“It’s a hell wrapped in concrete, wire, and steel bars, that has landed on Earth, dangerous and suffocating. She had a metal plank and a sinking, stained, skinny mattress for a bed. She had bars keeping her trapped like an animal; a toilet within her cell with no privacy; and a small, battered sink. She was told what to do and when to do it. The food was horrible, the lack of sunlight graying to life, the lack of freedom deadly to her mind and soul.”

Was Betsy’s story in jail difficult to read? Did the parallel story line between Evie and Betsy work for you? Did you like Betsy?

9. Rose Bloom Cottage had a huge, thriving garden with a gazebo, paths, willow trees, and a pond, designed by Evie’s grandmother. How did the garden, and the flowers, particularly the roses, enhance the story? What were they a metaphor for?

10. Have you had your DNA tested to see where your ancestors are from? If so, were there any surprises, as Evie found out from her test? If you haven’t had your DNA tested, are you planning to? Why or why not?

11. Poppy, Camellia, and Iris love their hats. “Hats with feathers, ribbons, birds, pom-pom balls, sequins, and beading. Hats made from straw. Hats with wide brims and tight brims. Hats that are two feet high, and hats that hang over an eye. Hats with netting, gauze, lace, satin, and silk. Hats that look like they came off the British Royal family, and hats from Alice in Wonderland and the Kentucky Derby and Dr. Seuss.” Draw a hat for yourself.