What do you do to be a good neighbor? What are three things you could do in the coming month to become a better one?
Chip and Bree both let their emotions get the best of them. Have you ever made a rash decision in a moment of anger that you later regretted? What is one coping method that has benefitted you in maintaining self-control in those heated moments?
Which character’s weakness do you identify with most? Why? Which character’s strength do you identify with most? Why?
Bree Leake has jumped from job to job, relationship to relationship, and house to house throughout her life. Why is that? Why hadn’t she settled down?
“If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical conclusion is that I was meant for another world.” What does this quote by C. S. Lewis mean? Can you relate to it? How?
Despite the fact that Chip argued with him, Chip’s father won the bid and lost a lot of money in order to protect his son. Have you ever experienced this kind of sacrifice in your life—someone taking the negative consequences for something in your place?
Chip loses the bid, but walks outside feeling like he has won, and that he can breathe for the first time. Why is that?
What does Evie learn throughout her time living with Bree that changes her? How?
Who is your favorite character and why?
The quaint town they live in is Abingdon, Virginia, population of 8,000. What would you love about living in a town this size? What would you dislike? And if given the choice between a city or a small town, which would you choose?
Acknowledgments
Where else could I start, but with everyone at Thomas Nelson? From the amazing efforts of the sales team to gorgeous designs of my cover designer, I am appreciative of you all every single day. Little did I know when my very first contract came into my inbox two short years ago just how much you guys would mean to me—as esteemed colleagues and as friends. I love living this publishing dream out with you all, with special gratitude to: Jocelyn Bailey, Kerri Potts, Kimberly Carlton, Amanda Bostic, Becky Monds, Paul Fisher, Matt Bray, Savannah Summers, Laura Wheeler, Jodi Hughes, Marcee Wardell, Margaret Kercher, and Nicole Andress. And to everyone in sales who gets this book to readers via Target, Walmart, Books-A-Million, libraries, Barnes & Noble, and independent stores, thank you!! You made my dreams come true with The Dating Charade, and I’m so terribly grateful for all your continuing hard work on behalf of my books.
Jocelyn, you are my rock, and I’d say I apologize for leaning on you so much, except that implies things will change and . . . yeah that won’t happen. Kerri, um yeah. Same for you, dear. You’re stuck with me and TikTok madness chats will continue to ensue. Erin Healy, I loved working through line edits with you! Thank you for being so kindhearted and soothing as you masterfully edited this book. Kim, you didn’t even work on this book, but I don’t care! You are the friend and soul encourager who helps me wade these publishing waters, so you definitely make it on the page too. To the incredible cover designer of this book, Halie Cotton, thank you! And to everyone else, I always love being welcomed with your smiles and hugs and thoughtful guidance. I have never desired to work in an office building, except whenever I go to Thomas Nelson and daydream about working among you. Hence why my next book is about an editor at a publishing house . . .
To Kimberly Whalen, I am so grateful for your amazing industry knowledge and guidance and communication! Thank you for giving 100 percent in all you do, and I only hope to give 100 percent back!
To Abbi Hart (@adventuresofaliterarynature), Amber Vandivort (@ambersrfdream), and Grace E (@readingbee.444) for reading this book in a flurry during Christmas to give me feedback. Thank you!! To Christine Berg, for always listening, reading, and giving me thoughtful feedback!
To the ACFW community, fellow Thomas Nelson authors, Betsy Haddox, Bethany Turner, Megan Gonzalez, and especially my Tea & Empathy gals (Rachel Linden, Rachel McMillan, Janyre Tromp, Lauren Denton, Katherine Reay, Patti Henry, Sue Meissner, Ashley Nicole, Siri Mitchell, Shanna Hatfield, Adele LaCombe, Catherine West, Elizabeth Younts, Susie Finkbeiner, Jessica Kate, Heather Gilbert, Kelli Stuart, Janine Rosche, Julie Cantrell, Jolina Petersheim, Allison Pittman, Beth Vogt, Lynne Gentry, Lindsay Brackett, and