Let's have a discussion about Northland Cottage! Here are some questions to get you going... or share your own thoughts.
v Though
they are sisters and love each other very much, Caroline and Ashelynn are very
different. How are they different? What are their individual strengths and
weaknesses? How do their strengths help them to grow? How do their weaknesses
hinder their progress? How do they help each other through their individual
trials?
v Explore
the similarities and differences between William Houston and Justin Holliday.
How are they different? How are they alike? How does their behavior and actions
toward Ashelynn affect her character development? What, if anything, did she
learn from her time spent with these men?
v As Nancy
Anne's character is introduced, she seems eager for male attention, does this
change throughout the story? Some of the characters may have influenced her to
grow and change? Who are these characters and what did they do?
v What effect
do Caroline’s encouragements toward Conner eventually have on him? How has
positive reinforcement from others helped you in your own life? Is there anyone
in your life you might be able to help by giving them some positive
reinforcement?
v Caroline's
and Harrison's situations are similar—they are both in love with people they
may never get to be with. They support and understand one another and even call
themselves, "the pathetic pair." Although their situations are
similar, how are they also different?
v Why does
Ashelynn ultimately choose to pursue a relationship with Harrison? What
character trait does he display that the other two men may have lacked?
v Ashelynn's
eagerness to have a romantic partner led her to hastily give her heart away to
a less than honest man. What advice, if
any, can we give young people to help them avoid similar pitfalls? What can we
do while children are young to encourage them to be virtuous, honorable and trustworthy and to
ultimately seek out a partner who is likewise virtuous, honorable and
trustworthy?
