Christian Fiction Devourers discussion

Happy July! One of the books we are discussing this month is Making Waves by Lorna Seilstad - looks to be a great read for summertime!

Goodreads summary:
When spunky Marguerite Westing discovers that her family will summer at Lake Manawa in 1895, she couldn't be more thrilled. It is the perfect way to escape her agonizingly boring suitor, Roger Gordon. It's also where she stumbles upon two new loves: sailing, and sailing instructor Trip Andrews. But this summer of fun turns to turmoil as her father's gambling problems threaten to ruin the family forever. Will free-spirited Marguerite marry Roger to save her father's name and fortune? Or will she follow her heart--even if it means abandoning the family she loves?

Author Lorna Seilstad's fresh and entertaining voice will whisk readers away to a breezy lakeside summer holiday. Full of sharp wit and blossoming romance, "Making Waves" is the first book in the LAKE MANAWA SUMMERS series.

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Chime in if you might join in! I've actually had this one on Kindle for a while, so I hope I can get to it!

I've just started it.... is not one that grips me right from the beginning, so it might take me a little longer to read.

I started it yesterday, and I loved it right from the start, especially the humor in it; I'm about halfway through chapter 6 right now.

It's very interesting how the upper class went "camping" in those days, bringing furniture from home, and their servants. And the ladies are still dressed up and wearing hats and gloves; they aren't exactly "roughing" it, lol.

I'm looking forward to reading this one! I discovered Lorna Seilstad last year with When Love Calls, which I absolutely adored.

I'm about 25% through - definitely liking it now that I'm past my pet-peeve of the heroine biting her lip. ;)

It definitely feels like a cute, fluffy story at this point, although there is some foreshadowing going on regarding the man who is courting Marguerite - curious to see where that goes!

Shari wrote: "I started it yesterday, and I loved it right from the start, especially the humor in it; I'm about halfway through chapter 6 right now.

It's very interesting how the upper class went "camping" in ..."

Shari, I find this interesting as well. Even when I visit a friends lake house, I don't wear dresses and anything special really. It wasn't really about comfort for them, more about it being the "in" thing to do, to see and be seen, especially on Camille's part.

Rachel wrote: "I'm looking forward to reading this one! I discovered Lorna Seilstad last year with When Love Calls, which I absolutely adored."

I loved "When Love Calls"! I want to read the rest of that series also.

Beth wrote: "I'm about 25% through - definitely liking it now that I'm past my pet-peeve of the heroine biting her lip. ;)

It definitely feels like a cute, fluffy story at this point, although there is some fo..."

Usually, I don't like the "fluffy" stories so much, but with this one, the humor in it kind of balances that out for me.

I definitely agree! It's cute but so far not cheesy. I'm enjoying it :)

Beth wrote: "I'm about 25% through - definitely liking it now that I'm past my pet-peeve of the heroine biting her lip. ;)

It definitely feels like a cute, fluffy story at this point, although there is some fo..."

I finished it last night, and the "lip biting" continues. I think I read somewhere this was the author's first book, so I chalk it up to a "rookie" mistake.

I started the 2nd book of the series, ; even though Marguarite isn't the main character in this one, she's made an appearance in the first chapter, and she's still biting her lip!

I just started this book last night, and realized I just drove by Lake Manawa this 4th of July weekend. So I am excited for the adventure to begin.

I'm a few chapters in, and I'm kind of torn on this one. On the one hand, I'm with everyone who's enjoying the light tone of the narrative, and Marguerite's a fun heroine to follow along with. I also love all her descriptions of the setting, which it sounds like was one of the author's priorities while writing, so that's another huge plus for me.

On the other hand, I'm already turned off by some of the characterization going on. Roger is WAY too obvious as a villain (he hasn't done anything evil yet beyond talking to his dad's portrait with what might as well be evil laughter :P), but for a guy who obviously wants to win Marguerite's hand, it's not like he's even trying to win her affections. He's constantly berating her for everything ever she does, never seems to act remotely happy or pleasant around her, and I refuse to believe he honestly thinks talking in great detail about someone's bunions (especially after noticing how bored she was!) would go over well with anyone. o.O Evil or not, I'd still think he'd make some sort of effort at this stage in the relationship (especially since it sounds like he never has from the start). And yeah, he just feels a little too obviously evil, but not really so much "classic melodrama villain" so much as the "hey look! he's evil!" sort. I'm a bit iffy about Marguerite's family too, but we'll see how they grow through the story.

I've somehow managed to avoid noticing her lip-biting habit! I'm usually pretty forgiving of that though, as I remember I barely noticed Archer's eye problems in Stealing the Preacher. :P

Other random comment, which is kind of back to Roger. He's throwing so many red flags already (overly controlling, blatant emotional abuse, etc), which nowadays would hopefully be caught early by many women's families, if not the woman herself, but her it's like no one even cares. I'm not bothered from a reader's perspective since I realize that's pretty accurate to the time period, but part of me can't get over feeling sad that this stuff probably did get ignored so much more often in those times by those who ought to have been watching out for the young women in their charge, all in the name of making a good match. :(

Finished this last night and really enjoyed it. As someone else mentioned, I didn't notice the lip biting LOL:)

I loved the humor and even the "dastardly villian" sort of theme. Having grown up near a old-time, replica Vaudeville theater and seeing many of the melodramatic plays, I totally connected with this.

I agree that the camping scene during that time period was definitely a way to show off for the upper crust of society and was the "thing to do."

I thought the 4th of July "water festivities" were great and would love to see something like that now.

I loved the emphasis on truth throughout the storyline. So many of the problems in this novel were based on not being truthful. Unfortunately, the battle between truth and lies still is the basis for many problems today.

Ruth I totally agree with you about Roger's red flags. I do feel sad for the women of that time period as they didn't really have much say in whom they married. It was almost as if they were sold off to the highest bidder no matter what that man was like. Women were just supposed to smile and live with it. And, of course, if there was abuse going on behind the home door, it was tolerated and not spoken about.

Ruth wrote: "I'm a few chapters in, and I'm kind of torn on this one. On the one hand, I'm with everyone who's enjoying the light tone of the narrative, and Marguerite's a fun heroine to follow along with. I al..."

Ruth, I have to agree with you about the obviousness of Roger's villainy. It's so on the nose, even at the point of the story that I'm in. As I read further, I would love to see some reasoning or motivation behind it.

I do love though how you brought in the idea that it's accurate to the time period. Women were intended for marriage and child-bearing, not much else at that time.

Shari wrote: "Beth wrote: "I'm about 25% through - definitely liking it now that I'm past my pet-peeve of the heroine biting her lip. ;)

It definitely feels like a cute, fluffy story at this point, although the..."

Shari, I kind of thought it might just be a rookie mistake too. I've noticed that a lot of heroine's do this, especially in Christian fiction. I wonder if it was something that was just popular to write in and now that I've read more, I really notice it.

I think it was really just the first time she did it while speaking to Roger that really got on my nerves - she supposedly tasted blood because she was biting so hard. It just didn't correspond to the situation. I've never had to draw blood to keep my mouth shut, maybe that's just me ;) lol

On a random note, I really like the relationship between Marguerite & her brother at this point :)

I've finally started this one! I'm only 4% in and so far, I haven't spotted any lip-biting, but I'll be on the look out for it ;)

Beth wrote: "On a random note, I really like the relationship between Marguerite & her brother at this point :)"

I thought it was sweet too Beth

I just got through reading this book, I really enjoyed it. I love Marguerite, her spunkiness and her humor had me laughing in some of the situations. Really disliked Roger, such a rogue, glad he got put in his place a few times lol. But i look forward to reading the next one in this series when i can get to it. So many books and so little time. Hope everyone else enjoyed this read. Good Book of the Month Choic.

I enjoyed it too, and it also had me laughing at times!

Okay, I am having a hard time getting into this book, anyone who has finsished it, please inspire me :)

Debbie wrote: "Okay, I am having a hard time getting into this book, anyone who has finsished it, please inspire me :)"

Debbie - read it with the idea that it is an old time "melodrama" and you will enjoy it more.

Loraine wrote: "Debbie wrote: "Okay, I am having a hard time getting into this book, anyone who has finsished it, please inspire me :)"

Debbie - read it with the idea that it is an old time "melodrama" and you wi..."
I'm trying real hard, I just cannot get into all the sailing lingo. Hoping it gets some better.

I'm slowly working my way through this one. The details about their "camping" trip are certainly interesting, and I'm intrigued to see how Marguerite's attempts to learn to sail work out, given that she can't swim! I can barely swim, so I can definitely sympathise with her fears there. It also seems like her relationship with her little brother has the potential for some interesting scenes. On the whole, it seems light and fun. I've read two of Lorna Seilstad's newer books recently--I adored When Love Calls, which was definitely deeper than this one, but While Love Stirs was more along the fun and fluffy lines of this book.

Rachel wrote: "I'm slowly working my way through this one. The details about their "camping" trip are certainly interesting, and I'm intrigued to see how Marguerite's attempts to learn to sail work out, given tha..."

I read When Love Calls last year and I loved it! I haven't read While Love Stirs yet, I'm waiting til it goes on sale; hoping anyway!

I recently also finished book #2 of the Lake Manawa series, ; I enjoyed it, but not as much as Making Waves. I thought the "hero" in book 2 came off as a little "holier than thou".

Right now I am about 6 chapters into the third book, , enjoying it so far, but it seems to have a more serious tone than the first 2 books.

This was such a fun series for me! I absolutely enjoyed it!

I've just got past the ballroom scene with Robert, and he's definitely becoming more intriguing. I'm not sure what his agenda is. Like Loraine, I don't envy the women in this time period who were pushed into "good matches" with men who may well have been abusive behind doors, but appeared entirely appropriate and gentlemanly in public.

Rachel wrote: "I've just got past the ballroom scene with Robert, and he's definitely becoming more intriguing. I'm not sure what his agenda is. Like Loraine, I don't envy the women in this time period who were p..."

And back in those days, domestic abuse was not something that was talked about openly.

I love Making Waves and A Great Catch. I liked The Ride of Her Life, but it wasn't my favorite.

I just started it yesterday. This is my first group read, so I'm excited to get to participate! It's hard starting so late since I know I can't read the comments until I've finished the book. I'll have to start the group read earlier in the month next time ;)

I've read 17% so far. I'm liking it better so far than the last two books I've read....but I wish the chemistry between the two were more engaging.

I just finished this book and enjoyed how the story started pretty light but then dealt with some deeper issues as it went. I, too, noticed the lip biting and tried to just read over it because I kept thinking how it would be so unattractive to have a girl with a chewed, bloody lip.

Spoiler alert:

I am glad Roger got his due and that Marguerite's parents finally accepted that the money issues were their issue and not one to pawn off on their daughter.

This book really shows that people will do crazy things for money and power but also for loyalty and family.

I just finished this book and loved it so much!! Definitely a favourite. It was charming.

I've only got about 20% left of this book and it's definitely got more interesting now that the issues with Marguerite's father have emerged. Her situation definitely brings about some interesting questions about family loyalty, and whether you should be held accountable for other family member's mistakes.

I read this book a year ago and really enjoyed it. The rest of the series is on my TBR list. I don't remember the lip biting thing, guess I just glossed over it. I like the idea to think of it as old fashioned melodrama.

I read this yesterday, & liked it overall. I've enjoyed reading over the other comments here. I have to agree Roger threw up red flags pretty early. Even though it was common for that time period, I still found it sad that her mom was pushing her at Roger. Especially when later in the book we discover that her parents match was a love match, not arranged. Did anyone else find it odd the difference in Rogers view of his mother, & the way he viewed his future wife?

I finished this book yesterday and I'm still not sure what I think of Roger. He mostly just seemed like a jerk to begin with, and once he became more of a villain, I struggled to get a handle on his motivations for wanting Marguerite so desperately. He definitely liked to be in control of things--maybe he latched on to Marguerite because she was the one aspect of his life he struggled to control?

Indeed, it's a little perplexing that her mother would want her to marry for money and convenience when she'd had a love match, but maybe her mother got wrapped up in doing what looked right in the eyes of society? She seemed very focused on appearances.

I didn't expect to like this book very much, but was willing to give it a try. After a slow and uninteresting start, I have finally found out why so many readers have sung its praises. I'm only half way through, but I'm finally REALLY enjoying it :)

Just read the first 2 chapters, sounds like a fun story.

so tempted to read all your comments above, I need to get out of this page!!

The lip biting thing got me to thinking about something else. I have noticed several authors use the expression "she worried her lip". I can imagine what it means but, having lived in Minnesota all my life, I have never heard this before. Is it a regional expression? Can someone explain it to me please.

Sara wrote: "The lip biting thing got me to thinking about something else. I have noticed several authors use the expression "she worried her lip". I can imagine what it means but, having lived in Minnesota al..."

It's my understanding that "to worry the lip" simply means to chew on it...most likely in an uncomfortable situation, kinda like a nervous habit. Someone could be chewing on their top lip, or the bottom, or maybe they twist it and chew on one side of their bottom lip. Could also mean to pick at your lip, or pinch it. Again, a nervous habit...or possibly even something to do when deep in thought.
I never thought about the possibility of it being a regional term. That's an interesting point. I'm not sure if I've ever heard the term outside of a book. It may just be a common description that author's tend to us, similar to a "racing heart". Hearts race all the time, although they never compete ;)

I finished it last night and have finally been allowed to read all the comments. :)
I agree, Roger's red flags were a bit too obvious too early on. I was more annoyed with the fact that Marguerite didn't tell him sooner. I mean, what was she waiting for???
I was shocked when Trip's dad finally told the truth about his mom. I never saw that coming!
Something that annoyed me was the visit with her sister. I never knew she even had a sister, when all of a sudden, she's visiting her. It seemed unnecessary since she left her sister's house within the chapter and never looked back. I thought it broke up the flow of the story for her to run off and visit someone only to NOT open up and say anything personal then leave and never look back. It wasn't needed.
As another mentioned, the ship lingo didn't entice me, but I happily skimmed over those sections and was able to enjoy the story.
Over all it was a good story and I would read from this author again.

A.M. wrote: "I finished it last night and have finally been allowed to read all the comments. :)
I agree, Roger's red flags were a bit too obvious too early on. I was more annoyed with the fact that Marguerite ..."

I was shocked about Trip's mother too.

I agree with you on the visit to her sister; it didn't really add anything to the story.

totally agree on the sister part, it did nothing for the story.

Marguerite (love the name btw!) reminds me of Jen Turano's Charlotte
Headstrong & impulsive, but I have to say Marguerite came off as the more childish version.

I didn't notice the lip-biting, but couldn't get over the many many times she giggled, & her rants at God, while funny it sounded very preteen in my opinion.

Tanx wrote: "totally agree on the sister part, it did nothing for the story.

Marguerite (love the name btw!) reminds me of Jen Turano's Charlotte
Headstrong & impul..."

It's odd because the way she talked to God had bothered me the entire time and yet I completely forgot to mention this major flaw in either of my reviews. I didn't like it in the beginning and was looking to see her grow, but didn't really see much growth in that area at all. I took issue with her, as a Christian, constantly lying, and claiming that God would understand...or that it was HIS plan for her!!! Ummm she obviously doesn't understand HIM. Either way, I chalked it up to being an area she would grow in, but was never really satisfied on that end. And yes, I agree, she sounded terribly immature.
Thankfully there were other aspects that made it an enjoyable read. :)

I actually finished this book days ago but am just now getting to the comment thread. I really enjoyed this book! I wasn't sure if I would at first, then it got humorous and after that I really started to enjoy it. Her mother really bothered me but thankfully not enough to ruin the book. I felt really sorry for Marguerite and felt constantly that her heart had to be broken by her mother's behavior. I also was curious as to why Marguerite wouldn't just be honest with Roger, but as I read, it was clear the author was dragging it out for the purpose of the story to come together. Her brother and her's relationship were so cute and I really loved the sweet moments in her and Trip's story. The thing I really didn't like though, is the rants at God. I agree completely with the previous comments on this. It seemed to me she didn't understand the love or will of God at all. I almost closed the book a time or two because of her rants.

Bonnie wrote: "I actually finished this book days ago but am just now getting to the comment thread. I really enjoyed this book! I wasn't sure if I would at first, then it got humorous and after that I really sta..."

I just chalked up to rants to God as her being young and spoiled. I'm not saying that makes it right, but up until she found out her father had problems, she really hadn't known any real hardships.

Shari wrote: "Bonnie wrote: "I actually finished this book days ago but am just now getting to the comment thread. I really enjoyed this book! I wasn't sure if I would at first, then it got humorous and after th..."

Yes, I can see that as well. And she didn't exactly have parents teaching her about God as they didn't seem to know Him that well themselves. Lily and her mom made comments on her decisions but the author only took that so far. I do plan to read the second book and I hope the author doesn't use the same rants or anything similar in the storyline, as Making Waves was so enjoyable and fun to read otherwise!