1. Victoria has structured her life in a way that supports her and her family’s isolation. Did you understand why she chose to live that kind of life? If the household hadn’t been shaken up by Nickie’s interest in Felix, Madelyn’s arrival and Willow’s relationship with January, do you think Victoria would have been able to maintain this way of living forever? Why or why not?

2. Although Willow doesn’t believe in the curse, she has still kept herself from being in a relationship, at least until she meets January. Why do you think she behaves this way? Why does she change her behavior when January comes into her life?

3. After learning about Victoria’s relationship with Jimmie, Augusta doesn’t intervene. How would you have acted if you’d been in Augusta’s position?

4. Like Augusta’s mother, Victoria envisions a certain future for her daughter and tries to control her. What other patterns are passed on among the generations? Discuss how traditions and behaviors, both useful and harmful, can continue within families.

5. At several points in the story, there are four generations of Montrose women living in the same household. What impact does this living arrangement have on their lifestyles? Is it more of a hindrance or a help to have so many generations under one roof?

6. Why do you think BLACK CANDLE WOMEN was selected as the title for this book? How are the Montroses black candle women? Is Bela Nova also a black candle woman?

7. Which Montrose woman was your favorite? Why?

8. Discuss the family curse. Do you think Bela Nova was justified in cursing generations of Montrose women? Does your family have any superstitions?

9. The Montrose family documented much of their history in the book that originally belonged to Delilah. Why was Augusta willing to return it to Bela Nova with so much of their story inside? Is there an item that your own family passes down between generations? How does your family share and celebrate its history?