The Lady of Bolton Hill (29 page)

1. Daniel and Clara forge an intense bond, sparked by their shared love of music, when they are merely adolescents. Have you ever bonded with another person over a shared love of a musician, artist, or literary genre? Is there something about the adolescent years that makes it easier to forge intense friendships?
   
2. Do you think Reverend Endicott is a good father? Why or why not?
   
3. By the end of the book, Daniel has surrendered his quest for vengeance. Has there ever been a time in your life when you needed to let go of a grievance, knowing you will never receive justice? Did the decision bring you peace or is it still a struggle for you?
   
4. Bane tests Clara by offering her the freedom to walk away from him. It was Clara’s willingness to accept Bane’s challenge that helps fuel Bane’s conversion. Has there ever been anyone in your life who has helped inspire your faith?
   
5. Daniel and Clara’s initial relationship was platonic, but it grew into something else as they grew older. What are the chances that a platonic friendship can blossom into a lasting romantic relationship? Is it possible that such relationships have
   more
   chance for success since they are founded upon something other than initial physical attraction?
   
6. Mrs. Garfield, the Professor’s housekeeper, is fully aware of the criminal activities that are occurring in the Vermont mansion, but she does little to protest. What is the responsibility of a Christian when they are living in the midst of evil they have little or no chance of stopping?
   
7. Just as Daniel and Clara fantasized about becoming great composers, most children dream about becoming famous football players, rock stars, movie stars, etc. Very few will succeed in realizing these dazzling childhood ambitions, but does that mean their aspirations are wasted? What do we bring with us into adulthood from those childhood dreams?
   
8. Clara’s father aggressively intervenes in her life to shape her destiny, first pushing her toward music, then separating her from Daniel. Although this had bad consequences in the novel, is it ever appropriate for a parent to intervene in their child’s life when it appears the child is on the wrong path? What is the best way for a parent to influence a headstrong child?
   

Elizabeth Camden
received a master’s in History from the University of Virginia and a master’s in Library Science from Indiana University. She is a research librarian by day and scribbles away on her next novel by night. Elizabeth lives with her husband in central Florida. Visit her website at
www.­elizabethcamden.­com
.