Which of the men currently in Sophie's life do you think she might be interested in when enough time has passed? Why? Which one would you select for her, if any?

Men are drawn to Sophie, but she is in mourning and has no interest in a new relationship. Which of the men currently in her life do you think she might be interested in when enough time has passed? Why? Which one would you select for her, if any?

When book 1 introduced Sam Reason, I remember thinking "now he will turn up in a love story." I thought the same thing with his appearance in "Where the Light Enters", as I did with Noah Hunter. Both are engaging, provocative characters who might bring out a more militant part of Sophie's personality relating to her heritage. But Donati might pull a surprise on us and have Sophie reconsider Nicholas Lambert's proposal.

I'd think that Sam Reason would be the best choice for Sophie's long-lasting happiness because they're on a more equal footing intellectually. Also, because they're the same race, that would provide an easier path. I thought Noah Hunter was the sexier choice, though, and wouldn't mind her having a fling with him.

From a plot standpoint, Nicholas Lambert might provide more avenues for development, such as exploring the anti-miscegenation laws in the US (New York never had a law prohibiting interracial marriage), or the reactions to an interracial relationship. Of course, perhaps this was covered in the first book since I believe her previous husband was white - is that correct? (I didn't read the first book and also found the relationships a bit hard to follow so I could definitely be wrong about that!)

I liked Nichols Lambert and was hoping something would happen between them. Maybe it will start out with his proposal and turn into something more.

I think Noah Hunter might prove a sweet romantic interlude. I believe Sophie finds him attractive and interesting. If I remember correctly he also has some Native American ancestry and this might add another avenue to explore.

I see value in all of the ideas presented above. If I had to vote I would say Sam Reason. However, I think it would be interesting if Sophie decided that because of her career, she must forgo marriage and family. That painful decision was made by many professional women of that time.

I agree with Shirleyl, I think that she will forgo marriage and family because of her career. I would choose Sam Reason for her as well, seems like he understands her, respects her, and she also mentioned she felt at home with his family.

When Sophie agreed to purchase the second home, and when the young children all returned to be near the youngest through his illness, I began to think that romance for Sophie would remain forever on the back burner. She now has much to look forward to in the planning of the school and the education of other young women, and it does seem possible that she may welcome the young girls back to her home permanently at some future point. Right now, she seems to me most comfortable in her conversations with Sam, so if there is to be romance for her, he would be my first choice - but at this point, I’m thinking she will focus on her professional future.

I think that Sophie finds the current men in her life interesting but not in a deeply romantic way. I think she also needs to find someone who challenges her intellectually. I think she is a woman that is satisfied right now with the interests she has in her life and she will be surprised when someone comes along and is a romantic and intellectual partner.

On the surface, Sam Reason seems the likely choice--a black man who seems not to like Sophie or at least doesn't like her female independence--oh,yes, same race and he gets turned around to admiration and they become strong proponents together of establishing an all black school. Bah, too obvious. Now, I'm not sure what the basis is for the comment above that he is more her intellectual equal than is Noah. I think he is her equal in all ways and,furthermore, he comes from a heritage in which independent women are not only accepted but admired. He would have absolutely no problem with a physician as a wife. He is confident and would not see her as a threat to his status nor as unladylike. And, he would not be in anyway uptight sexually either. Still, she may not need a man--and though at first insulted by Lambert's proposal might find it the perfect arrangement--for all the reasons that Lambert does!

I don't feel that Sophie needed a committed man in her life and that she would find her purpose, peace and design more in her profession. I am not ruling out the joys of her having an endearing love affair...perhaps with someone yet on her horizon. She is an unusual and complex woman...there are no simple relationship answers for her.

Well, really I don't think any of them would be a particularly great match. Didn't see any chemistry with any of them, although Noah Hunter came close. Why does she even need a man in her life at this point? I really wasn't focused on trying to match her up with any of the characters. I did find some of the relationships hard to follow, but perhaps if I had read the first book it would be easier.

I really do not think any of them. I believe if there is another one, someone new will show up for her.

Having recently lost the love of my life, I could not choose any of the men in the novel for her. Anna and Jack seem a perfect match, and I would want the same for Sophie; but I think the author was smart not forcing the subject too quickly.