by Rachel Hauck
My editor, Karli Jackson. What is not to adore about you? You’re smart, beautiful, and have one of the easiest and best laughs around. Thank you for your insight and work on this book.
My second editor, the fabulous Erin Healy. Thank you for your help and labor on my behalf. We both put in hours over the holiday and that’s never easy. Your wisdom is evident in these pages.
Daisy Hutton, Kristen Golden, Paul Fisher, and the entire HarperCollins Christian Publishing team. It’s an honor times a hundred to be working with you all to bring my stories to the world.
My thanks and appreciation to the HCCP sales team, the boots on the ground force as well as Jason Short and the rocking digital team.
Most of my research was done online and reading books. So thank you Caroline Astor and Consuelo Vanderbilt, once the Duchess of Marlborough, for your stories. Writing about the Gilded Age came with more bumps than I anticipated. It’s hard to make such wealth and extravagance, even the mind-set of the Gilded Age society, relatable on the page. I did my best.
My friend and fab author, Leigh Duncan, for sharing stories of growing up in Cocoa Beach in the '50s and '60s.
As always, much appreciation to my dear husband of twenty-five years for enduring the writer’s life. I was thinking the other day, “When did we ever talk about me leaping into writing?” In fact, we never did. I quit my day job on our first anniversary and started casually writing during the day. I finished a book, an epic WW2 novel in two years. Too long! Then I went to a writer’s conference and the ball started rolling. I don’t ever remember him saying, “Why are you doing this?” He just embraced it. Supported me and never, ever challenged the God-designed destiny on my heart. Hero? You bet. Love you, babe!
To all of you, who give your time and precious dollars to buy a book. Thank you. You are the reason I do this.
Above all, I have to acknowledge Jesus. I wouldn’t be here without Him. The Prince of Peace is the Prince of my heart. Thank You for everything!
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Tenley has reached rapid success. Now she’s afraid she’s a fraud. Fear has paralyzed her. Have you let a fear hinder you? Or someone you know? How can you conquer it? Remember, fear is not your leader!
Birdie is trapped in high society. She has more than most can dream of but her personal freedom. Can you think of a time society, or fear of what others thought, kept you from pursuing your own dream?
How do we respect the conventions of society, honor our families, yet pursue the things God has put on our hearts? Share times God has opened doors for you.
Elijah is another one trapped in societal convention. Would you marry for money? Would you marry for position? Our ancestors did it quite often.
Tenley is estranged from her mother for good reason. But there’s a longing to be with her. Do you have a relationship that’s strained? How can you begin to mend it? Forgiveness doesn’t mean the other person was right.
Birdie also struggles with her mother. How can we love our parents yet not be crushed. How can we love our children yet not dominate them?
Jonas is a great guy! I loved writing him. How can we model his generous heart in our every day lives?
Tenley wears the robe, literally, of her anticipated failure. While you may not get up every day and put on an old robe, are you seeing yourself dressed as a failure? How can you be transformed by renewing your mind. Romans 12:1–2?
Walking down the aisle, Birdie knew her life was no longer hers. Yet, God had a surprise planned. Share times God broke into your life and things changed!
Tenley justifies her actions with the book she finds in the desk. Did you relate to her or were you disgusted? Be honest, under pressure, how many of us would’ve done the same thing? Or in fact have done something similar. (P.S. I have indeed written all of my books!)
It’s the massive failure with the book that causes Tenley to woman-up. It’s the best thing that could’ve happened to her. How has failure or disappointment worked for good in your life?
Birdie is quite humble in her journey. Would you do what she did for Gordon Phipps Roth?
ABOUT RACHEL HAUCK
Rachel Hauck is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author of The Wedding Dress, which was also named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times and was a RITA finalist. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and two pets and writes from her ivory tower.
Visit her online at rachelhauck.com
Facebook: rachelhauck
Twitter: @RachelHauck
