Do the members of your book club or reading group enjoy reading series and spending time with an ensemble cast? If so, the four Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek Series might be a great fit. And I’m happy to say the 1890s Colorado mining camp series lends itself well to having fun with Victorian, Old West, Mining Camp flair.
Your group might want a themed meeting after each of the books, or may choose to save the party for after they’ve read Twice a Bride, the conclusion of the series. Either way, here are some meeting ideas and resources for a Sinclair Sisters celebration.
Decorations:
Decorate with Victorian flair–quilts, hats, checker boards, irons, phonograph, phonograph records, vintage books, etc.
Decorate with a sisters’ theme in mind–plaques, gift books, portraits, pictures that celebrate sisters, etc.
Decorate with Miss Hattie’s boardinghouse in mind. Perhaps things you might find in the parlor–settee, armed chair, phonograph, oil lamps, quilts, etc.
Decorate with a mining camp theme–headlamps, candle lanterns, gold mining pans, books on mining and miners, etc.
Food:
Plan a tea party and serve Miss Hattie’s Lemon Scones or Miss Hattie’s Vanilla Pound Cake and Berry Sauce.
Prepare Nell Sinclair Archer’s Peanut Cabbage Salad for a luncheon.
Games and Activities:
A Checker’s Tournament, a favorite Sinclair family pastime.
Anyone in the group have Victorian costumes? Maybe a time period fashion show?
Has the group read all of the Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek novels? If so, who are the members’ favorite heroines and heroes? Why?
Choose a favorite photo from my Cripple Creek Album to Share with the group or look at the album on a screen linking to it from my website: www.monahodgson.com.
Have someone share a devotional inspired by the book or series. Or read Got Laughter? A Twice a Bride devotional.
Have someone read a list of humorous or poignant Victorian Etiquette tips. The Essential Handbook of Victorian Etiquette is a fun resource.
Costumes:
Encourage everyone to wear at least one “Victorian Era” clothing item to the meeting, could be fun too. For instance: A hat or lace gloves, a shawl or cape, a brooch or cameo pendant.
Author Participation:
If you’re reading a Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek novel, I’d be honored to “attend” your book club meeting. In person, if I live within an hour of the group or if I’m going to be visiting the area. Otherwise, we could arrange a virtual meeting and chat via Skype, FaceTime, or speaker phone. If we schedule the virtual event far enough in advance (preferably at least a month or so ahead), I’ll mail you a Book Club Packet that includes bookmarks and/or recipe cards, flyers or brochures, and signed book plates for each member of our group.
Watch the Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek series Book Trailer
Discussion Questions for THE SINCLAIR SISTERS OF CRIPPLE CREEK BOOKS . . .
The Bride Wore Blue
Twice a Bride
I’d love to hear your ideas. Does your book club enjoy themed meetings? What kinds of things does your reading group do to celebrate a good read?