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Reading Group Guide

Discussion Questions

The Santa Suit

1. Following a bruising divorce, Ivy does something totally unlike herself. She buys Four Roses Farm on impulse --- and sight unseen. Have you ever done something wildly impulsive --- and unlike yourself?

2. As Christmas approaches, Ivy’s instinct is to burrow into her new home and ignore the holiday. But something about finding the Santa suit --- and discovering the previous owner’s connection to the community, changes her mind. What kinds of things put you in the holiday spirit? Certain songs? Scents?

3. Once Ivy finds Carlette’s note in the pocket of the Santa suit, she can’t help but try to figure out what happened to the little girl, and her father. Can you see yourself becoming an amateur sleuth? Where would you start?

4. Ivy’s new friend, Phoebe, tries to enlist her in what Phoebe regards as a harmless deception of her fiancé. How would you react in a similar situation?

5. Lawrence Jones tells Ivy that he decorates for Christmas every year, even though he has no one to spend the holidays with. What are your decorating traditions? Would you make a fuss even if it was just for you? Have you ever skipped it all together (or been tempted to)?

6. The village of Tarburton has an annual Christmas stroll with the downtown decked for the holidays. What traditions does your community observe at Christmastime? Do you have a favorite town to visit during the holidays where they do a particularly good job of decking the halls?

7. Ezra tells Ivy that he thinks Four Roses Farm found her rather than the other way around. Has a house ever spoken to you and felt right in your gut from first sight? Do you believe in fate?

8. As things come together for Ivy, the candy shop, Phoebe and Lawrence, Ezra gives Ivy all the credit. But Ivy insists that the Santa suit had something to do with it. What do you think? Do you believe in Christmas magic?

The Santa Suit
by Mary Kay Andrews

  • Publication Date: October 11, 2022
  • Genres: Fiction, Women's Fiction
  • Paperback: 224 pages
  • Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
  • ISBN-10: 1250858453
  • ISBN-13: 9781250858450