Book clubs: AT WAVE’S END is a foodie’s delight, flavored with family drama and redemption. Download your printable copy of the AT WAVE’S END Reading Guide.

Invite the Author:

Patricia is available to visit with your book group via phone, Skype or in person (if geographically plausible). Email patriciapdonovan@gmail.com, or message her on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Questions and Topics for Discussion:

1. Though AT WAVE’S END is entirely a work of fiction, a major hurricane devastated the East Coast of the United States at around this same time. Talk about the role of the hurricane in the story, and how it transforms the characters. Are descriptions of the storm and its aftermath authentic? Did reading about the storm lead to a new understanding or awareness of some aspect of natural disasters that you might not have thought about before?
2. What do the novel’s opening pages tell you about the relationship between Faith and her mother? How does this relationship change over time?
3. Did you like Faith Sterling as a person? What does her chosen profession say about her?
4. What kind of mother is Connie Sterling? How would you describe her parenting style?
5. Talk about the significance of “Moon and Stars.” What meaning does it hold for Faith, Connie and David?
6. Early on, we meet Faith’s best friend, Ellie. During the novel, Faith bonds with Tanya, Merrill and Grace. How do these female friendships affect Faith, and how important are they to the story?
7. How does the author use The Mermaid’s Purse, a run-down bed-and-breakfast, in the story? What does the inn represent for each of the characters? How is Faith transformed by her stay at the inn?
8. Of all the boarders at The Mermaid’s Purse, which one(s) did you like the most?
9. Connie wins The Mermaid’s Purse in a lottery. Would you ever enter a contest like that? What would be the pros and cons to consider?
10. Is Faith’s initial assessment and treatment of Bruce justified?
11. How is Faith transformed by the conversation she overhears between Connie and Roxanne?
12. It is often said that too many cooks spoil the broth. How does David’s presence in the kitchen affect Faith? Is the evolution of their relationship believable? Why is David so keen to take Faith surfing?
13. What did you think of Faith’s reaction when she finds her birth certificate? Was Connie justified in keeping this information from her?
14. There are more than seventy food references in the novel. What does food represent in the story? What did you think of Faith’s menu selections? Which was your favorite?
15. Faith works hard to save the inn. What does the inn’s future represent to her? If you had been a past guest at The Mermaid’s Purse, would you have been compelled to contribute?
16. Why do you think the author wrote this? What is her most important message?
17. What did you think of the ending? Would you want to read more about any of these characters, and if so, which ones?