Printable Book Club Questions for The Last of the Apple Blossom by Mary-Lou Stephens

How much did you know about the Tasmanian fires prior to reading this novel? Why do you think the author chose to start the story with the fires?
Why did Catherine decide to stay behind with the orchard instead of going back to her life before the fires?
The novel starts off in 1967— in what ways was Catherine ahead of her time?
Annie is a mother to five boys and a newborn daughter. It’s clear she’s thrilled to have the daughter she always wanted. When did you start to suspect there was more to the story with the birth of Angela?
Mark is a famous musician who moved to the valley in hopes of stability for his son, Charlie. Why did Mark and Catherine spark such a connection?
It’s clear that Annie is no fan of Mark. What did you think was behind that contempt at first?
Now let’s talk about the twist that Angela is actually the daughter of Mark and his wife Lara. What were your thoughts as you read this?
If you were Annie, what would you have done in this situation? Do you understand why she kept Angela or do you think it was wrong? What about Mark’s choices in this?
The novel covers a huge time period from the ’60s to present day. Which era/time period was your favorite to read about?
Did you learn anything new about the orchard industry?
What are some of the key themes of the novel that stuck out to you?
If they turned the novel into a film or TV series, who should play the major roles?