Introduction

Top-Notch Dramatic Historical Romance from a Rising Star

A volunteer for the newly established Weather Bureau, Sophie van Riijn needs access to the highest spot in her village to report the most accurate readings. Fascinated by Dierenpark, an abandoned mansion high atop a windswept cliff in the Hudson River Valley, Sophie knows no better option despite a lack of permission from the absent owners.

The first Vandermark to return to the area in sixty years, Quentin intends to put an end to the shadowy rumors about the property that has brought nothing but trouble upon his family. Ready to tear down the mansion, he is furious to discover a local woman has been trespassing on his land.

Instantly at odds, Quentin and Sophie find common ground when she is the only one who can reach his troubled son. There's a light within Sophie that Quentin has never known, and a small spark of the hope that left him years ago begins to grow. But when the secrets of Dierenpark and the Vandermark family history are no longer content to stay in the past, will tragedy triumph or can their tenuous hope prevail?

Editorial Review

No editorial review at this time.

Excerpt

Chapter One

The Hudson River Valley
Summer 1898


“That’s where the body was found, floating facedown in the river,” an ominous voice intoned. “He was stone-cold dead.”
Sophie sank behind the blackberry brambles to avoid being seen by the people ambling down the old pier toward the shore. She had hoped to take advantage of the river’s low tide to gather oysters but had paused as a tour guide led a group of sightseers closer to the infamous spot in the river. The village needed the income from the tourists, and it would be best not to have the wild splendor of the spot spoiled by the sight of a local girl gathering oysters. She scooted a little higher up the hillside to remain hidden behind the bushes. ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

1. Marten and Sophie remain friends despite the painful breakup of their earlier relationship. Is it possible to remain friends with someone you once loved romantically, even if they let you down? Why do so few people manage it?

2. Nickolaas looks for spirituality everywhere, but his curiosity rarely lasts long. Do you know people who "shop" for a religion? Is there something worthwhile in sampling other religions? What are the potential problems with it?

3. At the beginning of the novel, Quentin has contempt for all forms of religion based on Nickolaas's erratic spiritual quests. Do you know of people who have soured on religious faith because of an isolated negative experience? What is the best way to respond to such a situation?

4. Sophie loves cooking the recipes that have been handed down to her from generations of her ancestors. Do you have any family recipes you cherish? Is it based on the quality of the recipe or on something else?

5. A major theme of the novel relates to loving all people, not just those we deem worthy of love. What are the practical implications of this in your life?

6. Are there any places where you believe it is easier to feel closer to God? What do you suppose gives such places that quality?

7. Why is Quentin so adamant that his son not become one of the "idle rich"? Do you know of any such people? How did it work out for them?

8. At the beginning of the novel, Pieter believes that his grandfather is the only person who loves him, and he fears his father. Should a parent and grandparent have different roles in a child's life? What are the problems and benefits of such roles?

9. Sophie and Marten were supposed to marry when they were eighteen, and she later admits they were too young to be making that sort of commitment. Is there a right age at which to marry?

10. What sort of future do you imagine for Quentin and Sophie? For Pieter? For Dierenpark?

Weblinks

»	Author's web site
»	Publisher's Book Info

Book Club Recommendations

Recommended to book clubs by 0 of 0 members.

Member Reviews

There are no user reviews at this time.
Rate this book