1. Liz Michaels tried to help the two people she loved most in the world, and both attempts ended in tragedy. Do you think she was culpable in any way for their demise? Why or why not? Have you ever tried to help someone you loved, only to have the attempt backfire? How did you deal with that?

2. Jake Taylor formed his opinion of Liz largely based on his best friend’s comments. Have you ever formed an opinion about someone based on secondhand information? How did that affect your relationship with the person when you met them? How did it affect Jake’s relationship with Liz?

3. What are some of the things Jake learns about Liz that change his opinion of her?

4. Jake is upset when he realizes his sister, Alison, kept information about her accident from him --- all in the name of protecting him. Do you think his anger was justified? What would you have done in Alison’s situation? Why?

5. Liz’s sister, Stephanie, had left instructions for her organs to be donated. Have you or a family member left similar instructions? Why? Did any particular Bible passages help you make that decision?

6. Have you ever lost a family member or someone you cared deeply about to violence? How did that affect your life?

7. Have you ever lost anyone to suicide? Again, how did that affect your life? How did you cope?

8. Liz’s husband suffered from depression and a drinking problem, which ultimately led to his demise. How did Liz try to help him? What else might she have tried? At what point in a situation like that is it okay to walk away --- or is it ever okay?

9. Stephanie was a victim of domestic violence. Yet she stayed with her husband, hoping he would change. Have you ever known anyone who stayed in an abusive situation? What was the outcome? How would you have advised Stephanie? How can a friend support someone in a situation like that?

10. Despite Jake’s bad memories of intensive care, and despite his less-than-warm feelings toward Liz, he accompanies her to the ICU to say good-bye to her sister. What does this tell you about him?

11. Jake’s father was a street cop and Liz’s was an attorney. Both Jake and Liz had good relationships with their fathers. What does this say about the influence parents (good and bad) can have on a child’s life choices?

12. Liz’s faith sustained her through the tough times. Jake’s faith faltered. Talk about the reasons people might lose their faith in a trying situation. How would you advise them about how to rebuild it?

13. Does Liz strike you as a workaholic? What’s the difference between that and commitment? What are some of the dangers of giving too much of yourself to any job?

14. Talk about Martin. Did he strike you as a typical villain? Why or why not? What are some of the things that happened in his life that could have contributed to pushing him over the edge?

15. Martin joined a group that believed the Constitution and Bill of Rights were being undermined by the very government that created them. Do you think the freedom of Americans is being whittled away? If so, cite some examples. What are some ways responsible citizens can address such concerns?

16. When Liz doesn’t berate him for his perceived culpability in his wife’s death, but rather listens, accepts, and understands, Jake begins to wonder if perhaps God would show him the same mercy. Are those kinds of thoughts often a turning point in a relationship with the Lord? If so, why?

17. Liz says that a key component of faith is accepting without understanding. Have you ever struggled with that? How do you deal with doubts?