Do you think women should be depicted as equal to men in combat roles—including police and fire fighting? Why or why not? How might their roles appropriately differ, and when should they be the same? Does it do a disservice to women to depict them as being physically weaker than men?

Do you think Puller cut Cole more slack for her emotional reaction to officer Wellman’s death because she was a woman? Are there occasions when emotionality might be a particular detriment or advantage?

Does Jean Trent’s B&B really offer a viable alternative to the coal economy? What about small businesses and cottage industries? Can they replace major industry that used to support an entire community?