Best-selling new release paperback for historical adventure Christian fiction for teens (and adults) available now on Amazon Unexpected Riches, Barnes & Noble, and at many independent bookstores. E-book coming soon. Book group questions listed below. The 17th century song “Love Will Find Out the Way” is sung by a character in Unexpected Riches. English singer Sarah Garrard did her version from her home during Covid-19 quarantine. Take a listen here: https://youtu.be/NYMtvpgcYc4
Puritan midwife, ambitious husband, brooding seaman
Who will receive unexpected riches in this novel set in 1665-1666?
Questions for book clubs and classroom:
1. What’s going on between Elisabeth and Colin throughout the book? Is it a case of opposites attract, or do both of them work and grow through prejudices and misunderstandings by mutual experiences? What has to occur for them to open up to each other?
2. Colin Richardson fuels anger towards his stepfather for many years. When they finally talk, Colin suddenly understands something deeper about hatred, fear, and unforgiveness. What does he realize? Who moves forward in life and who is stuck?
3. Have you known women or men like Adelle, who make one person or object their everything in life? How is her relationship to Gervais toxic?
4. Why do you think Colin’s motto is “Better dead than changed.” What does that mean?
5. Do you think Elisabeth Allerton’s faith at book’s beginning is untested, built on her culture? When her faith is challenged do you think it becomes more authentic?
6. What do you like or dislike about Kidoh, the jungle medicine man, and also about the medicine woman Zena?
7. Berko’s optimistic faith is rooted in Onyame, the African word for a monotheistic (only one) god. How does his faith show through his leadership?
8. What do you like or dislike about Angelique, Gervais’ daughter?
9. At first, Dr. Stillingfleet seems like a harmless kind of alcoholic. Does he bear any responsibility for Elisabeth’s troubles?
10. Colin says David Allerton is the worse kind of hypocrite. Do you agree, or is David just a practical man getting by the best he can?
11. Slavery is touched upon in this story. Do you think it was depicted accurately enough? The slaves or former slaves handled their difficult lives in unique ways. Do you reach any conclusions about slavery when thinking about Kidoh, Tana, Neesa, Berko and his father.
12. Do you think the ending for the St. Paola slaves was too unreal or was it in the realm of possibility?
13. Did you like the 17th century literature that is included in the book? For example, Colin’s song, “Love Will find Out The Way” and First Mate Stone’s rendition of the Hansel and Gretel original? You can find the song here, sung by Sarah Garrard ?v=NYMtvpgcYc4
14. What did you think of the medical treatments used in the 17th century? Do you know of people who even today find more healing in natural remedies than modern medicine?
15. What do you think the medicine chest symbolizes?
