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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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9
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28
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March 6, 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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16
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42
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March 6, 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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15
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41
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March 6, 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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12
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32
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March 6, 2026
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What effect did having the violin narrate portions of the story have on your reading experience? How did it change your relationship to the instrument?
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18
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53
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March 6, 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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16
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35
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March 6, 2026
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Have you read any of Evie Woods’ previous novels, and if so, how do they compare to The Violin Maker’s Secret?
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16
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44
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March 6, 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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24
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153
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March 6, 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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19
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66
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March 6, 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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14
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45
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March 6, 2026
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What did you think of the author’s choice to make the lead investigator a mass murderer recently released from prison? Did you agree with Carol that she was uniquely qualified to investigate the murder?
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18
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54
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March 5, 2026
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How would you describe the connection between the kingdomfolk and their land?
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3
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14
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March 5, 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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3
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14
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March 5, 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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8
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25
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March 5, 2026
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What did you learn about the era from the novel? Did anything surprise you?
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7
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19
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March 4, 2026
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What do you think of Rita’s deliberate, unspoken message to her enemies: I’m still here?
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5
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26
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March 4, 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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10
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31
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March 3, 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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5
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19
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March 3, 2026
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Even as she began to fall in love with Giuseppe, Rita would tell herself, I want him, but I don’t want to need him. Considering her past divorce and her thriving career, was she wise to guard her heart against the count?
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4
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23
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March 2, 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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10
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23
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March 2, 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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3
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16
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March 2, 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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19
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40
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March 2, 2026
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Luella thinks, “Papa had taught me that choosing a husband was as much about survival as it was love.” (p. 60) What did you think of this statement? Do you think it’s equally true today as it was in the 19th century?
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3
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13
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March 2, 2026
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William convinces the Black residents of Cross Anchor to follow him into the mountains to set up a new community. Why do you think they trusted him? Did they have any choice but to leave, in your opinion? What would you have done in their place?
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3
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14
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March 1, 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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12
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39
|
March 1, 2026
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The administrators at Sheldon Oaks were aware of Carol’s history. Were you surprised they weren’t more cautious about allowing her to move in? Do you think they should have said anything to the current residents?
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18
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50
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March 1, 2026
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To what audience would you recommend I’m Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
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16
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57
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March 1, 2026
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What's your favorite quote from The Violin Maker's Secret?
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1
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12
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March 1, 2026
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Max took advantage of the teenage Gabrielle. When she told others in her life about this, she was ignored and the abuse continued. Why do you suppose that was? What, if anything, would have been different had that part of the plot happened today?
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11
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34
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March 1, 2026
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Geoffrey mourns the loss of his identity, feeling “irrelevant.” “Old ladies, at least they were still in charge of the grandchildren’s birthday cards,” he thinks. Is it true that women have more of a place in society as they age than men do?
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16
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47
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February 28, 2026
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