Your book club hostess is Michelle Massaro
Welcome, readers! I am so excited to host this month's club selection, Destiny's Dream by Delia Latham. If you don't already know, Delia has offered to send each of our participants a free bookmark and signed bookplate. She is also generously giving away a copy of Kylie's Kiss. All who join in our discussions will have their name put into the hat to win that book, and I'm positive that after reading Destiny's Dream, you'll want the sequel. So don't be shy, jump on in and share your thoughts, answer a question, or pose one of your own. Our lovely author will be around to interact with us all. Woo hoo!
Don't forget, we also meet on facebook for those who "live" over there and find it easier not to venture out of the house. That link is: http://www.facebook.com/groups/COTTbookclub/ Please share it (and this blog) with your friends.
Tweet it, link it, honk if you love us.
Ready to dive into the final club selection of the year? I am! You know, I'm never sure what I'm going to think of a new book or author I've never read. So I always crack open the first page with a bit of apprehension. Especially when I've met the author and really really want to love their work. Well, I knew immediately that I had no need to worry about Delia's story or her prose. It's right up my alley and I was thrilled that I'd get to be her hostess. So here we go:
Q: The story opens with a very difficult scene where Destiny's mother is dying. Anyone who has lost someone close to them will no doubt feel those emotions stirred up again while reading this scene. I know I did.
Was this passage at all difficult for you to read?
Q: Destiny's mother leaves her a scripture, a promise she says Jesus specifically told her to give Destiny. Psalm 91:11's promise: "He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways."
How do you feel about the idea of angels around you? Does it comfort you? If not, why not?
Q: Destiny and her siblings decided not to conduct a "death watch" over their dying mother.
Do you think having her children hovering near, dreading and anticipating her death, would have been a comfort or a discomfort to Miss Margie? How would you feel under that same circumstance?
Q: Destiny's behavior at her mother's funeral was not typical for her character.
Have you ever been in a situation where emotions/nerves caused you to behave in a manner not normal for you? Were there repercussions, and if so, how did you handle them?
Q: Clay's relationship with God has taken a back seat over the years. He has a bit of difficulty understanding Destiny's very personal relationship with Him, wherein she speaks about and to God as if He is her close Friend and Confidante.
Have you reached that place in your relationship with Him? If not, what's holding you back?
Q: Clay tends to look at Destiny's career choice as a frivolous occupation, while Destiny considers matchmaking a ministry.
Have you ever felt the sting of someone's less-than-appreciative opinion of something you consider important? How did you handle it, especially if that someone's opinion really mattered to you?
18 comments:
Hi, everyone! Michelle, I'm SO happy that you enjoyed Destiny's Dream! I'm excited about discussing the books with COTT readers. Remember, if you haven't yet picked up your copy, my publisher is offering all of my eBooks at 15% off this month. You can find that discount at www.whiterosepublishing.com.
Hey, Delia!
I just wanted to chime in and say that Destiny's Dream is a wonderful story. I am truly enjoying the Soloman's Gate Series. Oh, you are an amazing and gifted writer. I am so glad to see Destiny's Dream spotlighted here. Everyone should read it!!
Best wishes and keep on writing!
The whole death watch question really got me. I'm not sure what I would feel under the same circumstances. Great issues.
I think I would want people around. If I were lonely or scared (even though I know where I'm going, it's kinda scary), I wouldn't want to be left alone. Of course this is only a guess!
Hi, Mary! It means so much to me to know you're enjoying the Solomon's Gate books!
The death watch situation will always be highly personal and different from one family or individual to the next. Also, while Destiny's family chose not to have ALL of them hovering over their dying mother, they didn't leave her alone. Considering the way it played out in the moments before she died, I think God obviously intended her to be alone with Destiny at that time...don't you?
Hi, Mary! Thanks so much for that vote of confidence. I'm so glad you're enjoying the Solomon's Gate Series.
Yes, the death watch thing will definitely be different from situation to situation - there really is no right or wrong answer. Also, while Destiny and her siblings chose not to hover over their mother as a complete family, they didn't leave her alone - they took it in "watches." However, considering the way the mother's last few minutes played out, I think God intended Destiny to be alone with her at that time...don't you? :)
Hey ya'll! I'm Delia's BIGGEST fan, both literally and figuratively. I've read ALL her books, includig her children's book, MINE! I stood watch over my mother-in-law, my mother, and my daddy as they lay dying. I wouldn't have it any other way. The deaths were all very different. After my MIL's death, my mother was determined to NOT die at home. I personally love the idea, but it is harder on those left behind as it's easier on the leaver. ALL THREE WERE SAVED, PTL! Of course, in the South we ALWAYS stand watch. We watched over them from 3 days to up to 2 weeks (for Daddy). It was a mind-numbin, but spiritual time for us. I couldn't have made it thru my Daddy's death WITHOUT Delia. She is a true, spiritual friend. She's been my rock more than once.
Thanks for bringing her work to your readers.
Brenda
Awww, Brenda! I love you, lady! For those who might not know, Brenda is a reviewer for The Romance Studio, and I met her when she reviewed one of my books (Goldeneyes). I will be forever grateful that God allowed our lives to touch, because she's been an amazing blessing to me.
Our family tends to do the death watch thing, as well. Seven of my mother's eight children were with her when she died, and although it was SOOO hard, I wouldn't change that for anything. I would've loved to be with my Dad, as well, but he died in his sleep, and it was a shock to all of us. I'm sure God had a reason for that. For awhile, I almost resented the fact that God didn't allow me to be there, but looking back, I think it would've been harder on my Dad...he had such an incredibly soft heart, and I know it would have been difficult for him, knowing all of were grieving. He always hated good-byes, so I guess God just spared him that final one. :)
Hello Delia! I'm enjoying Destiny's Dream too. Never had to do a death watch. No one that is close to me has ever died. My day is surely coming, and when it does, if I have the opportunity, I have a feeling I will want to be with my loved one until the last breath. Oh and I always seems to giggle at the wrong times! I can totally relate to Destiny, poor girl. At least she had a hot guy to help her escape from the situation. Lol!
I'm going to have to take advantage of that %15 off to get the next book in the series. Are they all available for purchase now?
Love seeing all the peeps stopping by. *waves hello*
April, Gypsy's Game is not available yet - just the first two in the series. Also, Yesterday's Promise, which holds the distinction of being my debut novel AND my third release...but that's a story for another day. :)
I tend to giggle at the wrong times, too...probably has to do with being nervous.
I'm curious about the question having to do with angels. How do you all feel about the idea of having angels hovering around you?
I LOVE the thought of angels keeping watching over us (especially my kids), unless, of course, I'm misbehaving. Grin.
LOL - Even when we're misbehaving, they're there. What SHOULD concern us is that, even when we're misbehaving, GOD is there... :)
He is?! Uh oh, I'm in trouble then! Grin. So glad He is. What would I do without Him?
You'll never have to find out! Isn't that wonderful?
Is everyone ready for tomorrow's discussion? You all reading along? I hope so. =)
This series is just incredible...Delia is an anointed talent, to be sure. :-) I love the idea of angels...and I have many stories where I truly feel watched over. As to the topic of loved ones dying, especially a parent, that's a raw topic for me at the moment, and I can only say that having loved ones nearby, knowing those left behind will support and love one another (much like Christ's disciples were forced to do upon His crucifixion) is of vital importance. Can't wait for more from you, Delia! God bless you.
Marianne, you've been so strong through the loss of your Father! I stand in sincere admiration of your faith walk and your trust in God. And I know His angels are around you, helping you through this difficult time!
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