1. The friendship that develops between the Graber and Allen families is put to the test in Autumn’s Promise. Frank and Elsa Graber must trust Lilly Allen enough to let her take Caleb to Strongsville. Was asking Lilly to be involved the right thing to do?
2. Why do you think Robert wasn’t attracted to another Amish woman? Was it Lilly that he was in love with…or was it the fact that she was so different from his first wife?
3. What do you think made Robert so appealing to Lilly?
4. How could Robert’s family have been more supportive of his wishes? Or, in your opinion, should they have tried harder to keep him away from Lilly? Do you think they’ll reach out to him in the future, or completely shun him?
5. Caleb had always thought he didn’t fit in the Amish lifestyle. When he visited Lilly’s friends in Strongsville, he had the opportunity to “try out” being English. Do you think he should have gone ahead and lived with the Leonards for a month? Do you think he will regret his decision one day?
6. Lilly realizes that though she loves Robert, she ultimately doesn’t want to become Amish. Do you think she made the right decision? Or should she have tried harder to conform to the Amish way of life?
7. When Lilly visits Cassidy’s home, and finally tells Cassidy about her pregnancy and miscarriage, she realizes that she can’t go back in time. She’ll never be the person she once was. Can you think of some life experiences that have made you different than the person you once were?
8. What do you think will happen with Lilly and Robert, and their place in the community?
9. Much of the series shows both English and Amish characters reaching out to each other for support. Their bond helps them in innumerable ways. Can you think of a time when an unlikely friendship has brought you great joy?
10. How do you think the scripture verse from Philippians can be related to your life?
“I do not mean that I am already as God wants me to be. I have not yet reached that goal, but I continue trying to reach it and to make it mine. Christ wants me to do that, which is the reason he made me his.”
—Philippians 3:12
11. Finally, I referred to the saying below while writing much of the book. How have you lived your life by giving?
“You make a living by what you get, but a life by what you give.”—Pennsylvania Dutch Saying