46 Best Thanksgiving Book Club Books

Looking for the perfect reads for your Thanksgiving Book Club? Here are 10 great picks for a Thanksgiving-themed reading club. I’ve included books with themes of romance, family, and personal growth. An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving by Louisa May Alcott is my favorite because I’m a huge fan of classic novels with feel-good vibes. But the rest of the books on the list are equally perfect for cozy discussions around the Thanksgiving table. Whether you’re after family dramas, historical fiction, or lighthearted books, these picks will make your Thanksgiving book club discussion-worthy. I’ve also included a few book club questions to kick-start the conversation. You can also check out my post on 15 General Book Club Questions.

Also check out: 14 Books For Your November Book Club

Discussion-Worthy Thanksgiving Book Club Books

The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand & Shelby Cunningham

The Academy takes you inside Tiffin Academy. The school has just jumped to number two in the national rankings. Everyone is surprised. The dorms are old. The sports teams always lose. Students are known for parties instead of grades. Still the campus is pretty. The dining hall has a famous chef. And life at Tiffin looks better on the outside than it really is. Things change when a new gossip app called ZipZap starts posting secrets. No one is safe. The queen bee influencer is exposed. A new teacher has things to hide. A transfer student does not fit in. Even the admissions director is pulled into the drama

Questions for discussion:

Which secret surprised you the most?


Did the boarding school setting make the story believable?


How did the app remind you of social media today?


Was there a character you wanted to succeed?


Did the scandals make the story more fun or too dark?

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The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

The Vanishing Half follows the story of the Vignes twin sisters. They grow up in a small Black community in the South. At sixteen they run away. From that point their lives split apart. One sister builds a life with her Black daughter in the same town she once tried to escape. The other passes as white. Her husband does not know the truth about her past. The story stretches across generations. It looks at how choices shape families. It shows how race and identity can define or break a life. When the next generation comes together the twins’ secrets rise again. The past is never gone. It always finds a way back.

Questions for discussion:

Did you understand why one sister chose to pass as white.


How did their choices affect their daughters?


Discuss the role of Southern town in the story?


Did you connect more with one twin than the other?


Discuss the relevance of  family history.

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The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters

The Berry Pickers begins in 1962 when a Mi’kmaq family travels from Nova Scotia to Maine. They pick blueberries during the summer. One day their youngest child Ruthie disappears. Her brother Joe sees her last. He spends his life haunted by what happened. In another town a girl named Norma grows up in comfort. She has protective parents and recurring dreams that feel like memories. As she gets older she suspects her parents are hiding the truth. The story follows both families across fifty years. It explores loss. It explores secrets. It asks how far people will go to find love.

Questions for discussion:

How did the setting in Maine add to the story?


What part of Joe’s grief stayed with you the most?

Discuss the character of  Norma.


How did the book handle the theme of family?


Would you describe the ending as hopeful or sad?

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Solito by Javier Zamora

Solito is a memoir by Javier Zamora. At nine years old he leaves El Salvador. He begins a dangerous trip to reach his parents in the United States. He expects it to take two weeks. Instead it takes two months.
He travels with strangers and a hired guide. There are deserts to cross. There are boats and arrests. There is hunger and fear. Yet there is also kindness. People help him in unexpected ways. The story is about survival. It is also about love and the will to reunite with family.

Questions for discussion:

Which part of Javier’s journey felt most powerful?

How did his age change the way you read the story?


Were you surprised by the kindness of strangers?


What does the memoir say about family?


Would this story feel different if told by an adult Javier instead of his nine year old self.

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The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali

The Lion Women of Tehran follows Ellie and Homa. They meet as children in 1950s Iran. Ellie comes from privilege but loses her father and her home. Homa comes from a warm and modest household. The two become close friends. They share games. They share food. They share dreams of being strong women.
As Ellie moves back into a wealthy life her bond with Homa fades. But later their paths cross again. Their friendship is tested as Iran faces political unrest. Choices are made. The story is about friendship. It is also about power and survival in a changing country.
Questions for discussion:

Did Ellie and Homa feel equally strong to you?


How did the political unrest change their story?


Did you believe their friendship could survive betrayal?


Was one woman more relatable than the other?


How did Tehran itself shape the characters?

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Death at the Dinner Party by Ellie Alexander

Death at the Dinner Party begins with Annie Murray hosting a murder mystery–themed dinner. The setting is the old Wentworth farmhouse. It is spooky. It is perfect for a party. The night is fun until a guest drops dead at the table.
Annie knows she did not cause it. But everyone has reason to want the man gone.  Annie should protect her friend Penny who owns the farmhouse. She digs into old family rumors. She searches hidden passageways. She puts the pieces together before the killer comes  again. The story is cozy. It is also full of suspense and small town charms.

Questions for discussion:

Did the dinner party setting make the mystery more exciting?


Which guest seemed most suspicious to you?.


Did you enjoy Annie as an amateur sleuth?


Discuss the setting of the small town..


Were you surprised by the solution to the murder?

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We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker

We Begin at the End tells the story of Duchess Day Radley. She is thirteen. She calls herself an outlaw. She protects her younger brother Robin and takes care of her troubled mother.
In the same town lives Walk, the local police chief. He is haunted by his past. He once gave testimony that sent his best friend to prison. Now that friend is coming back. Duchess and Walk are caught in the fallout. Their lives collide with old wounds and new dangers. The novel looks at family and also at what people will do to protect the ones they love.

Questions for discussion:

What did you think of the Duchess as a main character?


Did Walk feel like a good man or a guilty one?


Discuss  the coastal town setting..


Was this more a crime story or a family story for you?


Did you find the ending satisfying or heartbreaking?

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Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is about Sam and Sadie. They meet as kids and later reconnect in college. Together they design video games. Their talent makes them stars. Their work also puts them under pressure.
The story follows them for thirty years. They succeed. They fight. They face love and betrayal. They build worlds in games and struggle with the world outside. At its heart the novel is about friendship.

Questions for discussion:

Did the video game world make the story more interesting for you?


Was Sam or Sadie the more compelling character?


How did their friendship change over time?


Did you think their creative work was worth the sacrifices?


Would you call this a love story or not?

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Good Material by Dolly Alderton

Good Material tells the story of Andy. His girlfriend Jen has left him. He does not know why. He is stuck. He has no home. His career in stand up is not going anywhere. His friends seem to be moving on in life while he is standing still.
Andy tries to figure out what went wrong. He wants Jen back. He wants answers. The novel is sharp and funny. It asks what it means to grow up and face the truth about yourself.

Questions for discussion:

Did Andy remind you of someone real?


Did you feel sympathy for him or frustration?


How did humor affect the way the story felt?


Did Jen’s side of the story change how you viewed the breakup?


Do you think Andy grew as a person by the end.

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Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

Small Great Things follows Ruth Jefferson. She is a Black nurse with twenty years of experience. One day she is told not to touch the newborn child of white supremacist parents. Soon the baby goes into distress while Ruth is alone. She hesitates. The baby dies. Ruth is charged with a crime.
A white public defender named Kennedy takes her case. Kennedy believes race should not be mentioned in court. Ruth struggles with this. She tries to care for her son while the trial becomes a public storm. The novel tackles race, privilege, and justice.

Questions for discussion:
How did you feel about Ruth’s hesitation in the nursery?


Did you agree with Kennedy’s approach in court?


Which part of Ruth’s personal life hit you hardest?


Did the story make you reflect on race and privilege?


Was the ending realistic to you or too neat?

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Circe by Madeline Miller

Circe tells the story of the daughter of Helios. She is not powerful like her father. She is not beautiful like her mother. She feels like she does not belong. Over time she discovers her true gift. She can use witchcraft. She can turn rivals into beasts and change the world around her.
The gods fear her. Zeus banishes her to a deserted island. There she grows strong. She tames wild animals. She meets heroes like Odysseus. She faces enemies that want to destroy her. Circe must decide if she stands with gods or mortals. 

Questions for discussion:

Did you find Circe easy to relate to even though she is a goddess?


Which myth retelling in the book stood out to you most.


How did isolation shape who Circe became?


Was her power a blessing or a curse?

Did the ending feel like strength or sacrifice?

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The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride

The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store begins in 1972 when a skeleton is found in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. The mystery ties back to Chicken Hill, a neighborhood where Jewish immigrants and Black families lived together. They shared struggles. They built lives on the margins of society.
The story centers on Chona Ludlow who ran the grocery store with her husband. She helps the community even when her own health fails. The town wants to take away a deaf Black child. Chona and her neighbors risk everything to protect him. The novel is about survival, love, and courage.

Questions for discussion:

Did Chicken Hill feel like a real community to you?


How did Chona’s kindness drive the story?


What did you think about the fight to protect the boy?


How did the skeleton mystery add to the plot.


Did the story feel more about injustice or more about hope.

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The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

The Midnight Library is the story of Nora Seed. She is full of regret. She feels she has failed her family and herself. One night she finds herself in a strange library. The shelves are full of books. Each book holds a version of her life if she had made a different choice.
With the help of an old friend Nora explores these lives. She sees what could have been. She also learns that no life is perfect. Each choice brings joy and pain. As time runs out Nora must decide what really matters. The novel is about regret. It is also about hope and the meaning of life.

Questions for discussion:

Did you relate to Nora’s regrets?


Which alternate life did you find most interesting?


Did the library feel magical or more like a metaphor.


Did you agree with Nora’s final choice?


What does the book say about what makes a good life?

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Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

Hello Beautiful tells the story of William Waters. He grows up in a house with silence and grief. His parents give him little love. When he meets Julia Padavano in college his life changes. Julia brings him into her close and lively family. She has three sisters. Each has a strong personality and a deep bond with one another. For a while William feels safe in their world. But the darkness of his past rises again. It threatens Julia’s plans. The novel is about love, loyalty, and the pull of family.

Questions for discussion:

Did you feel sympathy for William or frustration?


Which Padavano sister stood out most to you?

Did you believe Julia’s plans for the future were realistic?


How did family loyalty help and hurt the characters?


Did you think the ending gave hope to the family?

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Saltcrop by Yume Kitasei

Saltcrop takes place in a future where the oceans have swallowed cities. Highways sink under water. Strange fish fill the seas. Pirates rule the waves. Skipper sails these waters to support her grandmother. She collects plastic and sells it to survive.
When her sister Nora goes missing, Skipper and her other sister Carmen set out to find her. Nora may hold the secret to saving the world’s crops. The journey is long and dangerous. They meet travelers. They face corporations who want Nora’s discovery. Along the way the sisters learn more about each other. 

Questions for discussion:

Did the ocean setting feel real to you?


How did the sisters’ relationship drive the story?


Were you interested more in the science or the adventure?


Did you trust Nora’s motives?

Did the ending feel more about family or more about the environment?

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Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell

Hamnet tells the story of Agnes, the wife of Shakespeare. She is gifted with a strange insight into people. She marries young and raises three children. Her life changes when her son Hamnet dies at age eleven.
The novel follows Agnes as she grieves. It also shows her husband as he begins to write the play Hamlet. The story mixes fact with imagination. It paints a picture of love, loss, and resilience. 

Questions for discussion:

Did you connect with Agnes as a mother?


How did grief shape her character?


Did you like how Shakespeare was shown?


Was the writing style powerful or distracting?


Did the story make you think differently about Hamlet?

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The Artist by Lucy Steeds

The Artist takes place in Provence in 1920. Ettie lives with her famous uncle, the painter Edouard Tartuffe. She works quietly in the background. She makes his genius possible.
Joseph, a young journalist, arrives hoping for a story. He wants to interview the artist. But the house holds secrets. Ettie has secrets of her own. Over a hot summer truths rise to the surface. The characters are tested.

Questions for discussion:

Did Ettie feel like the true artist of the story?


How did the setting in Provence add to the novel?


Did you trust Joseph’s intentions?


What did you think about the theme of hidden talent?


Was the ending satisfying for Ettie?

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The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden

The Safekeep is set in the Dutch countryside in 1961. Isabel lives alone in her mother’s house. Her life is strict and orderly. Then her brother leaves his girlfriend Eva to stay with her.
Eva is loud and careless. She disrupts Isabel’s quiet world. Small things begin to disappear. Isabel grows suspicious. The story blends history, desire, and paranoia. It asks how much of the past really stays buried.

Questions for discussion:

Did you see Eva as a threat or as freedom for Isabel.


How did the house itself feel like a character?


Was Isabel more lonely or more dangerous?


Did the story feel more like history or more like a thriller?


What did you think about the final revelation?

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Thanksgiving Dinner Death by Leighann Dobbs

Thanksgiving Dinner Death is a cozy mystery set in Crescent Cove. Juniper Holiday hosts a huge holiday feast. The house is decorated. The food is ready. The party is in full swing. Then someone is found dead in the pecan pie.
Juniper jumps into the case. The local detective is ready to take over but Juniper wants answers first. She questions guests. She uncovers secrets. She risks becoming the next victim. 

Questions for discussion:

Did you enjoy the Thanksgiving theme in a mystery?


Was Juniper a believable amateur sleuth?

Which suspect felt the most guilty ?


Did the humor balance the darker moments?


Would you read more Juniper Holiday mysteries?

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An Irish Bookshop Murder by Lucy Connelly

An Irish Bookshop Murder introduces Mercy McCarthy. She inherits a bookstore in Shamrock Cove with her twin sister Lizzie. The village is charming and small. But soon their neighbor, a respected judge, is found dying. His last words accuse Mercy of murder. To clear her name Mercy begins to investigate. She learns that many locals had reason to hate the judge. As she follows the trail another body turns up. Someone tries to frame her. Mercy must solve the mystery before it is too late. 

Questions for discussion:

Did you enjoy the Irish village setting?


Was Mercy a strong main character?


Did the judge’s last words hook you into the mystery?


Which suspect kept you guessing the most?


Would you like to see more stories in this series?

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The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler

The Accidental Tourist follows the travel writer Macon Leary who hates the chaos of travel. He’s lonely after his son’s death and separated from his wife. But when he meets Muriel, a dog trainer with a loud personality everything changes. What started as an awkwardly relationship soon turns into something more. This is a beautiful book grief, healing, and the surprising paths of life.

Questions for discussion:

1. How does Macon’s dislike for travel reflect his internal struggles?

2. Why do you think Muriel is the one to break through Macon’s rigid world?

3. What does Macon’s relationship with his family say about him as a person?

4. Discuss Macon and Muriel’s relationship

5. How does the novel handle the topics of comfort versus adventure?

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The Simplicity of Cider by Amy E. Reichert

The Simplicity of Cider is about Sanna Lund, who enjoys a quiet life on her family’s apple orchard in Wisconsin. However, Financial problems and her father’s health affect Sanna’s quiet life. Isaac Banks, a single dad, comes with his son. They bring new life to the orchard and to Sanna. As time passes, their lives connect. This heartwarming love story with a touch of magic, is a great pick for book clubs to discuss themes of family, love, and second chances.

Questions for discussion:

1. How does Sanna’s love for the orchard reflect her personality?

2. What role does Isaac play in helping Sanna open up to change?

3. Discuss how the orchard serve as a metaphor for Sanna’s personal growth?

4. What do you think of Sanna’s relationship with her father and brother?

5. How does the theme of healing run through the story, for both Sanna and Isaac?

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Thanksgiving by Janet Evanovich

Thanksgiving tells the story of Megan Murphy, a historical reenactor with bad luck in love. She meets pediatrician Pat Hunter around Thanksgiving. Quirky families, a huge turkey, and a mischievous rabbit make this a funny, heartwarming story of finding love amidst holiday chaos. A light, romantic read perfect for a Thanksgiving-themed book club.

Questions for discussion:

1. Discuss the Thanksgiving setting of the story?

2. What do you think of Megan and Pat’s relationship?

3. Discuss the elements of humor in the book.

4. Do you think families play a huge role in shaping Megan and Pat’s relationship?

5. What do you think the rabbit symbolizes in the story?

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The Lay of the Land by Richard Ford

The Lay of the Land follows Frank Bascombe, now older and more reflective, working as a realtor on the Jersey Shore. As the Presidential election looms and Thanksgiving nears, Frank faces personal and professional crises.

Questions for discussion:

1. Discuss Frank’s job as a realtor and its influence in internal state of mind?

2. What do the upcoming holidays, like Thanksgiving, symbolize for Frank?

3. How does Frank’s perspective on family change throughout the novel?

4. What role does the political backdrop (the 2000 election) play in the story?

5. Do you think Frank has truly come to terms with his life, or is he still searching?

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A Patchwork Planet by Anne Tyler

A Patchwork Planet centers on Barnaby Gaitlin, the black sheep of his wealthy family. After a troubled youth, he now works odd jobs for Rent-a-Back, helping those in need. Yet, Barnaby still battles family expectations, his ex-wife, and building connections. This is a thought-provoking book club book that explores second chances, personal growth, and judgment.

Questions for discussion:

1. Discuss the influence of Barnaby’s in his present-day choices?

2. What do you think of Barnaby’s relationship with his family?

3. How does Barnaby’s job at Rent-a-Back reflect his own life?

4. Do you think Barnaby can fully move beyond his past, or is he stuck?

5. How does the author explore the theme of forgiveness in the novel?

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The Harrowing by Alexandra Sokoloff

The Harrowing follows five college students who stay at their eerie dorm during Thanksgiving break. They soon realize they’re not alone as strange events unfold. What begins as a quiet holiday turns into a supernatural nightmare. This is a clever blend of psychological suspense and horror.

Questions for discussion:

1. What do you think about the setting of isolated college?

2. What do you think motivates each student to stay behind during the holiday break?

3. Discuss the change in the group dynamics they face the supernatural events?

4. Do you think the author did a great job of blending psychological and supernatural elements?

5. How does the Thanksgiving timeframe influence the story?

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An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving by Louisa May Alcott

Next we have a classic Thanksgiving book pick from Louise May Alcott. An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving follows The Bassett children who are left in charge of Thanksgiving dinner while their parents are away. But without any adults to guide them, they are forced to figure out preparing the holiday feast. This is heartwarming classic explores the spirit of family, teamwork, and tradition. So a great book club choice for Thanksgiving.

Questions for discussion:

1. How does the absence of parents influence the children’s decisions during Thanksgiving?

2. What does the story say about family roles and responsibilities?

3. Discuss the children’s personalities.

4. What timeless lessons does the novel give you about working together?

5. How does Alcott write the importance of tradition in family life?

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Lease on Love by Falon Ballard

Lease on Love is the story of Sadie Green who is down on her luck after missing a promotion. After a few too many drinks, she mistakenly uses a roommate app instead of a dating app. Later, ends up living with Jack, a quiet guy grieving his parents. This charming rom-com has emotional depth and is a perfect feel-good book club book. If you love more room-mate romances for your book club, check out: 29 Best Roommate Romance Books You Will Love

Questions for discussion:

1. How does the accidental roommate situation create the foundation for Sadie and Jack’s relationship?

2. How do you think Sadie and Jack help each other grow emotionally?

3. What do you think about Jack and his decisions?

4. Discuss the importance of humor in balancing the heavier topics of the novel.

5. Do you think Sadie’s journey toward self-discovery feels authentic?

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Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

In Such a Fun Age young Black babysitter Emira is accused of kidnapping the white child. Although, her wealthy employer tries to make things right, but soon tensions rise as their personal lives clash. This is a heartwarming thanksgiving book club read that explores the issues of race, privilege, and transactional relationships.

Questions for discussion:

1. How does the supermarket incident set the stage for the novel’s main theme?

2. What do you think of Alix’s attempts to “help” Emira?

3. How does Emira’s relationship with Briar contrast with her relationship with Alix?

4. Discuss the power dynamics in Emira and Alix’s interactions?

5. What does the story say about the impact of social media and viral moments in real life?

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A Lakeside Thanksgiving by Leeanna Morgan

A Lakeside Thanksgiving is about Barbara Terry who is determined to save her family’s inn. However, she needs to boost reservations to make ends meet. So she decides to teams up with journalist Theo Montgomery. And so begins their romance. If you love to discuss a book filled with warmth, family themes, and a strong Thanksgiving backdrop in your book club, choose this book.

Questions for discussion:

1. Discuss the setting of Thanksgiving setting in the plot.

2. What do you think of Barbara’s determination to save the family inn?

3. Compare Theo & Barbara’s personalities.

4. How does the small-town setting influence the story’s themes of community and family?

5. What do you think of second chance romance in the story?

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Nobody’s Fool by Richard Russo

Nobody’s Fool is both funny and heartwarming set in a small upstate New York town where life isn’t easy. The story centers on Sully, a man in his sixties who has a bum knee, a complicated love life, and a long history of making poor choices. He’s divorced, working odd jobs, and often finds trouble instead of success. When his estranged son comes back into his life, Sully is forced to look at the ways his past mistakes might be repeating in the next generation.

Questions for discussion:

1. Did you feel sympathy for Sully despite his flaws? Why or why not?
   
2. How does the small-town setting affect the story?
   
3. In what ways does Sully’s relationship with his son change him?
   
4. Was Sully foolish, unlucky, or both?
   
5. Did humor make the serious parts easier to read, or harder?
   

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The Thanksgiving Visitor  by Truman Capote

Truman Capote’s The Thanksgiving Visitor brings back Buddy and his cousin Miss Sook, beloved characters from A Christmas Memory. The two of them prepare for the holiday in their quiet country home, but this Thanksgiving is not as peaceful as usual. A bully enters Buddy’s world, and the story unfolds around kindness, anger, and forgiveness. Capote captures the warmth of family traditions while also showing how difficult it can be to choose compassion over revenge.

Questions for discussion:

1. How does Buddy and Miss Sook’s friendship stand out in the story?
   
2. What lessons about kindness or forgiveness did you notice?
   
3. Did the Thanksgiving setting make the story feel different?
   
4. How does Capote mix childhood memories with harder truths?
   
5. Did this story remind you of your own family traditions?
   

Sandwich by Catherine Newman

In Sandwich, Catherine Newman tells the story of Rocky, who spends one week at Cape Cod with her family in their longtime summer rental. Rocky is stuck in the middle of generations, caring for her aging parents while parenting her almost-grown kids, and dealing with her own changes as she faces menopause. As old summers resurface in her mind, Rocky sees how love and loss are woven into the story of her family.

Questions for discussion:

1. How did you see Rocky change during the vacation week?
   
2. Did the Cape Cod setting make the story feel more nostalgic?
   
3. How did you connect with Rocky’s struggles about aging?
   
4. What role did family history and memories play in the story?
   
5. Was the book more funny or sad for you? Why?
   

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Fall into Temptation by Lucy Score

Fall into Temptation is a small-town romance that follows Beckett Pierce, the town’s mayor, is handsome but closed off after a string of messy relationships. Gianna Decker is new in town, juggling two kids, a yoga studio, and the chaos left by her ex-husband. The last thing she needs is romance, but her attraction to Beckett keeps pulling her closer, even when both of them try to resist.

Questions for discussion:

1. What made Beckett and Gianna’s relationship feel believable—or not?
   
2. How did the small-town setting add to the romance and drama?
   
3. Did you enjoy the family interference, or did it feel too much?
   
4. What challenges did Gianna face as a single mom?
   
5. Was their romance more about passion or trust?
   

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The Keeper of Happy Endings by Barbara Davis

The Keeper of Happy Endings blends history, magic, and healing through the lives of two women. Soline Roussel once ran a famous bridal salon in Paris, where her gowns were said to guarantee joy for brides. But after the heartbreak and losses of World War II, she lost faith in love and locked away her memories. Decades later, Rory Grant, a young woman grieving her own loss, discovers Soline’s old wedding dress and letters hidden in the shop. This is a moving story about second chances, friendship, and the way love can survive even after great loss.

Questions for discussion:

1. How did Soline’s losses in WWII shape her life choices?
   
2. What did the wedding dress symbolize in the story?
   
3. How were Soline and Rory’s struggles similar, even from different times?
   
4. Did you believe in the “magic” of the bridal salon, or see it as a metaphor?
   
5. How did the theme of second chances play out for both women?
   

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The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros

Rebecca Yarros’s The Last Letter is an emotional story about love, sacrifice, and grief. It begins with a soldier’s final letter to his best friend Beckett, asking him to watch over his sister Ella and her twins after his death. Ella has already endured the loss of her parents and grandmother, and now she must raise her children alone while carrying deep pain. When Beckett arrives in her life, she struggles to accept his help, but slowly a bond grows between them. This novel asks how people can move forward when life feels unbearably heavy.

Questions for discussion:

1. How did the letter at the beginning set the tone for the story?
   
2. Was Beckett motivated more by duty, guilt, or love?
   
3. How did Ella’s independence both help and hurt her?
   
4. What role did family loss play in shaping the characters?
   
5. Did the ending leave you hopeful, heartbroken, or both?
   

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The Women Kristin Hannah

Kristin Hannah’s The Women tells the story of Frankie McGrath, a young nursing student who joins the Army Nurse Corps during the Vietnam War. Raised in a sheltered world in California, she steps into the chaos of war and quickly learns how unprepared she is for the trauma and loss she faces. In Vietnam, Frankie finds deep friendships and discovers her own courage, but she also witnesses devastating destruction. When she returns home, she finds herself in a country divided, where protesters turn against the soldiers and many want to forget the war ever happened. Frankie must fight not only to heal herself, but also to find her place in a world that has changed.

Questions for discussion:

1. How did Frankie’s character grow and change during her time in Vietnam?
   
2. What friendships or bonds in the book felt the strongest to you?
   
3. Why was coming home so difficult for Frankie compared to being in war?
   
4. Did this book change how you think about women in the military?
   
5. Was Frankie’s story more about survival or self-discovery?
   

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Isola by Allegra Goodman

Isola is inspired by a true story from the sixteenth century. The novel follows Marguerite, a young woman born into privilege who loses everything after her parents die. Her guardian wastes her inheritance and forces her to travel with him to New France, where she begins a forbidden relationship with his servant. When their love is discovered, both are abandoned on a remote island to face the brutal elements alone. Marguerite must find the strength to survive as the weather turns harsh and food becomes scarce. This is both a survival story and a story of a woman claiming her own power.

Questions for discussion:

1. How did Marguerite change from the beginning to the end of the story?
   
2. Did you view the island as a prison, or a place of growth?
   
3. How does forbidden love shape the story’s outcome?
   
4. What role did faith play in Marguerite’s survival?
   
5. Would you call this more of a love story or a survival story?
   

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The Names by Florence Knapp

The Names begins with a small decision that changes everything. Cora, recovering from a storm and carrying the weight of a controlling husband, must choose a name for her newborn son. Pressured to continue a family tradition, she hesitates, and the novel branches into three different versions of her family’s life depending on her choice. Each storyline explores the effects of domestic abuse, love, family , and the hope for independence. As time passes, Cora and her children experience loss, resilience, and healing in different ways.

Questions for discussion:

1. How did the act of naming the baby symbolize larger themes in the book?
   
2. Which of the three alternate lives did you find most powerful?
   
3. How does the novel explore family control and freedom?
   
4. Did you see Cora as strong, trapped, or both?
   
5. How did the “what if” style of storytelling affect your reading?
   

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Her Naughty Holiday by Tiffany Reisz

Her Naughty Holiday is a playful and steamy romance set during Thanksgiving. Clover Greene dreads spending the holiday with her judgmental family, who always criticize her choices. To make things easier, she convinces Erick, a handsome single dad and contractor she secretly likes, to pretend to be her boyfriend. What begins as a fake setup quickly turns into something real, as the two discover unexpected chemistry and connection. This is a fun, sexy story about love, and second chances.

Questions for discussion:

1. How did Clover’s family dynamics affect the way she saw herself?
   
2. Did you enjoy the fake-dating setup, or find it unrealistic?
   
3. What made Clover and Erick’s relationship believable?
   
4. What do you think about the use of humor in the story?
   
5. Would you have handled Clover’s family differently?
   

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Sinnamon and Golds by Lady Marie

Sinnamon and Golds is a bold, funny, and spicy Thanksgiving romance full of family tension and unexpected attraction. The main character ends up spending the holiday at her ex’s mother’s house, only to find herself seated with his new girlfriend and his cousin. What starts as an awkward and uncomfortable dinner quickly becomes much more complicated. It’s a chaotic but entertaining take on holiday gatherings and second chances.

Questions for discussion:

1. How did the Thanksgiving dinner setting add to the tension of the story?
   
2. What did you think of the mix of humor and spice?
   
3. Did you find the main character’s choices realistic or over the top?
   
4. How does family drama drive the events of the story?
   
5. Would you read more holiday romances like this one?
   

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Vincent’s Thanksgiving Date by R Cooper

Thanksgiving Date is a sweet romance about loneliness and unexpected love. Vincent, who struggles with social anxiety, plans to spend Thanksgiving alone with the parade and pie. But his neighbor Cory, the man he secretly likes, shows up at his door with a holiday problem. Vincent is nervous that his anxiety will push Cory away, but what he doesn’t know is that Cory has been hoping for this chance all along. The story is warm and tender, showing how connection can bloom even in the quietest, most hesitant places.

Questions for discussion:

1. Did you find Vincent relatable in his struggles with shyness?
   
2. How did Cory’s actions show patience and care?
   
3. In what ways did the Thanksgiving setting matter to the story?
   
4. How did the book handle anxiety in a relationship?
   
5. Did the ending feel hopeful and believable to you?
   

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The Irish Goodbye by Heather Aimee O’Neill

The Irish Goodbye is a family drama set over Thanksgiving weekend, when three sisters return to their childhood home on Long Island. The reunion brings old grief and unresolved tension to the surface. Years earlier, a boating accident involving their brother Topher left another boy dead, leading to lawsuits, guilt, and eventually Topher’s own tragic death. Now, Cait carries the weight of guilt, Alice faces challenges in her career and marriage, and Maggie hopes to introduce her partner to their devout mother. It’s a moving story about grief, family bonds, and finding a way forward after loss.

Questions for discussion:

1. How did grief shape each sister’s life differently?
   
2. Which sister did you connect with the most, and why?
   
3. How did the Thanksgiving setting add emotional weight to the story?
   
4. What role did forgiveness play in the family’s healing?
   
5. Did you think the ending offered enough closure?
   

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The Vacation by M.M. Chouinard

The Vacation is a tense psychological thriller set during a family retreat. Rose hopes the seaside villa will help her family heal, but each person arrives carrying heavy secrets. Her husband Brandon struggles with drinking and past mistakes, while her sister-in-law Brianna is grieving repeated miscarriages. When three-year-old Lily suddenly disappears from her bed, the holiday turns into a nightmare.

Questions for discussion:

1. How did the missing child raise the stakes for every character?
   
2. Which secret shocked you the most as it came out?
   
3. Did you suspect the ending, or were you surprised?
   
4. How did the isolated villa setting affect the suspense?
   
5. Did you feel sympathy for any of the characters, despite their flaws?
   

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Eliza Starts a Rumor by Jane L. Rosen

Eliza Starts a Rumor is a charming novel about women, friendship, and the power of connection. Eliza, struggling with agoraphobia and an empty nest, runs a local moms’ bulletin board online. When a rival forum threatens her community, she fabricates a rumor to keep interest alive, but the lie spins out of control. The rumor ends up affecting the lives of several women, including Olivia, a new mom overwhelmed by what she reads; Allison, who is making friends online; and Amanda, Eliza’s childhood friend who knows her secrets. It’s a hopeful book about finding strength in unexpected places.

Questions for discussion:

1. Why do you think Eliza started the rumor in the first place?
   
2. Which woman’s storyline did you enjoy or connect with most?
   
3. Did the rumor cause more harm or bring people together in the end?
   
4. How does the book show the power of community and friendship?
   
5. Did you find the ending uplifting?
   

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Conflict in Little Leaf Creek by Cindy Bell

Conflict in Little Leaf Creek is a cozy mystery filled with quirky characters, and a touch of holiday spirit. Cassie Alberta is a widow who has recently moved to the quiet town of Little Leaf Creek. She’s learning to enjoy her new life with the help of her friendly neighbors, some mischievous goats, and a lovable dog next door. But her peace is shattered when she discovers the dead body of a local orchard owner. Teaming up with her grumpy ex-cop neighbor, Cassie dives into the mystery just as Thanksgiving approaches. With humor, warmth, and twists, this cozy mystery is about friendship, healing, and solving puzzles in unexpected places.

Questions for discussion:

1. What made Cassie a compelling main character for this cozy mystery?
   
2. How did the small-town setting add to the charm and suspense?
   
3. Did the animals in the story make it feel lighter or more humorous?
   
4. Were you surprised by the solution to the murder?
5. Would you continue reading more of Cassie’s adventures in the series?
   

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