1. Whose story were you most affected by, Bea's or Tessa's? And who did you most identify with?

2. Throughout the novel we constantly alternate between Bea and Tessa's points of view. In what ways does the dual narrative enhance the story?

3. 'I know girls are tricky and complex, conniving and multi-faceted, but hey, I wouldn't have it any other way. It's why we are the interesting, contradicting creatures that we are.' In what way does The Stepmother explore this theme?

4. How did you think the children in the story were affected by Bea, James and Tessa's situation? Do you think the adults always acted with the children's best interests at heart?

5. James: utterly hopeless or merely easy-going? Were you ultimately irritated by, or sympathetic towards him?

6. How, if at all, has reading this book changed your perspective on the break-down of long-term relationships and the break-up of family units?

7. Were you surprised by how the book ends? Was the story tied up in a satisfying way?