What was your favorite scene in "Deceptive Calm" by Patricia Skipper?

Use this forum to discuss the August 2024 Book of the Month, "Deceptive Calm" by Patricia Skipper.
Faith Katherine Daniels
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 25
Joined: 05 Aug 2024, 09:59
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 16
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-faith-katherine-daniels.html
Latest Review: Escape From Darkness by Ana Ingham

Re: What was your favorite scene in "Deceptive Calm" by Patricia Skipper?

Post by Faith Katherine Daniels »

The happy scene where they were just outside there university after getting in.
User avatar
Gabriela Shunnarah
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 28
Joined: 26 Oct 2023, 14:04
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 15
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-gabriela-shunnarah.html
Latest Review: Penelopes Purple Passions by Penelope Chaisson

Post by Gabriela Shunnarah »

My favorite scene in the book was when Trisha and Vanessa finally reunited in San Francisco. I love how strong their friendship is and how supportive they are of each other. I knew their friendship was solid when Trisha helped Vanessa go through something very traumatic. While reading that part in the book, I knew their friendship was going to last a long time.
User avatar
Amos Osinya
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 556
Joined: 13 Jun 2023, 15:35
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 82
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-amos-osinya.html
Latest Review: Dying Man, Dead Mouse, and other Stories by Lazarre Seymour Simckes

Post by Amos Osinya »

I was moved by the scene where Trisha offers support to Vanessa in whatever circumstances of Vanessa. An exciting companionship that cements their friendship. However, several other scenes excited me too.
User avatar
Carol McCoy Phelps
In It Together VIP
Posts: 217
Joined: 22 Dec 2023, 15:33
Favorite Book: Waterworks
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 116
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-carol-mccoy-phelps.html
Latest Review: Almost Everything You Wanted To Know About Tickling by Duncan Taub

Post by Carol McCoy Phelps »

I liked the scene at the funeral when Barry's girlfriend entered and introduced herself. She obviously had no idea that Barry had a girlfriend at home. The reason this scene resonates with me is because it exposes Barry for the liar that he is. It gives Vanessa the strength to move on and live up to her potential instead of waiting for Barry to define her.
J. Carol McCoy-Phelps
Andrew Darlington
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 317
Joined: 15 Jul 2023, 09:22
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 50
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-andrew-darlington.html
Latest Review: The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid by Gary Robinson

Post by Andrew Darlington »

I loved so many scenes in this book but when Trisha saved Vanessa and the baby from drowning kind of hits differently for me.
Anthony Ambrose
In It Together VIP
Posts: 164
Joined: 29 Mar 2024, 12:17
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 28
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-anthony-ambrose.html
Latest Review: Play Golf Better Faster: The Classic Guide to Optimizing Your Performance and Building Your Best Fast by Kalliope Barlis

Post by Anthony Ambrose »

It’s hard to pinpoint a specific favorite scene, but I truly enjoyed the friendship between Trisha and Vanessa, especially Trisha’s unwavering support for Vanessa, regardless of her decisions. Those moments where Trisha stood by her were particularly meaningful to me. I also loved Sister Rosalie—her ability to turn every situation into a life lesson was remarkable. Whether it was hopping on the school bus and immediately going into teacher mode or simply showing love for the children, her nurturing nature felt so genuine and a key part of her personality. Those scenes really stood out.
User avatar
Yasmine Zaki Muhieddine
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 723
Joined: 16 Feb 2022, 07:39
Favorite Book: Shanghai'd
Currently Reading: Anticipation Day
Bookshelf Size: 245
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-yasmine-zm.html
Latest Review: Shanghai'd by Curtis Stephen Burdick
2025 Reading Goal: 15
2025 Goal Completion: 40%

Post by Yasmine Zaki Muhieddine »

I liked the fact that right after her wedding, while leaving the church in her designer wedding gown, Vanessa decided to take a walk and then take the cable car with her groom rather than to jump in one of the limousines made available for her.
The scene was just goofy, spontaneous, unexpected and funny.
User avatar
mihaela mitran 1
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 7
Joined: 06 May 2024, 07:15
Favorite Book: Deceptive Calm
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 2

Post by mihaela mitran 1 »

I liked the moments when the two friends reunite over the time and they spend the time together, walking through the city and talkin all the night long about all...
User avatar
Tessa Stewart
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 32
Joined: 15 Jun 2023, 06:57
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 46
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-tessa-stewart.html
Latest Review: The Mother of Honey by Ana Maria Luisa

Post by Tessa Stewart »

Tristan Outhier wrote: 13 Aug 2024, 19:34 My favorite scene was when Vanessa tries on the dresses for Sister Rosalie. It was so touching to see the authentic and deep love for Vanessa she had. When she presented Vanessa with the hairpin, I couldn't stop crying. She was truly an amazing mother to her. She taught Vanessa the love and strength she desperately needed to make it in a terribly cruel and deceptive world.
I completely agree. It was very touching to see Sister Rosalie in a setting that would normally be inaccessible to her, acting as a mother, because she is a nun. As a woman, it was heart-warming to see Vanessa express such joy from wearing a dress that made her feel beautiful! I loved that Sister Rosalie allowed Vanessa to wear a backless and sleeveless dress, despite the fact that it broke traditional convent rules of modesty. That was very touching. I felt very emotional when Sister Rosalie retrieved the hairpin for Vanessa. I felt as though I was almost intruding on a special moment between a mother and a daughter. I wonder if the author was utilising a moment from her real life to write this scene? It would make sense as to how she made it tug on the heart strings so well.
User avatar
Tessa Stewart
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 32
Joined: 15 Jun 2023, 06:57
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 46
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-tessa-stewart.html
Latest Review: The Mother of Honey by Ana Maria Luisa

Post by Tessa Stewart »

Gabriela Shunnarah wrote: 29 Aug 2024, 15:53 My favorite scene in the book was when Trisha and Vanessa finally reunited in San Francisco. I love how strong their friendship is and how supportive they are of each other. I knew their friendship was solid when Trisha helped Vanessa go through something very traumatic. While reading that part in the book, I knew their friendship was going to last a long time.
I agree! I thought that was really sweet! It reminded me of reuniting with my best friend when she came back from university for her birthday. Granted, that hadn't been nearly the same length of time as Trisha and Vanessa had been apart, but I was really happy to see that the author was able to convey that depth of emotion in their writing.
User avatar
Tessa Stewart
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 32
Joined: 15 Jun 2023, 06:57
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 46
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-tessa-stewart.html
Latest Review: The Mother of Honey by Ana Maria Luisa

Post by Tessa Stewart »

Carol McCoy Phelps wrote: 30 Aug 2024, 09:31 I liked the scene at the funeral when Barry's girlfriend entered and introduced herself. She obviously had no idea that Barry had a girlfriend at home. The reason this scene resonates with me is because it exposes Barry for the liar that he is. It gives Vanessa the strength to move on and live up to her potential instead of waiting for Barry to define her.
That was an interesting scene. I feel that the author really filled out some of the character arcs in that scene. Dr Hale's integrity in supporting Vanessa after such a devastating betrayal, although he did make excuses for Barry. I like how the author brought attention to the difference in Mrs Hale's presentation at the funeral through the excessive makeup and how many of the mourners complimented it, even though it was against her character to do so.

I do wish that Vanessa truly had moved on with her life, instead of pining over Barry for over a decade until she eventually goes back to him, and presumably gets back together with him.
User avatar
João Ramos
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 336
Joined: 12 Dec 2023, 16:01
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 115
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-jo-o-ramos.html
Latest Review: Acceptance by Tod Benjamin, author of The Stoker Trilogy

Post by João Ramos »

Von Westerkamp's arrest is fantastic. Imagine what the face of that kind of person would look like. These guys believe they are above the law and were humiliated in front of several members of the high society. It's funny, indeed.
User avatar
Qwerty Writes
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 245
Joined: 12 Sep 2024, 11:13
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 38
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-qwerty-writes.html
Latest Review: Orinthia by Most Everyone

Post by Qwerty Writes »

My favorite scene was between Sister Rosalie and the police chap in the beginning. I loved how she threw a big tantrum, got her way and ordered him to haul a bus for the children to ride on instead of packing them like sardines sin the squad cars. Here strong character really stuck out to me.
User avatar
Josephine Carnes 1
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 26
Joined: 05 Jul 2023, 18:39
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 14
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-josephine-carnes-1.html
Latest Review: 2050 by Richard Hamerski

Post by Josephine Carnes 1 »

Personally I think my favorite scene is when they went off the cliff. That was the only part I really felt was well written and had the correct amount of intensity and edge of your seat feeling. The rest felt lack luster or too fast paced. This part though. Cream on the cake!
Trindade Carvalho
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 50
Joined: 21 Nov 2023, 15:01
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 25
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-trindade-carvalho.html
Latest Review: Deceptive Calm by Patricia Skipper

Post by Trindade Carvalho »

It's hard to choose just one scene, but the conversation between Vanessa and Ian at the bar is particularly memorable. The way Vanessa shares facts about the Civil War, pretending disinterest in history, is brilliant. The tension builds palpably, and you become apprehensive, wondering if she's going to reveal herself. The author's description of Ian becoming increasingly impressed and curious is quite interesting. This scene reveals a lot about Vanessa, showing her intelligence and vulnerability. It was at this moment that I realized the true complexity of this character.
Post Reply

Return to “Discuss "Deceptive Calm" by Patricia Skipper”