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Chapters (50)
  1. Cover
  2. Half Title Page
  3. Books by Elizabeth Camden
  4. Title Page
  5. Dedication
  6. One
  7. Two
  8. Three
  9. Four
  10. Five
  11. Six
  12. Seven
  13. Eight
  14. Nine
  15. Ten
  16. Eleven
  17. Twelve
  18. Thirteen
  19. Fourteen
  20. Fifteen
  21. Sixteen
  22. Seventeen
  23. Eighteen
  24. Nineteen
  25. Twenty
  26. Twenty-One
  27. Twenty-Two
  28. Twenty-Three
  29. Twenty-Four
  30. Twenty-Five
  31. Twenty-Six
  32. Twenty-Seven
  33. Twenty-Eight
  34. Twenty-Nine
  35. Thirty
  36. Thirty-One
  37. Thirty-Two
  38. Thirty-Three
  39. Thirty-Four
  40. Thirty-Five
  41. Thirty-Six
  42. Thirty-Seven
  43. Thirty-Eight
  44. Thirty-Nine
  45. Historical Note
  46. Questions for Discussion
  47. In 2021, look for Luke Delacroix’s story in
  48. About the Author
  49. Back Ads
  50. Back Cover
  1. Caroline is repeatedly frustrated by Nathaniel’s duty-bound behavior, which is the same thing that drew her to him to begin with. How common is it for people to be attracted to a quality that later becomes an irritant?
  2. If you were Caroline, could you forgive Annabelle? Was there anything to forgive?
  3. Caroline resolves to support Nathaniel’s assignment in Milwaukee, even though she doesn’t want to. All over the nation, families are separated by military service or other professional duties. Is there a point at which this becomes untenable?
  4. Caroline believed Luke was merely going through the motions of being devout while imprisoned, and she expected it to fade quickly after he was out. How common is it for people to become devout during a crisis? How can one sustain faith after the crisis is over?
  5. Ida McKinley was overwhelmed and poorly equipped to be the first lady. Many of her problems stemmed from ill health and drugs that affected her mood. Does understanding the root cause of her struggles help you see her in a more sympathetic light? Do you know anyone whose difficult demeanor may be rooted in similar issues?
  6. When Caroline forces herself to make peace with Annabelle, she tells herself that “it is time to start acting like a good Christian, even if she didn’t feel like one.” Do you believe this sentiment, or is there an element of dishonesty in it?
  7. Near the end of the novel, Caroline encounters George Cortelyou during her shopping trip, and they talk about their final days in the White House. Caroline reflects “they had been living in a gilded age but hadn’t realized it until it was over.” How common is this? Have you ever experienced a challenging era of life that took on added luster in hindsight?
  8. Caroline is strong throughout most of the novel but almost breaks down over a fight about blueberry muffins with Ida. Why do you think this incident almost made her crack?
  9. At one point during Nathaniel’s depression, Caroline suggests, “You mustn’t let your failures define you.” What did she mean by this?

In 2021, look for Luke Delacroix’s story in

The Prince of Spies

Book Three of the HOPE AND GLORY series

Luke Delacroix appears to be a charming but harmless man-about-town in gilded-age Washington, DC. In reality, he is a spy secretly moving chess pieces in the halls of Congress to carry out an ambitious agenda. His current mission is to scuttle the reelection of Congressman Clyde Magruder, the only real enemy Luke has in the world.

Trouble begins when Luke meets Marianne Magruder, the congressman’s daughter, whose job as a government photographer gives her unprecedented access throughout the city. Luke is captivated by Marianne’s quick wit and alluring charm, leading them both into a dangerous gamble to reconcile their growing love with Luke’s need to clear the way for vital reforms in Congress.