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Devlin insists on simply finding a hotel, while Gabrielle prefers to check out the reviews for a place first. What does this say about their respective personalities, in your opinion? Which of the two are you more like?
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11
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51
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May 19, 2026
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Gabrielle loves going to the library’s reading room because “the air had a stillness” and it “calmed her nerves.” Do you think libraries foster this sense of peace in general? Is there someplace you frequent where you experience a similar stillness?
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16
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67
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May 19, 2026
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If you lived at Sheldon Oaks how do you think you would have reacted, learning a serial killer was also a resident, particularly after a suspicious death occurred?
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16
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92
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May 19, 2026
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How would you describe the connection between the kingdomfolk and their land?
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5
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38
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June 3, 2026
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Do you notice any similarities in the personalities of the Lovejoy and Montgomery women? In particular, what are the similarities and parallels between Nikki and Luella?
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3
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20
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June 3, 2026
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What did you know about the sinking of the Lusitania before reading A Crown of Stars? What did you think of Shana Abé’s depiction of the event?
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30
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205
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June 3, 2026
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Overall, what did you think of The Violin Maker’s Secret? (No spoilers in this thread, please!)
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26
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666
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May 19, 2026
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Multiple characters find healing through music after trauma. Do you agree that creative pursuits can help process difficult experiences?
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13
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99
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May 19, 2026
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Rita’s first experience acting in live theatre was a disappointment. Even so, she didn’t give up her dream. What kept her going? Would you have given up had you been in a similar situation?
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13
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73
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June 3, 2026
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How do you think you would have fared in Rita's place during the tragedy? In those frantic minutes after the liner went under, would you have let the panicked people still in the water climb up the lifeboat, even at the risk of capsizing it?
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11
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37
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June 3, 2026
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Rita’s childhood could be considered sheltered, even enchanted. How did it prepare her for the real world? Or did it? Do you think Rita would have been a successful actress if not for the initial support of Pauline?
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6
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28
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June 3, 2026
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The Jolivet sisters shared a deep and abiding bond, but Rita was always the leader. Was it fair of her to drag her little sister along with her to London, just to get her own way?
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14
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95
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June 3, 2026
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Inez was clearly devastated to lose George. Did Rita and her family do enough help her in those weeks after the sinking? Or do you think Inez was deliberately as emotionally hidden as she needed to be to conceal her true intentions?
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21
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72
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June 3, 2026
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Do you agree with Rita’s decision to make Lest We Forget? Why do you think Rita agreed to travel around the country to speak about the sinking while selling Liberty Bonds, even though it caused her anguish?
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12
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56
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June 3, 2026
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What did you learn about the era from the novel? Did anything surprise you?
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9
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51
|
June 3, 2026
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At what point did you read the Author’s Note – before, after, or while you read the novel? Did you do much research/internet searching about people and events as you read?
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19
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106
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June 3, 2026
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Rita enjoyed a bohemian lifestyle for her time, flouting convention if it didn’t suit her. She had a strong publicity machine at her back to smooth over any transgressions, but should she have been more circumspect regarding her private life?
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5
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29
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June 3, 2026
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To what audience would you recommend A Crown of Stars? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
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16
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91
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June 3, 2026
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Inez defends her decision to marry George (“I am at home in his heart"). Do you believe she actually fell in love with him that quickly, or was becoming Mrs. Vernon more of a new version of herself that she couldn’t wait to experience?
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18
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75
|
June 3, 2026
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How does the novel explore the value of lost or forgotten art? Should all art be preserved and shared?
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10
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64
|
May 19, 2026
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When Devlin and Gabrielle attend a concert, Devlin insists on picking up an outfit at a second-hand store, although Gabrielle resists. What did you think of this scene? Do you shop at thrift stores? Why or why not?
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17
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75
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May 19, 2026
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When Devlin learns that the violin he purchased may have been stolen, he turns to Walter for help. What would you have done in Devlin’s place?
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16
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94
|
May 19, 2026
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Many characters get unexpected second chances. Which character's transformation moved you most? Do you believe we all deserve second chances?
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17
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95
|
May 19, 2026
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Geoffrey learns about manscaping and attempts the grooming technique (injuring himself in the process). Is there a modern trend that you find surprising?
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20
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128
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May 19, 2026
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By the end, Verity realizes her decades-long pursuit of the violin was misguided. What does the novel say about revenge and obsession? Can you sympathize with her motivations?
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4
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40
|
May 19, 2026
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Do you believe objects can hold genuine power to transform lives, or is the change more about the meaning we give them? What items in your own life hold special significance?
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9
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60
|
May 19, 2026
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Gabrielle thinks, “It was a disconcerting feeling – knowing that your one chance at achieving something great was already over.” How did you react to this statement? Is it possible for one’s career to peak too soon, and if so, how does one move on?
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6
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43
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May 19, 2026
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Walter, Devlin, and Gabrielle are all isolated at the beginning. How does their unlikely friendship transform each of them?
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13
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79
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May 19, 2026
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How does the prominence of the land and flowers shape the reader’s understanding of the story?
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1
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24
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June 3, 2026
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What's your favorite quote from The Violin Maker's Secret?
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2
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74
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May 19, 2026
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