Savannah by the Sea

Reading Guides

Reading Group Guide

1. Savannah has an agenda for everything, including her vacation. What were Savannah's hopes for this trip? Have you ever gone somewhere with others even when you didn't want to? Why?
    
2. Everyone has a travel experience in which everything that can go wrong does go wrong. Tell your story. What is funny now that wasn't funny in the moment? What is still hard to relive? What do you think makes our perspective change or not over time?
    
3. Savannah is continually doing things because they are part of her Southern heritage, like going to church even on vacation. What are some of the things that you still do while traveling that were part of your heritage or childhood traditions?
    
4. When Savannah first sees Joshua, she is tormented by her assumptions. How have your assumptions tormented you? When and why have your assumptions proved right or wrong?
    
5. Savannah meets a fascinating couple on her trip to Seaside. She thinks she can find in them the story she is looking for. They end up teaching her much more than she expected. Talk about some of the people in your life who have surprised you with unexpected blessings.
    
6. Joshua gets honest with Savannah about his past, which she is not initially willing to forgive. Talk about a time when you thought forgiveness was incapable of finding you. Did you come to a place of believing that forgiveness is not an option? How? Do you still find it hard to forgive? Why?
    
7. In the journey of Savannah by the Sea, who do you most identify with? Victoria? Savannah? Joshua? Jake? Paige? Thomas? Amber? Explain.
    
8. If stranded on a deserted island which of this book's characters would you want to take with you? You have to tell why!
    
9. Inside the walls of the small Seaside Chapel, Savannah has an epiphany about herself. Have you had a similar experience? Where were you, and what did you learn about yourself?
    
10. Who do you think will marry first: Joshua and Savannah, or Amber and Johnny? Why?
     
11. Of all the books you've read, which have you never been able to finish? Why do you think that is?