DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1.     Kayla is afraid to trust Jamie with her heart after losing her brother in a fire. She’s also convinced Jamie won’t keep his promises since he misses dates and fails to call her. By the end of the book, she realizes she’s ready to love again. What do you think caused her to change her point of view on love throughout the story?

2.     Jamie and his siblings are devastated when their mother dies unexpectedly. Have you faced a difficult loss? What Bible verses helped you? Share your response with the group.

3.     Near the end of the story, Eva convinces Willie and Marilyn to allow Nathan to sign up for firefighter training. Why do you think she felt compelled to defend Nathan’s desire to be a volunteer firefighter?

4.     Jamie pours himself into volunteering at the fire station and doing chores on the farm as a way to deal with losing his mother and having a falling out with his sister. Think of a time when you felt lost and alone. Where did you find your strength? What Bible verses helped you or would help someone in a similar situation?

5.     Cindy is so devastated when her mother dies that she blames Jamie for her death. Toward the end of the book, she realizes her mistake. Why do you think she blamed Jamie? What do you think helped her change her mind about Jamie’s involvement in their mother’s accident?

6.     Vernon is plagued with both grief and regret after he loses his wife. He tries to convince Jamie to slow down and enjoy life as a way to prevent Jamie from making the mistakes he feels he made. Could you relate to Vernon and his experience?

7.     By the end of the book, Jamie is ready to find a balance between his work life and his romantic life. What do you think helped him realize that his father was right?

8.     Which character do you identify with the most? Which character seemed to carry the most emotional stake in the story? Was it Jamie, Kayla, Eva, Cindy, or someone else?

9.     What role did Nathan play in Kayla and Jamie’s relationship? How did he help to reconcile their relationship at the end of the book?

10.     What did you know about the Amish before reading this book? What did you learn?