Heartstone | Litsy

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

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#HeartstoneBuddyRead

I really enjoyed this adaptation. It was a lot of fun to read and find the major P&P elements. White did some interesting changes to a few of the characters, such as making the Collins character not such a fool. The class system was unique - dragon rider verses common person.

The winner for the Heartstone/P&P/Jane Austen box of goodies is @wordslinger42 ! Email me your shipping address to cynthiaannehurt at gmail dot com.

rubyslippersreads, DebinHawaii, BarkingMadRead, iread2much, MeganAnn, Clare-Dragonfly, Crinoline_Laphroaig, Chrissyreadit, StayCurious, Bluebird, curiouserandcurioser, staci.reads, MicrobeMom, Ruthiella, ravenlee, inthegreensandblues, VioletCavalier, ElizaMarie, hkapusta, TheAromaofBooks, i.besteph, WonderingGypsy, PageShifter, julieclair, AllDebooks

BarkingMadRead Congrats 🎊 2y

wordslinger42 Thank you so much ❤❤❤ 2y

Ruthiella Congratulations @wordslinger42 ! 🥳 2y

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julieclair Congrats @wordslinger42 ! 🎉 And many thanks, @CrowCAH , for doing a great job hosting! 👍👏🐉 2y

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! Thanks for hosting this - I really enjoyed reading this one!! 2y

CrowCAH @julieclair you‘re welcome ☺️ Glad you joined the buddy readalong! 2y

CrowCAH @TheAromaofBooks my pleasure to be the host! ☺️ Glad you were entertained with the novel! 2y

iread2much Thanks so much! This was fun to participate in. 2y

CrowCAH @iread2much you‘re welcome; glad you enjoyed the read 📖 2y

Bluebird Thanks for hosting! This was a fun adaptation of P&P, and your read along made it even more enjoyable! 2y

CrowCAH @Bluebird you‘re welcome; glad to have been able to host! So glad to hear you enjoyed the read! 🐉☺️ 2y

53 likes11 comments

CrowCAH

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

#HeartstoneBuddyRead (catch-up post)

Chapter 26 THE END

Aliza has confessed her feelings towards Daired ❤️ they marry.

I know many readers of this book have already posted their reviews, but what did you think of the overall Pride and Prejudice retelling adaptation? Good, bad, okay? Did the author get the highlights correct? What did she leave out that you like from the original?

rubyslippersreads, DebinHawaii, BarkingMadRead, iread2much, JenlovesJT47, MeganAnn, Clare-Dragonfly, Crinoline_Laphroaig, Chrissyreadit, StayCurious, wordslinger42, Bluebird, curiouserandcurioser, staci.reads, MicrobeMom, Ruthiella, ravenlee, inthegreensandblues, VioletCavalier, ElizaMarie, hkapusta, TheAromaofBooks, i.besteph, WonderingGypsy, PageShifter, julieclair, AllDebooks

ElizaMarie I really liked it. It had enough from the source material to grab the audience. I feel like if could have either had a dictionary of sorts (or like a family tree) it would have been more enjoyable. It just had a lot of fantasy creatures that were difficult for me to keep track of. 2y

BarkingMadRead I really enjoyed it. There was enough of the original story there but it took some interesting turns. 2y

inthegreensandblues I enjoyed it! I would have liked more character building. The characters that felt the most interesting to me were the ones that the author had to flesh out more because they didn't have an inspiration person from P&P. The others I was just expecting to act like p&p people, until they didn't. My caring for the Aliza/Daired pairing was mostly just bc they were Lizzy/Darcy stand-ins. 2y

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inthegreensandblues Overall, I thought it was like better than average fan fiction. I will probably continue the series to find out what happens next, and I'm hopeful it will improve once she can take the story wherever she wants. Akarra was my favorite character and I want to learn more about her too! 2y

Ruthiella I thought it was fun, though not what I normally read. I won‘t continue with the series, but I an glad to have experienced it- just to have an idea of the P&P homages out there. I definitely liked how the author creatively modified the story to fit her fantasy world. 2y

PageShifter I liked it, but I agree that characters weren't really fleshed out. It felt like the author was trusting that the readers would love them because they were based on P&P. And they should have been worked on their own, without rememebering who they were based on. I really adored hobgoblins xD I think the author could have successed even better through concentrating on her own amazing world 2y

julieclair I really enjoyed this book! All the P&P references were fun, but so were the departures. I sometimes got so caught up in the story on its own, that I forgot it was a P&P retelling. 2y

MicrobeMom I enjoyed this book in the trilogy the most. Do you think you will read the next two? 2y

CrowCAH @ElizaMarie yes, a list of beasties would have been super helpful. 2y

CrowCAH @BarkingMadRead I thought it treated the source material nicely, while being in its own fantasy world. 2y

CrowCAH @inthegreensandblues yes, the author did rely on the reader knowing the characters of P&P. 2y

CrowCAH @Ruthiella glad you enjoyed the story in not your typical genre! 2y

CrowCAH @PageShifter I‘m thinking in the next two books she‘ll be able to concentrate on her fantasy world. Overall, it was entertaining! 2y

CrowCAH @julieclair that‘s great they you got immersed in the story! I enjoyed spotting the P&P references. 2y

CrowCAH @MicrobeMom I‘m not sure sure if I‘ll continue on with the trilogy. I enjoyed this book, but it was more for the Pride and Prejudice aspect. 2y

36 likes15 comments

CrowCAH

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

#HeartstoneBuddyRead (catch-up post)

Chapter 25 lots of fainting, rest and recovery in this chapter.

Alastair lives! He ate the Lindworm heart.

The Drakaina accuses Aliza of wrongdoing- riding Akarra, putting them in danger, etc. We don‘t find out what the punishment is for Akarra. But both Alastair and Akarra defend Aliza; all get to live unharmed.

Aliza and her family are reunited! Anjey and Brysney kiss in front of everyone! ❤️

BarkingMadRead 😍😍 2y

ravenlee I wondered how the Lady Catherine de Burgh confrontation was going to work, when we first met the matriarch and she was way too chill. The Drakaina being the badass was an interesting twist. 2y

ElizaMarie @ravenlee ooo I agree I enjoyed Drakaina‘s character. It‘s so pompous with the whole “must follow rules despite reason” 2y

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Ruthiella @ravenlee @ElizaMarie Totally agree that the Drakaina attempted intervention was clever. 2y

CrowCAH @BarkingMadRead I know how romantic 🥰 2y

CrowCAH @ravenlee I agree. I like how it was the dragon who was the strict one. 2y

CrowCAH @ElizaMarie the dragons were well developed characters! 2y

CrowCAH @Ruthiella a nice spin on the original text. 2y

36 likes8 comments

DebinHawaii

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

pick

Read for the #HeartstoneBuddyRead with the #PemberLittens it was a little hard to read a chapter-a-day especially at the end when the action picked up. Overall, I enjoyed this Pride and Prejudice-inspired fantasy story. The world the author built is intricate & at times the number of characters & creatures/monsters was a bit confusing but I liked the main characters & loved Akarra the dragon. Still some plot threads undone-what‘s up with Gwen‘s ⬇️

CrowCAH, Andrew65, TheSpineView

DebinHawaii …father & the creepy stranger & where did the hobgoblins go, etc.? But overall, I enjoyed it & will read the next one in the series to see if the answers are there. Thanks to @CrowCAH for hosting! 🤗 Finished during the #20in4 #readathon & adding it to my #SeriesLove2023 list. (edited) 2y

Andrew65 Excellent 👏👏👏 2y

CrowCAH A solid review! 👍🏻 I‘ve been hearing a lot of the same, slow start, little character development, some lose ends of there wasn‘t a second book. It was an honor to host the buddy read! Certainly continue the trilogy, if you would like. 2y

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Ruthiella @TheAromaofBooks is also going to read the complete trilogy. 😀 2y

TheAromaofBooks Yes!! I enjoyed this one and am planning to read the next book this week to find out if we get more deets on some of those side plots!! @Ruthiella 2y

TheSpineView Fantastic! 2y

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ElizaMarie

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

pick

I fell behind but then caught up quickly (the last couple of chapters went by really fast with the action in it). Overall, I enjoyed this book, but I felt like part of the story wasn't as well developed as I would have liked. Some of the characters I wanted to know more about (as this is part 1 of 3, I am sure the other two will answer some of these questions).

#CatsOfLitsy

#HeartstoneBuddyRead
@CrowCAH

dabbe Cutest and silliest kitty! ❣️🐾❣️ 2y

CrowCAH Woohoo yay you caught up and finished on time! ☺️ 📕 A good review. 2y

ElizaMarie @dabbe haha Lobster has brought so much joy to us. He constantly annoys his brothers too which is fun to watch :) 2y

ElizaMarie @CrowCAH I did enjoy it! Thank you for hosting !!! 2y

dabbe @ElizaMarie He looks like an adorable handful! 🤣❣️🐾 2y

26 likes5 comments

CrowCAH

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

#HeartstoneBuddyRead (catch-up post)

Chapter 24, the battle is in full swing, everyone is fighting!

Once Aliza tells the Riders what it will take to save Alastair, Charis makes the ultimate sacrifice, which her brother Brysney follows up with his own stunt work.

The lindworm is dead. But will the cure actually work to save Daired?!

CrowCAH Photo cred https://www.istockphoto.com/photos/fantasy-battle 2y

BarkingMadRead Poor Daired! And Brysny! I think I just spelled that wrong 🤷🏻‍♀️ 2y

ElizaMarie So much! So fast!!! I am catching up!!! I need to keep reading! 2y

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Ruthiella Do you think Charis made the sacrifice because she secretly loved Daired? Or because life was too sad for her without her dragon? 🤔 2y

TheAromaofBooks I feel like the ending got a little rushed!!! @Ruthiella - I agree, it would have been good to have a more clear motivation from Charis. 2y

ElizaMarie @Ruthiella, I don't know. She was more complex, but the author didn't develop her motivation well. I know she cared for Alastair, but in what way? It's hard to tell. She could have also sacrificed herself for her brother/family/everyone. Or as you mentioned about the dragon. 2y

Bluebird @Ruthiella @ElizaMarie @TheAromaofBooks agreed! We don‘t get a clear picture. It seemed she sacrificed herself out of love..but unrequited love for Daired? Lost love of her dragon? Or love for her family? My initial thought as I read was that it was for Daired. But on reflection, i am not so sure… 2y

CrowCAH @BarkingMadRead no worries about spelling, they‘re unique in this book. 2y

CrowCAH @ElizaMarie it would have seemed more in line with her character in this adaptation if she made a sacrifice for Anjey, they seemed the most developed for their character interaction. 2y

CrowCAH @Ruthiella I think she made it because she loves Alastair. 2y

CrowCAH @TheAromaofBooks I feel like these last four chapters are rushed too, lots packed into them. 2y

CrowCAH @Bluebird I think Brysney went after Charis because of brotherly love. She for Alastair. 2y

ElizaMarie @CrowCAH oooo great point! 2y

34 likes13 comments

CrowCAH

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

#HeartstoneBuddyRead (catch-up post)

Chapter 23, Alastair found Leyda, with a broken bone caused by Wydrick. He was going to use her as bait!

Alastair seems battle weary with blood and some scrapes, but overall in tact… that is until the end of the chapter where we learn he‘s gravely injured.

Akarra comes for Aliza and together they‘ll try to find an antidote and cure for him. Aliza realizes her true feelings for Alastair.

CrowCAH Photo cred https://friendlystock.com/product/doctor-tending-to-a-woman-with-broken-leg/ 2y

Ruthiella Honestly, this part was a little sketchy for me. It all seems to happen in such a rush? Still, Glad Leyda is OK! (edited) 2y

BarkingMadRead Good to see Wydrick is still such a joy 🙄 2y

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ElizaMarie It took Aliza for ever to come to terms with her feelings !! I mean I get it. She was scared to admit them to herself. But still… I am glad she jumps at the chance to try to save him :) 2y

CrowCAH @Ruthiella agree, a lot happened in this chapter. I definitely felt like I was speed reading to learn what happened. 2y

CrowCAH @BarkingMadRead yes, glad his character didn‘t change in this adaptation. 2y

CrowCAH @ElizaMarie for sure, and she makes quite the declaration and acts on her decision. 2y

33 likes7 comments

TheAromaofBooks

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

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I was gifted this book from @magyklyXdelish in a swap back in September 2020, and thanks to the buddy read hosted by @CrowCAH this month, I finally read it! 😂 I actually really enjoyed this P&P variation set in a fantasy world with dragons and other magical creatures. I loved the way various characters were changed (totally here for a happier Charlotte/Collins marriage) and how iconic book moments showed up under different circumstances. ⬇️

TheAromaofBooks (cont'd) However, there were certain people I wish had been developed a little more, especially the Wickham character, who is almost entirely off-page in this book. This book is a lot shorter than P&P and the sacrifice was definitely with character development and interaction. This book also desperately needed a glossary to explain magical creatures and terms. On the whole, though, a fun and engaging read, and I'll definitely be finishing ⬇ 2y

TheAromaofBooks (cont'd) the trilogy. Thanks for hosting @CrowCAH !!!

#ISpyBingo - Author's Photo @Clwojick
#BookSpinBingo 2y

CrowCAH @TheAromaofBooks what a lovely review of the book! I‘m glad your overall experience was enjoyable. I can‘t wait to see what your review will be for books two and three! And it was my pleasure to be the #HeartstoneBuddyRead host ☺️ 2y

Clwojick Great Job! 2y

56 likes4 comments

ElizaMarie

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

Chapter 15: I really lived this exchange about creating and art… forms of self expression and creativity (no matter how big and/or small) is so beautiful- especially shared with others.

#HeartstoneBuddyRead
@CrowCAH

CrowCAH Agree! And when homemade art is given away as a gift it‘s even more special to the recipient. 2y

ElizaMarie @CrowCAH Awe, yes! I love when i get anything homemade! 2y

24 likes2 comments

ElizaMarie

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

Chapter 11 - I just love/hate his aloof attitude :)

#HeartstoneBuddyRead
@CrowCAH

CrowCAH Convenient is worse than “tolerable.” Definitely felt pity for Aliza. 2y

18 likes1 comment

CrowCAH

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

#HeartstoneBuddyRead

Chapter 22 the Great Lindworm has awoken and is leaving death and destruction in its path. The Rangers and Riders are amassing to do battle.

Alastair and Akarra take Aliza home to aid her grieving family as Ledya has run off with Wydrick to find her adventure.

What do you think of Alastair‘s transformation so far? Has he redeemed himself?

BarkingMadRead He seems to be really trying to be a better person. I have high hopes for him! 2y

Ruthiella He‘s definitely improving, or rather showing his true self! 2y

CrowCAH @BarkingMadRead @Ruthiella I agree he is improving upon acquaintance. 2y

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julieclair I am liking him more and more. 2y

i.besteph I‘m still catching up! 😅 @CrowCAH will you be hosting a buddy read for the 2nd book? 2y

ElizaMarie I don‘t think he is necessarily “redeeming” himself. I feel like his true character is really coming out. He has many layers. But I‘m really liking his personality. 2y

CrowCAH @julieclair I‘m with you, he‘s endearing himself more and more. 2y

CrowCAH @i.besteph I‘m enjoy this book and all the P&P references, but I‘ll be unable to continue hosting a daily read along for book two and three. I hope you pick up the next two, if you want to continue with the characters! 2y

CrowCAH @ElizaMarie it‘s best not to apply for one‘s actions. So I like your way of wording it, his true self is shining through. 2y

i.besteph @CrowCAH oh okay! Thanks for the update :) 2y

41 likes10 comments

CrowCAH

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

#HeartstoneBuddyRead (catch-up post)

Chapter 21, Alastair and Aliza share an intimate moment on the rooftop watching the dragon mothers baptize their children in fire!

What I don‘t like is how whenever Daired is trying to voice his feelings to her he gets cut off. His declaration was touching ❤️ almost pleading with her for a second chance.

Ruthiella That‘s always tricky in romance novels - the way the “will they/won‘t they” is strung out, which is why I don‘t read them often. 2y

ravenlee I loved the fire baptism! 2y

CrowCAH @Ruthiella I agree there is a delicate balance. Some authors succeed, while others rush it in the end. 2y

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CrowCAH @ravenlee it was a nice touch to their “infant” budding romantic relationship. 2y

ravenlee @CrowCAH it kind of reminded me of the scene in The Last of the Mohicans (which is pretty cut up in the “director‘s cut” that‘s currently available) when Cora says the reality of the frontier is so stirring to her blood. 2y

CrowCAH @ravenlee oh that‘s a neat comparison. Nature can do that - inspire aww! 2y

julieclair The fire baptism sounded like it was beautiful to see. A special moment for both of them to share. 2y

CrowCAH @julieclair definitely. Kind of reminds me of trying to see the Northern Lights. (Something I‘ve yet to experience) 2y

33 likes8 comments

CrowCAH

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

#HeartstoneBuddyRead (catch-up post)

Chapter 20 kaf, coffee, brings everyone together Julienna is enjoying having another woman around. She and Aliza will become quick friends.

Daired joins in the domestic socialization. Wresting a huge stoorcat into submission.

The next morning it comes out he can speak a little Gnomic and Akarra can too. So we were onto something in an earlier chapter when we thought the dragon understood Tobble‘s apology.

Bluebird It figures Daired would have an animal like a Stoorcat for a pet. Lol. And isn‘t Hilly just the cutest hobgoblin ever!? So sweet to see ‘dragon man‘ escort her home. 😍 2y

Clare-Dragonfly Hahaha, I‘m glad to hear that he does understand some Gnomic! (edited) 2y

Ruthiella I knew it! 😂 2y

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CrowCAH @Bluebird right, a tough big cat?! She was the cutest hobglobbin - adventurer while being cautious. 2y

CrowCAH @Clare-Dragonfly agree. But did Akarra start teaching him before or after that apology encounter?! 2y

CrowCAH @Ruthiella we all had our suspicions! 2y

TheAromaofBooks I kind of want a pet stoorcat myself! 😂 2y

ElizaMarie I love that he would have either understood the apology or would have been told by his dragon what was being said. I am sure that it made him like Aliza even more :) 2y

CrowCAH @TheAromaofBooks seems kinda on the wild side and strong! Hopefully you get a house broken one! 2y

CrowCAH @ElizaMarie Aliza was very diplomatic with the apology. He was probably impressed with her tact. 2y

34 likes10 comments

PageShifter

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

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I liked the characters even though some of them left me a bit cold. There was still a nice mixture of them and that gave a nice atmosphere and fleshed out the world. The world was amazing, I really loved some of the creatures. Team hobgoblins!

This made me laugh now and then but the story dragged after the beginning. The last part had more action and was more interesting.

#SeriesLove23 #MarchMadness (made me LOL) #BirthdayPixieReadathon

DieAReader, Lizpixie, Andrew65, TheSpineView, GHABI4ROSES

PageShifter #HeartstoneBuddyRead @CrowCAH 2y

TheSpineView Awesome!👍💙📖📘📚 2y

DieAReader 🥳🥳🥳 2y

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Andrew65 This looks interesting. Well done. 2y

CrowCAH A good review! Glad you enjoyed it! I agree the beginning did drag a bit, but then it started to pick up the pace. 2y

Lizpixie 🙌🎉 2y

25 likes6 comments

CrowCAH

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

#HeartstoneBuddyRead (catch-up post)

Chapter 19 Alastair invites Aliza, aunt and uncle to dinner! Akarra is there, as well as, Julienna and her dragon Mar‘esh. Daired is being cordial and courteous and attentive. He even extends an invite to the three to stay at the house while tending Aliza‘s great-aunt. She accepts and finds she doesn‘t regret the decision. ☺️

After this chapter, officially 3/4 of the way done with the novel.

ravenlee I really like this section, where we get to see Daired in his natural habitat. (edited) 2y

Ruthiella I was a little grossed out at the live cattle for dinner, but dragons are gonna be dragons 🐉😬 2y

julieclair It's nice to see Daired being so at ease, charming and kind. He is a good host. 2y

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TheAromaofBooks I am really enjoying this story. Are you planning to buddy read through the other two books after this one? 2y

PageShifter I was glad that she said yes 😀 2y

Bluebird @Ruthiella me too! Dragon dinner 🤢. I love Aunt Lissa—Pushy in the best way! 2y

CrowCAH @ravenlee yes, Alastair seems more at ease at his house, let‘s down his shields so to speak. 2y

CrowCAH @Ruthiella I agree. Could have done without the sounds of dragons eating. 2y

CrowCAH @julieclair he is an attentive host. Like that we get to see this side of him. 2y

CrowCAH @TheAromaofBooks I‘m enjoying the story too; glad you are as well! No, I do not have plans to continue hosting a buddy read for the second two books of the trilogy. I‘m expecting a daughter to arrive on Easter, so not sure how my life will look with baby. But I hope you pick up the next two books and read them! 2y

CrowCAH @PageShifter agree. It‘s the first small step towards her having a change of heart herself towards him. 2y

julieclair @CrowCAH How wonderful that you will soon have a new baby daughter! 😀🐣💖 2y

TheAromaofBooks I definitely will!! I've had this whole trilogy on my shelf for quite some time, so I'm glad you gave me the inspiration to finally start them, as I'm really enjoying this story. I hope you have a lovely Easter with your family!! ❤ 🌷 2y

ElizaMarie @TheAromaofBooks I didn‘t realize this was book 1 of a trilogy. I might try to read the other 2 as well (if I can get them easily —- my #TBR is ever growing!) 2y

TheAromaofBooks @ElizaMarie - Yes, I'm hoping the next two books will give us more information on things like the shadowy character haunting “Charlotte“ and that sort of thing! 2y

CrowCAH @julieclair thanks! ☺️ Both nervous and excited about the whole experience. Looking forward to having her be a book reader too! 2y

CrowCAH @TheAromaofBooks that‘s great to hear you‘ll continue the series! And that I gave the little nudge to start 😉 2y

CrowCAH @ElizaMarie the TBR is always growing lol I hear Amazon has them all for sale. 2y

CrowCAH @TheAromaofBooks what? We still don‘t find out about that guy in this book?! (Clearly I‘m behind on my chapters lol) 2y

TheAromaofBooks Oh dear, I should have spoiler-ed that comment 😂 No, that particular thread is not tied up. I mean it's technically stable/didn't feel like a cliffhanger because Charlotte is in a position to give him the money, but none of that happens in this book. 2y

CrowCAH @TheAromaofBooks no, it‘s all good. No spoilers. I would have thought we‘d get more resolution. But as always with books coming after the first (not a standalone), there needs to be open ended items to tide the reader over and make them want to continue reading. 2y

45 likes21 comments

CrowCAH

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

#HeartstoneBuddyRead (catch-up post)

Chapter 18 Aliza travels with her aunt and uncle. She‘s brought along as a healer and to find herb plants to helps the aunt‘s mother as she lays with fever. Low and behold House Pendragon is not far and they have all the herbs that couldn‘t be found in the wild. No dragon flying in the sky means no Alastair…or does it?! So to the house they go!

rubyslippersreads, DebinHawaii, BarkingMadRead, iread2much, JenlovesJT47, MeganAnn, Clare-Dragonfly, Crinoline_Laphroaig, Chrissyreadit, StayCurious, wordslinger42, curiouserandcurioser, staci.reads, MicrobeMom, Ruthiella, ravenlee, inthegreensandblues, VioletCavalier, ElizaMarie, hkapusta, TheAromaofBooks, i.besteph, WonderingGypsy, PageShifter, julieclair, AllDebooks

Ruthiella Does she truly fall in love with Daried only when she sees House Pendragon? 😂 I very much like here aunt and uncle and how they were an unexpected match, disapproved of by her mother. 2y

BarkingMadRead I loved the aunt and uncle in this chapter! And finally, a cranky old lady! 2y

CrowCAH @Ruthiella I think Aliza has always had an eye for Daired. But it‘s like the line in P&P that she could have been mistress of all of this… 2y

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CrowCAH @BarkingMadRead agree, aunt and uncle are a nice couple! 2y

Bluebird @Ruthiella 😂 In school I wrote a cynical paper stating Eliza fell in love with Darcy only after seeing Pemberely. My instructor gave me a B for backing up my theory with good examples, but a D for missing the point. 😂😂 2y

Bluebird It was nice to see a nod to the TV adaptation with shirtless Daired. What a spot to end the chapter! 2y

CrowCAH @Bluebird oh geez 😒 teachers are tough. 📝 I didn‘t even make the “shirtless” connection; good catch!!! 👍🏻 2y

Ruthiella @Bluebird That teacher was tough! I think there‘s definitely more than one way to interpret P&P. 2y

julieclair @Ruthiella @Bluebird I think that all classic novels can be interpreted in different ways. If you have good examples to back up your interpretation, it can't be wrong... interpretations are highly subjective just by their very nature! 2y

PageShifter Haha, he WAS there 🤣 2y

Bluebird @CrowCAH @Ruthiella @julieclair it was many, many years ago, but I recall a good conversation with my instructor about it. He‘s actually the one I thank (ahem…blame 😂) for my love of Jane Austen. I was blessed with some awesome teachers!! 2y

CrowCAH @PageShifter of course he was! 😆 2y

ElizaMarie @Bluebird - I applaud you for thinking/writing outside the box. I hate when literature classes do not allow for different view points. 2y

37 likes13 comments

CrowCAH

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

#HeartstoneBuddyRead (catch-up post)

Chapter 17 Akarra tells us a story of Alastair and Wydrick‘s upbringing. And of the process of dragons choosing a Daired as their Rider.

Julienna‘s tale is tragic. Would you have saved the dragon or taken revenge against Wydrick?

rubyslippersreads, DebinHawaii, BarkingMadRead, iread2much, JenlovesJT47, MeganAnn, Clare-Dragonfly, Crinoline_Laphroaig, Chrissyreadit, StayCurious, wordslinger42, curiouserandcurioser, staci.reads, MicrobeMom, Ruthiella, ravenlee, inthegreensandblues, VioletCavalier, ElizaMarie, hkapusta, TheAromaofBooks, i.besteph, WonderingGypsy, PageShifter, julieclair, AllDebooks

Ruthiella Good question! I‘m not sure what I‘d have done in the heat of the moment. 🤔 What I really liked about this chapter is how it mimics the original but puts its own spin on it. 2y

julieclair I think I would have saved the dragon. Relationships are more important than revenge. 2y

BarkingMadRead I would have saved the dragon…. And then hunted down Wydrick 🤬 2y

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ravenlee What @BarkingMadRead said. 2y

inthegreensandblues Ha ha ha, this photo 😆❤️ I agree, save the dragon, but that man needs to be dealt with it later! 2y

Bluebird I‘m with @BarkingMadRead save the dragon, then hunt down the man and kill him. I wonder what is keeping Daired from doing that. He doesn‘t seem the type to turn the other cheek… 2y

CrowCAH @Ruthiella agree! It‘s “the letter,” while there‘s also a literal letter later on too. 2y

CrowCAH @julieclair it is more in character for Alastair to save the dragon. 2y

CrowCAH @BarkingMadRead very reasonable! 👍🏻 2y

CrowCAH @ravenlee the best of both worlds, save and honor the dragons, then teach Wydrick a lesson. 2y

CrowCAH @inthegreensandblues yes, he does. I wonder how his story will turn out in this version. 2y

CrowCAH @Bluebird agree. It seems he‘s trying to protect Wydrick from something, since he hasn‘t gone after him already. Not sure what, though. 2y

PageShifter The story was super touching! I loved Alastair's letter, it seems that he's much sweeter than has seemed to be before. I hope they're meeting each other soon. What happens to the roads?! 2y

CrowCAH @PageShifter yes, he does has a sweet interior while showing a tough exterior. ❤️ 2y

ElizaMarie His poor sister! Of course you save the dragon. But…. After…. I mean “revenge is a dish best served cold”. Maybe Alastair made some sort of promise to his sister about not shedding more blood? It‘s weird he would call in favors from the king but not just kill Wydrick instead. 2y

CrowCAH @ElizaMarie Julienna must be envious of all the others who can fly. I agree, Daired called in a HUGE favor from the King. I wonder what he did before that he has such clout in order to do so. 2y

38 likes16 comments

CrowCAH

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

#HeartstoneBuddyRead (catch-up post)

Chapter 16 ah, my favorite part of the tale - the first proposal! ❤️ “If this is a battle, then I surrender,…” Swoon, my heart melted.

Boy was that a huge thing, he called in a favor from the King and issued the muster, just so Wydrick wouldn‘t be in town anymore.

rubyslippersreads, DebinHawaii, BarkingMadRead, iread2much, JenlovesJT47, MeganAnn, Clare-Dragonfly, Crinoline_Laphroaig, Chrissyreadit, StayCurious, wordslinger42, curiouserandcurioser, staci.reads, MicrobeMom, Ruthiella, ravenlee, inthegreensandblues, VioletCavalier, ElizaMarie, hkapusta, TheAromaofBooks, i.besteph, WonderingGypsy, PageShifter, julieclair, AllDebooks

Ruthiella Yeah, this Daried/Darcy is a little better connected than In P&P! 😂 2y

julieclair A huge favor indeed. Daired shows how much he loves her by all the ways he tries to protect her. Even if she is blind to it. 2y

BarkingMadRead Awwwww poor Daired. Shot down for being a dumbass 🙄🤣 2y

See All 16 Comments

CrowCAH @Ruthiella especially with them having more conversations, thus him trying to get to know her and show his affection towards her in a way he can. 2y

CrowCAH @julieclair yes, actions speak louder than words! Just Aliza doesn‘t doesn‘t always know the actions were taken for her. 2y

CrowCAH @BarkingMadRead yeah, his word choice and execution could have been better! 2y

iread2much At least he tried, even if it wasn‘t as well thought out as it could have been. 2y

CrowCAH @iread2much very true. It‘s tough to voice an emotional opinion, especially when one doesn‘t know how it will be received. 2y

Bluebird Poor Daired! He took transferred his heartstone into a brooch for her, shaved and got all dressed up too. Pity he had to open his mouth and speak! 2y

CrowCAH @Bluebird omg yes he put a lot of effort into his attire and proposal. (BTW, after some of your comments, I realized I haven‘t been tagging you in posts. Should I be? Sorry it took me over halfway to realize this.) 2y

Bluebird @CrowCAH no worries! I‘‘ve been finding the posts 😄 please do add me if it‘s not too troublesome 2y

CrowCAH @Bluebird no trouble at all. You‘ll start being tagged 👍🏻☺️ 2y

PageShifter I understood through this chapter that Alastair maybe was the reason why the letters werent't answered to 2y

CrowCAH @PageShifter from what I‘ve read so far, the letters not reaching each other hasn‘t been explained. 2y

ElizaMarie Oooo this chapter! I loved their little “fight” poor guy… he thinks he is doing/saying the “right things” 2y

CrowCAH @ElizaMarie yeah his word choices remind me a lot of my boyfriend. He says one thing thinking he means this, but a lot of the times it‘s misconstrued. 2y

44 likes16 comments

CrowCAH

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

#HeartstoneBuddyRead (catch-up post)

Chapter 15 we meet Forge Master Orordrin, who is a living flame.

Aliza snoops and asks Daired about Brysney and if he plans on returning to the lodge. Alastair seems to have his own agenda with the conversation about her maybe not always wanting to stay home. Is that his way of saying he likes her? And was he only offering to teach her how to fight so that when she joins him she would be a skilled Rider too?!

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CrowCAH Photo credit https://gamerant.com/elden-ring-lord-of-the-frenzied-flame-ending-explained/ 2y

Ruthiella Love that photo! I still am unclear what Daried wants from Aliza. I mean I know he likes her (and I‘m familiar with the source material) , but is this just his awkwardness? (edited) 2y

CrowCAH @Ruthiella it is a bit more awkward in this novel, comes across out of the blue. 2y

See All 8 Comments

ravenlee I love the forge wights! 2y

CrowCAH @ravenlee he did seem pretty cool! And he made a little phoenix! 2y

PageShifter It's even more clear now that Gwyn is happy with her husband. I am curious about Alastair's behavior: why he didn't want to get his sword fixed when others watched?! 2y

CrowCAH @PageShifter same. I‘m thinking it‘s cause he wanted to get the stone out, so he could propose… 2y

ElizaMarie @CrowCAH ooooo I like that idea! 2y

36 likes8 comments

BarkingMadRead

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

My allergies are the absolute worst today, so I‘m curling up on my round library chair with allllll the pillows and a cozy owlcrate blankie and just reading all day long. I may break for lunch. 🤷🏻‍♀️

JenReadsAlot Mine are too! Ugh! 2y

BarkingMadRead @JenReadsAlot I‘m so sorry! Hopefully we both feel better soon! 2y

42 likes2 comments

ElizaMarie

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

Still so behind —- work has been so different than anything I‘ve ever done and I‘m exhausted when I get home. My schedule is starting to “normalize” so I might have energy to figure it out better 🤯

COFFEE!!!

#HeartstoneBuddyRead
@CrowCAH

CrowCAH I hear yah. My evenings have been filling up and even I got behind by one day again. Hopefully the coffee ☕️ helps! 2y

18 likes1 comment

CrowCAH

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

#HeartstoneBuddyRead

Chapter 14

We meet Captain Edmund Daired, cousin to Alastair. He‘s affable and charming.

Aliza learns Brysney was with them during the muster. AND Daired was at the post office daily! She suspects he intercepted the letters Anjey sent.

And instead of the “piano tete te tete” it takes place over a tapestry. Daired warns Aliza not to tell anyone she rode on Akarra.

What do you think Herreki would do if she found out?

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BarkingMadRead I love Edmond! And I just bet Daired didn‘t have anything to do with those letters 🙄 2y

Ruthiella I loved Edmond too. I kinda shipped Fitzwilliam and Lizzie Bennett the very first time I read P&P. 🙊 Maybe Daired didn‘t touch the letters, but he‘s definitely feeling guilty about some behavior… 2y

julieclair I can‘t imagine what Herreki would do if she found out Aliza rode Akarra. But Daired‘s warning makes it sound dire. 2y

See All 12 Comments

PageShifter I don't believe somehow that Alastair would have done something to prevent their letters exchange. But what has happened? 2y

CrowCAH @BarkingMadRead yeah, no part in letter snatching! Lol 2y

CrowCAH @Ruthiella Edmund is a great opposite to Alastair; more open and carefree. 2y

CrowCAH @julieclair agree. Like would she banish or kill Akarra? Since he warned her it can‘t be anything pleasant. 2y

CrowCAH @PageShifter maybe the post office and delivery service is just as poor in the book as they are in real life where I live. 2y

Ruthiella @CrowCAH 😂😂😂 The Post Office where I live is also showing some strain. I‘ve had two misdeliveries this month. (edited) 2y

CrowCAH @Ruthiella ugh sorry to hear that. 2y

ElizaMarie Oooo. So I don‘t think it‘s Alastair intercepting the letters but as always… he knows more than he will let on… Dragon politics …. Maybe like excommunication? 2y

CrowCAH @ElizaMarie I was thinking the punishment would be more like “no flying anymore,” but excommunication isn‘t a bad theory either. 2y

40 likes12 comments

CrowCAH

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

#HeartstoneBuddyRead (catch-up post)

Chapter 13, more of a summary of time going by…

The Riders and Rangers are called to a muster, Brysney and Wydrick leave.

Anjey writes letters to Brysney, but never receives a reply.

Gwyn and Curdred marry. Later in the chapter she‘s pregnant, which cause Aliza to go visit Edan Rose.

We all know who‘s going to be there - yup, Daired and Akarra!

We are officially halfway through the book! 📖

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Ruthiella I really liked how Wince and Gwyn get to be a well matched couple in this novel. ❤️ 2y

julieclair What is up with Anjey never hearing from Brysney? Something is wrong. 2y

PageShifter Gwyn seemed to be happy after all! I didn't expect that Alastair would be there too xD It was really strange why Brysney didn't answer to her letters! 2y

See All 11 Comments

ravenlee I appreciate that the Collins/Curdred character isn‘t so completely awful in this version. And Gwyn‘s reason for marrying made sense, but now it doesn‘t feel like punishment so much. 2y

CrowCAH @Ruthiella I agree. It‘s refreshing not to wholly cringe at the forced marriage of Gwyn and Curdred. 2y

CrowCAH @julieclair he totally ghosted her. How rude. Especially after he said he‘d write! 2y

CrowCAH @PageShifter there‘s plenty of ups and downs in this chapter. 2y

CrowCAH @ravenlee I agree. Seems more like a “love match” has been established with those two more than a “marriage of convenience.” 2y

ElizaMarie @julieclair and @PageShifter - (I‘m behind) but I get the feeling someone may be intercepting the letters? I mean how could he not write to her!? Even a short “miss you” type of letter. 2y

julieclair @ElizaMarie I agree, something has to be going on. It just makes no sense that he wouldn‘t write. 2y

CrowCAH @ElizaMarie @julieclair I‘m totally with someone is intercepting the letters. But who? The no face hooded guy?! 2y

30 likes11 comments

CrowCAH

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

#HeartstoneBuddyRead (catch-up post)

Chapter 12, we finally get some answers about that strange hooded figure! And it seems only “artistic” humans can pierce the disguise!

Gwyn‘s father is in deep debt trouble. And now she is in romantic trouble herself, being engaged to Wynce Curdred.

Which leads to another P&P reference, “Collins‘” proposal to Aliza.

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BarkingMadRead Dude in the cloak is seriously creepy! 2y

julieclair I feel like Gwynn is just throwing her life away, being engaged to Wynce. 2y

PageShifter I really loved the creature! It was a mysterious twist and I loved to try to figure out what/who they was! Plotwise I loved how Gwyn's story was written: why she had to accept the proposal etc. But I would have loved to feel more. Gwyn hasn't been in a big role so her faith left me a bit cold and that was disappointing. 2y

See All 10 Comments

CrowCAH @BarkingMadRead I agree. Just enough answers to pacify curiosity, but plenty vague. 2y

CrowCAH @julieclair yeah, since she‘s only marrying Wynce to save her father. 2y

CrowCAH @PageShifter agree, her character isn‘t the best developed. Though we know she the “Charlotte” character. 2y

PageShifter I have read P&P so long time ago so I don't remember the details. But I think retellings should work as an independent books too, as their own. So characters should be fleshed out and stand their own and not just trust it's enough that people remember who they were based on. And I see that's the weakness in this book. 2y

CrowCAH @PageShifter you have a great point. Yea, I agree, this book does rely on the reader knowing the story and characters of P&P. 2y

ElizaMarie @PageShifter yes! I have to agree with you. I only read Pride and Prejudice once (I know a lot of y‘all read it often). I wish I knew more about Gwyn‘s background/motivations etc to really understand fully this significance ! 2y

CrowCAH @ElizaMarie in this book we really don‘t get a lot of background on her. Basically from what I gathered is she got engaged because Wynce has money. Then she‘d be able to help out with her dad‘s debts. 2y

38 likes10 comments

ElizaMarie

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

(Behind, just finished chapter 8). Totally agree with this type of 🪄MAGIC! Nothing a good soak 🛁 hot water and bubbles can‘t fix !!

#HeartstoneBuddyRead
@CrowCAH

CrowCAH Some times the simplest things do feel magical! ☺️ Also a funny quote since they‘re in a fantasy (magical) book! 2y

ElizaMarie @CrowCAH haha!!! I didn‘t even think about that added layer of humor to it!!! I love the quote even more ;) 2y

24 likes2 comments

CrowCAH

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

#HeartstoneBuddyRead

Chapter 11

The second banquet! I found this passage just heart-bursting sweet. Daired asked Aliza to dance, of course a waltz plays. They share some words and she mentions Wydrick. Daired is not pleased.

That mysterious figure is at the party… watching Aliza. What‘s his deal? Why is he in the shadows, leering at her? What‘s his business with Gwyn‘s dad?

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BarkingMadRead #creeper 2y

julieclair I am wondering what the real story is between Wydrick and Daired. And the mysterious figure creeps me out. Might this have anything to do with why the Riders rented the house next door and are sticking around for awhile? Are they trying to keep everyone safe? 2y

Ruthiella I feel like this secret (whatever it turns out to be) is going to influence Gwyn/Charlotte‘s decision to marry. Very interesting departure from the source material. (edited) 2y

See All 9 Comments

CrowCAH @BarkingMadRead totally!!! 😬 I don‘t get good vibes from him. 2y

CrowCAH @julieclair yeah, it‘s quite the story - a dead horse and no rider test, so he‘s a Ranger instead. That could be fairly traumatic. 2y

CrowCAH @Ruthiella yeah, it does seem to be going “off Script” a bit with Gwyn, but she did ask Wynce to dance with her, so there still might be the same marriage proposal later on. 2y

PageShifter I am super curious about the mysterious figure! I laughed at this sentence: “Wynce Curdred slipped into our conversation with the grace and tact of a senile centaur.“ 2y

PageShifter @julieclair Good theory! I just tought he was being a romantic and didn't want to leave yet - hahaha 2y

CrowCAH @PageShifter yes, the author does have some nice turns of phrase that get me to smile. 😁 2y

40 likes9 comments

staci.reads

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

pick

I thought this book was a whole lot of fun! The dragons and all the various creatures added lots of life and adventure to the core P&P plotline. I plowed through the rest of the book today, finishing early, because I was enjoying it so much. So glad to have joined in on this #HeartstoneBuddyread with other #Pemberlittens! @CrowCAH thanks for hosting! I'm enjoying your daily posts!

CrowCAH I‘m so glad you enjoyed the book! ❤️ Thanks for joining the buddy read! Feel free to keep commenting and joining the discussion. 😁 2y

63 likes1 stack add1 comment

Clare-Dragonfly

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

bailed

I tried reading this faster than a chapter a day in hopes it would grab onto my interest, but it didn‘t. The only times I cared was when there were direct P&P parallels, and I can get those from the #PemberLittens posts! I‘m reading too many books right now to stick with one that isn‘t great.

20 likes

BarkingMadRead

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

When the hubs is working from home on a Saturday 🙄 and guy want him to have a quiet house, you skip the peloton ride and head out to breakfast 🤷🏻‍♀️ #bestwifeever #littlefreelibrariesarenext

Bklover Have fun! Breakfast looks yummy!❤️ 2y

BarkingMadRead @Bklover so yummy!! 2y

42 likes2 comments

CrowCAH

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

#HeartsroneBuddyRead

Chapter 10: I was super happy and chuckled when I can across the line of the Wynce Curdred, “What splendid rutabagas.” Great homage to the 2005 P&P movie!

A lot happened in this chapter. Again Alize encounters Wydrick, who tells her of his past with the Daired family. “He didn‘t steal the sword.” But, would he have really passed the test to become a rider? 🤔 Seems he‘s a trigger happy Ranger as we saw with the trolls.

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BarkingMadRead Dying over the Mr Collins character, and wondering how “Wickham” got that sword! Why would his reaction be to say it wasn‘t stolen? Me thinks he doth protest too much! 2y

Ruthiella @BarkingMadRead 💯 right on with your call on Wydrick/Wickham! I also felt sad about the troll. 😥 2y

ravenlee I love that the Collins character is named Wynce. I mean, it‘s a little on the nose, but still. 2y

See All 20 Comments

julieclair @ravenlee Yes, Wynce! Such a hoot! 😂 2y

MicrobeMom I actually love Wynce! So unintentionally hilarious! 2y

CrowCAH @BarkingMadRead I agree, why would someone automatically think he did steal it. He‘s got some strange thinking. 2y

CrowCAH @Ruthiella same. A peaceful troll died for no good reason. 2y

CrowCAH @ravenlee the authors name choices are very spot on! 2y

CrowCAH @julieclair @MicrobeMom I agree the author did a great job with his character, we certainly wince at his affability! 2y

PageShifter I am curious to get to know the another pov of the same story! It's always interesting how stories can be so different if told by different point of views. And might that man in black be the same creature she met at the ball (the one whispering but never visible)?! 2y

PageShifter @Ruthiella I was also sad for the troll but I was happy that he didn't die! 2y

PageShifter After seeing your comment @CrowCAH I understood that the troll did die?!?! Bummer! 2y

CrowCAH @PageShifter yes, the angle of the story is unique, a good variation from the original text. Sadly the troll died. 😢 2y

DebinHawaii @CrowCAH @Ruthiella @PageShifter Does the young troll die later? 😔I thought the arrow broke off and he lumbered off with the rest of the group. 2y

DebinHawaii Wynce Curdred is perfect, as was the nod to the movie potato scene for sure! 🤣 2y

CrowCAH @DebinHawaii oh is that how it happened? I‘ll have to go back and check. I thought it died. (For sure! 🥔!) 2y

PageShifter @DebinHawaii I also got the impression like he wouldn't have died but these comments made me to think he did. 2y

ElizaMarie I am catching up! So I am gonna go back and comment after each chapter I read :) I assumed the troll died too. But yeah that Wydrick making sure his side of the story is spread is spot on. Aliza already has her doubts of Daired. (edited) 2y

ElizaMarie Also I don‘t think Wydrick would have passed whatever tests needed to be a rider. I assume it would include some sort of restraint and it seems like he is too hot blooded for the task 2y

CrowCAH @ElizaMarie no problem. Even with my own readings I get caught up then fall behind. Wydrick knows his way around swords. 2y

48 likes20 comments

CrowCAH

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

#HeartstoneBuddyRead

Chapter 9

Aliza overhears some of the riders discussing Anjey and Cedric‘s relationship. We‘re getting the conspirators side of things before hey separate the two lovers. Daired notices her before Charis can say something more. But we all know they think the nakla Bentaine family is way under them as riders.

What do you think about Daired offering to train Aliza for a second time? And talking of her dead sister so casually?

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CrowCAH Photo cred: https://pixels.com/featured/eavesdropping-theodoros-ralli.html 2y

Ruthiella I wonder if as a rider he is more inured to accepting death than Aliza. 2y

julieclair I was amazed that he would talk so casually about the death Aliza‘s sister. But I wonder f perhaps this is another way of him trying to train her - maybe trying to toughen her up and harden her a bit towards it. 2y

See All 15 Comments

CrowCAH @Ruthiella I would think so, as it seems riders encounter deathly creatures on most of their rides. I would think after killing so many creatures it would become more common place for him. 2y

CrowCAH @julieclair I think it‘s just a “Darcy” way to talk, no sympathy for the living for those that have passed, only in his mind thinking that he‘s making in-roads with her by being nice and showing her attention. 2y

TheAromaofBooks I think part of it comes back to that private/practical aspect of his nature. Mourning is something that is private and not discussed with strangers and I think he assumes Aliza will feel the same way. And on the practical level - Aliza is still alive and learning to fight/defend herself could help keep her that way. Nothing can be done for her sister, but something could be done for those who are still living, and I think that's the part he sees. 2y

Clare-Dragonfly I was going to add a comment but @TheAromaofBooks said it better! 2y

TheAromaofBooks @Clare-Dragonfly - Thank you!! 😁 Like, I get why Aliza was offended because he definitely comes across as brusque and unsympathetic, but I don't think he meant it that way. He's just focused on that whole “don't die“ part haha 2y

Clare-Dragonfly @TheAromaofBooks Yeah, exactly! Though I wonder if I would have interpreted him differently if I didn‘t know he was Darcy… 2y

CrowCAH @TheAromaofBooks well said. I believe he is looking out for her best interests. 2y

CrowCAH @Clare-Dragonfly she did say it very well! ☺️ 2y

PageShifter This was quite fun chapter! I loved the gnome who started to pose 🤣 I think Alastair wants her to be safe 2y

CrowCAH @PageShifter that was a fun little comedic action! 2y

ElizaMarie @TheAromaofBooks (behind, so I just finished this chapter), but I feel you said it best -- we all have that same thought. He is practical, knows she needs to gain/refine skills to help her, and her remaining family stays alive. It's his way of caring, giving her these tools. And perhaps he knows he isn't equipt with the ability to comfort her and sometimes it's better to say nothing than to say something that would make feelings worse. 2y

CrowCAH @ElizaMarie correct, like Thumper says, “If you don‘t have anything nice to say, don‘t say it at all.” Sometimes just being there for a person does more good than words. 2y

44 likes15 comments

CrowCAH

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

#HeartstoneBuddyRead

So I wasn‘t able to read today‘s chapter, so I‘ll post two tomorrow (9 and 10).

But…I had reached out to the author to see if she had a discussion guide for us to use as we read. She doesn‘t and would like our input to create one.

I‘ll be emailing her what we‘ve discussed so far and keep track of future questions we tackle as we progress in the book.

Authors really do reply! 🥰

rubyslippersreads, DebinHawaii, BarkingMadRead, iread2much, JenlovesJT47, MeganAnn, Clare-Dragonfly, Crinoline_Laphroaig, Chrissyreadit, StayCurious, wordslinger42, curiouserandcurioser, staci.reads, MicrobeMom, Ruthiella, ravenlee, inthegreensandblues, VioletCavalier, ElizaMarie, hkapusta, TheAromaofBooks, i.besteph, WonderingGypsy, PageShifter, julieclair, AllDebooks

julieclair Very cool! 2y

Ruthiella That‘s awesome! 2y

ravenlee That‘s so cool! 2y

See All 16 Comments

CoverToCoverGirl Ha! Fantastic! 👏 2y

AllDebooks That is awesome 👌 2y

BarkingMadRead That‘s so cool!! 2y

Clare-Dragonfly That‘s delightful! 2y

peanutnine That is very cool!! 2y

MicrobeMom Awesome!!! 2y

CrowCAH @julieclair @Ruthiella @ravenlee @CoverToCoverGirl @AllDebooks @BarkingMadRead @Clare-Dragonfly @peanutnine @MicrobeMom I agree, it is pretty darn cool! Keep up the great discussion! 👍🏻 2y

ElizaMarie Ooo this is so awesome! Also I‘m a couple days behind because work but I‘ll catch up today :) 2y

staci.reads I love that she responded! 2y

CrowCAH @ElizaMarie no problem. I got a day behind myself, but we‘re back on track. 2y

CrowCAH @staci.reads I agree, very thoughtful, so I wouldn‘t think my email got lost or was being ignored. 2y

DebinHawaii Very fun! 2y

CrowCAH @DebinHawaii yes, very encouraging! 2y

51 likes16 comments

Crinoline_Laphroaig

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

How cute was Lt Punch? “You couldn‘t add a few wyverns flying in the background? You know, for effect?” His carrot-colored eyes sparkled. “Or maybe one lying dead at my feet?” A twig snapped behind me. Punch took one peek over my shoulder, shrieked, and dove into the bushes on the other side of the wall."

This was my favorite Chapter so far!
@CrowCAH #HeartstoneBuddyRead

CrowCAH It‘s a gnome or hobgoblin! Cute! 2y

ElizaMarie Awe I just love him!!! 2y

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CrowCAH

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

#HeartstoneBuddyRead

Chapter 8

This scene I guess would be the equivalent to “taking a turn about the room.”

Anjey‘s arm is healing thanks to the root poultice Aliza made.

Then the riders demonstrated their sparring skills, much to both Bentaine girls‘ delight! Aliza was mesmerized by Daired‘s swift and lethal performance. After he tried to teach her how to use her new blade only to be rejected.

Would you have tried sparring with Daired?

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Ruthiella I can‘t believe they spar with no protection and real blades! 😱 I would not try. I‘m too uncoordinated and would probably lose a finger…or worse. 🤣 2y

CrowCAH @Ruthiella same. I don‘t think I‘d try, even if I was versed in sword play. The riders seem very deadly in their attacks. 2y

julieclair I think I would give it a try, as long as it was understood that he was teaching me, not actually sparring with me. No way I would try it if he was serious. 2y

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CrowCAH @julieclair you got a good point. But more often than not “lessons” turn into something more. 2y

julieclair I think that wanting to teach her to fight was Daired‘s way of trying to protect her and keep her safe. Even if he doesn‘t realize it himself yet. 2y

iread2much I totally would have tried sparring, but hopefully after he had spent some time helping me understand what I was doing 😅 2y

MicrobeMom Yes I would‘ve. I understand Aliza is a healer and that want to be her focus. But clearly in this world know how to protect yourself will be a good thing. 2y

CrowCAH @iread2much yeah, like don‘t throw her in the gray without actually teaching her what to do. 2y

CrowCAH @MicrobeMom with all these creatures trying to eat people, it‘s best to know how to defend oneself. 2y

ElizaMarie (Still behind) but, he definitely was trying to show some sort of caring or interest in her. Men love to teach women things, this is romance 101 ❤️ sure I‘d be intimidated but it seems like she shares the attraction towards him and missed an opportunity to engage (learning to defend oneself is an added bonus), of course he ignores her the rest of the day. — she rejected his fragile heart/ego 2y

PageShifter I was surprised that she didn't want to learn those skills. But I am also happy, because I don't want to able to guess every turn beforehand. I respect her and she had a good reason why she didn't want to do that. 2y

PageShifter @Ruthiella Well they knew how to handle those weapons so I can understand how they were able to use real blades. Less skilled would have used practise swords 2y

CrowCAH @ElizaMarie you got a good point. Men do like to show off their knowledge! 2y

CrowCAH @PageShifter agree. She has stood by her decision not to want to kill things. 2y

46 likes14 comments

CrowCAH

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

#HeartstoneBuddyRead

Chapter 7
Anjey‘s wound is infected. Aliza knows of a herb that will help; it‘s in the Witherwood.
Akarra offers everyone a ride.
Daired says some sweet words to Aliza about not dying. (I‘ve liked his character, but his gentler side is enduring; sigh😌)
She ends up assisting a dying gryphon to death by stabbing his eye. She now is initiated as a “rider” via her first kill by earning her first blade.

(Officially 25% complete)

rubyslippersreads, DebinHawaii, BarkingMadRead, iread2much, JenlovesJT47, MeganAnn, Clare-Dragonfly, Crinoline_Laphroaig, Chrissyreadit, StayCurious, wordslinger42, curiouserandcurioser, staci.reads, MicrobeMom, Ruthiella, ravenlee, inthegreensandblues, VioletCavalier, ElizaMarie, hkapusta, TheAromaofBooks, i.besteph, WonderingGypsy, PageShifter, julieclair, AllDebooks

CrowCAH Artwork credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/dragonzzzz-john-park-on-artstation-at-httpswwwarts... 2y

BarkingMadRead 😍😍 don‘t die 😍😍 2y

Ruthiella 25% already! Wow. So much more needs to happen. 😂 2y

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Clare-Dragonfly What an exciting chapter! For some reason I loved Daired shoving Aliza between the boulders. I‘m not really thrilled by this book though… I might start reading ahead since the chapter-a-day pace feels really slow. (edited) 2y

CrowCAH @BarkingMadRead basically he‘s saying live! ❤️ 2y

CrowCAH @Ruthiella agree! But even in P&P the beginning is drawn out. Then things start picking up. 2y

CrowCAH @Clare-Dragonfly no problem. Read at your own pace. Just try not to give spoilers in your comments 😉 We‘ll all eventually catch up and finish the book together. 2y

ravenlee @Clare-Dragonfly I felt the same way - without really intending to, I just kept reading yesterday and am now almost finished. And I did warm up to it more at the faster pace, though it‘s still not the best thing I‘ve ever read. 2y

TheAromaofBooks The end of this chapter where he held onto her a little more tightly on the way back ❤ 2y

CrowCAH @ravenlee I do hear without the chapter a day it is a fast read - entertaining. 2y

CrowCAH @TheAromaofBooks OMG I agree! 🥰 2y

Clare-Dragonfly @CrowCAH I will probably comment less but I‘ll still read the buddy read posts! 😄 2y

CrowCAH @Clare-Dragonfly you got it; thanks for joining! 2y

julieclair @TheAromaofBooks Yes! I just wanted to say “Aaawwww….” 😍 2y

CrowCAH @julieclair same 🥰 He‘s not as cold hearted as he seems. 2y

ElizaMarie (I‘m behind) but… I really thought he was being a good protector :) he cares :) also I like how they were very cool with her and explained to her how now she is “one of them” because of her first kill. 2y

CrowCAH @ElizaMarie he does care, in his own way. Agree they could have simply brushed off the kill, but instead they celebrated it with her. 2y

PageShifter I am afraid of heights so flying on dragon would be horrid 🤣 I didn't expect that they would meet a herd there. 2y

PageShifter @Ruthiella I am also thinking that 25 % and not so much has happened 2y

Bluebird @TheAromaofBooks i loved that too! 😍 i also thought it was great that the riders made a big deal of her first kill! 2y

CrowCAH @PageShifter eek, same, I‘m afraid of heights and falling, so dragon riding would be a no-go for me. 2y

CrowCAH @Bluebird yes, they could have brushed it off, but they acknowledged it. 2y

45 likes22 comments

ElizaMarie

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

Emotionally stunted men… am I right?

#HeartstoneBuddyRead
@CrowCAH

CrowCAH He‘s showing he cares in a way that suites him. 2y

ElizaMarie @CrowCAH I love it :) 2y

16 likes2 comments

CrowCAH

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

#HeartstoneBuddyRead

Chapter 6
The tension of Daired and Wydrick‘s meeting in the field! Three times Daired reached for his sword only to yield to some inner turmoil. And even Akarra was hissing at Wydrick. What could be the whole story there?

And I don‘t think I‘d be as quiet as Anjey with the pain of cleaning a wound and stitches with only wine as a numbing agent. How about you, what‘s your pain tolerance?

Photo from the 2005 P&P movie.

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Ruthiella Pain tolerance, very low! Also I‘d make a terrible nurse. Thank goodness for people who are medical professionals! 👍 I look forward to finding out what THIS version of Wikham has done! (edited) 2y

ravenlee I‘m enjoying the much more adventurous incapacitation/forced cohabitation of the elder sister and the very active introduction of the scoundrel. Still not completely sold, but it‘s fun so far. 2y

BarkingMadRead I have a pretty high pain tolerance but I hate the sight of blood, so I don‘t think I would have kept my cool! I‘m anticipating lots of fun from our Wickham character….. 2y

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iread2much When I was younger it was higher, now I‘m a big whiny baby when it comes to pain 2y

Clare-Dragonfly I have decent pain tolerance but I would certainly be crying! And I would not be able to watch the stitching. Aliza‘s thought about the others leaving because they were tired or didn‘t care was a bit strange to me! 2y

ElizaMarie I have a really high pain tolerance but… I mean I‘m sure there will be silent tears and wincing.. How strong can this wine really be? I am anticipating more about this “Wickham” drama. Like what is it!? 2y

MicrobeMom I would have been crying. 2y

wordslinger42 Is it too late to join in the buddy read? I've read this trilogy before, but would be up for a reread 😊 2y

CrowCAH @Ruthiella I agree, what misdeed has Wydrick done in this version?! 2y

CrowCAH @ravenlee agree, this forced cohabitation seems to bring them together more than Jane in a bedroom with a cold. 2y

CrowCAH @BarkingMadRead I‘m somewhere in the middle for pain. I think anyone at some point would have some reaction to loss of blood and stitches. 2y

CrowCAH @iread2much I think it gets worse as we get older because we know better in some respects of our actions having consequences. Or because we‘ve experienced pain in the pain we know what it feels like. 2y

CrowCAH @Clare-Dragonfly I thought they left to give the surgery some privacy. They knew they‘d be in the way and not helpful. 2y

CrowCAH @ElizaMarie understandable, there‘s still some reaction. 2y

CrowCAH @MicrobeMom same. Hopefully I would have passed out and that would help everyone. Then when I woke up all would be mended. 2y

CrowCAH @wordslinger42 of course it‘s not too late! ☺️ Thanks so much for joining us on our buddy read! Re-read or just join in on the discussion, up to you. 👍🏻 I‘ll start tagging you on posts. (edited) 2y

MicrobeMom @CrowCAH 😂😂😂 2y

PageShifter I have always wondered how people have survived operations with booze as a numbing agent (edited) 2y

PageShifter @CrowCAH your comment about passing out made me to remember how I actually did that when a vet was trying to take a blood sample from my cat. She couldn't find the vein immediately and seeing blood on my cat's white fur was too much to me 🤣 2y

Bluebird Lol @CrowCAH me too. My pain tolerance is fairly high, but stick a needle in me and I‘m out. Actually, I‘d pass out just on seeing the needle. 2y

CrowCAH @PageShifter I don‘t think booze, no matter the amount, would completely dull the pain. Oh no, hopefully you and your cat were okay in the end. 🐱 2y

CrowCAH @Bluebird yeah whenever I give blood I don‘t look. 🩸 2y

46 likes22 comments

CrowCAH

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

#HeartstoneBuddyRead

Not sure if this Victorian riding gear is similar to what Anjey and Aliza are wearing, but a good visual. 🐎

Chapter 5
Gryphons attack the party as they scout the north fields. Anjey gets her arm tore up by talons. Akarra kills the creature easily. More gryphons appear from the forest.

Daired was caught admiring Aliza from his perch on Akarra. I like how he has a conflicted expression on his face.

BarkingMadRead A gryphon attack is way cooler than catching a cold in the rain 🤷🏻‍♀️ 2y

CrowCAH @BarkingMadRead I agree! Though a bit more painful for Anjey. 2y

Ruthiella @BarkingMadRead 😂😂😂 So much cooler! 2y

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Clare-Dragonfly @BarkingMadRead Yes! I laughed a little when I realized what was going on. @CrowCAH Is this graphic from the author‘s website again? If not, can you share artist credit? 2y

CrowCAH @Clare-Dragonfly no, not an official Heartstone graphic. Looks to be from Second Life Marketplace https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Brain-Circuit-Inc-Victorian-Riding-Habit-Cr... 2y

julieclair @BarkingMadRead Oh good grief ... I didn't even make the connection! 🤪 But of course you are right. When I first started the book, I kept looking for P&P references. Now I'm enjoying the story so much on its own that I keep forgetting all about P&P! 2y

CrowCAH @julieclair that‘s great story telling if you forget the original text and get engrossed in what you‘re reading! 2y

julieclair @CrowCAH Yes! 💯 2y

DebinHawaii Yes, much cooler & surviving the cleaning & stitching is pretty badass of Anjey too. 👑 2y

CrowCAH @DebinHawaii I agree. Even Anjey is taking it rather well. 2y

iread2much I imagine they would need more leather as scales and wind thrown objects would probably just rip right through the silk 2y

CrowCAH @iread2much yes, something less resistant to tearing. 2y

PageShifter I was surprised: I didn't expect that there would be this much danger and action. And did Anjey's horse die?!? O.O 2y

CrowCAH @PageShifter yes, Anjey‘s horse is dead. That‘s why there was a comment about having to explain it to the stable master. 2y

48 likes14 comments

BarkingMadRead

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

It‘s like spring this week in SC so I had a leisurely bagel lunch outside today! So fun!

51 likes

CrowCAH

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

#HeartstoneBuddyRead

Chapter 4 Aliza interacts with Daired, with some banter, and his dragon, Akarra, who really did want her portrait taken! I also think she understood Tobbles gnomic speech.

Here‘s more background on Akarra from the website: https://www.dragonridersofarle.com/akarra

I love Tobbles‘ apology, he wasn‘t sorry at all, but Aliza said fine words in his stead.

I think Aliza is attracted to Daired. Anyone else get that vibe?

Ruthiella Oh yes, there‘s a mutual attraction between Aliza and Daired, for sure. I agree, Akarra understand the exchange and was amused by it and impressed with Aliza‘s judicious translation 😂 2y

Crinoline_Laphroaig Had a busy day. I will catch-up tomorrow. 2y

rubyslippersreads Apparently Daired has rather fine eyes. 2y

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julieclair I totally think Akarra understood what Tobble was saying! I rather like Akarra! And I think Aliza is trying not to be attracted to Daired, but she sure does like his eyes! 😂 2y

ElizaMarie Yes!! I do think that Akarra was wise to what was indeed being said (sometimes when I watch wrestling, they “translate“ the Spanish to the other people, and it's funny because they aren't translating it appropriately, and it is weird to know not all the audience is “in“ on the joke).I agree with @JulieClair I think she is attracted to him but is trying not to be attracted to him (which I think makes you more attractive to someone). 2y

iread2much She‘s totally into him, and I also think Akarra understands and was amused, but I wonder if she sees the potential in this relationship and so chooses to keep it to herself. 2y

CrowCAH @Ruthiella I got the same impression Akarra was amused by the exchange! 2y

CrowCAH @Crinoline_Laphroaig no problem, join in when you can. 2y

CrowCAH @rubyslippersreads yes, it does seem the “fine eyes” has transferred from the “Lizzy” character to “Darcy.” 2y

CrowCAH @julieclair agree. Aliza is trying not to be attracted because he doesn‘t like hobgoblins, but there‘s a spark there. 2y

CrowCAH @ElizaMarie that is too funny. Yeah I bet translators try to capture the overall tone and meaning, without saying every single word. 2y

CrowCAH @iread2much ooh I like your thinking. That‘s why she asked Aliza if she wanted Alastair in the portrait too. 2y

ElizaMarie @CrowCAH Sometimes. In this one show, I am thinking of, This wrestler was being a bit two-faced and agreed to do the “job“ but in the agreement was saying he was gonna take care of him too. But the translator conveniently didn't mention the plan to double-cross him.
2y

CrowCAH @ElizaMarie ah I see. It‘s neat your bilingual! 👍🏻 2y

DebinHawaii Akarra is my favorite so far. 🐲💚 2y

CrowCAH @DebinHawaii she does have a fun personality! 2y

PageShifter I am excited to see how their next day goes now when they're going with the Riders! I also wondered if she could understand Tobble's language 🤣 2y

PageShifter And Akarra was adorable, I agree with the others! 2y

PageShifter Seeing your comment @CrowCAH made me laugh when I saw it too now: Akarra propably wanted them to spend more time together and that was behind the question about having him too to pose 🤣 I am also curious about those sentences that Alastair changed with Akarra! 2y

CrowCAH @PageShifter I think Akarra could understand Tobble. For sure, she‘s a crafty dragon! 😉 2y

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CrowCAH

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

#HeartstoneBuddyRead

Chapter 3 We‘re at the welcome feast!

One of my favorite overhearings, “she‘s tolerable, but not enough to tempt me.” Daired did say Aliza wasn‘t plain. Does that mean she‘s pleasing to his eye?

And wouldn‘t it be neat to actually know the song/story for The Lay of Saint Ellia of the Shattered Bow? Henry Brandon quotes and sings it as a bard. Is his last name supposed to be like from Sense and Sensibility‘s Colonel Brandon?

Ruthiella I think she must be attractive in her way, like most people. I am quite liking that the characters and plot aren‘t slavish to Austen. Here‘s hoping that both Mari and Leyda get a happier ending. 🤞 2y

BarkingMadRead I wondered the same about Brandon! 2y

julieclair I think Daired is trying to ignore the fact that Aliza is pleasing to his eye! 😉 And on a different note… who might the stranger be, who Aliza can hear but not see? The one who tells her to mind her own business? 2y

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iread2much Ooo, I didn‘t even catch that nice hint of cross stories! 2y

CrowCAH @Ruthiella agree, the author chose to keep certain pivotal moments from P&P while making the story her own. 2y

CrowCAH @BarkingMadRead not sure it really is supposed to be him, but the name is the same. 2y

CrowCAH @julieclair OMG yes, who is that person. And can they turn themselves invisible? Like where did he go? 2y

CrowCAH @iread2much Colonel Brandon never sought the lime light, as a bard would, but the character in Heartstone does seem to be a good male friend to Aliza. 2y

ElizaMarie I love how backhanded this complement was. Like eh… I wouldn‘t throw up if I saw her … I mean I know he didn‘t say that but it reads that way to me. I am really enjoying this #chapteraday which I‘m surprised a bit because it‘s not my “normal type pic” also still so many creatures for me to still get straight 2y

Clare-Dragonfly Ooh, I didn‘t catch the Brandon thing, good one! I had to reread the parts about Henry (hey, that‘s Tilney‘s first name). For some reason I‘m having trouble keeping character names straight in this book 😵‍💫 I do have a theory about certain characters that I will put in my next comment under a spoiler tag in case people don‘t want to read my speculation… 2y

TheAromaofBooks @Clare-Dragonfly - I had to make a sticky-note of names to help me out. We are getting a lot of them thrown at us at once!!! 2y

Clare-Dragonfly Whoever the mysterious man is, he clearly isn‘t human. He must be one of the other kinds of magical creatures—probably the ones who don‘t like humans. I think he is our Wickham character. Instead of eloping with Leyda, he will tempt her with the opportunity to become a Rider, as is clearly her wish. Then Daired will help her actually become a Rider. No romance potential with Aliza. I don‘t yet know his connection with Daired‘s possible suster! 2y

CrowCAH @ElizaMarie yes, definitely back handed. I agree, many creatures. Google will be our friend. 2y

CrowCAH @Clare-Dragonfly ah you‘re correct, Henry from Northanger Abbey! 2y

CrowCAH @TheAromaofBooks for sure, soon we‘ll need to create a spider map! Lol 2y

CrowCAH @Clare-Dragonfly an interesting theory. We‘ll have to keep reading to see what direction things go. 2y

DebinHawaii Yes, lots of names & creatures to keep track off. I‘m not sure if it helps my memory that I caught up of the first 6 chapters at once. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 2y

CrowCAH @DebinHawaii hmm I would almost think reading them all at once would help rather than hinder, everything is fresh in your mind and you might not have to go back and reference what‘s been said before. 2y

PageShifter I had so much fun with this chapter! I had fun when they tried to figure out why twins had come there and made their own theories. It was somehow hilarious xD And then I loved that mysterious “figure“/man/creature that spoke to her but who she never saw. That was even a bit creepy! And I laughed when the hobgoblin wanted her to eavesdrop xD 2y

PageShifter @Clare-Dragonfly I love your speculations!! 2y

CrowCAH @PageShifter I‘m very intrigued by the mysterious person. What creature are they? Will they be friend or foe? 2y

PageShifter @CrowCAH EXACTLY!!! I love this feeling, mysteries are awesome 🤣 2y

48 likes22 comments

ElizaMarie

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

For those of you listening to this one… can you tell me how this name is pronounced ? Like I read it like it was my name Ah - lee - zah but maybe it‘s Ah - lie - zah… (I mean I‘ll still read it the same way just curious)

#HeartstoneBuddyRead
@CrowCAH

CrowCAH I say it ah-liiz-ah. With the middle being like Lizzie or Elizabeth. I‘m just reading it, so not sure how they say it in audio. 2y

inthegreensandblues I've been reading it as the same way "Eliza Bennet" is pronounced in P&P movies and audiobooks. I thought it was a tribute to that ? 2y

inthegreensandblues (above is said with a long i, uh-lie-zuh) 2y

inthegreensandblues I am glad you said how your name is said, now I'll read it correctly when I see your profile 😂 2y

ElizaMarie @inthegreensandblues awe thank you. My name is Spanish. So it‘s supposed to be like Eh - Lisa but spelled with the z —- my mom is Mexican and so it‘s not uncommon to have my name spelled this way. But it‘s a constant correct everyone (edited) 2y

22 likes5 comments

CrowCAH

Heartstone | Elle Katharine White

#HeartstoneBuddyRead

Here are some sketches from the website depicting Aliza, Daired, Charis.

Chapter 2 At the welcome feast for the five riders, we‘re introduced:
Master Brysney rides wyvern Silverwing Scytheclaw
Lady Charis Brysney
Nerissa Ruthven rides wyvern Bluescale Broadback
Edel Ruthven rides beoryn Burrumburrem
Daired

Also the sisters are named, as well:
Angelina (Anjey)
(Aliza)
(Mari) 17
Katarina (Rina) - deceased
(Leyda)

Ruthiella Thanks for this! It‘s helpful! 😀 2y

MicrobeMom I‘ve not seen this pics. Love them! 2y

Bluebird Thanks for the sketches! I‘ll check out her website. Is anyone else dying to know what happened at Harborough Hatch to elicit such a strong reaction from Brysney and his sister? Could ‘Mr Whickham‘ be the cause? 2y

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iread2much I‘ve not seen those before, they are really interesting. Thanks for sharing! 2y

BarkingMadRead @Bluebird I can‘t wait to find out, seems like a fun plot twist for later 2y

Clare-Dragonfly @Bluebird I thought Harborough Hatch was where they fought the Worm and Charis‘s wyvern(?) was killed. That would be a painful reminder! 2y

Crinoline_Laphroaig My favorite bit: "Following one memorable banquet—at which she discovered it was impossible to read over her dance partner‘s shoulder and maintain his good opinion—Mari had washed her hands of public gatherings in general, and after overcoming her initial disappointment in discovering she had a bluestocking for a daughter, Mama let her do as she pleased." ? 2y

rubyslippersreads @Clare-Dragonfly @Bluebird That‘s what I thought too. Although that means Charis is more sentimental than Caroline ever was. 2y

Bluebird @Clare-Dragonfly thanks, I missed that! Yes, her wyvern was killed by the worm. That explains everyones reaction much better (although it would be interesting if Charis were ‘Wickham‘s‘ victim) @rubyslippersreads 😂😂 i cannot imagine Caroline being taken in! 2y

Bluebird @Crinoline_Laphroaig i loved that passage! There have been several LOL moments in this book. Looking forward to chapter 3. 2y

julieclair Thanks for this helpful character list 2y

Clare-Dragonfly @Crinoline_Laphroaig Yes! I love Mari—and Leyda seems pretty awesome (if overly dramatic) in this version too. 2y

CrowCAH @Ruthiella I agree. It‘s always nice to have the author‘s interpretation of their characters. 2y

CrowCAH @MicrobeMom I was toggling around on the website for the book and came across them. 2y

CrowCAH @Bluebird the website doesn‘t have too much, but there‘s a little extra. Yes, it will be intriguing to learn what really happened and why they‘re so hush about it. 2y

CrowCAH @iread2much you‘re welcome! This way we get a better mental picture of them. 2y

CrowCAH @Clare-Dragonfly I believe you‘re correct. That‘s what we‘ve read so far. But maybe there‘s more… 2y

CrowCAH @Crinoline_Laphroaig this created such a funny mental picture of Mari holding a book behind some dude‘s head while dancing!!! 2y

CrowCAH @rubyslippersreads you have a good point, Charis does seem more emotional on the inside, though on the outside she seems stand-offish. 2y

CrowCAH @julieclair it‘s no way comprehensive or complete, but it‘s what we know so far reading two chapters. 2y

CrowCAH @Clare-Dragonfly definitely have to have drama queen Leyda! 2y

PageShifter I love the sketches! I was a bit surprises to get to know that one of them had died like that! I laughed at this sentence: “It was made of lace, a few panels of threadbare silk, and the unfulfilled dreams of what must‘ve been a very lonely dressmaker.“ 2y

PageShifter @Bluebird I am also curious to get to know why they reacted like that! So like @CrowCAH said I would also love if there is something more behind it than her lost. (edited) 2y

PageShifter @CrowCAH I also loved the mental picture of Mari : dancing while reading the book. I would love get those two combined too 🤣🤣 2y

CrowCAH @PageShifter there are quite a few well worded phrases in the book. We‘ll have to keep reading to find out more about the backstory. Yeah the bookish Mari character! 📖 2y

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