1. Have you ever suffered a catastrophic loss like the King family did? How did each of the main characters in this story cope with their loss? Which character do you think handled it the way you would?
2. Do you think Amy’s refusing to continue a courtship with Jared was a reasonable way to handle things? Could she have continued the courtship and still worked at the greenhouse and helped at home?
3. Was there anything Jared could have done to win Amy back? Did it appear that he gave up too quickly?
4. Sylvia went into deep depression after her loss. Have you ever suffered from depression? What did you do to get better?
5. Henry became rebellious and uncooperative after his father and older brother died. Were you a disobedient teen? Do you have a rebellious teen at home? How can you help a defiant teen?
6. Why do you think the Kings’ new neighbor, Virginia, was so unaccepting of the Amish way of life? Have you or someone you know dealt with people who are prejudiced?
7. Belinda was unsure of who was vandalizing them and wondered if it could be her own son acting out his frustrations. Do you trust your children? Can doubting them with no solid proof damage your relationship with them?
8. Ezekiel struggled with whether he should move back to Strasburg to help his family or remain in New York, where his home and growing business were located. What would you do if you were in a similar situation?
9. What would you do if a homeless person like Maude came and took vegetables out of your garden without asking? Would you be angry or offer to help them?
10. If someone caused vandalism on your property, what would you do? Would you get a watch dog, an alarm system, or call the sheriff? Do you think Belinda did right by not notifying law officials and not wanting anyone outside their immediate family to know about it?
11. Amy’s friend Lydia kept a secret from her parents. Is there ever a time when keeping secrets is okay?
12. Did you learn anything new about the Amish way of life by reading this story? If so, what did it teach you? Were there any particular scriptures that spoke to your heart or helped with something you might be going through?