"Captivating. A solid 5 across the board."
-Joy in the Moments Book Reviews
"A cross-genre story that could serve as a haven for anyone."
-Foreword Reviews Magazine
"There is something amazing about this book."
-Reviews From the Heart
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When a shocking scandal involving her father spreads through London society, Elaine Cardinham and her parents are forced to retreat to their country home in Cornwall for refuge. But Havencross is no sanctuary for Elaine. She is haunted by the mysterious disappearance of her brother—and the heartbreak she left in her wake all those years ago.
It has been five long years since Gareth Kemp last saw Elaine—when she rejected his marriage proposal. Her reappearance convinces him of one thing: he has never stopped loving her. To put his feelings for her aside, he focuses his attention on the dangerous smuggling plaguing the Cornish coast. As Elaine attempts to run from her past, she ventures ever closer to a dangerous truth—and Gareth may be the only one who can save her from a deadly finish.
Discussion Questions:
1.
What are Elaine’s thoughts about marriage and
fidelity? How does she define fidelity? Is it different than how the world
defines it (both then and now)? What does it mean to be faithful in a marriage?
2.
At the time this book takes place most people
turned a blind eye to smuggling. What role does smuggling play in the lives of
these characters? In what ways has smuggling affected them?
3.
After Elaine realizes her mistake of rejecting
Gareth’s proposal, she writes the letter and sends it off with John. But John
is murdered that night and the letter never reaches Gareth. How do you feel
about Elaine’s choice to leave and not speak her heart to Gareth? What was her reasoning?
Do you think her choice is justified?
4.
Do you think Gareth shares in any of the blame
for the events that happened five years ago? If so, what could he have done
differently to keep Elaine from leaving?
5.
What role did Aunt Rose and Uncle Charles play
in Elaine’s life? Who in your life has served as a role model and how has their
influence changed your life?
6.
How did you feel about the scandal Mr. Cardinham
was involved in? Was he wrong in what he did? How do you feel about the
relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Cardinham? Compare their relationship to Rose
and Charles. How do think observing each of these different relationships has
prepared Elaine for marriage to Gareth?
7.
In Havencross, we meet two mothers, Elaine’s and
Gareth’s. How are these mothers different? How are they similar? Which do you
think is a better mother? Why? What are each of their strengths and weaknesses?
8.
When did you first suspect Lord Chiverton? Who
else did you suspect was involved in the smuggling? Where you right about
everyone? Did anyone surprise you?
9.
The mysterious Gwen is never fully explained. Do
you think she was really the ghost of Gwenevere? If so, why do you think she
came to Elaine’s aid?
10. Elaine
learns some hard lessons in this book. What do you think they are? What about
Gareth?
