The Hatmaker's Heart: A Novel (25 page)

1. The Roaring Twenties were a time of turmoil and extravagance, Prohibition and gangsters, jazz music and fashions that reflected the change from more gentle times. What are some of the parallels of that to today? What uncertainties about today’s world concern you?
   
2. What are some of the fun things that you enjoyed reading about this era? Is there a particular era that is your favorite to learn and read about?
   
3. Nell, her mother, and younger sister lived in relative luxury while in England. When they were displaced and came to America, what challenges do you think they faced both living in a different culture and on limited income? In what ways might this have influenced Nell to succeed?
   
4. Nell was only nineteen when she moved to New York with naive dreams of making a name for herself immediately. Were her expectations realistic? How can you relate her struggles to your own early dreams of what life would be like in the grown-up world? What challenges have you faced in pursuing your dreams?
   
5. Nell’s grandmother gave her a sampler with the verse, “Strength and honor are her clothing” (Proverbs 31:25), which became her compass to live by. What scriptures or quotes have helped you in making decisions or navigating difficult times in your life?
   
6. Quentin was Nell’s first love. Do you think it’s possible for young love to be the real thing? What experiences bound them? Were you surprised and/or pleased with the way their relationship turned out?
   
7. Oscar Fields was a difficult man to work for. In what ways did his intimidation of Nell make her stronger? What do you think his true feelings were about her talent? What motivated him to act the way he did?
   
8. Stammering usually has an organic basis, although it can stem from a trauma as Nell’s did. How did her stammering affect her self-image and/or limit her? What childhood experiences or embarrassing moments have challenged your belief in yourself or been a stumbling block?
   
9. Nell was bullied as a child and again by Oscar Fields. Do you see bullying as a problem in today’s world? Have you or has someone close to you ever been a victim of bullying, and if so, how did you handle it?
   
10. Nell used her talent to bring out the inner beauty of her clients. In what ways do you think this stemmed from her own need to feel worthy? Do you struggle with imperfections that affect your self-image? Name three positive qualities that you have.
    

Confession time. Writing about an era that wasn’t part of my life experience scared me clear to the bone. However, like leaps of faith often are, once I’d committed to this book, people and events began to intersect my life bringing vision, passion, and an abundance of ideas. I fell in love with the Roaring Twenties—the turbulent, glorious Jazz Age! To God be all glory for seeing me through and confirming once again that all things are possible through him.

Special thanks to Sandra Bishop for her ready inspiration and steady hand on my writing career. I wouldn’t dream of navigating these waters without you.

To Christina Boys for helping me find the heart of this story and for your patience when I faltered, thank you. You are phenomenal! Virginia Hensley, you’re a gem! Thanks for tending so many details and answering all my questions. JuLee Brand and the cover art team: all I can say is “Wow!”
The Hatmaker’s Heart
is lovely beyond words. My gratitude extends to all of the FaithWords team: Harry, Laini, Shanon, Erica, and the editorial, sales, and production staff. It truly does take a village. A special mention to Sarah Reck for sharing your creative soul and enthusiasm. We can split a pizza any time.

This journey wouldn’t be possible without my fellow authors who freely share hugs, inspiration, advice, prayers, and wisdom. Thank you Myra Johnson, Camille Eide, Courtney Walsh, Lisa Wingate, Sarah Sundin, Anne Mateer, Julie Cantrell, Jolina Petersheim, Judy Christie, Shellie Tomlinson, Kim Vogel Sawyer, Lynne Gentry, Missy Buchanan, Joanne Bischoff, Kellie Gilbert, Carrie Turansky, Julie Garmon, Marybeth Whalen, and Kathy Murphy (and all of the Pulpwood Queens!). You enrich my life beyond measure.

For Max, who indulges me with research trips and never grumbles when deadlines and promotion duties come around. You have my thanks, my love, and my heart.

Kids, grands, my dear sisters, and my dad—your support and inspiration are unwavering and so much more than I deserve. Thank you.

Dear, dear readers. My heart is filled with gratitude for you. Thank you for journeying into a different era with me in
The Hatmaker’s Heart
. May your own leaps of faith bring joy, courage, and belief in the impossible. I tip my hat to you.

Sweet Dreams

Stardust

Broken Wings

Chasing Lilacs

Available from FaithWords wherever books are sold.

“Fans of Carla Stewart’s work won’t be disappointed with this Jazz Age tale. With lush sensory details, Stewart brings us deep into this historical setting…Readers will savor the sweet escape.”

—Julie Cantrell,
New York Times
bestselling author of
When Mountains Move

“Carla Stewart captures this time period with amazing accuracy…When choosing ‘never-to-be-missed’ writers, put Carla Stewart at the top of your list.”

—Kim Vogel Sawyer, bestselling author of
What Once Was Lost

“Deep and delightful! Carla Stewart’s beautiful language, intriguing characters, and thought-provoking story are treats to savor. I loved this book!”

—Sarah Sundin, award-winning author of
On Distant Shores

“Set amidst the glamour of 1920s fashion, Carla Stewart has woven together a classy and sweet tale of love and new beginnings.
The Hatmaker’s Heart
is a standout of its kind.”

—Joanne Bischof, award-winning author of The Cadence of Grace series

“Fans of the Jazz Age will cheer Nell’s journey and treasure this richly rendered taste of the Roaring Twenties.”

—Lisa Wingate, national bestselling author of
The Prayer Box

“
The Hatmaker’s Heart
contains love, betrayal, and family secrets—all the elements that delight fans of
Downton Abbey
.”

—Kellie Coates Gilbert, author of
Mother of Pearl

“Bestselling author Carla Stewart employs exquisite detail and charming characters…I cannot wait to read the next one she has in store!”

—Jolina Petersheim, bestselling author of
The Outcast

“I was swept away by the story…readers will love this wonderful new novel from this very gifted author!”

—Carrie Turansky, author of
The Governess of Highland Hall

“
The Hatmaker’s Heart
draws you back in time and will make you want to bob your hair and don a cloche hat.”

—Lynne Gentry, author of The Carthage Chronicles series

“A fascinating journey into the world of couture fashion in the 1920s!”

—Anne Mateer, author of
A Home for My Heart

“
Sweet Dreams
is an inspiring novel and one that is heartfelt. Readers are sure to savor every page of this wonderful story.”

—Michael Morris, author of
A Place Called Wiregrass

“Carla Stewart is masterful at creating characters you care about—and places that seem so real you feel like you’ve gone for a visit.”

—Judy Christie, author of the Green Series and
Wreath

“Capturing the angst of the ’60s in the struggles of two determined women,
Sweet Dreams
is another outstanding novel from one of the best!”

—Myra Johnson, award-winning author of
Autumn Rains
and
A Horseman’s Heart

“Like the best of Patsy Cline’s music,
Sweet Dreams
is a book to be savored and enjoyed. What a funny and touching read!”

—William Torgerson, author of
Love on the Big Screen
and
Horseshoe

“An enjoyable, worthwhile read.”

—
RT Book Reviews

“
Stardust
is told with heart and skill and obvious love for her characters. A gripping storyline that is inspiring and unforgettable.”

—Julie L. Cannon, bestselling author of
I’ll Be Home for Christmas
and
Twang

“While the story is heartbreaking, there is much more to this book…Stewart skillfully entertains and engages the reader with each character’s private pain and survival skills.”

—
RT Book Reviews

“With apt descriptions and artful prose, Stewart delves into the vibrant, jazzy 1940s, at the same time creating a true-to-life present.”

—Christina Berry, award-winning author of
The Familiar Stranger

“Carla Stewart writes powerful, beautiful, emotionally evocative stories that touch my heart.
Broken Wings
is no exception. I couldn’t put it down.”

—Susan May Warren, award-winning, bestselling author of
Nightingale

“Coming-of-age stories are a fiction staple, but well-done ones much rarer. This emotionally acute novel is one of the rare ones.”

—
Publishers Weekly
, starred review

“A warm, compelling tale.”

—
BookPage

High-spirited Mittie Humphreys has a passion for the exhilarating thrill of the skies thanks to a young pilot named Ames. When her parents agree to let her take flying lessons from an ace British pilot named Bobby, Mittie soon finds her affections torn between the two aviators. As she competes in barnstorming events and an all-woman cross-country competition, where Amelia Earhart is one of the pilots, she discovers a secret that threatens her career, the romance she’s embraced, and her family.

Available from FaithWords in summer 2015 wherever books are sold.

Sweet Dreams

“
Sweet Dreams
is an inspiring novel and one that is heartfelt. Readers are sure to savor every page of this wonderful story.”

—Michael Morris, author of
A Place Called Wiregrass

In 1962, Dusty Fairchild and her cousin Paisley attend Miss Fontaine’s, a finishing school in East Texas. Although their loyalty to each other binds them, when they fall in love with the same handsome young man, their relationship teeters on shaky ground.

Stardust

“
Stardust
is a smooth, inviting, well told story that will stick with you long after you read the last line and close the book. A worthy read.”

—Rachel Hauck, award-winning author of
Dining with Joy

When Georgia Peyton is suddenly widowed in 1952 with two young daughters, she tries to make a new life by taking over the run-down Stardust motel. But through her acquaintance with an unusual group of guests, she uncovers disturbing links to her past.

Broken Wings

“
Broken Wings
is a captivating intergenerational tale of friendship, love, and music that surpasses the boundaries of age and time.”

—Tina Ann Forkner, author of
Ruby Among Us
and
Rose House

As a singing duo, Mitzi and Gabe Steiger captured America’s heart for over two decades. Now, with Gabe slipping into the tangles of Alzheimer’s, Mitzi ponders her future alone as a volunteer at the local hospital, where she meets a troubled young woman who needs her help.

Chasing Lilacs

“Coming-of-age stories are a fiction staple, but well-done ones much rarer. This emotionally acute novel is one of the rare ones.”

—
Publishers Weekly
, starred review

The summer of 1958 should be carefree for Sammie Tucker, but she has plenty of questions—about her mother’s “nerve” problems, shock treatments, and whether her mother truly loves her. Soon Sammie must choose whom to trust with her deepest fears and learn to face the truth, which may be the hardest thing she’s ever done.