2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #1 discussion

David Wilbanks ended up making a controversial change to his will, making Frank a very wealthy man and guardian. Did you see that coming? Your thoughts about Frank’s reaction and his subsequent actions? What do you think he and Sarah will do? Live at her house? Will his mother live with them? Will he continue as a policeman?

What’s your guess?

The explanation from the author at the end of the book as to why she developed the story this way is interesting. I had been wondering for ages how she would make Frank "good"" enough for Sarah.
I loved Franks' reaction and I was delighted with the proposal. I wonder if he will become a P.I. Goodness knows what they will do with his mother:)

I found the author’s comments enlightening. It shows her commitment to the historical norms of that time that she got stuck trying to figure out a plausible way for them to come together. I recall in earlier stories how she introduced men and families who were accepted in society because of their wealth not their heritage. It stood out for me and now I understand.

I’m excited about what comes next. All those questions will be a challenge for both of them.

I was very surprised when Wilbanks left Frank the money and the guardianship of Catherine. Certainly didn't see that coming. I was thinking more along the line that someone would try to take Catherine from Sarah because she was unmarried, which would force Frank to step up to the plate.

I loved that the author didn't just throw away the historical norms and give it a 21st century ending. That would have disappointed me.

I'm wondering if Frank will become a P.I. on his own, or if he will join the guy who he talked to that worked for Hicks.

My prediction is that Frank and Sarah will find a new home in a nicer part of town. They will move his mother into part of the house so she can help care for Brian and Catherine. I think Sarah will continue as a midwife. I'm assuming Maeve didn't have much of an education. They might send her to school.

If they move, what happens to Mrs. Ellworth?

I like your vision, Robin! There’s no way they can leave Mrs. Elsworth, though😧

Frank’s mother has to stay with them as she’s the interpreter for Brian. I don’t think Sarah’s house is big enough for all these people, though. And, I can’t see Maeve going away from Catherine.

So many factors here.

Jonetta & Phrynne, What are your predictions???

I wonder if Frank will change to being a P.I. too Robin. I cannot imagine what will happen with Frank's mother - maybe she will live with them and become a nicer person living in a happy home. I expect Sarah will still do midwifery - perhaps she will use Frank's money and start a little clinic.

Robin, I got so caught up in your predictions I forgot to write mine☺️

There’s no way Frank will stay with the NYPD much longer. He’s been on thin ice for sometime now that Roosevelt is gone. I think he’ll become a PI but will probably be on his own. Decker will feed him clients I’m sure. And! Maeve can work with him and he’ll bring Gino along with him.

Phrynne, I like your vision about the clinic. That would be so like Sarah and now she can afford an assistant.

Maybe there’s a way to expand Sarah’s home or buy an adjacent property for a mother-in-law suite. That would work. It was notable that Frank’s mother stood up for Sarah about Catherine. After all, her hostility grew out of her fear that she’d take Frank and Brian away from her.

Never thought about Sarah possibly opening a clinic. That's a great idea, Phrynne.

I'm trying to remember...does Sarah live in a brownstone? I know Mrs. Ellsworth lives on one side of her. Purchasing the apartment on the other side would be a good move. Sarah would still be in the neighborhood and close to her clients.

I never thought of Gino making the move to private investigator with Frank. I'd be happy with that. He's a great character.

Sarah lives in a townhome.

I was under heavy medication when reading this book, so I'm reading through every question and your answers trying to fill in blanks from pain-killer brain. My knee replacement surgery seems to have been a true success! Looking forward to participating with upcoming reads, while catching up on ones I've yet to read from this month.

Yay! I’m so happy for you, Charlene, as that’s a tough surgery. God you’re on the mend.

It was a fitting solution but a little too Deus Ex Machina for me. Very convenient that Frank is now wealthy and this will overcome all of the social and financial obstacles to his relationship with Sarah.

Lauren wrote: "It was a fitting solution but a little too Deus Ex Machina for me. Very convenient that Frank is now wealthy and this will overcome all of the social and financial obstacles to his relationship wit..."

The author admitted that she was stumped as to how to ever get these two together. At the time she belonged to a writing group and so she posed the question to the group and asked them to submit ideas. She decided she could make this one work because otherwise she knew that Frank's honor would never allow him to ask Sarah to marry him. So it was either this solution, convenient as it is, or they'd never be together.

Veronica wrote: "So it was either this solution, convenient as it is, or they'd never be together.."

Makes sense given Frank's personality.

I didn't expect the inheritance at all. In recent books, there are hints that Frank is in secret talks with Mr. Decker. I thought that he was going to setup some path in one of his businesses to allow Frank to become more acceptable. I didn't know how that would play out because I couldn't see Frank or his mother seeing it as anything but charity. As much as he loves Sarah, I don't think Frank could save face accepting something from the Deckers.

I like the solution of the inheritance. It is obvious to everyone but Frank that his love for Sarah shows whenever she is in the room. Also he cares deeply for Catherine. Willbanks loves Catherine too. He is disappointed in his son's ability to manage his money, and needs help protecting him from himself.

It is easy to see that Willbanks is trying to continue to support all his children when he is gone. His oldest daughter is in good hands with Hicks. The trust keeps his son safe for the time being. Frank is an honorable man and will not squander the Willbanks fortune. He has Decker and Hicks to guide him with investments and such. It will also give Decker the respectability to allow him to ask Sarah to marry him thus establishing a loving family for Catherine. A perfect solution to keep the story true to the times, and bring about a marriage.

A great solution to the storyline while remaining true to the mores of the era.