Book Club Pairings: D’Angelos #4 — The Whole Time (Catherine Bybee)

Sometimes love isn’t sudden—it’s been there the whole time. Catherine Bybee’s The Whole Time blends secrets, independence, and a romance worth the wait.

Welcome back to my D’Angelos Book Club Pairings series!

Each week I’m pairing a book in Catherine Bybee’s heartfelt series with cozy recipes, mood-setting tips, and thoughtful discussion questions you can bring to your book club (or enjoy solo). In The Whole Time, hidden dreams, family expectations, and a “casual” romance that refuses to stay casual come together in a story about trust, risk, and finding your own path—without losing the people who matter most.

Series Progress: The D’Angelos

Book 1: When It Falls Apart ✅

Book 2: Be Your Everything ✅

Book 3: Beginning of Forever ✅

Book 4: The Whole Time ✅

Book 5: Maybe One Day (coming soon)

The Whole Time (Book 4)

Vibe: independence vs. expectations • secret side hustle • “we said casual” → feelings • found family in Little Italy.

Pairing: Grape Tomato Skewers, marinated olives, parmesan crisps, salami roses, pistachios, and a bubbly mocktail (or prosecco).

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Set the Mood

• Playlist: upbeat Italian pop + café instrumentals; fade softer during discussion.
• Décor: bowls of fresh lemons, yellow napkins, twinkle lights; simple bud vases with basil.
• Interactive: “lemon pledge” cards—each guest writes one risk or dream they’re ready to squeeze into reality.

Discussion Questions

1. Salena’s independence vs. family expectation: How do her choices reflect both courage and inherited obligation? Which expectation from her family feels fair—and which feels like a burden she never agreed to carry?
2. Secrets and side hustles: Salena keeps her extra job hidden from everyone, including Ryan. When does privacy become self-protection, and when does it slip into dishonesty?
3. Ryan’s “casual” rules: Early on, Ryan insists on no commitments. What boundary made sense at first but no longer served their growing relationship? How did his actions show he was falling long before he admitted it?
4. Career passion vs. stability: Both Salena and Ryan push against family businesses and traditional roles. Which of their career choices shows growth—and which moments reveal fear of rocking the boat?
5. Found family at the D’Angelos: Which scene best illustrates the D’Angelo clan making space for Salena’s individuality while still pulling her into their circle of support?
6. Series connections: What threads from earlier books in the D’Angelos series come full circle here? How does Salena’s journey echo or contrast with earlier heroines?
7. Endgame proof: Identify the moment you were certain Salena and Ryan’s love would last. Was it a grand gesture or a quiet realization that sealed their happily-ever-after?

Content notes: entrepreneurship stress, secrecy/miscommunication, casual relationship boundaries, family expectations, alcohol.

💬 Did you miss Book Club Pairings: D’Angelos #3?

You can also browse all D’Angelos posts to revisit your favorites in the series.

❤️ This wraps up our D’Angelos Book Club Pairings series — a toast to family, food, and finding forever!

Join the Conversation

If love means never giving up—even when time and distance test it—do you think Luca’s family would agree? I’d love to hear your thoughts below!