Practice Makes Perfect Questions and Answers: A Deep Dive into Sarah Adams's When in Rome Sequel

This study guide offers fifteen questions and answers that dig into the plot, character decisions, and themes of Sarah Adams's Practice Makes Perfect. Each answer is grounded in the novel's chapters and evidence from the text, with links to deeper character and theme analyses where useful. Use this page to test your recall, spark discussion, or revisit key turning points in Annie and Will's story. For a full recap, see the book overview or the ending explained.

1. Why does Annie keep her dating lessons with Will a secret from her sisters?

Annie keeps the lessons secret because she wants to navigate this alone, fearing her sisters would infantilize her and offer unsolicited opinions. She feels closer to Amelia, who understands her, but still chooses privacy to avoid being placed in a box.

In Chapter Nine, Annie tells Amelia she wants to do this privately, reflecting that her sisters treat her like a child and would make crude jokes or take over. She also notes she feels closer to Amelia than to her sisters, but still doesn't want to share. This secrecy sets up the tension between her public persona and private growth, a thread that runs through the novel. For more on Annie's internal conflict, see the self-discovery and authenticity theme.

2. What does the town petition reveal about how Rome, Kentucky, views Annie and Will's relationship?

The petition initially lists reasons why Annie and Will are unsuited, reflecting the town's meddling and judgment. But by Chapter Thirty-seven, the vote is 250 in favor and 0 against, showing that the community ultimately endorses their relationship.

In Chapter Twenty-three, Emily mentions a petition with a facts list against the couple. Later, in Chapter Thirty-seven, Annie confronts the townspeople and sees the results: unanimous support. This shift mirrors the town's role as a surrogate family that both interferes and ultimately embraces. The petition also forces Annie to confront her own feelings and the public nature of her private life.

3. How does Will's reaction to his brother Ethan's engagement reveal his fear of commitment?

Will reacts angrily, citing his parents' toxic marriage and his belief that marriage is a mistake. He ends the call and later texts that he lost service, avoiding the conversation entirely.

In Chapter Three, Will's internal monologue shows his disdain for Ethan's happiness and his own fear of repeating his parents' pattern. He thinks he's found happiness by keeping people at arm's length, but his thoughts snag on Annie, hinting at a crack in that armor. This fear drives much of his behavior until he reconciles with Ethan in Chapter Thirty-one. See the fear of commitment and parental legacy theme.

4. What is the significance of the magnolia tree tattoo and Annie's choice of an open book tattoo?

The magnolia tree represents Will's childhood safe haven, a place of comfort and escape. Annie's open book tattoo symbolizes her own identity, chosen because it is special to her rather than the flowers that were her mother's dream.

In Chapter Fifteen, Will explains his floral tattoos are inspired by a magnolia tree from his childhood. In Chapter Eighteen, Annie chooses an open book, asserting her independence from inherited expectations. These tattoos become markers of self-definition and vulnerability, connecting to the novel's themes of authenticity and personal growth.

5. How does the “time in/time out” cue function in Annie and Will's relationship?

The cue allows either person to pause physical intimacy when feeling overwhelmed, establishing consent and boundaries. It becomes a tool for Annie to assert control and for Will to respect her limits.

In Chapter Sixteen, they agree on the cue, and Will calls time out after an intense kiss. Later, in Chapter Twenty-one, Annie uses it when she's not ready to go further, and Will stops immediately. This practice reinforces the novel's emphasis on consent and emotional safety, allowing their relationship to deepen without pressure.

6. Why does Annie decline Will's marriage proposal at the end?

Annie declines because she needs time to relearn herself and build trust before committing to marriage. She agrees to be his girlfriend, prioritizing a gradual, honest foundation over a rushed engagement.

In Chapter Forty, Will proposes with a grand gesture, but Annie says she wants to rebuild her identity and trust first. This decision reflects her growth from seeking marriage as a fix to understanding that self-knowledge must come first. It also subverts the typical romance ending, emphasizing relationship over institution.

7. How does the epigraph by Audrey Hepburn connect to the novel's themes?

The epigraph, “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow,” sets up themes of hope, growth, and nurturing a future. It resonates with Annie's journey of self-discovery and Will's eventual willingness to commit.

The epigraph appears in Chapter Two, before the story begins. It frames the novel's optimism about building something lasting, even after grief and fear. Annie's flower shop and Will's decision to stay in Rome both embody this belief in a shared tomorrow.

8. What role does Mabel play in Annie's emotional healing?

Mabel acts as a surrogate mother figure, helping Annie recognize her grief and encouraging her to be honest with herself and Will. She validates Annie's feelings and offers practical advice.

In Chapter Thirty-two, Mabel tells Annie she is grieving, that grief has no timeline, and advises her not to give up on Will. She also reminds Annie of her mother Charlotte's free-spirited nature. Mabel's wisdom helps Annie confront her past and move toward authenticity, making her a crucial mentor in the story.

9. How does the town's gossip and surveillance affect Will and Annie's relationship?

The town's constant observation forces them to keep secrets and creates pressure, but also leads to public acknowledgment when the petition passes unanimously. It both complicates and validates their bond.

In Chapter Twelve, Annie sneaks into Will's room to avoid gossip. In Chapter Twenty-two, Will is seen leaving her window, sparking rumors. The petition in Chapter Twenty-three and the town meeting in Chapter Thirty-seven show how the community's meddling ultimately turns supportive. This dynamic highlights the tension between privacy and belonging in a small town.

10. What is the significance of Annie's banana-print pajamas?

The pajamas become a symbol of intimacy and comfort, representing Annie's authentic self that Will loves. He asks her to promise to keep wearing them, and later requests them when he climbs through her window.

In Chapter Twenty, Will comments on the pajamas and asks for a promise. In Chapter Thirty-eight, he asks her to wear them again. The pajamas contrast with her public “sweet Annie” image, showing the private, playful side only Will sees. They also recur in the epilogue, tying the motif to their lasting partnership.

11. How does Will's decision to become a teacher reflect his character growth?

Will's career change from bodyguard to teacher shows his willingness to build a stable life and invest in a future, contrasting his earlier nomadic lifestyle. It signals his commitment to staying in Rome and to Annie.

In Chapter Forty, Will reveals he quit his job and enrolled in community college to become a teacher. This choice aligns with his earlier interest in engineering and math, and his imagined future of Annie entering his classroom. It represents a shift from avoidance to purpose, a key part of his arc.

12. Why does Annie feel unseen by her sisters?

Annie feels her sisters define her by their assumptions, not her true self. They describe an ideal match for her that doesn't fit, and she realizes they don't see her desires.

In Chapter Twenty-three, Maddie and Emily joke about a pediatric doctor with a nonprofit, and Annie can't picture herself with that man—instead she pictures Will. She feels hurt that they don't take her seriously or see her adventurous side. This moment fuels her desire to be honest and break free from their labels.

13. What is the role of the “practice” motif in the novel?

The practice framework allows Annie to explore romance without pressure, but it blurs into real feelings, highlighting the tension between performance and authenticity. It also gives Will a safe way to engage emotionally.

From the dating coach arrangement in Chapter Eight to the practice date in Chapter Fifteen and the practice kiss in Chapter Twenty-nine, the motif recurs. Annie and Will both use “practice” to protect themselves, but their genuine connection breaks through. This theme is central to the novel's exploration of love and self-discovery.

14. How does Will's childhood trauma shape his fear of intimacy?

Will's parents' toxic marriage made him avoid commitment, but through his relationship with Annie and reconciliation with Ethan, he begins to heal. He learns to confront his fears rather than run.

In Chapter Twenty-eight, Will shares his childhood: his parents' dysfunctional marriage, his perfectionism, and leaving home after graduation. In Chapter Thirty-one, he calls Ethan, apologizes, and admits he loves Annie. This reconciliation and his willingness to seek therapy show his growth from fear to vulnerability.

15. What is the significance of the town meeting in Chapter Thirty-seven?

The meeting publicly validates Annie and Will's relationship, but Annie is shaken and about to confess something, showing her struggle with public scrutiny and her own identity. Will interrupts and leads her out.

In Chapter Thirty-seven, Annie confronts the townspeople and sees the petition results: 250 for, 0 against. She appears overwhelmed, and Will steps in to end the scene. This moment marks the town's acceptance but also forces Annie to reconcile her private feelings with public perception, a key turning point before the proposal.

For more on the novel's themes, explore the small-town community and privacy theme or the grief and healing theme.