1. The effect of truth versus secrets is a forceful theme in Carly. Should Leigh have told her daughter the unvarnished truth about her biological father? If so, how and when?

2 My generation, the baby boomers, has also often been called the "sandwich generation." Why do you think this situation has evolved? (A hint: think life expectancy.) Was this true for Leigh-was she "sandwiched"?

3. Have you ever been in a situation like Carly's in boot camp? Did anyone ever make you the target of bullying or gossip? How did you handle it-or wish you'd handled it?

4. If you've read all four books, compare and contrast how each generation, starting with Lily Leigh and Chloe, clashed with the next. What caused problems between mothers and daughters? What created harmony?

5. Every action brings consequences. What consequences did Carly experience from her kidnapping? How did she try to deal with those consequences?

6. Why do you think Carly enlisted? Explain your reasons.

7. In my humble opinion, the way to true peace is to be honest with yourself, genuine with others, and open and humble with God. Consider each of the Women of Ivy Manor: what resulted when each lived up to this-or didn't?

9. How did Lorelle's life differ from her father Frank's and her great-grandmother Minnie's?

10. Besides the heroine, which of the characters in this book did you enjoy most? Discuss the same for each previous book.

11. Are there any characters in the previous books that you wished you'd read more about? Why?