Discussion Questions

  1. Finding a trunkful of human bones in the basement of the Sisters’ House might seem amusing, but it actually kicked off a theme of “skeletons in a closet.” Has there been a time in your life when you were faced with some unfinished business from your past? (By the way—finding a trunkful of human bones in an attic of an Amish farmhouse was a true story!).
  2. Which character did you identify with the most? Why?
  3. How were the concerns different for each of the characters: Bethany Schrock? Mim Schrock? Geena Spencer? Jimmy Fisher? Naomi King?
  4. Sylvia, the youngest of the ancient sisters, gave this advice to Bethany: “You mustn’t blame yourself or look back—not any longer than it takes to learn what you must learn. After that, let it go. The past is past. But you’re still here,” she whispered urgently and exerted a gentle pressure on Bethany’s arms. “And I’m glad. You be glad too.” When might you have needed such advice?
  5. How did Bethany’s view of herself change throughout the story? What contributed to that change?
  6. All families face strife from time to time, just as Jimmy and his mother did. What were your thoughts when Jimmy decided to set aside his passion for horse training and return to the Fisher Hatchery to help his mother?
  7. In spite of her headaches, Naomi is peaceful in her spirit. In what ways, surrounded by a troubled world, can we cultivate a spirit of peace?
  8. Did you pick up on any clues that Stuck, who wrote letters to Mrs. Miracle, was Rusty? How did Mrs. Miracle affect Stuck/Rusty?
  9. A person cannot change his or her past actions, but can they make up for the hurt they’ve caused by helping others? Does the good that Edith Fisher did for Bethany’s mother make up for the years of keeping her whereabouts a secret?
  10. What did Ella’s lost thimble symbolize? How were other characters searching for something from the past?
  11. How did reality measure up when Bethany met her mother?
  12. Bethany obviously feels respect for Geena. How does Geena share the same high opinion for Bethany?
  13. Another theme in this book is coming to grips with one’s past so one can move forward. Bethany longed to find purpose, Geena was seeking purpose, even Mim was looking for purpose with her secret identity of Mrs. Miracle. How did all three find purpose through serving others?