Book Club Discussion Questions and Guide for The Bookshop of Second Chances by Jackie Fraser

1. The setting of the Scottish coast is intrinsic to this book. Discuss the ways in which the setting functions as a character in the novel and how each of the human characters relates to it.
2. What specific themes does the author emphasize throughout the novel? What do you think she is trying to get across to the reader?
3. How do Thea and Edward change, grow, or evolve throughout the course of the story? What events trigger such changes?
4. What do you think the author's purpose was in writing this book? What ideas was she trying to get across?
5. What did you think about the ending—were you satisfied or disappointed with it? How do you picture the Thea and Edward's lives after the story closes?
6. How did this book change you? Do you have a new perspective as a result of reading it? Did you learn something you didn't know before? Has your attitude or behavior changed?
7. Did the story unfold the way you expected? If not, what surprised you?
8. What did you think of the writing? Are there any standout sentences? What are some passages that you underlined, or that particularly affected you?
9. What was your initial reaction to the book? Did it hook you immediately, or take some time to get into?
10. Which character did you relate to the most, and what was it about them that you connected with?

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Ballantine Books. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.