1. Discuss the character of Claire Danner Crispin. What ultimately leads her to have an affair?

2. How does the author juxtapose Claire’s relationship as a young girl with Matthew “Max West” Westfield with her current relationship with Lock Dixon? How are the two loves connected, if at all?

3. Discuss the role of friendship in the novel. Which character proves to be the greatest friend by the summer’s end? Does the way Claire values friendship change as a result of the gala?

4. There are several working mothers in A Summer Affair, including Claire and her sister-in-law, Siobhan. Discuss the ways in which the pressures of being a working mother are portrayed in the novel. Does the book’s depiction of working mothers seem accurate and realistic to you?

5. A Summer Affair is told from multiple points of view. Who, aside from Claire, impressed you as the most compelling character? Did you find that your favorite character changed in the course of the novel?

6. Discuss the role of glassblowing in Claire’s life and its importance to her identity. How does resuming her former passion affect Claire’s life as a wife and mother?

7. How does the island of Nantucket act as a character in A Summer Affair? Discuss the tension between the island’s summer residents and those who live there year-round.

8. What do you think the future holds for Claire, Siobhan, Lock, and Max? How do you think Claire will come to view the affair, and the gala, in the years to come?