Interview, Excerpt

 Heart of Stone Discussion Questions: by Jill Marie Landis

1. What surprised you most about this story?

2. In the opening scene in New Orleans, Laura (aka Lovie) was handed over to a brothel by her uncle. During her years there, Laura not only learned to survive, but she amassed a fortune. In your opinion, was this right or wrong of her? What would you have done differently in her place?

3. Laura feared her past would come to light in Glory. Why didn't she come right out and tell everyone who she really was when she first moved there? How do you think the town would have reacted?

4. In the opening scene in Glory, Texas, Laura Foster stands up to an abusive father
in the Mercantile. Have you ever had to stand up to someone in public to protect yourself or
someone else? What would you have done in Laura's place?

5. When it was clear that Brand wanted to "court" Laura, should she have confessed who she was at that point?
Why or why not?

6. Have you ever lived in a small town or close knit community where there are few, if any, secrets?  If not, have you ever wanted to? If so, what are the advantages and disadvantages?

7. Amelia became Laura's friend before she knew the truth about Laura's past. Once she did know, should she have turned her back on Laura? Or should she have done something sooner to help Laura break the news and face the townsfolk?

8. Brand owned up to having fathered Jesse before he found his faith. Should he have done more to try and find Jesse earlier? Do you think Brand ever thought about the child he'd never seen? What do you think happens to Jesse?

9. "Laura had heard confession was good for the soul. As far as she was concerned, it was exhausting." (Pg. 181) After you have confessed to something that haunted you, have you felt better? Was the anticipation of confessing worse than the repercussion?

10. Laura and Brand asked the congregation for understanding and forgiveness and yet some could still not forgive. Was that right or wrong? Is judging those members for their decision the same as as judging Laura for her past?

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