Discussion Questions

  1. Isabel calls off her wedding to Neil three days before the ceremony because they can’t agree on anything. Do you think she is doing the right thing or should she have tried to work things out?

  2. Isabel is pragmatic in her career, but entrusts her romantic future to a fortune-teller. Have you ever done something that seems to be the opposite of who you are? If so, how did it turn out?

  3. Alec doesn’t tell Isabel about his mother’s situation because he doesn’t want to air the family’s dirty laundry. Do you agree with his decision or should he have confided in Isabel?

  4. What are your thoughts on Bettina? Does she deserve sympathy because her mother abandoned her or is her behavior unforgivable?

  5. Isabel has been dreaming of going to Paris on her honeymoon since she was a girl. What is your dream honeymoon destination and why?

  6. Paris is almost another character in the novel. Can you imagine the story being set anywhere else? If so, where?

  7. Isabel meets Rory when she is very young and is instantly attracted to him. Do you think that colored her actions and have you ever had a relationship based on physical attraction?

  8. Alec is somewhat insecure even though he is good-looking and charming. What do you think is the cause? Bettina or his unique career or something else?

  9. Alec and Celine had a fraught relationship. Do you think they would have gotten married if Celine hadn’t left in the beginning?

10. Describe the role that fate plays in the story. Do you believe that “things happen for a reason”?