Describe your favorite character and explain why this person is your favorite.

An important topic in this book is secrets. Does keeping secrets bind or break relationships?

When should you keep a secret?

When should you never keep a secret?

Are wealthy families more likely to “keep secrets”?

Did you feel the gossip columnist – Sharon Chatsworth – added to the story? Why or why not?

What are the gossip columns of today’s world? How much influence do they have? Is this influence good or bad?

How has Walter maintained control over his family? Is his control justified?

Was your birth family matriarchal or patriarchal? How did this affect you and/or your siblings?

Divorce in 1940 carried a social stigma. How was this different for men and women? How have these attitudes changed? Is this good for our society?

Do you think women still face societal pressure today only to fill traditional roles? Do you think it’s possible to “have it all”?

Do you think a ‘good parent has a favorite child? If so, why?

Is a birth child favored over a stepchild? Over an adopted child?

Contrast John and Sam. Which is the better man? Why?

Is Sylvia’s behavior excusable due to her childhood?

Do you have beliefs about the differences between the Southern and Northern United States? Elaborate on your opinions and why you believe this.

Sylvia seems to like ‘bad boys’. Was John a bad boy in college?

How do the characters in this story handle their lives? Why do you feel this is true?

Forgiveness between family members is handled differently between individuals. Who truly forgave one another? Minette and Lily? Sam and John? Sylvia and John? John and the family.

When they return to France, is this a selfish move on Minette’s part or Lily’s?

John and Valerie are a ‘match made in heaven. Do you agree? Why or why not?

Valerie appears very accepting. Is she a strong or weak woman?

Do you believe in love at first sight?

At the end of the book, when Valerie is killed, Michael begins to see her ghost. Have you ever seen a ghost?

If you were casting a movie, who do you see in each role?