Introduction

Elegance and wealth. Privilege and politics. The extravagance of the Butterfly Palace overwhelmed Lily’s senses and nearly smothered her painful memories. She pushed away her misgivings . . . She was perfectly safe in this huge house.

Austin, Texas—1904: Abandoned by the love of her life and still mourning the loss of her mother, Lily Donaldson has turned her back on the pain and come to Austin for a fresh start, working for the Marshall family as a kitchen maid in their luxurious mansion, the Butterfly Palace. The tasks before her are legion, and her mistress less than pleasant, but at least Lily’s new life will be, if nothing else, distracting. 

But one night, while serving at a dinner party, Lily recognizes the man who abandoned her, Andy, her liaison from the livery stable, the blacksmith’s son . . . sitting among the distinguished guests. Though he recognizes her, Andy does not acknowledge her aloud, and Lily is left reeling, flabbergasted, and irate. 

But before she can get an explanation, the path of the Servant Girl Killer swerves very close to the Butterfly Palace, sowing terror among the maids. Having come to Austin to start anew, Lily suddenly feels trapped in a spider web. How can she know who to trust in a house where lies come dressed in fine suits and deceit in silk gowns the colors of butterfly wings?

“This story about the importance of having faith, especially in your darkest hour, is recommended for fans of Amanda Quick and Sandra Brown and for readers who enjoy romantic suspense and historical fiction.” —Library Journal

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Excerpt

CHAPTER 1

Austin, Texas, 1904

The train's whistle sounded as mournful as she felt as it pulled away from the station, leaving her on the siding with her valise at her feet. Lily brushed ineffectively at the soot on her serviceable gray skirt and squinted in the October sunshine. What if her new employer had sent no one to meet her? She didn't know how to get to her destination. ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

1. We all have trials that come our way. What struggle in your life has helped define who you are?
2. Lily and Drew were ashamed of their sexual behavior when they were engaged. How do we let shame change us for the better?
3. I’m a crusader for justice just like Drew. It’s why I write romantic suspense. Is justice important to you? Why or why not?
4. Belle was used to going after what she wanted, no matter what. Have you ever been determined to have something, but you later found out God knew better?
5. Mr. Marshall was obsessed with his butterflies. What can fuel obsession, and how do we bring balance to our lives?
6. I was sad when Jane died, but I had to put it in because evil sometimes wins. The good thing is, we know justice will prevail in eternity. Has there been a time when evil won in your life and you’ve had to turn justice over to God?
7. The more I’ve lived, the more I realize many people wear a mask and it’s hard to see the person inside. Is there some part of your personality you find hard to share with others? Explain.
8. Lily resolved to accept trials in the future and to try to grow through them. Are you going through a trial right now for which you need to be thankful?

Weblinks

»	Author Colleen Coble's web site
»	Publisher's Book Info

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