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1. Did you believe in Anson's innocence or did you think he was guilty of arson? Why or why not? Allison Cox wavered between believing the evidence (based on his disappearance, the missing money, his supposed history of arson) and maintaining her faith in him. Did you share her feelings and reactions - and, like her, did you find yourself doubting him at various points in the story? Have you ever had an experience in which faith and evidence seemed to be at odds?
2. Did Justine's reasons for resuming a relationship with Warren make sense to you? What do you think she got out of it? And do you feel Seth is being unreasonable in his objections to her relationship with Warren - or not?
3. What do you see as the reason for Cal's break-up with Linnette? Do you agree with her brother that she was "smothering" Cal? What do you think of her reaction to the break-up? Chad accuses her of running away - do you agree?
4. Rachel has two men in her life - Nate and Bruce. Which one do you think is right for her?
5. Teri Miller and Bobby Polgar seem, on the surface, to be completely mismatched. Do you believe this is a case of "opposites attract"? Sociologists say that most successful marriages are between people of similar backgrounds. Does this relationship have the potential to be a lasting one, considering the vast differences in personality, outlook and experience between these two people?
6. Olivia is concerned about the effect that her brother Will's moving to Cedar Cove will have on Grace. Why, in your view, is Will planning to go back to Cedar Cove? How should Olivia and Grace handle his presence if he does return? Olivia seems ultimately to decide that her loyalties should be with her friend, not her brother. Do you agree with that choice? Have you ever been in a situation like this, where loyalties are divided?
7. Both Charlotte and Ben are disappointed in one of their children - Will and David, respectively. Is there anything you feel they can do, any advice you'd give them? Is there a point at which a parent ever stops being a parent?
8. Seth's unrelenting anger shows Justine - and the reader - a new side of his personality. Were you surprised by his anger? How would you deal with an unexpected injustice in your own life or that of someone you love?
9. Is Maryellen right or wrong in trying to effect a reconciliation between Jon and his parents? It's often said that forgiveness benefits the person doing the forgiving almost more than the person receiving it. Do you think that's true in this case?
10. Were you surprised by the identity of the arsonist? Why or why not? And if you were, who did you think it would turn out to be?
11. Now that Ian and Cecilia are being transferred, she'll be moving away from a place that's brought her comfort - and from her baby's grave. Do you feel she's moved on to a new stage in the process of grieving? If so, how did that come about?
12. What do you think of Justine's plan to open a tea room?
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