Reader Discussion Questions

1. There are a number of places in the book where a character defies expectations. And a recurring theme is not to judge a book by its cover. What were your expectations coming into the book? And how did they change as you read? Did any of the characters surprise you?
2. Following your dreams is an important theme in this book. What might Emily’s life have looked like if her grandmother had chosen a different path? Or if Emily had chosen a different path? What times have you faced a fork in the road, and which way did you take?
3. It can be difficult to imagine our parents or grandparents as people in their own right—and what their lives were like before we came along. What do you know about the stories of your family? What might you learn if they put you on a treasure hunt similar to Emily’s?
4. Discuss the ways in which Catriona’s relationship with Emily is affected by her past and how Catriona’s decisions before Emily was even born might have affected the way she chose to hide Emily from the world.
5. Emily chooses to be mute long after her speech returns. Why do you think this is?
6. Why do you think Catriona decided to hide the truth about the original story, both from Emily and the world? Do you think this had something to do with why she dedicated all the original books to her and not someone else?
7. Noah had a profound impact on Catriona and how she chose to live her life. Why do you think she continued to turn him down, choosing instead to raise Emily’s mother alone?
8. What do you think will happen to these characters? Will Tyler make it big in Nashville? Will he and Emily reconnect? What do you imagine comes next for Emily?

Author Questions

What was your favorite book as a child, and what did you love about it?

Matilda by Roald Dahl. It was the first book that truly made me understand the power of stories and how they can transport you into new worlds, ones that you picture inside your head. I also loved the idea of a little girl discovering she had the ability to change her future, going against the odds even if others thought she was a bit strange.

For Emily, bookshops and art stores are magical places. What kinds of places feel magical to you?

Definitely bookshops and libraries. When I was little, I was allowed to walk down the road to my local library and would spend most Saturday afternoons curled up in the corner or carrying a stack of books back home. My mother also told me how when I was really tiny I had a meltdown when I refused to leave the children’s section and she had to literally drag me by the feet across the floor so she could choose a book for herself!

Now it’s pretty much impossible for me to go into a bookshop and not buy something, either for myself or the kids. Both of my children are bookworms, and we all have piles of books under our beds. I’m still working on my husband, as he’s more of a nonfiction fan, but thankfully he has at least read my book!