Book clubs are dear to my heart! Here’s a succinct guide for reading friends wanting to read & discuss The Belle of Chatham.

Of course, no book club would be fun without dessert, so why not try an authentic 18th-century recipe?

And last but not least, basic questions for discussion, though I’ve found book clubs are very good at coming up with their own!

Happy reading & meeting!

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Online & in-person book clubs have never been more popular so my publisher & I developed this guide to help.

And no book club would be complete without a recipe!

A few discussion questions but feel free to create your own!

Last but not least, my heartfelt thanks for reading!

The post The Indigo Heiress Book Club Kit appeared first on Laura Frantz.

Book Club Questions for The Colonel’s Lady

1. The Colonel’s Lady opens by introducing Roxanna Rowan, the main character. How would you describe her in the first few chapters? How has she changed by novel’s end? Would you have traveled several hundred miles into hostile territory in that era to join a loved one? Why or why not? Do you feel Roxanna’s motivations were sound or flawed? Do you think she is running away from something or toward something, as she herself sometimes wonders?

2. Colonel Cassius McLinn is based upon the actual historical figure, George Rogers Clark. Though a man of multiple talents and Herculean accomplishments, he had a tragic end. If Roxanna hadn’t come to Fort Endeavor, how might Colonel McLinn’s life have been different based on his portrayal in the novel? What heroic qualities does he have? Which qualities are less than heroic?

3. Spies were rampant during the Revolutionary War on both the British and American side. Who did you suspect might be the British operative at Fort Endeavor? Were you surprised when the spy was revealed? What seemed to have been the spy’s motivations for betraying his country?

4. Forgiveness is a major theme in the novel. Roxanna is faced with forgiving Cass, her mother, and even her soldier father for being absent when she needed him most. In the most real sense, her choice to forgive Cass results in saving his life. What might have happened if she had withheld forgiveness? How would their lives have turned out differently? Why is it always better to choose forgiveness than to nurse a grudge?

5. Another major theme in the novel is loss. Name all the things, large and small, that are taken from both Roxanna and Cass. How did they respond? If you were in their shoes, how might you respond to losing everything? To whom or what would you turn?

6. Bella becomes Roxanna’s closest friend during her stay at Fort Endeavor. What traits does Bella have that serve her well during that very difficult time and circumstance? How was she a help to Roxanna? How was Roxanna a friend to her? Why was their friendship unusual for this period in history?

7. Like Roxanna, our direst circumstances often yield the greatest blessings. How has this been true in your own life? Why is it always best to trust God from the outset even if things do not seem in our favor? As Christians, what should our attitude be toward suffering and loss?

8. Fort Endeavor is a prototype of many garrisons that existed during the Revolutionary War. Conditions in these places were extremely taxing. What would you have found the most difficult to deal with? The loss of privacy? Poor rations? Illness? Fear and isolation? Why?

9. Colonel McLinn is a complicated man who has two sides to his personality. He is both a gentleman and a soldier. In many ways, the stone house is the embodiment of who he really is. The fort is who he has become. How does Roxie help him regain his true self during the course of the novel?

10. What do you love most about historical fiction? What did you like best in The Colonel’s Lady? What spiritual truths did you find within the hearts and lives of these characters?

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Book Club Questions for The Frontiersman’s Daughter

1. Life in the eighteenth century was difficult and dangerous. How would you have responded to the hardships of that time? Grudgingly, like Sara Click? With the cheerful tenacity of Ma Horn? Or with the courageous spirit of Ezekial Click? Would you have been among those who left the more civilized East to cross the mountains into Kentucky?

2. What perceptions does your reading group have about Kentucky or Appalachia in general? Are any of the novel’s characters stereotypical of that region? How do you feel about the Indians being displaced by settlers during that turbulent time? Did you understand Ezekial Click’s unusual, even ambivalent, relationship with the Shawnee? Were you sympathetic to Sara’s relationship with Ned Click? What would you have done in similar circumstances?

3. Lael is at home in the woods, and becoming an herbalist is second nature for her. How does this skill fit her personality? What traits made her unsuccessful as a teacher? Which of these traits, if any, do you see in yourself?

4. Ezekial’s treatment of Lael is not always that of a loving father, such as when he surprises her in the woods with the Shawnee. Later he sends her to finishing school in Virginia. Do you feel he was right in doing so? What do you think his reasons were for sending her away? How might he have handled that differently?

5. Ian tells Lael he feels God called him to Kentucky. Have you ever felt that God led you to a particular place or situation? How did you respond?

6. One of the novel’s themes is forgiveness. Lael has an unforgiving spirit, and Ian is quick to discern that. How does unforgiveness bind us and place us in danger? How does it hurt us more than the person we choose not to forgive?

7. Proverbs 27:6 tells us, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.” Ian becomes the truth teller in Lael’s life as he both befriends and confronts her. Is there a truth teller in your life? Have you responded with hard-heartedness, like Lael, or with humility? Do you think Ian was right to confront Lael? How might he have better related to her without angering her as he sometimes did?

8. Ma Horn says that heartache sometimes comes from “getting what you want and finding out it ain’t what you thought it would be.” Do you agree? What might life have been like for Lael with Simon or Captain Jack? When have you ever wanted something badly and then later been relieved or even grateful that things didn’t turn out as you’d hoped?

9. At first Ian is intrigued with Lael, and then he falls in love with her. What did you find attractive or endearing about Lael? What did you find displeasing? Which attributes of Ian’s do you think won Lael over? Do you think they’re a good match? Why or why not?

10. What expectations did you have as you began reading The Frontiersman’s Daughter? What hopes did you have for Lael by the book’s end? What surprised you? Pleased you? Troubled you?

11. Author E.L. Doctorow said, “Good writing is supposed to evoke sensation in the reader. Not the fact that it is raining, but the feeling of being rained upon.” Were you able to get a feel for the sights, sounds, and tastes of eighteenth-century Kentucky? Did that world come alive for you as you were reading? What stood out to you?

12. Lael’s name is of Hebrew origin and means “belonging to God.” God intervened in Lael’s life in many ways throughout the novel. Can you name them? In your own life, how has God guided you, protected you, and blessed you, perhaps even before you knew Him?

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I’m often asked for book club questions which makes a case for including them in the back of novels. I find them interesting even if I don’t belong to a book club-though I wish I did! Here is a guide for The Lacemaker curated by LESLIE DEVOOGHT. I think sometimes the best questions come from readers themselves like Leslie. Please feel free to contact me through my website to ask for questions for particular novels. While they may not be as specific as those here, I’m happy to provide them. I’m truly honored when book clubs select my books!

1. At the beginning of the book, Elisabeth says marriage is a business matter. Do you think that is still true today for some people? Do you know anyone who had an arranged marriage or a marriage made for circumstances?
2. Elisabeth takes note of her maid’s freedom. How do our circumstances influence our freedom to make life choices? (Financial, Family, Friends)
3. Noble’s sister died when she was only twenty-nine years old. Have you lost a sibling or no someone who has? What were the circumstances? Can life ever be the same? How are priorities shifted?
4. At the beginning of the book, Elisabeth’s mother has left her. Later, her father leaves her. What do you think of Elizabeth’s reactions to her parents’ abandonment? How do you think her mother’s subsequent return renewed their relationship?
5. After the raid of the town house, Elisabeth is left completely humbled and vulnerable. What do you think she was feeling? Have you ever had a similar experience? What do you think of Noble’s reaction? Contrast Noble and Roth’s reactions to Elisabeth’s plight. (see chapter 5)
6. Miles and Noble are cousins. Have you ever had a relative embarrass or bring shame to your family? Did your family try to protect/help the wayward relative? How? (see page 69)
7. What do you think of Elisabeth’s demeanor as she escapes Williamsburg with Noble? (see page 74-75)
8. Food often reminds us of home. In this story, the cook makes traditional Welsh dishes, and Mistress Tremayne provides Elisabeth with English tea. What foods bring you comfort or bring back memories? Are there certain foods that must be a part of your family’s traditions? (see page 77, 81)
9. On page 91, Elisabeth says: “Providence spares us a great many pains we’d inflict on ourselves otherwise.” Do you agree with her? If so, how has this manifested in your life or others?
10. What did you think about Lady Elisabeth changing her name to Liberty, and Noble calling her Libby? Have you ever been given a nickname? How did it make you feel? (see page 121)
11. Liberty must start her life over from scratch. How is that both freeing and limiting?
12. On page 172, Liberty questions whether “the Lord was showing her how brokenness could become abundance in the days to come.” How has this been true in your life?
13. Why do you think Liberty refuses to ask for or accept Noble’s help?
14. Do you feel like pride is motivation for Liberty’s actions? When and how does pride become a liability? (see page 213)
15. On page 230, Noble says to Libby: “‘Anger is a shaky foundation for espionage.’” Have you ever been motivated by anger? How did that work out for your situation?
16. On page 230, Noble says, “Let the Lord make a gentleman of him (Lord Stirling).” What do you think Noble means by this?
17. On page 394, Liberty remembers Psalm 139. Scripture brings Noble and Liberty comfort. Is there a scripture that you turn to in times of distress? How has scripture brought you peace?
18. The first sentence of the epilogue reads: “Twas the bitter that made the sweet all the sweeter.” How has this been true in your life?

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Rarely do I speak but the DAR – Daughters of the American Revolution – is dear to my heart. The ladies of Franklin – and a few gentlemen! – welcomed me warmly in a special meeting for their Old Glory Chapter. I’m blessed several of them have taken time for my books. I gave a brief talk which was followed by questions. Here’s the gist of my remarks…

“I’m a member of the Berea-Laurel Ridges Chapter in Berea, KY. George Hightower is the Patriot who opened the door for me to realize my long held dream of being a DAR member in 2017. As a fairly new member, I’m in awe of you ladies with numerous Patriots and years of membership and service.

My grandmother, Catherine Cleek Feagan, was a founding member of the Boone County chapter in northern KY in the 1950’s. I’ve been in touch with Robin Bennett from there who said, “please tell the ladies from Franklin that the Ky State Registrar who descends from Cyrus Broyles says hello : )

As a writer of historical fiction, I deal with centuries and people of the past on a daily basis, which gives me much to ponder, especially now that I’ve passed the mid-century mark.

 One of our most intriguing founders is Benjamin Franklin. I would be remiss if I failed to mention him given his name was used when Franklin, TN was founded in 1799. I’m actually more a fan of Deborah Franklin than her husband though I do find him fascinating. One of my favorite Franklin quotes says –

“If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either write something worth reading or do things worth writing.”

I believe DAR does both by promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America’s future through better education for children.

Speaking of Benjamin Franklin, I discovered the obituary he wrote for himself when he was only 22 years of age. It captivates my attention, reading:

The Body of B. Franklin Printer; Like the Cover of an old Book, Its Contents torn out, And stript of its Lettering and Gilding, Lies here, Food for Worms. But the Work shall not be wholly lost: For it will, as he believ’d, appear once more, In a new & more perfect Edition, Corrected and Amended By the Author.

At age 84, Franklin’s actual epitaph at his gravesite simply reads “Benjamin and Deborah Franklin”. That’s a very short summation of his long, colorful, adventurous life.

I’m thrilled that some of you have taken time for my 9th novel, The Lacemaker, published in 2018. This story was inspired by my interest in lacemaking which was a highly valued skill in the 18^th-century. It seems women of every class aspired to own a bit of lace. The book’s cover is an actual photograph of an existing blue and white gown from that time period that’s currently in an Indiana museum collection.

The Lacemaker was also inspired by the patriot I mentioned, George Hightower, a Virginian and my 5^th-great-grandfather. He was born in North Farnham Parish, Richmond Co, VA in 1733.

When the American Revolution began he was 43 years old. His wife, also Virginia-born, was Susanna Thorne Hightower, age 35. They were blessed with 8 children, 4 sons and 4 daughters.

Together they supplied the Continental Army during the American Revolution. George and Susanna are somewhat shadowy figures. What did they supply? We don’t know. Little is recorded about them though they did move to Kentucky after the war ended where most of my family has been ever since.

I confess that at first I was a bit disappointed that my George wasn’t an actual enlisted soldier. But I’ve since learned how vital a role supplying the Continental army was in those days since General Washington and his troops were plagued by supply problems from start to finish.

I had hoped to join DAR with my grandmother’s Patriot, George Hume, who is said to have served as a Sgt during the Revolution. But there’s a problem with a previously verified paper about him so he’s been red-lined, my registrar said. Documentation today is very different than when my grandmother joined many years ago.

Writing historical fiction is always a challenge because we can only imagine what life would have been like back then for our ancestors. As has been said, “the past is a foreign country, they do things differently there.”

We are here because our founders dared to do things differently. I wish we had time to go round the room and hear stories of your Patriots. Each so unique, each making a lasting contribution and leaving a legacy. It’s truly amazing that we are about to celebrate the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.

It seems like yesterday that I marched in the bicentennial parade in Lexington, KY in 1776. My grandmother had sewn me a red and white linen costume to wear with a little mobcap. I still have it today.

I’m currently working on a 1776-1777 novel due to release during that historic marker. In the story’s pages, I leave Virginia where so many of my books have been set and make the leap to New Jersey which has been called “the crossroads of the revolution” as so much happened there during war time.

This new novel was inspired by my editor’s ancestry. One of her forefathers – or foremothers in this case – was the equivalent of an 18^th-century celebrity. Jane McRae of New Jersey, was described as a tall, attractive woman, whose long hair touched the ground. Her father was a pastor and she had several brothers who fought for both the Americans and the British. She was being courted by David Jones, an officer in the British army, who sent her a letter saying he hoped they could meet and be married at Fort Edward on the colonial New York frontier.

On July 27, 1777, Jane McCrea started out with a female friend and an Indian escort arranged by her intended to deliver her safely to him. She never arrived. Her escort claimed she had been killed by a stray bullet from a colonial detachment, but it was generally accepted that one of her escort killed her. Her scalp was delivered to her intended, the British officer.

Her death sent a shock of horror through the colonies; it was even felt in England, where in the House of Commons, Edmund Burke denounced the use of Indian allies. In America the deed galvanized patriotic sentiment, swung undecided colonists against the British, and encouraged a tide of enlistments that helped end a major British invasion three months later. We’ll never fully know the extent of the sacrifices made and lives lost during this epic period of history.”

After the DAR event, I was able to drive across Middle Tennessee with the redbuds in bloom to see my mom in Knoxville as well as some family who came down from Kentucky. Now I’m home again and back to work. Much to do, including celebrating Easter. Much to be thankful for, the resurrection of our Savior foremost!

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Several delightful surprises have happened since A Heart Adrift released last month. One of them was appearing in the print issue of Woman’s World Magazine. I was standing in the grocery store line when my eye landed on it after my publisher told me. And then the icing on the cake was when they included the novel in their online magazine. Mine might be the only inspirational title featured, another surprise…

Woman’s World Book Club

Thank you to Woman’s World!

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I’m so happy to learn A Heart Adrift is the book club pick for BEYOND THE BOOK book club this coming January! Discussions are every Tuesday through the month and I’ll be there on Thursdays to share some special features, chocolate recipes, & more.

Please join us!

BEYOND THE BOOK

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