Just for the Summer

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• Just for the Summer grounds its romance in Emma’s journey of overcoming childhood trauma and resulting mental illness. How does this kind of intense emotional setting compare with other romance novels you’ve read? 
• Part of the appeal of a romance novel is the actual romance. Did you find the attraction between Emma and Justin believable and “shippable”? Was it satisfying when they finally slept together? 
• Have you read the other books in the Part of Your World series? How does this one compare to those? Did you spot connections between the characters, settings, and plot elements of Just for the Summer and the rest of the series’ novels?
• Emma and Justin first get together to break a “curse”—everyone they date finds The One immediately after breaking up with them. Does the novel live up to this high-concept premise, which points to themes of fate, luck, or even the supernatural?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Connect the book’s themes and characters to personal experiences.

• Consider the role of therapy and self-discovery in the novel. How do you view Emma’s journey through therapy and the steps she takes to overcome her past? Have you had similar experiences with seeking help and finding stability?
• The characters’ past traumas, which typically don’t have anything to do with their romantic experiences, nevertheless affect their romantic relationships.