Discussion Guide
1. What were your first impressions of Sadie and Jack?
It’s clear from the beginning that they are very different people, but they end up living surprisingly well with each other. Why do you think that is?
2. Sadie has a great found family in Harley, Nick, and
Gemma. Discuss how her friends played a role in her and Jack’s love story. What about their own individual journeys? Of all their friends, did you have a favorite?
3. Jack lost his parents several years before the start
of the novel. Talk about the ways in which he internalized and processed his grief. How did the death of his parents shape the man he is today?
4. Starting Bridge and Blooms was a major risk for Sadie. What did she learn from the experience? Have you ever taken a similar leap of faith? If so, what kind of support system did you lean on?
5. The brownstone is almost a character in itself.
Did you have a favorite feature or element of the house?
6. Sadie had a difficult upbringing, with her
parents significantly impacting her sense of self. What work does Sadie do throughout the novel to overcome this? How are her own views of herself challenged by her friends and by Jack?
7. Do you think it was a good idea that Sadie and
Jack waited to take their relationship to the next level? Did the slow-burn elements pay off for you?
8. Were you surprised by Jack’s secret?
How do you think you would have reacted if you were in Sadie’s position when she learned the truth?
9. Would you want to live with either Sadie or Jack as a roommate? Why or why not?
Playlist
curated by Falon Ballard “Wannabe” by Spice Girls
(because if you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends)
“Always” by Rex Orange County “Jackpot” by Nikki Lane “Sweet Pea” by Amos Lee “Bouquet” by Ethan Jewell “The Feels” by TWICE “Baby Blue” by Zachary Kibbee “Golden Hour” by Kacey Musgraves “willow” by Taylor Swift “Oh shit…are we in love?” by Valley “The One” by Backstreet Boys “You’re My Best Friend” by Queen
Cocktail Recipes Spring in New York Sugar
2 oz lavender vodka 2 oz pomegranate juice Lemon Lemon slice (for garnish)
Prepare your glass with a sugar rim. Mix lavender vodka, pomegranate juice, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Shake thoroughly before pouring into prepared glass. Garnish with a lemon round.
Bridge and Blooms 1.5 oz rose liqueur
6 oz cucumber tonic Lime
Fill a tall glass with ice. Add rose liqueur. Top with cucumber tonic and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Lease on Lavender Sugar
1.5 oz lavender limoncello Simple syrup 5 oz Prosecco Lemon Lemon slice (for garnish)
Prepare your glass with a sugar rim. Add lavender limoncello and a splash of simple syrup. Top with Prosecco and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Garnish with a lemon slice.
DIY Flower Crown Step One: 1
Gather your supplies! You will need flowers (I used ranunculus and spray roses), floral wire, scissors, and naturally wrapped wire. You may also want to have some floral tape on hand (I didn’t end up using any).
Step Two: 2
Cut a length of the naturally wrapped wire that is twice as long as your head. Fold the wire in half and twist little loops all along the length (see photo 2). Once you have loops all along the length, mold the shape to make a headband/ crown (see photo 3).
Step Three:
Insert a rose stem into a loop and secure it with floral wire (see photo 4).
3
Step Four:
Repeat step three until you have a layer of roses all along the crown.
Step Five: 4
5
6
Fill in any open areas with ranunculus. Add as many blooms as you’d like!