1. Do you know what it feels like to want something so badly that it consumes you? Which characters in this novel have that tendency?

2. The characters long for good and right things, yet their prayers aren't answered right away, or just as they desire. Is it always necessary to sacrifice your dreams or alter your course in life to please God?

3. Erika finally made a life-changing decision regarding Elliott. Why do you think it took her so long?

4. Soon after leaving Elliott, Erika tentatively yearns to know more about God. Is this the cliché "transformation," or just God's way of speaking to her and reaching her when she is most open to hearing him? Does it matter how or why the connection with God occurs?

5. Is Serena's grief over her miscarriages warranted? Does she show a lack of faith by questioning why God hasn't answered her prayers?

6. Is Micah foolish and/or selfish to question the opportunity to have his church's services televised? Were his concerns valid?

7. Was Micah condemning all televangelist ministries, or merely asserting that now wasn't the right time for Standing Rock Community Church to make the leap to TV?

8. Serena finally begins to grow closer to her father. Is her fledgling relationship with Melvin Gates worthwhile or an affront to her mother's memory?

9. Did Mrs. Gates have a special kind of courage or grace to overlook her husband's infidelity and not hold it against Serena? Why do you think she embraced Serena as part of the family?

10. Charlotte Gregory played an important part in Erika's life for many months. How and why was she such an anchor for Erika?

11. Are Elliott's actions near the end of the book surprising? Do his revelations make him more likeable?

12. Was Erika right or wrong in her decision regarding her marriage?

13. What significance does the title of the book hold in regard to the circumstances faced by each of the main characters?

14. How important is it to make sure that the desires of our hearts align with God's desires for us?