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Sunday, September 23, 2012

September Book Discussion! Submerged by Dani Pettrey!


This is the first book discussion I've ever hosted, so bear with me as I try to figure things out. :)

The book selected was Submerged by Dani Pettrey!


Submerged by Dani Pettrey



About the book:

A sabotaged plane. Two dead deep-water divers. One single clue.

Bailey Craig vowed never to set foot in Yancey, Alaska, again. She has a past, and a reputation--and Yancey's a town that doesn't forget. She's returned only to bury a loved one killed in the plane crash, but then dark evidence emerges and Bailey's own expertise becomes invaluable for the case. 

Cole McKenna can face dangerous rescue dives. He can face the fear a murderer may be threatening his town. But facing the reality of Bailey's reappearance is a tougher challenge. She broke his heart... but doesn't seem to be the same girl who left Yancey ten years ago. And he's not the same guy she left behind. 

Racing against the clock and a rising body count, Bailey and Cole must move beyond the hurts of their pasts to work together until the truth of what is hidden in the depths finally surfaces.

Just a warning, if you haven't read the book yet, there will be spoilers below.


Discussion Questions:

1. First off, did you like the book?

2. Who was your favorite character?

3. What is one scene that you really loved?

4. What did you think about Bailey and all that she had to deal with in her life?

5. Were you shocked by anything that happened in the story?

My thoughts:


1. First off, did you like the book?

I loved the book! I was surprised that this was a debut novel because it was so great!

2. Who was your favorite character?

I really don't know how to answer this question....I loved Landon and Cole and Bailey and Kayden and Piper! It is so hard to choose just one favorite... but I think if I had to, I'd choose Landon. He was just so great! :)

3. What is one scene that you really loved?

I loved the scene in chapter 48, when Cole tells Bailey she is a new creation in Christ and how God sees her as His beloved child. That was a really special moment. I also loved when, in chapter 44, Landon starts having feelings for Piper - it was really sweet.

4. What did you think about Bailey and all that she had to deal with in her life?


Well, I don't think I was really expecting it. Even though the back of the book says she had a reputation, I didn't think about what that meant (silly, I know). It was sad all that she had gone through and I'm just really happy about the way things turned out.

5. Were you shocked by anything that happened in the story?

I was surprised by a lot in this story, but one thing that kind of shocked me was Piper getting shot - that was really sad/scary.

~~~

Okay, those are just some basic questions - feel free to answer any/all of the questions and even ask your own. :) I'm hoping we'll be able to converse back-and-forth through the comments. :)

Thanks so much for stopping by and I'm hoping you all enjoy this book discussion. :)


21 comments:

  1. Whew! I squeaked by on this one and finished the book about 12:30 last night! Here goes for my answers to the questions:

    Discussion Questions:

    1. First off, did you like the book?

    I really did like the book! It started out slow even though it started out with a plane crash and murder. But the pace picked up and the story kept my interest.

    2. Who was your favorite character?
    I liked Cole and Piper and Landon

    3. What is one scene that you really loved?

    I agree with you Melanie. When Cole had Bailey look in the mirror and told her how God loved her and that His Son died on the cross for her. And I totally love the fact that Landon has feelings for Piper...I saw it coming, but still loved it!

    4. What did you think about Bailey and all that she had to deal with in her life?

    Bailey had a horrible upbringing from her parents that would scar anyone. I think though that it made me wonder why she could be a Christian for 9 years and not have dealt with those feelings of unworthiness before now. But I guess she has always hidden her feelings under a facade of being "fine" so maybe nobody in her life had seen the insecurity?

    5. Were you shocked by anything that happened in the story?

    Yes, what in the world was up with Piper running through the cemetery and getting shot? I thought that was a little "out there" that she would just randomly show up. Did I miss something when I read it? What was her reasoning? It was after midnight that I finished, but still it just seemed random to me.

    I am going to write my review and post it on my blog.

    Julie@My Favorite Pastime

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    1. We had much the same thoughts on this book. :) I loved how Landon started having feelings for Piper, but wasn't the ending just horrible? How he goes to see her, but then hears Denny is there and leaves? I found that so sad.

      Yeah, the shooting was a little random, maybe that is why it was such a shocker. :)

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  2. Oh my gosh! That part just killed me! I hate it when that happens in books. I guess that is part of building the relationship etc. but it annoys me! ha! I think though that Piper has feelings for Landon but just doesn't know yet. She freaked out when he got hit on the boat etc. so I really think they both will learn that they love each other. I'm sure though that it will take a lot of twists and turns. Piper may still need to grow up a bit? I wonder if the next book will continue the unearthing of that sunken island? I can't believe we have to wait for a YEAR to find out! Ack!

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    1. Exactly! I think Piper has feelings for Landon, too, and I can't wait to find out what happens in the next book. :)

      Hmm, I hadn't thought of that, but I do wonder if the next book will continue with the unearthing of the island. Wasn't that part just so cool and hard to imagine?

      I'm also wondering if the next book will tell us more about Gage - I'm really curious about him.

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  3. Yes the underwater church was neat but I have to admit I was cringing thinking that something scary was going to happen under water. The whole idea of diving under all of that water reminds me of being buried alive. Ack! I couldn't do it! And yes yes yes, we must find out more about Gage. What happened with his child and was he married or what? So many stories to wait for!!

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    1. I think it would be neat to go diving, but not THAT deep... too scary. :)

      Yes, those are the questions I want to know the answers to about Gage... he was such a mystery in this book. :)

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  4. Thanks for hosting a book discussion online. This is really a great way to discuss books and highlight some great Christian fiction out there. Sadly, I did not like this book. I know, I know, it got some great reviews across the blogosphere, and I was looking forward to reading it. Maybe the hype brought my expectations up. Oh well! Again thanks for this feature. Looking forward to many more.

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    1. I'm sorry you didn't like the book.... thank you for commenting and I'm glad you like this feature - I hope to do more in the future. :)

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  5. On a side note...would you believe that I only listen to Christian music? And that is my worst category on Song Pop! Ack! I rarely pay attention to who sings what! LOL!

    Back to the book...I had a bit of a problem with Bailey. I totally felt bad for her past, but then I had a hard time understanding her feelings of unworthiness. Not because I have never felt that way, maybe because it was a belabored point? I don't know.

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    1. LOL! I mostly listen to Christian music... that category is my best on that game. :)

      I really liked Bailey's character... I think the book showed really well how people can still deal with guilt/unworthiness even after they believe... yes, it went on for a while in the book, but then again (if I remember correctly) Bailey was very closed-mouthed about her feelings.

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  6. Oh, I wish I could participate! I have it 3rd on my TBR pile and I'm really excited about it!

    Didn't read the question or the comments (because of the spoilers warning) but I'm guessing everyone thinks it's a good book?

    Thanks again for the good job you're doing here, Melanie!

    :-)

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    1. I'm so glad you didn't read the questions or comments! Julie really liked it, Beckie didn't like it, and I loved it, so I guess you could say it's a mix. :) A few of my Goodreads friends loved it, also, so I'm hoping you love it when you read it. Feel free to stop by after you read Submerged and answer the questions if you'd like. :)

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    2. I will (stop by), Melanie, thank you!
      Also My guess was based on the numerous positive reviews that I've seen and I also have the feeling that I'll really like this one!

      :-)

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    3. Look forward to hearing your thoughts. :)

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  7. Oh most definitely people that have had a rough background and then come to Christ I'm sure still have to deal with those feelings of unworthiness. And yes, Bailey was very closed mouth about her feelings. I don't know what about it bothered me. I understand all of that and still it bothered me. hmmmm, weird. I would certainly hope that because I didn't have the same background that I couldn't empathize. That would put me in the category of the judgmental crowd in the town!

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    1. That is weird, but I'm sure everyone has a character that bothered them for reasons they couldn't understand. :) I think I have before, I just don't remember who. LOL! :)

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  8. I'm so mad at myself! I have WAY over-committed for the fall (surprise, surprise!) and haven't gotten around to reading Submerged yet. Looks like you've had a great "turnout," so I'm looking forward to the next discussion. :)

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  9. 1. First off, did you like the book?
    LOVED IT!

    2. Who was your favorite character?
    Oh, my gosh, that's tough! We'll go with Landon. I was intrigued by the guy, but Cole is definitely a sigh-worthy hero!

    3. What is one scene that you really loved?
    When Piper knocked on Landon's door at 1 am in the morning! And he ended up carrying her on his back in the woods... * grinning*. I love these two!

    4. What did you think about Bailey and all that she had to deal with in her life?
    Oh, my gosh, How heart breaking! The poor never woman felt worthy enough. You know, I think the message that Dani incorporated in the novel based on Bailey's story definitely speaks beautifully! Christ loves us, because we are His. Not Because of what we've done.

    5. Were you shocked by anything that happened in the story?
    Not necessarily no. I found it interesting that she included a piece of Russian history. I had no idea that all those things really happened. (They did, right?)

    Dani definitely has talent! I'll be looking forward to reading more!

    :-)

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    1. So glad you loved it! I did too! :D Landon was probably my favorite character too (even though it's so tough to choose)...he was just so likable. :)

      Oh, that was a great scene! I loved pretty much all of Piper and Landon's scenes. :)

      I think the Russian history was interesting too...I also loved the diving in this book. :)

      I agree - Dani definitely has talent...I can hardly wait to read Shattered! :D

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  10. Oh Melanie I SOO agree with you! Can't believe I forgot to mention that... Piper getting shot. That was so sad and shocking! But thank God she recovered. And then, the scene when Landon, all dressed-up tried to bring her flowers at the hospital only to hear the Denny guy laughing with Piper. Awww...

    He asked his dog whether he was stupid or not *grinning*. What a guy, I can't wait for his story.

    I love their family! And I'm definitely hoping Gage gets a new chance at starting a family (Was also shocked when he said the tatoo was for his son! Dear Lord in Heaven have mercy.) And I hope that Kayden and maybe Jake get a story too!

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    1. I'm thankful Piper recovered too - it would have been REALLY sad if she had died or was permanently injured.

      I can't wait for Landon's story too... but I guess I'll have to, considering it isn't out for a few more months. :(

      Yes, I love their family, too, and am looking forward to reading more about them in future books. :)

      Thank you so much, Ganise, for participating in this book discussion! I hope you enjoyed it. :)

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