Tessa Hall, my literary agent and beloved friend, who championed Dearest Josephine from the beginning. You’ve been at my side through highs and lows, prayed for me during seasons of trials, and never wavered in your confidence. I think back to when we first met—both young adults with a passion for writing—and I praise God for how far we’ve come and grown together. May you find your Elias Roch in this century.
Mom, for reading my first drafts and supporting me amidst impossible odds. No one has seen my writing journey as up close and personal as you.
My family, who tiptoed around me during Christmas and quarantine as I wrote this book. Thanks for putting up with my eccentrics—accidently calling our dogs Elias, speaking in a British accent, playing the Pride & Prejudice soundtrack on repeat. You let me be weird.
Mrs. Capers, my former middle and high school English teacher, and her daughter Jamie. Thanks for believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself. Thanks for reading my first drafts, getting mad at my rejections, and celebrating when I received good news. You’re the definition of true friends, and I’m beyond grateful to know you. Mrs. Capers, please consider this book proof of your impact—your legacy. Because of you, I pursued an author career. May the world see your spunk and kindness through Elias’s Mrs. Capers.
Faith, my long-distance pal, whose communication inspired the friendship within this book. May you continue to find your happily ever after.
Stephanie and Mozy, for being my spiritual and emotional support. The writing process involves a great deal of solitude. As an extrovert, I don’t know what I would’ve done without you. Thanks for the late-night texts, phone calls, and gifs. I love you both so much.
Hannah, for letting me stay at her apartment during my business trips to Nashville.
The Merce Family, who stood at my side when I received a contract offer, who attended my contract signing and celebrated every little milestone. You’ve been a needed constant in my life these past few years. Thanks for your prayers, laughs, and friendship.
Last but not least, my writing community—the people who push me to learn more, write better, and do hard things. Whether we’ve met on Instagram or in person, thanks for being an integral part of my journey. You are precious to me.
For a moment with you, I wait an eternity.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
(Spoiler Alert!)
Josie and Elias struggle to move forward with their lives after grieving their fathers. They find comfort in the written word, their attachment to each other, and later realize they’re using their correspondence as a crutch—a distraction from their pain. Do you believe their relationship is healing? What do you consider “crutches” in your life?
Letters bring Elias and Josie together. Do you consider the written word more impactful than verbal conversations? Have you ever received a letter that meant a lot to you? If so, describe that moment and how it made you feel.
Throughout the book, Elias views gorse as a symbol of his safe place. What are some items that make you feel at home? Do you think Josie finds her safe place in Elias?
Faith says the novel’s conclusion will help explain Josie’s situation. Although not explicitly stated, how do you think Josie finds clarity in the end?
Elias and Josie learn to embrace the loves already in their lives. They start to live fully in the present, realizing not all loves end in together, but all loves are important. Who are the loves in your life, and how can you be more present with them? Have you experienced temporary relationships that have shaped you for the better?
Near the end of the book, Faith chooses to break up with Noah and pursue her career dreams. Do you think she has a happy ending? How do you define happily ever after?
Elias gleans inspiration for his novel from experiences and people in his life. What are similarities you noticed between his reality and fiction?
According to Elias’s letters, he met Josephine De Clare in an assembly room. Do you believe he somehow met Josie? What you do suspect caused the serendipitous circumstance?
Oliver plays an important role in Josie’s life. Do you commend him for completing Elias’s novel? How do his decisions reflect the book’s message?
Dearest Josephine revolves around the power of literature, writing, and community. What are some books that have influenced you? Do you “get lost” within fiction? If so, how can you find a healthy balance between imagination and reality?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Caroline George is a multi-award-winning author of YA fiction. She graduated from Belmont University with a degree in publishing and public relations, and now travels the country, speaking at conferences and writing full-time. A Georgia native, Caroline aspires to one day host The Great British Baking Show and delights in being best known for writing the phrase, “Coffee first. Save the world later.”
www.authorcarolinegeorge.com
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