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Miss Serena's Secret - behind the scenes

Mis Serena's Secret

Check out my Pinterest board filled with more behind the scenes inspiration for Miss Serena's Secret - including images of the Summer Art Exhibitions of Regency times.

Miss Serena's Secret Pinterest page

Did you know the Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition still continues in London? Check out my blog post about my miraculous discovery of an 1800s Summer Exhibition catalogue in Australia

Discussion Guide

 

  1. Which character in this novel do you identify with the most? Why?

  2. In the novel, Serena is faced with a series of challenges. Do you find her story sympathetic? Have you ever had a situation where you have been challenged? Did it cause a personal change?

  3. What do you consider to be the important themes in this novel? What examples did you find?

  4. Henry, Lord Carmichael, is very aware he is to marry according to social standing. Have you ever had to deal with other people’s expectations (spoken or unspoken) about your relationships? How did you deal with it?

  5. If you could give Serena one piece of advice, what would it be? What advice would you give Harry?

  6. In what ways do Serena and Harry change throughout the novel? What do you consider to be the biggest factor(s) in their change?

  7. While this is a work of fiction, certain historical elements are referenced, such as the visit to the Summer Exhibition in London. How did these historical details affect the narrative? Did they help you to feel a sense of time & place?

  8. What were the most appealing parts of the book?

  9. Did you enjoy the minor characters, such as Harry’s sister and her children?

  10.  What do you think happens next? 

Miss Serena's Secret is partly set in Derbyshire and the Peak District - yes, where Pride & Prejudice has been filmed. Check out the images below of my trip to this gorgeous part of England 

The Summer Exhibition of the Royal Academy of Arts at Somerset House

Inspiration for Welmeley Hall,

Castle Howard, Yorkshire

Serena's paintbox might have looked like this

The mineral Blue John is only found in Derbyshire, and was useful for decorative arts and for use in manufactories

          White's Gentlemen Club, London                

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