Matt. One of my favorite writers (Sarah Hogle) said it best: “We take turns being brave.” Thank you for always giving me the space to be brave. You have never once balked when I came up with an outrageous new life plan, never once discouraged me from absolutely going for it, even when it made life stuff more difficult for you. You offer support in whatever form I need it, whether that’s making dinner or pouring me a glass of wine or giving me an extra-long hug or taking the kid and leaving me alone for a few hours of quiet work time. I literally couldn’t have done this without you. I love you the most.

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 roles in her and Jack’s love story. What about their own individual journeys? Did you have a favorite out of the friends?
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 is 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?
10. We get a glimpse of the gang’s futures in the epilogue, but what do you think is next for these characters?

Excerpt from JUST MY TYPE

Keep reading for an excerpt from Falon Ballard’s next novel, Just My Type.

One

They invite you to a place that has special meaning to the two of you.

—Lana Parker, “Ten Signs Your Partner Might Be About to Propose”

I’m having an Elle Woods moment.

And not a “wearing a pink power suit, getting into Harvard Law, smashing the patriarchy” Elle Woods moment.