“Look,” Noah whispered, “a shooting star!”
Asa watched the star and then looked in wonder at the child by his side. “Pretty neat, Noah. I think God must have sent that for you.”
Noah nodded solemnly and said, “For you too.”
Asa smiled and gently squeezed his son’s hand.
Acknowledgments
Writing a novel takes a tremendous leap of faith-financially, temporally, and emotionally. Who knows what the outcome will be? When I’m writing, I often pray for guidance and I even ask God to send signs of reassurance.
One summer morning, after I’d just finished writing the passage in the book about the female cardinal, I was sitting on my front porch asking for assurance that all would be well. At the very moment of my prayer, a female cardinal flew by my head, through the open door into our mudroom, and fluttered around until she landed on the top frame of the bottom window in the bathroom. I followed her and without thinking unlatched the window, hoping she would fly out. But as soon as I did, I remembered that the spring in the window wasn’t hooked properly. I watched in horror as the upper window slid down, taking the little cardinal with it! I stared in disbelief. What had I done? There she was trapped, upside down, between the two windows! Without thinking (again) about possible injury, I pushed the window up, and up she came with it! Shaken but seemingly unharmed, she found her way back outside. In astonishment and wonder, I sank into my chair. It was one sign of many that I will never forget.
I am thankful to my family and friends, who, through the years, have shaped my life and filled it to overflowing with rich memories. To Bruce, my husband and best friend, who has supported me every step of the way; and to our boys, Cole and Noah, who continually keep track of how many pages I’ve written and encourage me to do better. They are my inspiration! To my mom and dad, who never doubted for a second that I would publish a novel.
I’m forever indebted to my dad’s neighbor, Mr. Jim Brownell, who put me in touch with my agent, Deirdre Mullane. I’m very thankful for Deirdre’s help and guidance. Finally, I must thank Audrey LaFehr, my editor at Kensington Books, and everyone at Kensington who is working to make my dream come true.
The original Gin & Chowder Club still meets in the sleepy little town of Colebrook, Connecticut. I was just starting college when I first saw one of their fancy invitations, and although I never knew their purpose or pastime, I remember thinking that the name would be a wonderful title for a novel.
A READING GROUP GUIDE
ABOUT THIS GUIDE
The suggested questions that follow are included to enhance your group’s reading of The Gin & Chowder Club.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. From the very beginning the reader is aware that there is a strong physical attraction between Noelle and Asa. Are there any other (subconscious) factors that might have contributed to Noelle initiating an intimate relationship?
2. Asa has been raised to have a strong faith in God. He knows right from wrong and he struggles with the immorality of his desire for Noelle. Despite his faith and good conscience, he shamelessly betrays his father’s best friend. How does this happen?
3. Noelle professes to love both Nate and Asa. Is it possible to truly love two people? Is it possible to be unfaithful to someone you truly love?
4. At what point do you think Nate suspects that the relationship between Noelle and Asa has become intimate? Do you think he is ever certain? Why doesn’t he confront her?
5. Noelle struggles with overwhelming guilt and remorse. In her mind, how does she justify her actions?
6. What are some clues in the text that might lead the reader to surmise that Noah cannot be Nate’s son?
7. After Noelle dies in childbirth, Asa turns his back on God. Is he angry with God or angry at himself? Is anyone to blame for the tragedy? Does God punish sin, or does He bless us in spite of sin?
8. Nate loves Noah and raises him as his own. Why does he do this? What does it say about his character?
9. At what point do you think Samuel and Sarah suspect that Noah is Asa’s son? Can you imagine their conversation?
10. Asa sees Nate for the last time at Isaac’s wedding reception. After seeing a picture of Noah, Asa tearfully excuses himself, but Nate stops him and says, “It’s okay.” What does he mean when he says this?
11. After reading Noelle’s letter, do you think she was planning to leave Nate? If so, why did she go back home?
12. In the end, Asa discovers that he is already forgiven-and blessed! Do you think he will be a good father?
13. Are the lives of Asa and Noah-and Maddie-potential book material???
