Books and Jams Readalong discussion

I thought I'd just split this one into two parts because it's a bit shorter.

What did you think of this first hundred pages or so? Did you have any expectations going into it?

Which characters stand out to you so far? Any that you're loving...or hating?

What do you think of the writing style? Is it moving along fast enough for you?

Are you seeing any threads or themes popping up so far?

Any other thoughts you'd like to share?

So far I've really enjoyed it. This is my first book by this author and I'm liking her writing style. It's got a good flow and easy to follow. I've really enjoyed getting to know all the characters.

I've also enjoyed the magical elements of the story. It gives it a touch of suspense and just adds to the atmosphere of the story.

I had some ideas of what was going to happen, especially when they started removing the peach tree. But there have also been some nice surprises too.

I've got my fingers crossed for a couple of the relationships as well! :-)

I read this first half all in one go last night as part of the Dewey's 24 readathon. I flew through it!

I find SAA's writing so charming. I love the setting, the characters and the way inanimate objects "come to life" (the invitations in this case).

The scene when the women were meeting and everyone started spurting out their real thoughts had me laughing out loud! We never quite found out why they did that, but it was really funny!

I love Willa and am hopeful for her to get out of her "slump" and find her way back to some gumption!

I don't love Paxton, but also am hopeful for her to get out from her parent's house and let go of some of her perfectionism.

I'm very curious about the skull that was found. Who was that man and what did the grandmother's have to do with it. I have my assumptions, but am eager to continue and will probably finish it today. :)

I'm enjoying this so far. The writing style flows well and captures your attention. I've liked the little bits of magical realism combined with the mystery of finding out what happened between the two grandmothers.

I think my favorite character is Paxton. I feel bad for her and hope she sticks up for herself and starts living her own life. Her mother is horrible!

I am really enjoying this book so far. The writing is beautiful and the action subtly built up so that now there is a lot going on and I want to see what happens. I can empathize with all the characters, even Paxton with her struggle to act like an adult.
I really like Willa and loved her reaction to seeing Paxton in a dangerous situation. Near the end of Chapter 6, there is a great passage about how the threat of violence or danger is ever-present for women, and how this fear unites women from many different backgrounds.

This is an easy read and I'm hoping to wrap it up in the next day or so.

I am 133 pages into the book. I get doubts about a book when I hear the phrase "magical realism". But i am loving the style of writing.....kind of quirky.

I like all the characters except Sophia Osgood. She is a big time controller. I am curious about Sebastian.

I understand how Paxton feels about her perfectionism. Being one myself I find it hard to just let things go. Paxton "didn't know how to stop it, as much as she wanted to." Also, this probably means she is a people pleaser.....therefore still living with daddy and mommy and belonging to the Women's Club.

I also really enjoyed the scene where they start airing their deepest secrets. Would have liked more from that scene.

At first the magical elements seemed a bit jarring. Like every once in a while the author felt it was time to add some. Like the secrets scene.

Am enjoying getting to know the characters.

I’m enjoying this book. It’s a nice fun easy read. I do like Willa very much and feel a bit sorry for Paxton. Grass is always greener, right? I will say I don’t understand Willa’s reticence to look at the Madam - it seems a bit overboard, but it’s still a fun book. I do like the magical realism, but Bewitched was one of my favorite shows as a little kid (reruns of course) so I’ve always liked a bit of good magic. I’m sure I’ll finish this tomorrow if work doesn’t get in my way!

Bettie wrote: "I also really enjoyed the scene where they start airing their deepest secrets. Would have liked more from that scene.

This reminded me of that scene from the movie Something To Talk About with Julia Roberts....I thought it was a fun add to the story.

I love SSA books. This is the last one I had to read and I am loving it. So easy to read. Can’t wait to we where it goes

I finally got this book from the library yesterday and I flew through the first 7 chapters. It's easy reading. Overall I find it only mildly interesting but I found the scene where the ladies started spilling their secrets hilarious.

This is a cute, easy book to read. I like the hints of romance and of the supernatural. It's moving along at a good pace. I like that part of the story happens in a nursing home with elderly characters. That is unusual!

This is my first book by Sarah Addison Allen and I am really liking it so far. I am a slow reader and I seem to be moving quite quickly through it. I have several guesses running through my head about what I think may happen but that keeps changing the more I read.