1. Bella and D.J. become acquainted after a “happy misunderstanding” related to his name. Has a “happy misunderstanding” ever led you to a new relationship (friendship or romance)?

2. Bella lives with a very large and rambunctious family. What would your life be like if you lived with so many wacky family members under one roof? Think of both the positives and the negatives.

3. Bella lives on Galveston Island, which has been hit by several major hurricanes (including the “big” one in 1900 and Ike in 2008). At the onset of this story, the island is in recovery mode. Have you ever been in recovery mode in your own life after a catastrophic “storm”? If so, how did you recover?

4. This story features the merging of several denominations (Catholic, Methodist, and Charismatic). When you think about the Lord bringing down the walls between denominations, how does that make you feel? What can you do to keep the doors of communication open with friends and loved ones who attend different churches (or no churches at all)?

5. The “sisters” from Splendora look different than Bella, but they are kindred spirits on the inside. Think of a time when you forged a relationship with someone who was your polar opposite. What did the two of you learn from each other?

6. What did you think of Sister Twila’s beauty secrets? Do you have any that you could add to the list?

7. The interaction between Rosa and Laz is strained (and boy, do they love to bicker), but there is a strange undercurrent there that speaks of deeper feelings. What do you think about the real relationship between these two?

8. Bella is a little insecure and wonders if she will be able to take on the role of wedding coordinator without driving the family’s business into the ground. Has life ever presented you with an opportunity to do something so big that you worried you might fail? If so, how did it work out in the end?

9. D.J. has a heart of gold and gets along with everyone. What can we learn from someone like this?

10. Bella and D.J. have very little in common, and yet they seem to be perfectly suited to each other. Why is it that opposites attract?

11. Humor is a great way to overcome life’s obstacles. How has the Lord used humor to get you through some of the challenges you have faced?

12. Think about the role Guido played in this story. Do you really think it’s possible for the Lord to use a pet to “speak” into someone’s life?

13. If you had to choose between Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, who would you choose?