by Julie Allan
Dot leaned her head on Lizzie’s shoulder. “I like the idea that we could be like you and Aunt Dorothy. We are lucky to have each other.”
Lizzie kissed Dot on the top of her head. She was tempted to ask Dot to repeat that so she could record it. Lizzie knew full well the epic battles between mother and daughter would still crop up as they navigated the many teenage years that lay ahead. Instead, she filed it away in her memory and hoped it would remind her of those moments that despite the occasional storm, their relationship was solid.
She imagined Aunt Dorothy up in heaven smiling down at this exchange. I told you, child. She kissed Dot again. “We are so blessed, and we now have another angel looking out for us. Dot, no matter what difficult things happen to us and around us, we will always be alright.”
Dot sat up. “How do you know?”
Lizzie turned to look Dot in the eyes. She gently placed her hand over Dot’s hand moving their hands together onto Dot’s chest, over her heart. “One of the most important lessons I learned from Aunt Dorothy is when you have fears or doubts, you need to turn to your faith and look inward for your answers.”
Dot searched Lizzie’s face for understanding. “Inward?”
Lizzie held Dot’s gaze. “The heart knows it.”
Book Club Questions
What character or characters do you most connect to and why?
Do you think Lizzie is successful with the life balance between family, work, and friendships?
What theme or themes was the author trying to convey in this story?
Do you think Aunt Dorothy was trying to prepare Lizzie for her death?
How would you describe the relationship between Lizzie and Bennett?
What emotions were evoked as you read?
If you could give Lizzie any advice about how to deal with Dot, what would it be?
If you could ask the author any questions what would it be?
About the Author
Author Julie Allan grew up an army brat, living a nomadic lifestyle until she landed in Charleston, South Carolina as a teenager. Now, her thirty-year love affair with the Carolina Lowcountry inspires her tales of spirited women you’ll want to call friends. When she is not teaching elementary school or writing, you can find Julie at the beach, in the garden or hanging out with her beloved golden retrievers.
In addition to The Eyes Have It and The Heart Knows It, Julie has two forthcoming Lowcountry Home novels. The Soul Believes It and Pearls of Wisdom will be released in 2017.
You can connect with author Julie Allan via her website, and on Twitter or Facebook. Reviews are always welcome and appreciated.
