Book Club Night Kit

Our Perfect Storm

Carley Fortune

Cozy night

When her engagement falls apart, Frankie takes the honeymoon anyway, with George, her best friend since childhood. Carley Fortune's story about heartbreak, second chances, and lifelong friendship is an easy one to curl up with and talk about.

Weather the Storm With Us

Bring your coziest socks and your copy of Our Perfect Storm for a night of soup, hot chocolate, and heartfelt talk about old friends and new beginnings. Rain or shine, there's a blanket waiting for you.

Reading level: Easy

Best for: Clubs that love an emotional romance, a blanket, and a long, heartfelt talk over something warm

Discussion

Warm-up

1.Frankie keeps the honeymoon even after her plans fall apart. Have you ever gone ahead with a trip or plan that changed shape, and what did it give you instead?
2.If your plans fell through tomorrow, which childhood friend would you call to come away with you, and what would they bring along?

Digging in

1.What moments in the book felt like a warm hug to you, the small kindnesses or familiar comforts that made you feel safe as a reader?
2.Frankie and George share years of history. What did their friendship remind you of from your own life, and did it make you miss or want to call anyone?
3.The book lets its characters be heartbroken without rushing them. How did it feel to sit with Frankie in her hard moments, and where did you feel most tender toward her?
4.The title is about a storm. When has a messy, unexpected moment in your own life turned out to bring something good?

Going deep

1.By the last page, how did you feel about how Frankie's heart changed, and did the book leave you hopeful, wistful, or something else? (Please share how it felt, not what happened.)
2.Friends-to-lovers stories ask whether the person who knows us best can also be the one who surprises us. How did this book make you feel about that question, and did it change how you look at any of your own close relationships?

On the table & to sip

To eat

Hearty 'Rainy Night' Chicken and Dumpling Soup

A pot you can make ahead for a storm-themed night. It's the kind of food you'd make for a friend going through a breakup.

Homemade Butter Tarts

A nod to Carley Fortune's Canadian roots. Gooey and a bit indulgent, and an easy weekend bake (store-bought is fine too).

'Honeymoon' Vanilla Snacking Cake with Berries

A soft, single-layer cake as a playful stand-in for the wedding cake that never happened. Frosting it takes about five minutes.

To sip

Dark and Stormy

Dark rum and ginger beer over ice, with a squeeze of lime. It's a play on the title and easy to mix one glass at a time.

Spiked Maple Apple Cider

Warm cider simmered with cinnamon and a little maple syrup, with a splash of bourbon for anyone who wants it. It makes the room smell cozy.

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Bar (no alcohol)

A slow cooker of rich hot chocolate with marshmallows, whipped cream, and caramel drizzle. It's warm, comforting, and alcohol-free, so everyone can have it.