Introduction

Dramatic New Series from Fan Favorite Michael Phillips

The death of the clan patriarch has thrown the tiny Shetland Islands community of Whale's Reef into turmoil. Everyone assumed MacGregor Tulloch's heir to be his grand-nephew David, a local favorite, but when it is discovered that MacGregor left no will, David's grasping cousin Hardy submits his own claim to the inheritance, an estate that controls most of the island's land. And while Hardy doesn't enjoy much popular support, he has the backing of a shadowy group of North Sea oil investors. The courts have frozen the estate's assets while the competing claims are investigated, leaving many of the residents in financial limbo. The future of the island--and its traditional way of life--hangs in the balance.

Loni Ford is enjoying her rising career in a large investment firm in Washington, DC. Yet in spite of her outward success, she is privately plagued by questions of identity. Orphaned as a young child, she was raised by her paternal grandparents, and while she loves them dearly, she feels completely detached from her roots. That is until a mysterious letter arrives from a Scottish solicitor. . . .

Past and present collide in master storyteller Phillips's dramatic new saga of loss and discovery, of grasping and grace, and of the dreams of men and women everywhere.

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Discussion Questions

Loni knows nothing about her family roots at the start of the story, and her journey to learn more is an important part of the plot. How important is your family’s past to you? Do you have someone in your family who has taken the time to preserve your family history?

Several characters in the book make incorrect assumptions about others based on stereotypes or bad first impressions. Have you ever had an expectation for someone that ended up being wrong? What was it, and what made you change your mind?

Did you have a minor character who you felt was particularly well-developed or relatable?

There are various Quaker themes and motifs throughout the book. What did you find most interesting about the Quakers?

The novel alternates between the 1920s and current day. Did you prefer reading chapters set in one of the time periods? If so, why?

Though Loni originally intended to sell the property, she gradually became more convinced that wasn’t the right choice. What do you think was most important in changing her mind? What would you have done in her place?

What was the most intriguing aspect of the Scottish setting? Did you learn something new about Scotland as you read?

The next book in the Secret of the Shetlands, The Cottage, releases in October 2016. If you had to guess, what do you think will happen next to the characters?

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