses to tell.  Would have you taken the tonic in Gabi situation?

I wish I could answer no to the question, but I know that I would take the tonic because I want to trust the doctor and because I wouldn't want to offend the doctor or Marcello.  I don't like this polite version of myself because I end up doing things I really don't want to, all because I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings.  

2.  Before the games Gabi asks Lia to let Lord Forabosch win in the archery event as people especially Lord Forabosch are becoming suspicious of them.  But during the games Lord Forabosch upsets Lia trying to throw her off her game. So Lia decides to win.  Do you think she did the right thing by not letting Lord Forabosch bully her or do you think she took an unnecessary risk?

I think Lia makes the right decision and I am so glad she beat the pants off of Lord Forabosch but it could come back and bite her in the butt, so to speak.  I think Lia and Gabi should be suspicious of Lord Forabosch as it is he who I believed poisoned her.  Lord Forabosch is only worried that Gabi is going to steal Marcello away from Lady Rossi.  I am glad Lia put him in his place.

3.  When Gabi is dying and she and Lia decide to return to the tombs so they can get the cure at home but they have to tell Marcello the truth.  Even though Marcello thinks that it is madness that they are from the future he believes in Gabi because he loves her.  Do you think this is believable?  What would you have done if you were Marcello?

If I were Marcello, I would have believed my true love and followed her to the ends of the time.  I think it is believable but I did question why Gabi had no wounds or illness when she returned.  I think time would NOT have erased the wounds so easily, so how was she miraculously cured?  Still wondering.

4.       In the end Gabi and Lia return home.  Do you think Gabi will return to Marcello? Would you go back?

Heck Ya!  She will definitely return and I also think now that Luca and Marcello know of the portal and how to access it they will show up in modern Italy.   I would go back to steal kisses and visit but I probably would not stay permanently.  I just prefer living in modern world while I learn and experience the past.

5.  Looking back at Waterfall what was your favorite moment?

Great Question.  I guess my favorite moments are when Gabi is wearing her skinny jeans and she is asked to change and do her hair and she cannot figure out how to do it properly.  They definitely think she is odd and I love how she uses modern words and they just stare at her like she's an idiot and she has to improvise with a proper term.  I am looking forward to the second book.

Waterfall Wednesdays Read-Along

Waterfall Wednesdays Read-Along Week #4
Pages read:  274-
Chapters read:  18-23

Here are the discussion questions and my answers for the read-along.  This week's questions are provided by:
Jenny at Supernatural Snark!

1. Gabi and Lia both face several life and death situations in these chapters, having to pick up weapons in defense of those they love and experiencing first hand the brutality of close combat. If you had the choice between picking up a weapon and standing on the front lines or staying behind to tend to the wounded as necessary, which would you choose?





I would definitely tend to the wounded.  I am not aggressive and could not shoot anyone with an arrow or a gun unless my life depended on it.  I prefer to stay behind the scenes and help pick up the pieces.  However, I could see myself as someone in charge of battle operations who would oversee the soldiers and relay battle strategy.  Then I am not in the heat of battle nor am I cutting off people's arms or stitching them back together.  Yep, just call me General! 

2. Both girls get to wear extraordinary gowns to their victory celebration; what would your dream medieval gown look like?  

 Hmmm, I have never thought of a dream gown before.  Off the shoulders, beaded bodice, Heart shaped neckline, full skirt with beads or pearls on the bottom.  Silk.  No Lace!  Probably a lovely lavender or periwinkle color.  Maybe a deep purple.  Zipper.  Did they have zippers?  Probably not, so buttons but not too many.

3. Gabi has crude stitches put in and must endure both their removal as well as the cauterization of the wound. How is your threshold for pain? Do you think you would have simply gritted your teeth as Gabi does?



I think I could handle pain without drugs as long as I knew it would be over quickly and as long as I knew they weren't cutting off an arm or anything. I gave birth to a 10 pound baby without any drugs so if I can do that, I could definitely do what Gabi did, although I would totally take a couple of shots of alcohol.  Don't get me wrong, I love modern medicine and in no way would ever give it up.

4. Marcello wants to properly court Gabi after they express mutual feelings of affection, wanting to speak with her mother about his intentions. What do you think is the most romantic aspect of medieval courtship?

Good question!  You are really making me think.  
The most romantic part for me would be the flirting and sexual tension of waiting to be together and not being allowed to be alone until their married.  I also think SOME chivalrous behavior is romantic.  I thought when Marcello picked out and bought Gabi her dresses and underclothes was very romantic.  Frankly, I love it when my husband buys clothes for me.

5. Gabi and Lia find themselves with conflicting desires toward the end with Lia wanting to return home and Gabi hoping to stay. Do you think that Gabi is being unfair to Lia for wanting to stay, or is Lia being unfair to Gabi for demanding they go? A little of both?

Gabi is naturally conflicted about the choice to return or to stay, who wouldn't be?  Lia is trying to appeal to her conscious mind and bring her back to reality, literally.  Neither is being unfair to the other, they each have their own ideas, plans, hopes and fears and they just happen to be in two different time periods.

Next week we are reading:
Chapters 24-28 and Wrap Up Hosted by Nic at Irresistible Reads

Waterfall Wednesdays Read-Along

Waterfall Wednesdays Read-Along Week #3
Pages read:  191-273
Chapters read:  12-17

Here are the discussion questions and my answers for the read-along.  This week's questions are provided by:
Joy and Serena at Edgy Inspirational Romance.

1. In Siena, on her way to the ball at Palazzo Pubblico, Gabi likened her experience to being on the red carpet at the Academy Awards, the goal being "to see and be seen." If you were a peasant, watching from the crowd, what would you be thinking as this procession passed by?  I would probably wish I were going to the ball, just like I always wish I was at the Academy Awards.   I agree it is totally about "being seen" and being remembered.  I may grumble a bit if I were a peasant and wish they were not starving me to wear their beautiful gowns.  Of course I would also wish for that handsome knight to notice me in the crowd and rescue me from my meager existence.

2. Though quite nervous about dancing at the ball, Gabi discovers a strange feeling of connection to the time, the people, and the society through the unified beauty of the dance. Have you ever been in a position where you felt out of your element, but, in one, pinpointed moment, became a part of or connected to something bigger than your fear? When I started teaching I was terrified, totally shy and out of my element.  I remember feeling, the moment I began speaking on my first day, that this was right where I was supposed to be in my life, in front of the classroom, teaching high school social studies.  Teaching makes me happy (some days it raises my blood pressure to unheard of levels). To me teaching is bigger than myself and I feel a part of each student's present, past and future.

3. The kiss. Oh, the kiss. When Marcello finally kisses Gabi, he believes the experience to be proof that they are meant to be together. What did you think about his assumption? Were you surprised at Gabi's reaction to it? Have you ever experienced a kiss that seemed to be prophetic in a similar (or opposite!) way?  NO prophetic kisses here.  I wish!  Marcello is making assumptions because he has no idea that Gabi has other plans for her life besides marriage.  He may be a hottie, and her first true love but she has bigger problems and his kiss just created even more problems than she cares to have at that moment.  Women tend to think and overthink more than men, men just seem to assume it will all work out to their advantage, no thinking needed.

4. Many go through their teen years with a subdued sense of immortality. Do you think Gabi has a sense of this teen feeling? And did you think Gabi's converse observation, "Sometimes death came hunting and there was no way to cut it off at the pass." was informed more by the experience of losing her father, her self-admitted closet hypochondria, or the forced maturation of being transported to a different time? How does this observation show Gabi's growth as a character?  I agree, most teens think they are invincible and will live forever and Gabi sometimes shows this side of her.  Yet Gabi has learned her history lessons and understands most of what it has taught her and is applying her knowledge to her current situation in Siena.  In some ways Gabi still takes too many risks (I am saying this as her mother) and she needs to start thinking through situations clearly before jumping in but (as a reader) I enjoy her impetuous nature and her sometimes erratic teenager behavior. Going through life changing experiences, like the death of a father or falling into a time warp does tend to make a person grow up faster.  Gabi's character has matured because she is no longer completely self-absorbed and she has started to see the affects of her actions.

5. In the span of a few moments, Gabi goes from sword-wielding teen beauty to man-killing warrior. Did you think her realization of the finality of death -- and her justification for its necessity -- was realistic?

I do. Gabi has strong instincts to protect herself and others and like most women, would go to extraordinary lengths to protect those people that she loves.  It makes sense that she would try to justify the murder of the two men because otherwise she would not be able to go forward with her life. 

Next week will be hosted by Jenny at Supernatural Snark!  We will be reading chapters 18-23.

Waterfall Wednesdays Read-Along

Waterfall Wednesdays Read-Along Week #2

Pages read:  100-190
Chapters read:  7-11

Here are the discussion questions and my answers for the read-along.  This week's questions are provided by:  Missie at
The Unread Reader.

Discussion Questions for Chapters 7-11

1. Gabi's search for her sister is made increasingly difficult by the fight for territory between Castello Forelli and Castello Paratore. At this point, do you think the rivalry is warranted? Why or why not?  Like any feud that has been happening for more years than people can remember, the rivalry between the two families probably started for a good reason (a fight over a woman) and then cascaded into a fight revolving around territory, loyalty and pride.  Land was very important to Europeans as it represented wealth and prestige and so yes the battle is warranted to the Forelli's and the Paratore's but to me, I say it is time to make a peace treaty.
2. Gabi aids Fortino by having his sickroom cleaned out and using steam to loosen the phlegm inside his lungs so he could breathe better. Have you ever found yourself in a situation that required you to rely on home remedies to aid yourself or another? What are some of your favorite home remedies? I love home remedies and in fact I am the home remedy vitamin queen of my house.  One of my favorite home remedies, I got from living with my grandma.  When I have a cold so bad when all I crave is sleep and it will not come, I make a cup of hot tea, pour in a shot of brandy, some honey, add some lemon juice and then inhale the fumes as I swallow.  I always sleep good and feel better in the morning.  I always make a homemade pot of chicken soup when sick and eat it for the whole week.  I also boil water on the stove if anyone is congested, burn peppermint, eucalyptus candles in house to help keep away germs and heal the house from contagions.  These are just a few. 
3. Marcello and his men don't hide their surprise when they learn that Gabi is skilled with a sword. What did you think of this development? Has your initial impression of Gabi changed? Do you have any secret skills?  I thought this part was cool but I also know that women are for the most part weaker than men and I thought Gabi should have realized that sooner.  When it comes to fighting or strength women will always be at a disadvantage when fighting a man whether you can wield a sword or not.  I do agree with Gabi that I would feel safer with a sword by my side if I were trained to use it.   I don't think my initial impression of Gabi changed, I still like her.  I don't think I have a secret skill but I took a fencing class and loved it.  As a lefty, I learned that people who are left handed frequently win a match because right handed competitors rarely face them.
4. "Our lips were so close, I could feel the heat of his breath on my skin." Gabi and Marcello's feelings for one another are beginning to stir. What do you think of Marcello as a romantic interest thus far? What do you think of his intended?  My opinion of Marcello's intended, Lady Rossi has changed greatly but I am still wary of her and I can see Marcello and Lady Rossi have a fondness for each other.   Regarding Marcello and Gabi,  I want them to kiss and have a chance at love but I think Gabi is right to keep her distance and not cause the downfall of Siena and their outposts by stealing away with Marcello in the heat of the moment.
5. Marcello and Luca take turns teaching Gabi the dances of Toscana. Would you have liked to attend a ball like the one Gabi was practicing for? Do you like to dance? Do you know any cool dance moves? Extra (not really) points if you YouTube yourself dancing and share the video. Come on, it will be fun!   I would love to attend a ball and learn the dances from Vienna, France, England and Italy.  I love to dance and spend a lot of time dancing in my kitchen with the broom while I am cleaning.  I also have an xbox 360 Kinect and spend some of my weekend time working out to Dance Central and perfecting my dance moves (not!).  I feel deprived because I never  had dance lessons as a child and yet dancing is one of my favorite things to do.  I am definitely not going to make a YouTube video, my students would use it for blackmail.

I have included a picture of Piazza Del Campo in Siena, Italy where part of Waterfall takes place.  It is so beautiful.  I want to visit Italy soon and hope that I can make a stop here.  What a beautiful medieval town.

My goal for next week is to actually post this on Wednesday. As a teacher and parent it is hard for me to get everything done that I want to do in a day, but I'm trying.  So next week we are reading chapters 12-17 and it is hosted by Joy and Serena at Edgy Inspirational Romance.

Waterfall Wednesdays Read-Along

Waterfall Wednesdays Read-Along Week #1

Chapters read: 1-6
Pages read: 1-99

Here are the discussion questions and my answers for the read-along.  This week's questions are provided by TinasbookReviews

1. Waterfall opens with the introduction of Gabi, shes depressed, a little angry and is dealing with feelings of loneliness. Are you connecting with her this soon in the novel? Do you see things you like or dislike?


I am a history teacher and loved the description of the Etruscan tombs and their search for it.  I can totally see how a teenager would be bored by it when she has been to Italy multiple times and participated in other digs with her mother.  However if it was me, I would have been ecstatic to be there. 

2. Gabi gets to time travel back to 14th Century Italy- The Dark Ages in its prime. Is there anytime in history that fascinates you and would you travel back if you could?

I was kinda hoping Gabi would end up in the time of the Etruscan people but the Middle Ages is an interesting time frame to write and read about.  I would never want to live in the Dark Ages, especially if I happened to be a female.  There is a reason why they are called Dark Ages.  All of history fascinates me which is why I became a history teacher but I would not chose to go back and I really enjoy the freedoms of being a woman in today's society, like voting, working, and being able to get an education and the freedom to make my own choices.  I would definitely not go back in time!

3. Most of the men, including Marcello have a very set opinion about a woman's place. Gabi gets manhandled a bit in these first few chapters, and even gets asked if shes a witch. The men are shocked when Gabi rides a horse like a man and shimmies down the castle walls. What do you think of mens mentality back then? Gentlemanly, chauvinistic, simple-minded?

Well, men were definitely gentleman back then but they were also rogues.  They expected women to act and dress a certain way and meant to keep them under their control and protection.  A strong, educated woman would have scared the heck out of most men and they would seek to control her which is why many women were beaten by their husbands and burned as witches.  I do miss chivalry and wish it was part of modern day society.  I also wish we could erase the double standard of today and help many of the women around the world who are forced into marriages and sold by their parents to ease their debt.  It some place it still is the Dark Ages!!

4. When Gabi becomes a part of this era, the people are immediately intrigued but suspicious of her. Many judge her by her difference. Do you think this is fair? Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like an outsider or that others were misjudging you?
Judging Gaby for being different is probably a natural human behavior.  Unfortunately it has probably happened to all of us and it is definitely not fair.  Usually the impression is completely inaccurate and can lead to some serious issues.  Right now I can't recall an exact situation but as a teacher I am being judged from everything to the clothes I wear, to my voice and my hair style that day.  It is amazing to me how teenagers think it is appropriate to voice their opinions about everything.  Sometimes my feelings do get hurt. 

5. What do think the coolest thing would be about living in the Dark Ages? What would be the worst?
Oh, boy this is a tough question.  I personally would skip over the Dark Ages if I could and go to the Renaissance.  But since I can't do that, I would say the coolest thing might be wearing the pretty dresses and learning to dance in court.  Of course I would probably be a peasant and so that would never happen.   The worst part of the Dark Ages would be the smell.  Most people didn't bath often and they would throw their excrement and trash into the street and it would stink for miles.  YUCK!  I love modern sanitation, flush toilets and showers.



Next week we are reading chapters 7-11

Chapters 7-11 is Hosted by Missie at The Unread Reader 

Happy Reading!!

Waterfall Read-Along

Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren Read-Along

I am excited to announce that I am participating in the Waterfall Wednesdays Read-Along starting August 31st.  Waterfall is the first in a young adult trilogy about Italy, history and time travel and I am super excited to read it.  Everyone knows that I love a good Read-Along!!

Here is the reading schedule and the blogs who are hosting for the week.  The first six questions are ready if you want to join in.

Our Discussion Schedule:

August 31- Chapters 1-6 Hosted by Tina at Tinasbookreviews
Sept 7- Chapters 7-11 Hosted by Missie at The Unread Reader
Sept 14- Chapters 12-17 Hosted by Joy&Serena at Edgy Inspirational Romance
Sept 21- Chapters 18-23 Hosted by Jenny at Supernatural Snark
Sept 28- Chapters 24-28 and Wrap Up Hosted by Nic at Irresistible Reads

As a added bonus for everyone who links up and joins the read-along, Lisa Bergren herself has offered a trilogy set of her series to one winner each week. Yup- that means Waterfall, Cascade and Torrent, all for you, thats five winners!!  Signing up and participating automatically enters you into the drawing and if the winner is from the US- Lisa will sign them as well. Each winner will be announced at the hosts blog the following week after the discussion.

Time to get reading!  Hope to see you in the comment line!