Christian Fiction Devourers discussion

Vying For the Viscount is the Group Buddy Read for February. The author is Kristi Ann Hunter and it's the first f the Hearts on the Heath Series.

Summary:

For Hudson, the newly titled Viscount Stildon, moving to England from India where he was born and raised was already an arduous enough endeavor. When he learns the fate of the racing empire he inherited along with his title depends upon him getting in the good graces of another stable owner, he's even more at a loss.

The stable at the neighboring estate has been Miss Bianca Snowley's refuge for years, and when a strange man appears to be stealing the horses, she jumps to their protection without a second thought. Upon learning Hudson is actually the new owner, she can't help but be intrigued by the area's newest eligible bachelor.

Any thought of romance is quickly set aside, however, when Hudson proposes they work together to secure suitable spouses for each other. As their friendship grows, Hudson and Bianca begin to reconsider what they truly want in life. But will societal expectations and the weight of their responsibilities keep them from pursuing their true desires?

Who's in for this month's group buddy read?

Just read it and its wonderful!!

I am in!

Just finished. I love sappy, love stories. They get 5 stars if my eye well up.

Hope to get to this one.

Just finished it and enjoyed it. Look forward to the discussion.

Just started it today. Love it already!

Just finished today!

I'm in! I'm hoping to start it either today or tomorrow.

Love that we'll have a number of readers for the discussion. Questions will be posted on the 15th. Looking forward to it!

I read this one a few months back. For me it’s just a feel-good, relaxing story. :)

I'm enjoying this book and Bianca! What a great character!

Loving all the participation we have for this group buddy read! Here's a few discussion questions to get us started. Answer as many as you'd like. You are welcome to add your own questions too.

1. It must have been quite a culture shock to transition from India to England. What did you see as Hudson's biggest hurdle in this area? Have you been to either of these countries? Have you moved from one country to another?

2. There is quite a bit of focus on horses in the novel. Did that aspect appeal to you? If so, in what way?

3. Did you have a favorite character in the novel? If so, who and why?

4. Were you surprised by anything that unfolded in the novel? If so, by what section?

5. What was your favorite part about the novel?

1. I think one of the biggest hurdles was learning to act like English people do!

2. I am not a huge fan of horses but they are beautiful creatures.

3. Bianca was my favorite because she made me laugh sometimes. Especially when she went to guard the horse with a pitchfork! I laughed so hard at her then. I loved her spirit. That was also my favorite part of the book too!

Hello, everyone! Staci invited me to pop in here and chat with you all. I'm so excited that you selected Vying for the Viscount as your buddy read this month!

I don't know how your book discussions usually go, but please feel free to discuss them as you normally do. (I'm even okay if you didn't like it. Everyone can't like every book. :) )

Otherwise, if you have any questions I can answer, I'd be happy to do so.

Thanks again for reading Hudson and Bianca's story!

Thanks so much for joining us Kristi! We love when authors pop in to our discussions.

Sorry, did not get notifications for some reason. I totally enjoyed Bianca and Hudson and loved that Trent and Adelaide made an appearance.

1. It must have been quite a culture shock to transition from India to England. What did you see as Hudson's biggest hurdle in this area? Have you been to either of these countries? Have you moved from one country to another?

I think the social implications - especially if he spend too much time with a specific lady at events it is scene as an commitment!

I have not been to either country - I want to go to England, but not really India.

I lived in USA for 5 months (from South Africa) - there was def differences but was not so big of an adjustment - I just missed speaking Afrikaans and enjoying specific Afrikaans culture events.

2. There is quite a bit of focus on horses in the novel. Did that aspect appeal to you? If so, in what way?

I loved it. Horses is beautiful and I always enjoy reading more about them,

3. Did you have a favorite character in the novel? If so, who and why?

Well, except for Hudson and Bianca, Aaron - I loved his straightforward honesty.

4. Were you surprised by anything that unfolded in the novel? If so, by what section?

What surprised me was that what Aaron said about any possibility of a family - because he is illegitimate there will always be a cloud of unacceptance hanging over any children of his.

5. What was your favorite part about the novel?

The beginning where Bianca protected the horses with her boots and at the end where she thought Hudson ruined everything with the kiss.

Sarita wrote: "Sorry, did not get notifications for some reason. I totally enjoyed Bianca and Hudson and loved that Trent and Adelaide made an appearance.

1. It must have been quite a culture shock to transition..."

I'm so glad you enjoyed Aaron. His words are definitely going to come back to haunt him. He has his own book coming out in April. :)

Excited for that! He was definitely a character who brought heart to the story and hoping for a HEA for him! And a lady who will just treasure him.

So glad to hear Aaron has his story coming! What a treat to have Kristi join us. Does anyone have any questions for Kristi?

I am not quite done the novel yet, but I am really enjoying it. Wanted to say something as it is so exciting to have the author, Kristi, stop by and join us! Thanks so much for writing this book, Kristi. I have loved all the books I have read, that were written by you.

I have read books before where the characters have been to England and India and back and forth, but I think this is the first time I have read about a character who was born in India and had never been to England, except for The Secret Garden, but I am more referring to Christian Historical Fiction. I think it is very brave of Hudson to move to a new country and culture, even though it is his Heritage.

What made you decide to have this be the situation Hudson found himself in?

I love the name Bianca, so she is my favorite character in the book. But not just because of the name, I love her passion for horses. Which is another thing, I love stories with horses. The cover of the book is beautiful. I often get the kindle edition, but for this book I bought the paperback, since it is so pretty.

I am sorry I haven't finished the book yet to give more final thoughts. February was a short month and I have too many books on the go. There are just so many books to read and so little time!

I will be excited to read the next book in the series.

Katrina wrote: "What made you decide to have this be the situation Hudson found himself in?"

There are so many times we find ourselves in a situation where we thought we knew the social rules and cues but everything was just a little different than we expected.

It can be attending a new church, joining a club, gathering with other parents, even family gatherings. So many times we feel like the proverbial fish out of water, trying to find our way but stumbling because no one told us the rules.

I wanted Hudson to be a character everyone could relate to in that way, and in relating to him, perhaps realize that it isn't always necessary that we reform to the norms around us, but that we learn to navigate them in a way that lets us still be ourselves.

Glad you're enjoying the book!

Kristi wrote:

There are so many times we find ourselves in a situation where we thought we knew the social rules and ..."

Thanks for your answer. Yes, that does make him relatable.

Have a nice day!