Introduction

Anna Larson's daughter, Lauren, is confused, brokenhearted, and misguided. It's the turbulent 1960s and, feeling alienated from her mother, Lauren chooses to stay with her paternal grandmother. However, repelled by the woman's manipulative and spiteful ways, Lauren returns to her mother, the river, and the Inn at Shining Waters.

There, Lauren begins to appreciate the person her mother is becoming--and she loves the river. However, romantic interests throw a wrench into the works and Lauren, jealous and angry, returns to her grandmother yet again.

But as time passes, Lauren, now a mother to her own defiant teenager, faces a new crisis--one that puts the entire family at risk.

"Colorful characters, entrancing setting, and a twisting yet natural plot carried me along. A lovely read. " Lyn Cote, Author of Her Abundant Joy

?Having read the first book of The Inn at Shining Waters Series, I was instantly pulled into this ongoing saga of three generations of women, struggling to make sense of life and the Native American heritage that belongs to them. Raw with emotion and rich with hope, River's Call is not to be missed!"  Kathy Herman, author of the bestselling series, Secrets of Roux River Bayou

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Discussion Questions

1. Teen pregnancy has never been rare, and before legalized abortion it was even more common. Yet Anna seems blindsided by Lauren’s pregnancy. Do you think she should’ve seen this coming? Why or why not?
2. Although Anna keeps a gracious front for Lauren’s sake, she expresses deep humiliation to Clark. Why do you think she feels such shame?
3. Why do you think Anna is so comforted by Babette’s reaction over Lauren’s pregnancy? How would you react to a friend in Anna’s situation?
4. Anna seems to innately understand that Eunice is “broken.” How do you think she learned this? Or is it a gift? Explain.
5. Eunice has been the difficult person in Anna’s life. Describe the difficult person in your own life and how you deal with her or him.
6. Hazel always seems to bring a stabilizing force to the inn. What quality do you most admire in her character? Is there someone like that in your life? Explain.
7. Anna’s new grandbaby resembles the Native American side of the family, which upsets Eunice. Do you think appearances and family resemblances play a part in your family’s relationships? Explain why or why not.
8. Lauren and Donald’s marriage seems doomed from the start. How would you have advised this young couple? What did you see as their biggest stumbling block?
9. Do you think Anna should’ve been more involved in her daughter’s life? Or less? What might she have done differently?
10. Some women seem more maternal than others. Why do you think Lauren was so lacking in these skills?
11. They say it takes a village to raise a child, and it seems to take one to get Lauren on track too. What do you feel is the most important quality of community?
12. Anna and Sarah seemed to bond right from the beginning. Is there someone in your family you feel bonded to in a similar way? Describe.
13. Sarah is naturally drawn toward her Native American heritage, but Lauren has never shown any interest in it. How do you explain their differences?
14. Eunice seems to soften up with age, and her relationship with Anna improves. Why do you think that happens?
15. How did you react to Eunice’s final visit at the inn, shortly before her death? Were you surprised to hear the rest of her story? Relieved?
16. It seems that Sarah changes too quickly, transitioning from the sweet granddaughter to the jaded adolescent. What do you think most contributed to this change? What, if anything, might’ve prevented this?
17. Lauren’s ‘ah-ha’ moment came in the river. Have you ever experienced a moment like that? Describe it.
18. It seems things are always changing in Anna’s life and yet she remains relatively serene and stable. If you asked her why that was, what do you think she would say?

Weblinks

»	Author Melody Carlson's web site with author contact info

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