Sunrise on Cedar Key (31 page)

1.
Grace relocated to Cedar Key ten years ago to heal and begin a new life for herself. Discuss if you think it's possible that a particular place or setting has the ability to provide this. Have you ever experienced a healing or renewal from a location?

2.
Discuss the significance of the word “sunrise” that's used in the title.

3.
In the beginning of the story Grace's sister, Chloe, is unhappy, jealous, and resentful, which resulted in a strained relationship between the sisters. Chloe finally admits to always wanting what Grace had. Do you feel this is a common feeling between sisters? If so, why or why not? Discuss if you have experienced a sister or girlfriend wanting what you have. Was the situation resolved? Did it change your feelings toward your sister or girlfriend? In a positive or negative way?

4.
Chloe betrayed Grace ten years ago. When Grace learns about this, her initial emotions are anger and hurt. Do you think Grace was justified in her feelings? Discuss Chloe's betrayal in terms of whether you feel she was right in what she did.

5.
Ultimately, Grace learns to forgive Chloe. What do you think accounted for this? Did you agree with her forgiveness of her sister? Discuss feelings of forgiveness—do you think some women are able to forgive more easily than others? Do you feel there is one particular character trait that allows forgiveness? Were there people in your own life that you did eventually end up forgiving?

6.
Aunt Maude is a major balancing force between the two sisters. Discuss Aunt Maude's past during the nineteen sixties and how it may have affected the older woman she became and the insight she displayed toward her two nieces. Discuss your feelings about Aunt Maude's character—did you feel sad for her? Did you feel she was justified in trying to bring Grace and Chloe together? Has there been somebody in your family similar to Aunt Maude who tried to resolve family issues?

7.
Do you feel Grace was right when she left Brunswick with no contact with or explanations to Beau Hamilton? Why or why not? Discuss whether you feel Grace displayed strength or weakness by relocating to Cedar Key.

8.
Both sisters were affected by childhood issues of abandonment. Discuss the difference in the ways Grace and Chloe each handled this in their adult years. What do you think accounts for people letting go of childhood issues and moving on with their lives?

9.
Compare the similarities and differences between Beau Hamilton and Lucas Trudeau. Do you think if Grace had been honest with Beau ten years before that their relationship would have endured? Discuss your feelings on Beau's love for Grace—was she simply a fling in his life or do you feel he deeply loved her?

10.
Why do you think Lucas held back on sharing his past with Grace? Discuss secrets in a romantic relationship. Are they always justified? By revealing secrets, do you think it results in bringing the couple closer as it did with Lucas and Grace?

11.
Discuss Aunt Maude's knitting retreats. Do you feel that knitting (or similar activities such as sewing, crochet, etc.) has the ability to connect women on a deeper level? If so, what do you feel accounts for this? Do you think that activities like exercise or sports allow the same connection for women? Why or why not?

12.
Berkley Whitmore enters the story toward the end of the novel. She will be the main character in the fourth book of the Cedar Key series. Discuss your reaction to Berkley, how she might fit in with Chloe and Cedar Key, and your thoughts about her relocating to the island.