1. Dancy struggles with an inability to confront difficult situations, even when she feels she’s been wronged. What possible events in her past could have caused this? How do you balance the need to confront with the desire to be liked?

2. Why does Dancy find it necessary to buy in a larger size the same skirt as one her mother gave her so her mom won’t know she’s gained weight?

3. In spite of her mother’s flaws, Dancy loves her. What keeps her from trusting her mother to do the same for her?

4. Jack’s great at separating his personal and professional life. What are some ways we see this in the book? Is this ability a good thing? Have you ever seen someone carry this compartmentalization too far?

5. Do Kale and Dancy have the same perception of their childhood? How does this perception color their reaction to Brandon?

6. Laini cooks when she’s upset or uncertain. What are other ways people handle life’s ups and downs?

7. When she was young, Dancy gave up on God when she asked Him to help her dad to love her and she didn’t see results from that prayer. Is that a valid reason to turn away from God? Why or why not?

8. When Dancy is devastated about losing the home she loves, she thinks Jack skips out on her while she’s gone to the ladies’ room. Why is she so quick to assume that someone

9. When Dancy’s new boss acts inappropriately, she walks out on her job. What would you have done in her situation?

10. Jack has a hard time at first seeing Dancy as someone other than Kale’s little sister. Why is it sometimes difficult for a relationship to mature beyond its initial dynamic? How can we open our minds to these possibilities, not just in romantic relationships but in family relationships as well?