Introduction

Ann dreams of a marriage proposal from her poetic suitor, Eli-until Will Hanby shows her that nobility is more than fine words.

On a small farm in 19th-century Ohio, young Ann Miller is pursued by the gallant Eli Bowen, son of a prominent family. Eli is the suitor of Ann's dreams. Like her, he enjoys poetry and beautiful things and soon, he will move to the city to become a doctor.

Ann travels to Pittsburgh, accompanying her father on business. There she meets Will Hanby, a saddle-maker's apprentice. Will has spent years eking out an existence under a cruel master and his spirit is nearly broken. But Ann's compassion lights a long-dark part of his soul. Through his encounters with Ann's father, a master saddler, Will discovers new hope and courage in the midst of tremendous adversity.

When the Millers must return to Ohio and their ministry there, Will resolves to find them, at any cost. If Will can make it back to Ann, will she be waiting?

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Excerpt

One
Rushville, Ohio
15th July 1823
Proposals of marriage should not cause panic. That much she knew.
Eli knelt before her on the riverbank. His cheekbones paled into marble above his high collar. Behind him, the water rushed in silver eddies, dashed itself against the bank, and spiraled onward out of sight. If only she could melt into the water and tumble away with it down the narrow valley. ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

From the publisher:

1) Ann’s journey by steamboat to Pittsburgh provides the opportunity for reflection and change, as travel often will. Why does Ann’s first trip to the city change her?
2) How does Mr. Miller influence Will Hanby? Have you ever known someone like Mr. Miller, who has stepped into a parental role for a young person unrelated by blood?
3) Jacob Good behaves in ways that are shocking, by normal standards of decency. What do you think motivates him in his relationships to others?
4) After Ann reads The Mysteries of Udolpho, she reconsiders her attitude toward sentiment and benevolent acts. Do you think some novels can either benefit or harm the way people think? Why or why not? And if so, can you think of examples?
5) Where is Will spiritually at the beginning of the novel? How and why does he change by the end of the novel?
6) Will’s trials could have left him a broken person, but instead he chooses to help others in similar abusive situations. Do you know anyone who has turned pain into a desire for serving others?
7) How does the environment (weather, countryside, cityscape) reflect what is happening in the story?
8) Why does it take Ann so long to understand her emotions toward Will?
9) Will spends much of the novel repenting his behavior with Emmie Flynn. Why do you think he crossed his own moral boundaries and did something he later regretted?
10) Dueling was controversial in the nineteenth century. Gentlemen felt it was necessary to defend their honor, but many spoke out from the pulpit against the practice. Do you think there could be a legitimate reason for a duel in 1826?
11) In the afterword, the author describes which parts of the novel are factual and which have been fictionalized. What is the difference between a historical account and historical fiction? What are the advantages and disadvantages of fictionalizing history?

Weblinks

»	Publisher's Book Info
»	Author Rosslyn Elliott's web site
»	Email Rosslyn Rosslyn is available to call-in to book clubs as well as meet with clubs in the Albuquerque and Santa Fe Areas.
»	Connect with Rosslyn on Facebook
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