You are so right with all these elements. A great book is one that stays in your head long after you've finished reading it and makes you wonder what happened after you've turned the last page. Secondary characters are like subtle flavors that surface after the initial bite into the treat. They support and help develop the journey of the main character. A good read is a sidecar on the journey.
Just like in life, sometimes we need a "breather" to digest and comprehend what has happened. Brief respites during a story give the reader a chance to connect the dots and see the picture forming. As much as I love the fast paced parts, the "breaks" give me a chance to feel the character's working through a problem or interpreting what's been happening. Great job on both by you, by the way! Keep it up!!
I don't belong to a book club, but would love to! I would enjoy sharing my views on a book with othrs who have read the same book. I haven't been able to find a group to join in my area.