1. Katie experienced ridicule and rejection from classmates as a young child, which colored her perception of herself and shaped her goals for her future. Have you ever experienced anything like this, and if so, how did it change you and your goals?

2. Luke and Parker had a deep friendship where they accepted each other for just who they were, just as God accepts us, which in the end manifested itself in giving of themselves to the other. Have you ever had a relationship like this where you laid your needs and desires aside for the needs and desires of the other person?

3. Luke’s friendship with Betty had an element of guilt in it, which affected his decision to marry her when he was actually in love with Katie. Have you ever made decisions based on guilt and if so, did they turn out well or did you regret them?

4. Marcy tells Katie that her grandmother told her to “always marry a man who loves you a little bit more than you love him.” Why do you think Marcy’s grandmother’s said this?

5. As the youngest child in a family with older sisters, Katie feels removed from her family, especially her father whose discipline she sees as controlling. Are there things or situations in your family that make you feel left out or removed and how do you think you can correct them?

6. Katie loved and respected her father and yet butted heads with him most of her life. Have you ever had conflict with a parent and if so, how were you able to remedy it or not?

7. Throughout the course of the book, Katie eventually draws close to her sisters, each of whom are separate and unique characters. Which of the O’Connor daughters do you relate to the most and why?

8. The shock of Patrick O’Connor’s near heart attack jolts the entire family, shifting their perspective as to what’s really important in life. Has this ever happened to you?

9. Katie has a clear-cut list of what she wants in a husband, but in Luke McGee, God obviously had someone else in mind. Did you or do you have a list of what you would like in a mate and why are those things important to you? What were/are the non-negotiables?

10. Luke and Katie are both strong-willed individuals bent on getting their own way. Do you think this kind of marriage can succeed, and if so, how?