And to prove it, I turned and pulled him in for another kiss.
Author’s Notes
As I was doing some research for this story, I came across Arundel Castle, in Norfolk, England. While I took a great deal of latitude in the castle’s makeup to better serve my story, the beautiful architecture of the castle influenced many of the descriptions and scenes in the book. Near Arundel Castle, Fitzalan Chapel inspired Roecliffe Chapel. Fitzalan Chapel was, in fact, damaged when Arundel Castle was under siege by the Parliamentarians during the 1600s.
The lyrics on pages 20 and 21 are from “Drown It in the Bowl,” in The British Melodist, or National Song Book, Norwich: J. Stacy, 1822, 412–413.
The lyrics on pages 136 and 137 are from David Semple, The Poems and Songs of Robert Tannahill, Paisley: Alexander Gardner, Publisher to Her Majesty the Queen, 1900, 188.
Book Club Questions
Juliet and Halstead come from very different backgrounds. How do their distinctive circumstances and upbringings shape each of them? What role has your background played in your develop-ment?
What is Juliet’s relationship like with her aunt? How does it change over the course of the story? What leads Juliet to sever the relationship? Is it ever appropriate to end family relationships?
At the beginning of the book Juliet feels trapped and believes her freedom is tied to the coming of her twenty-first birthday. How does she eventually come to discover that, despite her aunt’s manipulation, she is ultimately in control of her own life? What are some lies we believe about how we are cornered by circumstances or other people’s choices?
After his accident Halstead allows his pain to make him callous and uncaring. Is it possible to be in pain and suffer and still show love and kindness?
How does Juliet break the barrier between Halstead and the rest of the world?
Why is it important to Juliet to marry within her social sphere? Where does that motivation come from? Do we still have class divisions and allow them to influence our decisions? Why is it often more comfortable to associate with people within your sphere?
When threatened by her aunt, Juliet gives up the promise of a life with Halstead in order to protect her brother. Has there ever been a time when you have sacrificed your own happiness and desires for someone you love?
Juliet has the choice between a steady and secure future with Robert or a more passionate and tumultuous marriage with Halstead. She feels limited by her relationship with Robert and craves the freedom provided by her connection with Halstead. In other novels the heroine chooses a steadier option. What are the pros and cons of each?
Juliet feels like she is more herself with Halstead than she is with Robert. How do the people we spend time with influence who we ultimately become?
Ellen tells Juliet she can’t expect to find happiness by tiptoeing around, trying to avoid the mistakes of others. Why do we often let fear influence our decisions? How do we make choices with excitement for the future rather than with dread or worry?
In chapter twelve Halstead and Juliet argue about the different faces people show in Society. Do you think you’re not being your true self when you allow people to see only certain sides of you, for example, through social media? What establishes trust between people and allows them to show all of themselves freely?
About the Author
At a young age Heidi perfected the art of hiding out so she could read instead of do chores. One husband and four children later, not much has changed. She has an abiding love for Peanut Butter M&Ms, all things autumn, and any book that can make her forget she is supposed to be keeping her children alive.
She currently lives in a charming old town just north of Boston, in southern New Hampshire.
Heidi loves to stay in touch with her readers! For authorly insights, fun giveaways, and sneak peeks, you can keep up with her on social media and by signing up for her newsletter.
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Other Covenant Books By Heidi Kimball
“Second-Chance Christmas” in A Christmas Courting
A Guarded Heart
