Introduction

When her mother dies, Elizabeth Benjamin heads home to Key West, determined to transform herself into the perfect Southern belle her parents always wished her to be. But nothing goes according to plan. Her crippled brother resents her, the servants do not obey her, and Rourke O'Malley, the dashing man she vowed to forget, refuses to relinquish his hold on her heart. Worst of all, it becomes painfully obvious that her father is not the upright man he appears to be.

As family secrets come to light, Elizabeth is faced with a difficult choice: to do her duty and abandon her dreams, or to leave her life of privilege behind to chase the man her father sees as little better than a pirate.

From the first emotional page, author Christine Johnson throws readers into a world of impossible choices, hidden desires, and heart-melting romance in the steamy south. Readers will cheer for Elizabeth and Rourke as they battle the odds and the elements to secure their future.

Editorial Review

No editorial review at this time.

Excerpt

See links section for excerpt
... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

1. During the hurricane, Elizabeth insists on bringing her little brother with her. Why do you think it was so important that he join her? How does this decision impact her actions immediately after the storm?

2. Elizabeth battles impatience with her great aunt. Think of one person whose personality tests your patience. How do you react to him or her? Can you think of one way to improve your relationship?

3. Elizabeth neglects correcting her great aunt's assumption that Elizabeth's father sent for her. How does that impact their relationship? Elizabeth's relationship with the rest of her family? What would have happened if she had told the full story from the start?

4. Why do you think Charlie refused to see his sister at first? Could she have done anything to smooth their relationship at that first meeting?

5. Why does Rourke promise to bring John's wife to freedom in the Bahamas at great personal risk? What does this tell you about his character? Do you think he realized this would impact any hope of a relationship with Elizabeth? Why or why not?

6. In 1 John 3:16, the apostle defines love: "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers" (NIV). To what degree do Rourke, Elizabeth, Anabelle, and Charlie demonstrate this type of sacrificial love? Which character's response would be most like your own in a similar situation? Why?

7. Why do you think Charles hates Rourke? Is that reaction founded?

8. For much of the book, Elizabeth focuses on her own shortcomings and desires. What do you think changed her focus to consider others ahead of herself?

9. Elizabeth receives a big shock when she reads her mother's diary. Why do you think the family hushed up that secret? Whose actions angered you most and why?

10. Forgiving someone who wronged you isn't easy. Why do you think it was easier for Charlie to forgive his father than it was for Elizabeth? Do you think she truly forgave him before he returned, or did his actions precipitate their reconciliation? Based on your own experiences, do you think she would still struggle with anger after this initial mending of differences? Why or why not?

Weblinks

»	Read an excerpt
»	Author's web site
»	Publisher's Book Info

Book Club Recommendations

Recommended to book clubs by 0 of 0 members.

Member Reviews

There are no user reviews at this time.
Rate this book