1. Why does Shane feel so indebted to Wilcock, even though he knows Wilcock’s actions are wrong?
2. What was unique about the setting of the book and how did it enhance or take away from the story?
3. Anna refuses to sell her ranch, even though she knows she has no way of maintaining it by herself. What keeps her from submitting to Wilcock?
4. In the beginning of the story, when Andrew buys the Sundally Ranch, why is he unafraid of Wilcock, even though he’s seen what Wilcock has done to Walt Ford and his wife?
5. Andrew is thrilled to learn of Celeste’s pregnancy, but he’s worried that his past as a bounty hunter makes him unfit to be a good father. Are his fears justified?
6. Wilcock wants Shane to marry his daughter, but Shane refuses. What are their individual reasons for doing so?
7. After Wilcock’s men attempt to steal the Sundally cattle, Lane and Èmile want to retaliate against Wilcock, but Andrew talks them out of it. Was Andrew right to do so?
8. The book features two timelines, one in 1858-59 and one in 1887. How do the conflicts in these two timelines mirror each other? How are they different?
9. Even though Jim and Paul Morrelay’s father died when they were very young, how do you think their lifestyles were influenced by his choices?
10. After Paul accosts her and Shane intervenes, Anna tells Shane that she doesn’t want to see him again, even though she still loves him. Why do you think she sent him away?
11. In the end, Shane has to make a choice between hurting someone he loves and doing what he believes is right. Have you ever had to make a similar choice? What did you choose? Do you think Shane made the right choice?
12. What specific themes did the author emphasize throughout the novel? What do you think she is trying to get across to the reader?
13. How do the characters change or evolve throughout the course of the story? What events trigger such changes?
