Lucy and Frank’s first relationship ended due to his rising fame, but they are able to reconnect through their investigation. What growing did they have to do to overcome the relationship issues they experienced in the past? Do you believe the events of the story will help make them a stronger couple?
I think the relationship was the weakest part of the book. It was clear through Frank’s relationship with Rita that he was not ready to be a great partner to Lucy. I think she deserved better. But I do think they should end up together, despite him needing to grow up a bit more.
Lucy and Frank had to forgive each other. They had to move beyond past blame and hurt. During the story, they begin to realize each other’s strengths and appreciate them. Sleuthing was a neutral ground where they can explore without hurting feelings.
They were in very different places the first time around. He was overconfident and caught up in his growing fame and limelight, selfish and gullible to the ploys of e Horace., Lucy lacked a sense of self worth, stamina and the courage to grow. They ended up on a more equal footing recognizing each other’s flaws and talents. As the sleuthing progressed, the relationship began to get to a more stable, and possibly viable longer term relationship.
As another commenter wrote, the romance was the weakest part of the book. But obviously they needed to forgive each other. I thought Lucy was a bit petty over Frank not paying attention to at the event. If that broke them up I don’t think the relationship will survive.
I agree that the romance was the weakest part of the book. I found it very frustrating with the lack of development and the misunderstandings regarding the romance. Both characters seemed to always be acting in a vacuum. They both did a poor job of communicating their feelings.
I like Lucy a lot better than I like Frank. I think she deserved someone who valued her more. I mean, really? It took him three years to figure out how badly he messed up? Nope, nope, nope. Run as fast as you can, Miss Lucy.
Both needed to work on their communication skills, and to develop their willingness to allow the other some personal space. Forgiveness was also an issue for both of them. They tended to go off and sulk in a corner, figuratively speaking, rather than to recognize the other’s needs, strengths, and weaknesses. I felt like the romance got in the way of their collaboration as they approached the mystery.
I absolutely felt that Frank grew through the novel. He had such a back story with his abusive father that I think this made him feel unworthy of any relationship. He probably was drawn to Horace (maybe as a father figure) because Horace told everyone how great Frank was. Hard to pass up this praise from a celebrity. Now Frank sees the benefits of a solid relationship with a woman like Lucy. I felt he grew a great deal. Although it was not his intent (maybe), I did not like the way he strung Rita along. He was right; she did deserve better. Believable growth of main characters!
This is a perfect answer, Lorraine. I couldn’t agree more.
Frank did a lot of growing particularly in the realization that in his youth, he allowed fame and ego to guide his actions. I think he demonstrates what a lot of young people experience…the idea that they have to please everyone in order to be successful, to the detriment of their loved ones. I think Lucy grew by gaining confidence in herself and her abilities and by deciding to step forward and out from behind someone elses shadow.
I think the more life one experiences the bigger the picture becomes and your previous narrow views are so expanded that you are always stronger and better equiped to deal with changes.
They both needed to listen more and quit thinking the past was the status quo. It was frustrating at times when they wouldn’t just talk to each, that could have prevented many of their issues. But I also get that it was done that way to keep the reader invested in the relationship; we wanted to see them “make it.”