Given the themes touched on in Heart of a Princess, I’ve split the discussion questions into two sections – general book club type questions (the first ten) and then five more for those wanting to go deeper.
- What is your favorite scene from the book and why?
- Which character did you most relate to or connect with? Why? Was there anyone you really didn’t like?
- Were there any scenes that surprised you or you didn’t see coming?
- Many readers didn’t like Alina much after reading Heart of a Royal, thinking her spoilt and a bit of a brat. What did you think of her before reading this book? Did your opinion change by the end?
- Alina has spent most of her life hiding her anxiety, terrified her people would lose all respect for her as a princess if they knew. Do you think she was right in thinking this? How do you think Peverell would have reacted if they’d known?
- Joha and Alina clashed from the first moment they met at The Well. Why do you think this was?
- When Alina lists off her panic attacks to Joha, showing him how weak she is, he turns her words around and tells her that every one of them proves her strength instead. “What I see is a girl who refuses to give in to that fear. A girl who fights it, every single day. A girl who has the whole country in love with her smile because she gets up, even when she’s scared.” Do you think Joha was right? Do you see Alina as a strong or weak person? Does that change throughout the story?
- When the decision of which man to marry was put in Alina’s hands, she chose Prince Marcos. How might the story have changed if Alina had chosen Joha instead? Given the outcome, do you think she made the right decision?
- If Heart of a Princess was to be made into a movie, who would you cast in the lead roles?
- What do you think happens in the next book?
Deeper questions
- Malisa tells Alina that “no one chooses heartache, but every one of [the Rebels] knew when they put their faith in God that it wouldn’t be an easy road.” Have you ever made a decision to do something despite knowing it could bring pain? What made the decision worth it?
- Alina struggles with the balance between being authentic with people and being the princess she thinks her people need. Crowns aside, have you ever struggled with finding that balance in your own life? How do/did you resolve it?
- Twice Alina thought she heard God’s voice and made a decision accordingly only to doubt herself later when everything fell apart. Have you ever been certain of God’s voice only to question it later? What happened?
- Joha describes the chapel as a lighthouse, a refuge, an encouragement, a reminder, a monument and a testimony. Would you agree with his description? How have you seen the church as a whole be these things in the world today? What are some ways we might do them better?
- At the dedication of The Well’s chapel, Thoraben talks about the impossible dreams God places in our hearts. Has God given you a dream which seems overwhelming or impossible? What are some ways you can hold on to hope in the waiting?
Hannah Currie 