4. At first glance, Belinda Oakley appears to be an almost villain in this novel. But addiction is an illness, and for Belinda, it not only went untreated, after Jameson felt the need to give up on her once she’d betrayed their marriage to that compulsion, no one in her life, including her parents, made much effort to press her to seek help.
Do you think Belinda would have eventually benefitted from some love and intervention? Do you feel she was lost to the machinations of powerful men and the recriminations of a disapproving father? Do you feel her father’s attitudes, and perhaps Jamie’s ambitions, may have had some effect on how quickly she became unanchored after high school? And do you think it’s a child’s responsibility, when they reach adulthood, to press a parent to recovery?
Or is there a point of no return for a person struggling with addiction who shows no willingness to seek help where those around them must break ties for their own emotional health? Or even, do you feel it is not anyone’s responsibility, but this is solely owned by the person who is struggling?
5. It is distinctly the author’s opinion that we all should be socially responsible, but in this book, she makes clear those of privilege should understand that and consciously work at leveling the playing field. What did you think about Chloe’s Fabulous Foot Forward program? Judge’s determination to make a career in mutual aid? Hale’s crusade to use the wealth and power his father left him for good? Was this believable? Are they doing enough? Is it your opinion they’re focusing on the right things? If not, what should they be focusing on or do you think this is their responsibility at all?
6. Sizeism and ageism are issues. It can be argued that ridiculing and discriminating on the basis of weight and age are still socially acceptable to many. In fact, a large number of people feel it is not objectionable in the slightest to openly share their derogation of people, especially women, who are considered overweight.
How did you feel when you read the description of the clientele Chloe caters to in Velvet and her opinions about why she does? When shopping, have you experienced some of the things that Chloe’s patron mentioned? Or have you never thought of this? No matter your age or size, would you welcome and patronize a store like Velvet?
7. In this novel, the reader learns even more about the complex character of Corey Szabo. Introduced in After the Climb as terminally selfish and deceitful, he also has significant demons.
However, in this book, we discover even more about what makes him tick. What were your thoughts as his relationship with Chloe unfolded? What are your thoughts about his bequeathal of Rhys Vaughan and his clear initiative, even after his death, to continue interfering in the lives of people he cared about, but deceived? Does this make you consider the fact that one act, no matter how dramatic, or the ripples it creates in many lives, does not define a person? Does it give you pause to reflect how those who were supposed to love him also missed how long and how deeply he was struggling?
8. Chloe and Judge are an example of opposites attract. But this is only surface. Were you surprised how they found so much common ground, even if, at first glance, they would not seem to suit?
9. AJ Oakley is the villain in this book, however, he is also an example of a character who was, and sometimes still is, admired and even revered as a traditional model of the esteemed masculine traits of being straight-speaking, aggressive, wealthy, philandering and unapologetic. What are your thoughts on that?
10. Did you think Chloe should so easily forgive Sasha?
11. Did you think it reasonable that Chloe moved to Prescott, rather than Judge moving to Phoenix?
12. What was your favorite outfit of Chloe’s?
13. Do you think, even though they end the novel living together, that Chloe has relinquished custody of Judge’s coat?
14. Both Rix and Tom are set to have their stories story told next. But whose story would you like to see after those?