1. How powerful is grief? Do you think that it can be so great that it overtakes a person’s existence and hinders them from moving forward with their lives?
2. Why do you believe it was so difficult for Shaylynn to recover from her personal tragic loss?
3. With the magnitude of her initial grief, do you think Shaylynn would have killed herself had it not been for her son?
4. In your opinion, were there times when she was obsessive with her need to shelter Chase, or was she just being a typical cautious mother?
5. Margaret commented that Neil could possibly be the only positive male role model that the children at Kingdom Builders Academy had in their lives. How important do you think it is for children to have strong male figures as mentors in their upbringing?
6. What do you think of Neil’s pursuit of Shaylynn? Did he go overboard?
7. How accepting are you of “May-December” relationships? Should men date/marry considerably younger women or vice versa? Can romances such as this last a lifetime? Would you get involved in such a relationship?
8. Neil had trouble dealing with grief as well, and the time-line of his mourning had far exceeded Shaylynn’s. Is that realistic? Do you think that coping with death is easier for men, or more difficult?
9. It is indicated throughout the story that Neil’s gift of singing had been anointed by God to heal, deliver, save, and bring victory. Do you believe that God gives people special gifts that contain such abilities?
10. What do you make of CJ’s choice when, in the name of friendship, he carried out Neil’s wishes to launch an unethical investigation? What did you think of the decision CJ ultimately made once he gathered all of his findings?
11. Neil alluded to the fact that he didn’t believe there was such a thing as a clean (or honest) politician. Do you agree?
12. Even though Neil wasn’t told the sordid details that led to Emmett’s death, should Shaylynn have been made aware of the findings? Why or why not?
13. The subject of Alzheimer’s was implied in this book when speaking of Homer Burgess. Do you believe people struggling with illnesses such as his should be allowed to hold an office (such as deacon) in the church? Why or why not?
14. On one of his “sane” days, Deacon Burgess told Neil about both his wives and how he felt a certain level of responsibility to the first wife even after the marriage failed. Do you agree with the extent of his allegiance?
15. Several of the Christian characters in this story had been married and divorced, including Margaret, Homer, and Neil. What is your opinion on the divorce rate within the church? Should divorced Christians be treated differently (such as not be allowed to serve in certain leadership roles)? Why or why not?
16. Neil and Shaylynn were both dedicated Christians, but there was never any indication that either of them had access to professional grief counseling as a part of the ministries where they worshipped. How important is it for churches to have these types of specialized in-house services in place to meet the needs of their congregants?
17. Did any part of this story surprise or disappoint you? If so, please share how and why.
18. Who was your favorite character and why?
19. Who was your least favorite character and why?
20. If you could rewrite any part of this tale, would you? If so, what part would it be?