Scandal of the Summer
Book Club Guide

Discussion Questions:

1. The novel begins when Ruby, Alice, and Tamsin decide to leave London for Cornwall to reinvent themselves. To what extent do they succeed in this project? How do they change during their summer adventure, and how do they stay the same?

2. What would you bring with you on a summer trip to a mansion at the end of the world?

3. Ruby struggles with her desire to please her father, and part of her character arc involves making her own choices independent of her father’s wishes. Do you sympathize with this journey?

4. Both Ruby and Archer come with a ride-or-die crew. Who was your favorite secondary character? Who else’s romance would you like to read?

5. What do you think makes Ruby and Archer such a good match for each other?

6. Do you enjoy reading about found families? Why do you think this trope is so popular?

7. How do you think the rehabilitation of Pomeroy House parallels Ruby’s journey? Archer’s?

8. Were you surprised by Penney’s betrayal at the end of the novel? Why do you think Archer was susceptible to Penney’s manipulation?

9. The Duca di Verdura is still at large at the end of the novel—and two more romances are coming in this series! Do you enjoy when a series has an overarching mystery or Big Bad to defeat?

10. This book has the ocean on the cover! Would you consider it a beach read?

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Further Reading & Fun Links:

Thomas Hope's Household Furniture and Interior Decoration

E. Keble Chatterton's King's Cutters and Smugglers, 1700-1855