1. Bryce Harding tried to talk his buddy out of marrying Sandi Bradshaw. How did his background and his relationships with his mother and LeAnne color his thoughts and determination?

2. Since her husband’s death, Sandi has allowed her mother-in-law to become more involved in her life than is healthy for either of them. Can you understand how that might happen? Why is it so important to Sandi to win her mother-in-law’s favor? Have you ever allowed yourself to become more focused on pleasing a person than pleasing God?

3. For years Sandi secretly regretted her last words to her husband. Why do you think it is so hard for her to accept God’s forgiveness? Have you ever said or done something that you’ve been unwilling to forgive yourself for, even though the Bible clearly states that if you ask Him for forgiveness, you are forgiven?

4. When his best buddy died, Bryce determined he didn’t want to live the rest of his life with regrets. So why does he feel guilty when he begins to take serious notice of Sandi?

5. Gina takes a shine to “Uncle Bryce” at their first meeting, much to Sandi’s chagrin. What is it about him that Gina quickly recognizes but that Sandi is unwilling to acknowledge? How can a child sometimes see clearly things that an adult cannot?

6. Bryce refers to himself as New Bryce and Old Bryce. Why do you think he feels vulnerable at the thought of joining a Bible study? How might he benefit from meeting with other men?

7. Sandi says she has no intention of remarrying—and she’s serious. What is it about Bryce that causes her to reconsider opening her heart? How is he different from her husband? How are they alike?

8. Bryce is devastated when he realizes his earlier perceptions of Sandi were based on erroneous assumptions. Have you ever made negative assumptions about someone and later had your eyes opened to the truth that you judged them wrongly? How did that affect you? What actions did you take—or do you still need to take?

9. Sandi keeps herself busy—seldom allowing time for reflection or doing anything special for herself. How does that help her cope with being a widow and single mom? How has it harmed her?

10. Because of his background, Bryce struggles with the concept of mutual submission in marriage. Where do you see evidence that he begins to understand the true intention of God’s plan? That it’s not about who’s the boss, but about caring more for someone else than you do yourself?

11. Sandi recognizes her earlier immaturity in the way she treated her husband. How did her fear for his safety, her loneliness and having a sick child push her to react the way she did? Her husband loved her, but how might he have better helped her deal with his absence? How might a stronger relationship with God have helped her cope?

12. Due to the hoopla accompanying the newspaper photo, an uncertainty with their budding relationship quickly develops between Sandi and Bryce. Both are hurt but feel they’re doing the other a favor by backing off. What in their backgrounds contributed to this abrupt decision? How might they have better communicated?

13. Bryce tells Sandi she’s given the museum and the dreamed-of veterans exhibit first place in her life. Do you agree—or not? Why is it so hard for her to set aside the past so she can move into the future? Do you believe in the coming years that Sandi’s involvement in the museum will be a healthier one? Why or why not?

14. Sandi comes to realize that LeAnne’s opposition to Bryce has more to do with LeAnne’s own insecurities and loneliness than it does with Bryce himself. How might Sandi help her mother-in-law and herself transition to a healthier, more balanced relationship?

15. Given their backgrounds, experiences and beliefs about themselves, what challenges do you think Sandi and Bryce will encounter in the future as they grow and mature in their life together?