These Empty Places

When their worlds are upended, two women brought together by their loss discover what truly matters most.

Claire Roth sacrificed love for a life of comfort on Lake Toxaway--until the dam broke, and the lake washed down the side of the mountain. Fourteen years later, she longs to see the lake restored to its former glory even as the country faces hard economic times on the eve of the Great Depression.

Socialite Lena Hawkins married her first love, who swept her off her feet after skyrocketing from rags to riches by speculating in the stock market. Now penniless and rejected by her family, Lena and her husband have arrived at Lake Toxaway for a fresh start. There, Lena forms an unexpected connection with Claire, who hires her to assist with the personal library Claire is building to provide jobs and education for their struggling North Carolina community. When Claire is given a second chance at love and Lena a tempting chance at a life of independence, both women must release the past to fill tomorrow with promise.

Sarah Loudin Thomas paints a rich Southern historical story of friendship, second-chance romance, and new beginnings set in small-town North Carolina on the eve of the Great Depression. This read is perfect for book clubs and fans of Patti Callahan and Lisa Wingate.

These discussion questions were provided by the publisher, Baker Publishing Group

Book club questions for These Empty Places by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.

Lena’s life goes from riches to rags overnight thanks to the stock market crash. Have you ever faced a 180-degree life change that left your head spinning? How did you handle it and what advice might you have given Lena when she was trying to find her way?

Claire fell in love with a lake that washed down the side of the mountain. Would you be willing to stay in a place you loved if it changed dramatically?

Lena chooses love over comfort when she stands by Preston. Claire chooses comfort over love when she marries George. Which would you choose and why?

Claire uses her wealth to fulfill her dream of building a personal library while also helping the local community. Do you have a dream you could spin to benefit others?

Preston grew up poor and thinks he needs to make it “big” to earn Lena’s love. Have you ever felt like you needed to earn someone’s approval or affection? How did that affect your relationship with them? 6. Millie isn’t happy about her mother seeing a younger man. How important do you think age is when it comes to matters of the heart?

Lena isn’t sure she should welcome Preston home after he’s been in prison. What would you have done in her situation?

Lena doesn’t understand her husband’s desire for riches until she’s tempted by the idea of the Toxaway Treasure. What worldly treasures might tempt you?

Claire loves—and loses—three very different men. Do you believe we all have one “true love?” Or is it possible to truly love more than one person?

Most of the characters—Claire, Lena, Preston—are struggling to fill the “empty places” in their lives. Do you have empty places? What are you trying to fill them with?

These Empty Places Book Club Questions PDF

Click here for a printable PDF of the These Empty Places discussion questions