1. Each of us can easily name people whose influence made a big difference in our lives. Bree had a good influence in her mother-in-law, Anu. What about her mother-in-law helped her face the trials in her own life?
2. We can all recall bad influences in our lives as well. Bree’s sister-in-law Hilary caused Bree some problems. What about Hilary’s attitude affected Bree?
3. Rachel has both good and bad desires, as we all do. Which do you think was the strongest? Can you give instances of both sides of Rachel?
4. Naomi had issues with her mother in this novel. What could she have done differently to take control of her own life?
5. At what point did you realize “Sam” was really Davy? How did that make you feel?
6. Bree blamed God for taking her husband and son. Have you ever blamed God for something bad that happened in your life or in the life of a loved one? How could you encourage someone in that situation?
7. Kade felt responsible for everyone, and sometimes the weight of such responsibility dragged him down. Should he have assumed all the responsibilities he did? Why or why not?
8. Rebellion is a common teenage problem. What was Lauri’s main difficulty? How could she have handled it better?
9. What drove Palmer to commit murder?
10. The poem “The Hound of Heaven” is a running theme throughout the book. In what ways does Samson illustrate that kind of relentless love?