Back Porch Book Club – November Pick: Gone Before Goodbye by Reese Witherspoon & Harlan Coben

Dec 3

A Cozy Night on the Porch

This month, we gathered on the back porch—bundled in blankets and warmed by steaming bowls of soup—to dive into our November suspense pick, Gone Before Goodbye, the captivating collaboration between Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben.

Immersive, Story-Inspired Decor

From the start, we were drawn into the emotional depth of the characters and the nail-biting twists that kept us turning pages late into the night. The evening felt even more immersive thanks to the thoughtful, story-inspired decor that brought key elements of the book to life.

A sculptural heart model symbolized the heart machine central to the story
Scattered pill bottles and tic tacs reflected the protagonist’s addiction struggles
Prescription-pad place cards added a playful (and thematic) touch
Vintage surgical knife patents and anatomical drawings tied in the medical and plastic-surgery elements

Atmosphere & Ambiance

We tied in the blue hues from the book cover with fresh florals, linens, and candles, creating a cohesive, moody atmosphere perfect for a chilling November night. And before heading home, each lady left with a silky eye mask—a charming wink to the plastic-surgery storyline.

Comfort Food for a Chilly Night

Since November brings a crisp chill to porch gatherings, we kept dinner comforting with a soup and salad bar, letting everyone build their own warm, cozy bowl before settling into the discussion.