The Seafront Tearoom
Page 29
SETTING THE SCENE
A tiered cake stand makes the perfect centerpiece. Otherwise, use your best crockery and make it a little more special with lace doilies, folded napkins or personalized nameplates—edible names piped onto gingerbread are a nice touch. Charity shops and car boot sales are great places to find reasonably priced chinaware—mismatched floral teacups and saucers are ideal. Silver cake slices for serving lend a real sense of ceremony.
Soundtrack—music is a must for a memorable afternoon tea. For a 1920s, Gatsby-esque atmosphere, opt for jazz; or for a wartime feel, choose Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald tracks.
Most important of all, invite the best of friends—afternoon tea should be served with fine company and plenty of laughter.
Enjoy!
Readers Guide
THE SEAFRONT TEAROOM
Discussion Questions
Which character do you most identify with and why? Which character do you find most compelling? Why do you think the author chose the setting that she did?
The women in this book quickly bond and support one another through tough times. How easy or difficult is it to make friends and maintain friendships as an adult?
The Seafront becomes “home away from home” for several folks, including those who live near it. Do you have a place that serves a similar purpose in your life?
One underlying theme of the book is that people can most change when they enter a different environment. Do you believe this to be possible? Have you ever had such an experience?
Early on we learn that Charlie and Pippa don’t get along. Then we see the tension during Charlie’s initial visit with Pippa and her young family. Who do you think is in the wrong, or is this classic sibling rivalry? Do you think Charlie’s decision to stay at a hotel was the right one?
When Séraphine is teaching Letty how to bake a tarte tatin, she shares the story of how the beloved dessert accidentally came to be. Letty comments on how sometimes the best things come from accidents. Upon reflection, who or what do you think Letty is thinking of? And do you feel that she is being honest with herself?
Charlie is given a high-priority writing assignment. While she’s utterly excited about it and sees what an opportunity it is, she calls her boss, Jess, to tell her that a family emergency has come up. She tells Jess that she’ll still be able to meet deadlines and can write from where she is, but Jess doesn’t think the setup is ideal. What does Charlie’s decision to stay by her sister’s side actually say about her feelings toward Pippa, family and, ultimately, her career? And do you think her decision is independent of or a reflection of her breakup?
What do you think possesses Charlie to open up to Euan the first time they hang out together? She later says that when she’s with him she doesn’t have to pretend to be someone she’s not. Is it him or the context in which they meet that makes her feel this way?
When Kat returns from Scotland with Leo, she beats herself up for leaving Leo in the care of Jake—someone who cannot take care of himself. Is she being too hard on herself or is she finally seeing Jake for who he is?
Letty decides to share a truth after a long-buried secret is unearthed. Her decision has serious implications on the lives of others, not to mention her relationships with these people. What do you think of her decision and the approach she took in both hiding and then revealing the truth?
At different times and in different ways, Charlie and Séraphine struggle with the expectations their families have placed on them. Meanwhile, Kat struggles to accept a family she didn’t know existed. At first glance the author illustrates that families can be complicated, but then we see things shift once the women make a choice. What is the author saying, or what is the takeaway here?
Both Charlie and Kat are forced to confront the men who betrayed and disappointed them. What did you think of the approach that each took?
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