11. Elle seems to find a new version of herself in New York. Why do you think this is so? What does Elle find in New York? What does she give up?
12. Throughout Happily Ever After, Rhodes’s wife, Melissa, is viewed with suspicion. Starting on pages 305, when Melissa finally confesses why the big wedding was canceled, readers also learn more about Melissa’s relationship with Elle’s mother. How did Elle’s view of Melissa change? Did your perspective of Melissa also change? If so, how?
13. What do you think prompted Elle to sleep with Tom after years of restraint? If things had turned out differently with Elle’s mother, do you think things may have been different between Elle and Tom? Why or why not?
14. By September 2008, we see Elle engaged to an American writer in New York City—someone we’ve not met before. What do you think attracted her to him? What, ultimately, pulled her away from him?
15. At the end of the novel, Elle, Rhodes, their father, Melissa, and Elle’s new fiancé, Gray, have dinner together. This seems to be the first time the family’s “dirt” is openly displayed and discussed. What do you think each member of the family took away from the dinner?
16. Throughout this book, there are lots of references to the chick-lit genre and fairy tales, including the title itself. Why do you think the author chose to include so many? What would you say is the relationship between chick-lit and fairy tales? Do you think that chick-lit could be considered fairy tales for adults?
ENHANCE YOUR BOOK CLUB
1. To learn more about Harriet Evans and her previous novels, visit her website at www.harriet-evans.com. Browse Harriet’s “Favorite Things,” follow her blog, and be sure to read her biography to find out more about her own background in publishing. Do you see any connections between the author’s real life and the themes of Happily Ever After? Discuss what you discovered about Harriet Evans with your book club members.
2. Early in the novel, Felicity recommends a book to Elle. More than a decade later, Elle brings it up and thanks Felicity. “Isn’t that why one lends a good book?” Felicity asks. “Isn’t it wonderful to know you’ve passed something good on?” Think about the books you’ve most loved, the ones that have stayed with you over the years. Talk about your favorite books with your discussion group. Have everyone in your group offer their own recommendation to pass “something good” on.
3. Elle’s version of “happily ever after” focuses on her relationship, employment, location, and proximity to family. What is your own version of “happily ever after”? How can you work to make it become a reality? Discuss what it means to be happy. Did you learn anything from your fellow book club members?
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Happily Ever After Page 44