Reading Group Guide

1.  Once in a blue moon conventionally refers to a situation that is rare or unique. Discuss a time in your life that was unusual and probably will never happen again. What makes Once in a Blue Moon unique?

2.  Once in a Blue Moon examines the challenges and triumphs of sisterhood. What has your relationship been like with your siblings? How is the relationship with a sibling different than with a friend? What makes relationships with siblings easier and harder than with friends?

3.  Kerrie Ann, newly sober, shows up at the Blue Moon Book Café unexpectedly, hoping that Lindsay will help her. How would you have responded to Kerrie Ann? The younger sister continues to make poor choices, frustrating an already stressed Lindsay. What would you have done in Lindsay’s place? Describe a time in your life when you’ve had to help a family member.

4.  What character in the book do you most identify with and why? What character frustrates you and why?

5.  Mr. Heywood makes some very generous offers to Lindsay for her land. She declines despite how much easier accepting the offers would have made her life. She wants to keep her land and the area free from tourists. Would you have made the same decision if you were in a similar situation? Discuss a time when you stood up for what you believed despite challenging circumstances.

6.  Everyone has had challenges, made mistakes and done things they’ve regretted. What do you think Kerrie Ann learned? What mistakes does Lindsay make? What does she learn? What have you learned from your own mistakes?

7.  Miss Honi collects angels, which Kerrie Ann loves. What’s your special collection or touchstone and what does it mean to you?

8.  Lindsay loves Grant, but can’t commit to marrying him. She quickly falls for Randall. How has love surprised you in your life? Why was it so hard for Kerrie Ann to accept Ollie’s love? Describe a time in your life when you rejected love.

9. Miss Honi acts as a mother when Lindsay and Kerrie Ann need her, providing abundant love and support. Who have been significant women in your life? Who’s been there for you when you needed unconditional love?

10. Like author Eileen Goudge, Ollie bakes to relax and express his love for others. What are some creative ways that you express yourself and your love for others? 

11. Lindsay loves running the Blue Moon Bay Book Café with her family and friends, but struggles to make ends meet. Should she have sold the bookstore? Why or why not? As an independent bookstore, what does the shop offer Lindsay, her family and the community? Do you shop at independently owned stores? Why or why not?

12.  Kerrie Ann realizes she needs help in order to regain custody of her daughter, Bella. Yet, she continually makes impulsive decisions that jeopardize her goal. At what point in the story does Kerrie Ann grow up?  What gains does she make throughout the story? What challenges would she continue to face in the future?

13. Once in a Blue Moon tackles several challenging issues—addiction, recovery, child neglect, foster care, adoption, loss, infidelity—with great compassion and understanding. What message did you find in this story?