Lizzie

1. It’s easy to look at other people’s lives and think the “grass is greener.” Lizzie’s life seems pretty well landscaped, but her son’s sudden return shows otherwise. Can you think of someone whose life appeared perfect to you, but then you learned it was pretty much like everyone else’s? Did this cause you reevaluate your own life?

2. Is Lizzie justified in her frustration with her son? What about her “interference” in getting his wife to Summit View?

Goldie

3. In your opinion, why do some women who have been hurt by their spouses or loved ones fall so quickly for someone else?

4. As Goldie struggles to justify her friendship with Van, she stops praying. Are these two things intertwined?

5. Van is referred to as a Christian, yet he is purposefully “dating” a married woman. How common is this in the church today?

Evie

6. Evie jumps to conclusions when she sees Vernon looking at a photo of his ex-wife. Can you think of a time when you jumped to a wrong conclusion and, rather than having a logical discussion, you set a potential catastrophe into motion?

7. Why was Evie comfortable confiding in Tim?

8. If you saw an old enemy --- as Evie did --- what would be your first reaction? How do you think you would respond later when you have had time to think it through?

Donna

9. Should Donna continue to punish herself for her past? Why or why not?

10.  Like Donna, many people carry their burdens from the past. The Bible says we should “Let [God] have all your worries and cares” (I Peter 5:7). Though that sounds like a good idea, do you think that it’s even possible to give our worries and cares to God?

11. If you were to write a prayer for Donna to pray about her guilt and shame, what would the prayer say?

Vonnie

12. Vonnie is struggling with her marriage because the secrets of the past have come to light. If Vonnie asked you for marriage advice, what would you tell her?

13.  When Vonnie sees that Donna is hurting, she tries to intervene. What are some things you could do to help a hurting friend?

14. What are some things that have helped you when you were hurting?

Lisa Leann

15. How did Lisa Leann go too far with her advice column? What advice does Lisa Leann need to help become a better friend?

16.  Lisa Leann gossips about her friends to Pastor Kevin in an effort to discredit any gossip that he may hear about her. Was this a good idea? Was it the right thing to do? Why or why not?

The Potluck Club

17.  Clay, Donna, and Wade have a long and bittersweet history. Can you think of friends in your life with whom you share both wonderful and tearful memories?

18.  How have the girls of the Potluck Club grown spiritually in this book? In their personal lives? Toward each other?

19. What is the difference between sharing prayer requests and gossiping? Can you think of some helpful safeguards that might keep you from stepping out of bounds?

20. Why did the Potluck Club want to skip Mandy’s baby shower? What would you have done?

21. Colossians 3:13–14 says, “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” According to this, we should always find a way to forgive our friends. What are some good techniques to put a quarrel behind you?