Banished Love (41 page)

BOOK: Banished Love

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Florence Butler
: orphan teacher who works with Clarissa in the West End

Sophronia Chickering
: feisty suffragette who befriends Clarissa, lives on Beacon Hill, distantly related by marriage to the piano Chickerings

Jonas Montgomery
: wealthy New Yorker, Savannah’s fiancée

Cameron Wright
: a suitor for Clarissa’s hand

Maid Mary
: Clarissa’s maid who is loyal to her

Maid Bridget
: the other maid in the Sullivan household, more loyal to Mrs. Sullivan (Smythe)

Maid Polly
: Uncle Martin’s maid

Acknowledgements

It is impossible to write a novel without the aid of numerous people. Over this three-year journey from idea to publication, I have accrued many debts and if I inadvertently omit thanking you, please know I am deeply thankful.

You joined me on my numerous research detours and expressed enthusiasm every time I said, “Wouldn’t that be interesting for research?” Thank you to my wonderful, supportive family who continues to live with and be supportive of my frequent disappearances to write, read or edit.

You read and critiqued early copies, gave me invaluable insights into plot chasms, and continue to be my most vocal cheerleaders. Thank you, mum and dad.

Thank you, Sheila, for understanding I’d rather write than cook and for always sending me home with a carload of food. You are always interested in a research outing, a wonderful gift for a curious author. Thank you.

Thank you, Barry and Natalie, for your enthusiasm, support, and unflagging belief in me.

Kathleen, you read early pages, believed in my book and have been one of my greatest cheerleaders. You kept my cat and garden alive while I created another world. There are not enough ways to say thank you.

Thank you, Margo, for reading and editing an early draft. Your delight in my characters and the story I created gave me much needed confidence.

The Ladies of Eastie- Susan, Katie, Candace, Jamie, Laura, Eileen, Tina Marie, Eloisa, and Melissa- thanks for all of your support, faith in me, and encouragement!

Your boundless enthusiasm about my series and writing has provided energy and inspiration on the days I did not want to write. Thank you, Courtney.

Thank you Jerry, Eileen, Katie, Danny, John and Bonnie. You’ve helped me with research and your unflagging confidence in my book and abilities has kept my spirits high through this journey.

Thank you, Brendan for all of your musical expertise and guidance.

Thank you to my wonderful editors at Bubblecow, specifically Gary and Deb. Your advice, edits, and enthusiasm about my book were invaluable.

Thank you to my amazing cover designer, Derek Murphy. Thank you for listening to my input and for creating such a beautiful cover.

BANISHED LOVE: Reader Discussion Questions

1. This novel presents several social problems still confronting 21st century America. Is it possible to resolve some of these issues or is each one an unavoidable component of our lives?

2. Which of the many themes in this novel resonated most with you? Surprised you?

3. How does the way Clarissa chooses to cope with her problems characterize her?

4. Family life and duty to one’s family form important elements of this novel. Discuss how these elements limit/guide Clarissa’s actions.

5. Note the different ways the female characters choose their mates. Would some of these be unlikely or inappropriate today?

6. Are there parallels between the marriages of the older generation and the situations faced by Clarissa and Savannah? In what ways do Florence’s circumstances enrich and inform the possibilities of the younger women?

7. Note the role risk plays in this novel.

8. Is Cameron characterized in ways other than through Clarissa’s thoughts and comments?

9. In what ways does Cameron’s pursuit of Clarissa affect her relationship with others? Help the reader know them?

10. What does America share today with the past described in this novel?

11. How does the setting of Boston affect the plot?

12. There is a sequel to BANISHED LOVE. What do you think the future holds for Clarissa? Savannah? Florence? Gabriel?

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