1.
When we first meet Lucy and Alice, they are on the phone in the middle of the night. We see Lucy's patience with and love for Alice and we understand quickly that Alice is childlike in many ways. “But Alice's voice was so pleading, so plaintive. And so persistent. She'd never let it go. Alice never let anything go.” Can you relate to this relationship? Whom do you feel for in reading their conversation and in Lucy's reflection of their years together? What are you hoping happens with them?
2.
Lucy is driven in her passion for her job and for advancing Tom Ryland's political career. Her work ethic is strong and her personal life is completely on hold. Do you see this as a credit to the character or do you think she is avoiding something? Does this make you like Lucy or see her as flawed?
3.
Lucy seems to have only one friend, Joe Feeney. She says, “I've always found it easier to relate to men than to women.” Do you know a woman who feels that same way? Are you like that? Why do you think some women find it difficult to maintain relationships with other women?
4.
In the wake of the accident, Alice suffers some degree of cognitive impairment . . . yet after her death, we find from the people of Nilson's Bay that she had great wisdom (in choosing the right pet for a person and in the terms of the inheritance for the cottage). Do you know someone with a similar kind of wisdom? Share with your group an example of this.
5.
Lucy had to go through several life transitions in a short time. She went from a busy career to an eight-week “sabbatical.” She went from being a sister to being the only one left in her immediate family (save for Barney). She faced having to sell her home and deciding on a new future. When have you had to deal with a loss of identity or a major, perhaps unanticipated, life transition? How did you cope?
6.
At Alice's funeral we meet the FOA women, Rinda, Daphne, and Celia. What characters! Are there “characters” in your life who remind you of one of these dear women Alice adopted as her inner circle of friends? Perhaps you have friends in your life you adore, but who are so different from you. What brought you together with those friends?
7.
Peter Swenson. Do you like him? Do you “know” him or his type? He changed from the sixteen-year-old Lucy remembers to the lawyer he is now. He made some mistakes and some smart moves. What did you admire about his character? Were there qualities you found less admirable in him? Were you rooting for Peter and Lucy?
8.
The women of FOA reach out to Lucy and help her with quilting and teach her to be bold and creative. Lucy is used to doing things by herself, so this is a challenge for her. But the moment she becomes “teachable,” it is a turning point for Lucy in many ways. Can you relate to this? Tell the group about a teachable moment in your life and the effect it had upon you.
9.
We live in a world with such deep ideological divisions and heated political rhetoric that many honest, decent people shy away from the idea of going into a life of public service. Can you think of ways for people to find common ground even when they are on opposite ends of the political spectrum? Peter was content with just being a local public servant, but Lucy saw bigger things for him. Who do you think was right, Peter or Lucy? Would you ever consider running for office? Why or why not?
10.
During the Winter Fest activities right before Christmas, Lucy is among throngs of people and families walking around Nilson's Bay, yet she experiences a loneliness and ache like never before. Have you ever felt this? Utterly alone among a crowd? How did you handle it? Are you still in the midst of it? What will you do?
11.
When Lucy reflects on her childhood, she has unhappy memories of her father. She knows he adored and respected Alice, but was always critical of Lucy. What about your family? Were you the favorite? Did you work hard to earn praise? Do you think Lucy's driven nature in politics and her career stem from trying to overcome feelings of inadequacies from the past?
12.
The town of Nilson's Bay, Wisconsin, is loved by its citizens as well as by those who vacation there. Think about where you live. Are you glad you live there? Where do you long to live? What would your ideal home, town, and views be like?
13.
Lucy made a huge career choice at the end of the story. Do you agree with what she chose? Is it what you would have done?
14.
Though Alice's daughter, Jennifer, never had the opportunity to meet her birth mother, the quilts and sketches Alice made for Jennifer help her realize that she was never far from Alice's heart. So often the handicrafts of those we love are the most cherished items left behind. What will you leave behind for your children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews? Do you have a special, handmade quilt, painting, or other art object that serves as a cherished reminder of someone you loved? Tell the group about it.