1. Eve and Rosemary have spent much of their lives judging each other even though their actions adversely affected their relationship over the years. What are some examples of each woman judging the other?
2. Elias and Amos both fall for the same girl. Elizabeth believes that she can have her choice of either twin. Do you agree with Amos’s decision not to court Elizabeth in favor of brotherly love? Was Elizabeth really “right” for either of the boys?
3. Rosemary was so afraid of becoming like her own mother that she denied Eve both discipline and affection when Eve was growing up—which left Eve feeling unloved much of the time. But both women feel closest to each other when they are cooking together. Why do you think that is?
4. This story is largely about the mother-daughter relationship. What is your relationship like with your mother or daughter? Do you see areas that need work? Have you ever been guilty of judgment, either as a mother or daughter? What do you hold most dear about your relationship with your mother?
5. In many Amish settlements, folks are embracing more and more of our Englisch ways. Cell phones are widely accepted, propane lighting is found in most homes, and many of the homes are decorated much like our own. Do you agree with the changes taking place, like Eve does? Or do you think things should remain simplistic, like Rosemary prefers? Can the Amish have it both ways?