January Book Club

It feels only fitting to feature my favorite author for the first Book Club read! In January, we’ll be reading In Your Dreams by Sarah Adams. This is the fourth book in the When in Rome series, an interconnected stand alone romance series that follows the Walker siblings in Rome, Kentucky. I read these books out of order, and thoroughly enjoyed my time! Each book is based on an Audrey Hepburn movie. Sabrina is my favorite of Audrey’s films, so I have been itching to read this since Sarah announced it. Even if you haven’t read the rest, or all, of the Rome, KY series, I recommend giving this one a try! I want to make this book club blog series as “plug and play” as possible so anyone can start their own book club and use these suggestions! You will find discussion questions and hosting ideas below!

January Book Club

Synopsis

Madison Walker is not ready to be a failure, again. First, teaching. Now, culinary school. She’s convinced no restaurant will hire her after she graduates from her New York City program. Until she accidentally calls her older brother’s best friend one night. James informs her he is opening up a restaurant on his family’s farm in their small town, and he’s looking for a chef. The job sounds almost too good to be true - Madison is ready to be back in Rome, KY. What she doesn’t realize is that James has been in love with her secretly for years - and he just created the chance for her to move home. The two have to work together to open the restaurant, and sparks fly in every which way, especially when James’ younger brother enters the picture, ready to come between the two.

My Thoughts:

I will always sing Sarah Adams’ accolades in how she writes dialogue and banter. Her contemporary voice is easy to read, and I find so much joy in the pages she writes. I have been waiting for James and Maddie’s story since book 1, and boy, did it deliver! Madison is relatable and charming, while James is the perfect, steadfast “brother’s best friend”. Their conversations are heartfelt and funny, and I absolutely love the family dynamic of the Walker siblings. Sarah’s note at the end made me teary.

Discussion Questions:

● What character did you relate to the most and why?

● Maddie describes her anxiety/panic attacks. What was that like for you to read about?

● What did you think of James and Tommy’s relationship?

● Would you rather own a restaurant, pie shop, or flower store?

● Maddie often feels like the black sheep and “failure” of the family. What role did you play in your family of origin growing up?

● Would you rather live in a small town or big city?

● Did you feel that James’ feelings for Maddie were realistic?

● What scene stuck out to you most?

● Did you have a career/hobby/dream that you thought would turn out differently, like Madison?

Bonus Question:

● If you have read the whole series Which book was your favorite?

Hosting Ideas:

- Wildflower arrangements

- “There’s No Place Like Rome” signage

- New York City postcards

- Paper ring garlands

- Homemade chocolate chip cookies

- Pancakes (iykyk)

- Crudité platter

- Fruit pie