The provided excerpt appears to be from the first book in the “Seven Sisters” series. The narrative follows intertwined storylines, one set in the historical past, and the other in the present day. The historical portion involves characters navigating love and societal expectations in Mobile, Alabama, in 1850. The contemporary storyline introduces a character named Carrie Jo, who is seemingly investigating the history and mysteries surrounding the Seven Sisters. Throughout both narratives, characters explore themes of family history, love, loss, and the secrets hidden within the old antebellum home known as Seven Sisters.

Seven Sisters (Seven Sisters Series Book 1): A Study Guide

Character Review

Carrie Jo Jardine: The protagonist of the modern-day narrative, struggling with personal and professional challenges.
Mia: Carrie Jo’s best friend, and something of a “researcher” whose current interest is the history and restoration of Seven Sisters.
Ashland Stuart: Wealthy and influential, deeply interested in the history of Seven Sisters and the Cottonwood family.
Bette: Carrie Jo’s new landlady.
William: Carrie Jo’s sort-of boyfriend.
Calpurnia Cottonwood: Central figure in the 1850 narrative, grappling with love, societal expectations, and a mysterious destiny.
Captain David Garrett: A steamboat captain involved with Calpurnia.
Muncie: Overseer at Seven Sisters in the 1850s.
Mr. Jeremiah Cottonwood: Calpurnia’s father and owner of Seven Sisters in the 1850s.

Plot Summary Outline

Prologue: Set in 1850, introduces Calpurnia and her romantic entanglement with Captain Garrett. It hints at her connection to the Seven Sisters estate and a tragic destiny.
Modern Day: Carrie Jo, seeking a fresh start, moves to Mobile, Alabama, and begins working on a historical restoration project at the Seven Sisters mansion.
Mysteries Unfold: Carrie Jo becomes entangled in the mysteries surrounding Seven Sisters, including the history of the Cottonwood family and potential paranormal activity.
Investigation and Romance: Carrie Jo investigates the estate’s past with the help of Mia and Ashland, developing feelings for Ashland.
Flashbacks and Dreams: Carrie Jo experiences vivid dreams and visions related to Calpurnia’s life in 1850.
Connecting the Past and Present: The story explores how the events of the past continue to influence the present, with Carrie Jo uncovering secrets that may connect her to the Cottonwood family and Seven Sisters.

Thematic Considerations

Southern Gothic: The novel incorporates elements of Southern Gothic literature, with its focus on decaying estates, dark secrets, and the influence of the past.
Romance and Betrayal: Relationships, both past and present, are tested by love, desire, and betrayal.
Family Secrets: The story explores the complexities of family history and the impact of long-hidden secrets on future generations.
Fate vs. Free Will: The characters grapple with the idea of destiny and whether they have the power to change their fate.
Historical Preservation: The modern narrative revolves around the restoration of Seven Sisters, highlighting the importance of preserving history and memory.

Quiz: Short Answer

Describe Calpurnia’s initial feelings for Captain David Garrett.
What is Carrie Jo’s initial motivation for moving to Mobile, Alabama?
What is Mia’s role in the Seven Sisters project?
How would you describe Ashland Stuart’s personality, based on the excerpts?
What is significant about the Cottonwood family’s history in relation to Seven Sisters?
What is the mood in the Prologue?
Why does Carrie Jo refer to her new job with Bette as a “gig”?
What did the doctor want from Carrie Jo?
What are some of the historical facts that Mia knows about the Seven Sisters?
What is a significant theme in the story?

Quiz: Answer Key

Calpurnia is initially captivated by Captain Garrett, drawn to his romantic words, promise of love, and escape from her expected life, yet she questions if she will no longer want her once she has him.
Carrie Jo is seeking a fresh start, leaving behind a difficult past relationship and professional struggles in Charleston. She wants a personal triumph.
Mia is a friend and helps to solve mysteries and research history surrounding the Cottonwood family, to aid Carrie Jo in her research.
Ashland Stuart is wealthy, charming, and deeply interested in the history of Seven Sisters, he’s also very handsome and charismatic to all who meet him.
The Cottonwood family were the original owners of Seven Sisters and their history is intertwined with the estate’s legacy, including secrets and possible paranormal events.
The mood in the Prologue is romantic and mysterious, hinting at both love and impending doom, and filled with desire.
Carrie Jo is a free spirit looking to get back on her feet, she enjoys the freedom of a once-in-a-lifetime gig and doesn’t want to be weighed down by obligations, she’s not ready for something personal.
The doctor was a lawyer, Matthews, who needed Carrie Jo to sign a confidentially agreement and needed her help with the work that was going to be done on the property at Seven Sisters.
Mia knows about the history of the Seven Sisters and can tell Carrie Jo the stories, she knows of the French who settled there and abandoned it for a time.
One significant theme is the intertwining of past and present, as the events and secrets of the Cottonwood family continue to affect the lives of the modern-day characters.

Essay Questions

Analyze the ways in which the author uses setting (both the 1850s and modern-day Mobile) to create a sense of mystery and foreshadowing.
Discuss the similarities and differences between Calpurnia and Carrie Jo. Are they connected in any way beyond their association with Seven Sisters?
Explore the role of romance in the novel. How does the pursuit of love both empower and endanger the characters?
Examine the elements of Southern Gothic present in the excerpt. How do these elements contribute to the overall themes of the story?
How does the author use dreams and visions to create suspense and reveal hidden truths about the past?

Glossary of Key Terms

Seven Sisters: The name of the antebellum mansion that serves as a central location and symbol in the novel.
Antebellum: Belonging to the period before the American Civil War (1861-1865).
Southern Gothic: A subgenre of Gothic literature that focuses on the American South, characterized by decaying settings, grotesque characters, and themes of social and racial injustice.
Supernatural: Events or phenomena that cannot be explained by natural law or scientific understanding.
Historical Fiction: A genre of fiction that is set in the past and incorporates historical details and events.
Prologue: An introductory section of a novel or play that provides context or background information.
Mausoleum: A building, especially a large and stately one, housing a tomb or tombs.
Steamboat: A boat that is propelled by a steam engine, especially one operating on rivers or lakes.
Heirloom: A valuable object that has belonged to a family for several generations.
Restoration: The process of returning something to its former condition, especially a building or work of art.

Seven Sisters: Love, Secrets, and Destiny in Mobile

Okay, here is a briefing document summarizing the key themes and ideas from the provided excerpts of “Seven Sisters (Seven Sisters Series Book 1)”:

Briefing Document: “Seven Sisters (Seven Sisters Series Book 1)” – Excerpts

Overall Theme: The excerpts introduce two distinct storylines with mysterious elements, secrets and a link to the historical Seven Sisters mansion in Mobile, Alabama. The stories explore themes of betrayal, love, destiny, family secrets, and a connection to the past.

Storyline 1: 1850 Mobile, AL

Setting and Atmosphere: The prologue sets a romantic and somewhat melancholic tone in Mobile, AL, in 1850. It describes a riverboat, the “Delta Queen,” and a sense of longing and anticipation.
Key Characters Introduced:
A young woman, unnamed in this excerpt, but heavily implied to be Calpurnia Cottonwood, is desperate to be free and to find love. She appears to be seeking escape from her current situation. “Run—be free. Be what I can never be!”. She is drawn to the music on the riverboat.
Plot Points/Mysteries: The woman is escaping her old life and her wedding plans. She is running off with Captain David Garrett. “Somewhere aboard the Delta Queen was Captain David Garrett, the gentleman who had liberated her heart.” The prologue ends with her falling into the river.
Themes: The themes include forbidden love, escape, and the allure of the unknown. There is also a sense of fate or destiny at play.

Storyline 2: Contemporary Mobile, AL

Key Characters Introduced:
Carrie Jo: The primary narrator. She’s returning to Mobile and taking a job related to Seven Sisters. She is dealing with some personal turmoil.
Mia: An anthropologist who works as a museum worker. She seems to be more connected to the history of the Seven Sisters.
Ashland Stuart: Involved with the historical society and the restoration of Seven Sisters.
Plot Points/Mysteries:
Carrie Jo is returning to Mobile from Charleston after ending a relationship. She feels lost.
She’s taken a job related to the “Seven Sisters” mansion, which is being restored and will be made into a museum. The family who originally owned the mansion was the Cottonwood family. “The goal was to make Seven Sisters a sort of museum for visitors to Mobile, but the current owner had enough respect for the home’s history to want a proper catalogue of its antiques first.”
The house is described as a T-shaped Greek Revival style house that had somehow survived in Mobiles sub-tropical climate.
The house seems to harbor secrets from the past, with hints of a darker history involving enslaved people. “I wondered what one of those slaves probably killed her and buried her on the plantation.”
The narrator and others are investigating the genealogy of families involved in the “Seven Sisters” including the Cottonwoods, Beaumounts and Ashlands. The narrator learns that her father’s ancestry is tied to this history.
There are mentions of finding cross markers. “And there’s more. We found a dozen small crosses over here, but there’s nothing written on them. There’s really no telling who else is here.”
Ashland hires Carrie Jo to find a missing necklace named The Seven Sisters. “According to the local historians, Mrs. Cottonwood invented the money in diamonds and sapphires. The largest piece in the collection was a necklace called The Seven Sisters.”
Themes: The modern storyline touches upon themes of:
Returning to one’s roots.
Uncovering hidden histories and family secrets.
Restoration and preservation of the past.
Dealing with feelings of uncertainty and direction in life.
Past connections influence the present.

Potential Connections Between Storylines:

The “Seven Sisters” mansion seems to be a central connection. The prologue is set on the “Delta Queen” which led to the Seven Sisters.
The Cottonwood family links both time periods.
The tragedy at the end of the Prologue hints at an unresolved history that may be influencing the present.
A character makes a statement to the fact that he will help the protagonist find her. “As I pulled away slowly, I whispered, “Yes, I’ll help you find her.”

Key Questions Raised:

What was Calpurnia Cottonwood escaping from?
What was on the page in the book that Calpurnia read that opened her closed heart?
What is the history of the Seven Sisters mansion, and what secrets does it hold?
How are Carrie Jo’s personal struggles connected to the history of the house?
What is the significance of the missing necklace?
Who exactly is Henri Devoreaux and what role will he play in this story?
Why was a child crying in the house?

Overall Impression: The provided excerpts suggest a multi-layered story that blends historical romance with contemporary mystery. The Seven Sisters mansion and its history serve as a focal point for exploring themes of family, secrets, and the enduring power of the past. The reader is meant to question who Calpurnia Cottonwood is, and how this woman is linked to Carrie Jo.

Seven Sisters: Mysteries of the American South

FAQ: Seven Sisters (Seven Sisters Series Book 1)

What is the setting of the novel, and how does it influence the story? The novel is primarily set in Mobile, Alabama. The story moves between present day and flashbacks to the 1850s. The historical backdrop of Mobile, particularly its connection to the antebellum South, slavery, and its rich historical society, heavily influences the plot and the mysteries surrounding Seven Sisters plantation and the characters connected to it.
Who are some of the main characters, and what are their roles? Carrie Jo Jardine is a central character in the present day and the story is written from her point of view. Other key characters include:
Ashland Stuart, the Master of Seven Sisters, a local historian.
Mia, Carrie Jo’s best friend, who appears to have some lost unexplained issues.
William, Carrie Jo’s sort-of boyfriend.
Calpurnia Cottonwood, and Muncie.
What are some of the mysteries being investigated in the novel? The story revolves around several interconnected mysteries, including the history of the Seven Sisters plantation and the Cottonwood family, the existence of a possible treasure hidden by Calpurnia Cottonwood, and the strange history of Calpurnia and Muncie.
What is the significance of the “Seven Sisters” name? The “Seven Sisters” refers to an old family home/plantation in Mobile. The name may also allude to a Greek myth. There are statues representing gods in the garden.
What is Carrie Jo’s primary motivation and how does it evolve throughout the story? Initially, Carrie Jo is looking for a fresh start and a distraction from her personal life. As she becomes more involved in the restoration project at Seven Sisters, she becomes increasingly curious and determined to uncover the mysteries of the place and its inhabitants, both past and present.
What are some themes explored in the novel? The novel explores themes of family secrets, historical mysteries, the weight of the past, love, betrayal, wealth, social class, and the complex history of the American South. It also touches upon themes of personal identity and self-discovery.
What is the role of history in the novel? History plays a crucial role, serving as both a backdrop and a central element of the plot. The characters are historians researching the area. The history of Mobile, Alabama and the Seven Sisters property are intertwined with the present-day mysteries. The past shapes the present and influences the characters’ actions and relationships.
How does the author create suspense and intrigue? The author creates suspense through the gradual unveiling of secrets, the introduction of mysterious characters, and the exploration of historical mysteries. The use of foreshadowing, dream sequences, and the interweaving of past and present storylines further enhance the intrigue and keep the reader engaged.

Seven Sisters: Book One Details

The “Seven Sisters” series is a sequence of books. The first book in the series is titled “Seven Sisters”.

Here are some details from the first book of the series:

The prologue is set in Mobile, AL, in 1850.
A character named Captain David Garrett is mentioned.
The Cottonwoods owned the Seven Sisters. The main antebellum home is examined. The goal was to make Seven Sisters a museum for visitors to Mobile, but the current owner has enough respect for the home’s history to want a proper catalogue of its antiques first.
A character named Carrie Jo is referenced throughout the book. She is called an ambulance.
A character named Ashland Stuart is also referenced.
Muncie held the silver tray tightly. Muncie made Muncia feel a little better about taking his spot.
There is mention of the Leahona Meteor shower.
The largest piece in the collection was a necklace called The Seven Sisters. It had seven sapphires, with two diamonds, set in the swirling formation of the stars. The stars fell around as one closed her eyes and kissed him back.
The Seven Sisters are also referred to as the Pleiades—the Seven Sisters—in the Northern Hemisphere.
The place where drama has unraveled for nearly two centuries is located due north of the center statue of the Moonlight Garden.
One of the gardens is called the Moonlight Garden.
TD was handsome in an earthy sort of way and was excited about restoring the home.
The series has some unexplained issues. Seven Sisters was a place where life and death happened, where lost and found things were.

Mobile, Alabama: History and Lore

Here’s what the source says about Mobile, Alabama:

The prologue of “Seven Sisters” is set in Mobile, AL, in 1850.
The goal was to make Seven Sisters a museum for visitors to Mobile.
People are going to Mobile.
The Seven Sisters mansion is beautiful to put into our history here. “We get some real stories to tell. Did you know that the French settlers used to send little orphan girls over here to marry these backwoods French-Canadians? Poor little things. They used them the Pelican Girls because they landed on Dauphin Island in Pelican Bay. No wait, maybe the ship was called the Pelican”.
There was a lot of work going on at Oakleigh, the antebellum over off Government Boulevard. People had hoped that the Hunters would do the same thing with Seven Sisters, but nothing happened. Emily Stuart died sometime around 1985.
Comparable to Charleston, Mobile had its charms; at least that’s what the brochures told me.
He will return to the Delta Queen before nightfall. You can find me there; I will be in Mobile for another month; I am scheduled to pick up a load of supplies and then head up the river”.
According to TD, Seven Sisters was at first built in a T-shaped, Greek Revival style, perfect for keeping the home cool even during Mobile’s hottest subtropical summers.
I would love the History of Mobile, but there is so much we don’t know. I feel honored that I get the opportunity to help others remember it like it should be remembered.
According to the local historians, Mrs. Cottonwood invested the money in diamonds and sapphires. The largest piece in the collection was a necklace called The Seven Sisters.

Seven Sisters: Unearthing a Family’s Hidden Treasure

Here’s what the sources say about family secrets:

Someone kept pulling back the covers that hid a hidden treasure, “Calpurnia,” who was suspected.
There’s no telling what you will find on that land.
Someone thought there would be those who think it may be a clue to a lost family treasure.
It felt like collecting evidence for a case that I hoped one day to present to someone who might actually understand.
There are some unexplained issues.
Seven Sisters was a place where life and death happened, where lost and found things were.
The statues of the garden were made of white marble that reflected the moon. During a perfect full moon, the statues shone bright, like a Moonlight Garden. It’s not as mysterious as you think.
According to the local historians, Mrs. Cottonwood invested the money in diamonds and sapphires. The largest piece in the collection was a necklace called The Seven Sisters.
She kept her own money in her own hands that way: It was the only way women then could.
There are all kinds of hazards around here.
There are some family close by for the next few months while a beehive for the house and getting up the museum.
According to Hooney, the girl was putting on airs because everyone, even the house slaves, knew that she was just a poor relation of no true standing.
William had the impression that he was sending Mia some demos out of respect.
According to TD, Seven Sisters was at first built in a T-shaped, Greek Revival style, perfect for keeping the home cool even during Mobile’s hottest subtropical summers.
“I would love the History of Mobile, but there is so much we don’t know. I feel honored that I get the opportunity to help others remember it like it should be remembered”.
The handwriting was intact, with delicate letters.
The place where drama has unraveled for nearly two centuries is located due north of the center statue of the Moonlight Garden.
It was an old episode of the Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous with Robin Leach, well, okay, maybe not quite that luxurious, but it was close.
According to TD some details remain that are worth noting.
“What’s interesting is the white crosses you found around the mausoleum are arranged in the exact formation of the statues in the garden”.
The Seven Sisters necklace had seven sapphires, with two diamonds, set in the swirling formation of the stars. The stars fell around as one closed her eyes and kissed him back.
The current owner of Seven Sisters has enough respect for the home’s history to want a proper catalogue of its antiques first.
TD was handsome in an earthy sort of way and was excited about restoring the home.
There were two Rachel Kowalski and Rachel McChes, and James Fittman. All of them were excellent archeological students who earned their spots on our team.
“Thank you for sharing this with me, Ashland,” someone said.
There is mention of the Leahona Meteor shower.
“You are a real dream catcher, the real thing, and you don’t even see it?”
Someone said that William did not seem like the type at all. Her face was blank, and she said in a low voice, “He’s Ashland Stuart. He’s everyone’s type. He’s also the handsomest guy I’ve met in a certain case. In the case you haven’t noticed, I don’t have a type”.

Historical Fiction Elements in “Seven Sisters”

Aspects of historical fiction can be found in the source:

The prologue of “Seven Sisters” is set in Mobile, AL, in 1850.
References to antebellum architecture and the desire to preserve a main antebellum home for visitors to Mobile are mentioned.
There is a mention of French settlers sending orphan girls to marry French-Canadians. They were called the Pelican Girls because they landed on Dauphin Island in Pelican Bay.
The story references slavery and mentions house slaves.
It references lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.
There is mention of the Civil War.
A character recalls stories of the old days and can’t sleep without air conditioning.
There is also mention of the Leahona Meteor shower.
Mrs. Cottonwood invested her money in diamonds and sapphires and kept her own money in her own hands because it was the only way women could do that then.
There are mentions of museums and archeological students.
A character reads a leather-bound book.
There is a description of a T-shaped, Greek Revival style home.
There is reference to a Revolutionary War hero.

Romantic Elements and Reflections

There are several instances of romantic elements in the source:

A woman longed for her lover, desiring that love commanded release and would be fulfilled by her desperate soul of affection.
She imagined her lips turned up in a small smile as she imagined her saying, “Run–be free. Be what I can never be!”.
She felt an eternal romance for someone.
A woman felt herself falling, falling into the blackness of the river and into his outstretched arms.
Someone felt a stirring romance in southern evening.
There is a reference to a love of life with the dairy, new bride, and smart career woman.
A man recalled his details with surreal clarity/ Unwilling to lose even a snippet, he climbed out of the tub and wrapped himself in a cotton robe, half drying my tired body: he didn’t want to peek at my heart.
The speaker felt that a perfect world for him would be with Calpurnia at your side for your painting at your age.
There is a description of eye contact and an intimate moment of realization.
There is mention of candles burning brightly into the night.
The stars fell around as someone closed her eyes and kissed him back.
A character reflects on a past love, mentioning the end of a relationship and lingering feelings.
There are mentions of holding hands and shared glances between characters.
A character says, “You do know that for a moment, remembering how perfect the evening had been before all this. You do know that we have to fire her, right?”.
A character notes that their best friend appears to have some serious unexplained issues with me. “I’ve lost a sort-of boyfriend and found a gay I really like. I’ve met several ‘ghosts’”.

By Amjad Izhar
Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
https://amjadizhar.blog

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Category: Seven Sisters

Seven Sisters (Seven Sisters Series Book 1) by M. L. Bullock