1) The family relationships in the book are not what are considered traditional family connections: Charlotte and Jocelyn are stepsisters; Max and his brothers are foster brothers, not blood relatives. In this day and age where family is often used to describe an emotional connection, how would you describe what “family” means to Charlotte? To Max? To Anson Salinas?
2) Charlotte and Jocelyn consider themselves to be “sisters-of-the-heart” but they are very different in terms of their personalities. What qualities did these two women possess that enabled them to transcend their differences and form such a strong bond?
3) In the beginning of the book, Charlotte makes it clear that she thinks of herself as a one-foot-in-front-of-the-other type; a plodder, not a risk-taker. Her therapist told her she lacked a sense of spontaneity. At what point in the story did Charlotte start to acknowledge her own inner strength? How did that understanding affect her relationship with her step-sister? Her ex-fiancé? With Max?
4) Throughout the story several characters confront the fallout of various acts of revenge. Do you think that those who seek revenge always pay a price?
5) The notorious Seattle weather plays an important part in the story. How did the author use it to create atmosphere? To help illustrate the personalities of Charlotte and Max?
6) It becomes clear in the course of the story that Max and his brothers are dealing with some unanswered questions concerning their shared past. Do you think Charlotte’s advice – that Max should continue to search for answers – was good advice? Or should she have told him to “let it go” and “move on”? Knowing what you do about Max’s character, what would you have advised?
7) The story is driven by the long shadows cast by secrets from the past; most are long-buried family secrets. What makes those kinds of secrets so fascinating to readers?
