READING GROUP GUIDE QUESTIONS

1. When Tami brings Zach home with her to meet her parents, he’s not what they expected or had wished for their daughter. In what ways does he overcome their first impressions? Do you think he is able to stay true to himself in order to convince her parents that he is worthy to court Tami? How or how not? Have you ever found yourself in similar situations where you didn’t meet someone’s expectations? How did you overcome their first impression?

2. Although Zach does gain permission to court Tami, he still encourages her to find her own path away from her parents’. Do you think that Tami should stay true to her upbringing or should she follow his advice and break away a bit? In your opinion, would Tami be dishonoring her parents should she break away from their faith? Could she still honor them and break away from them? Have you had to make some of the same decisions as Tami?

3. Tami’s mother tends to lead with her head whereas Zach tends to lead with his heart. What are some examples of how they do this? What are some examples when they don’t? What are the advantages and disadvantages of leading with one’s heart and one’s head? How do you lead, with your head or your heart?

4. Tami’s mother describes Tami as a sum of her parents’ parts. What characteristics has she inherited from her mother? From her father? Who else has had an influence on who she is? What characters is Tami helping to shape? Whose parts would you say you are a sum of?

5. Sister Dabney has a unique way of ministering to the needs of her church. What are the different ways she provides for those in need in her community? Do you think that she is effective as the head of a church? How do most people view her—in a positive or negative way? How does Tami feel about her at the end of the book? Is it what you expected?

6. It is obvious from the glimpses we see into Sister Dabney that she does have a gift for knowing the sins and troubles at the heart of those around her. Why do you think she couldn’t see the sins of her husband? Do you think she is able to see her own sins? How would you react to someone who listed the sins in your past? This is a pretty powerful ability. How does she handle the power that comes along with the ability? How would you handle it?

7. Julie and Tami come from very different backgrounds. How are they able to strengthen each other (professionally, spiritually, socially)? Do they ever weaken each other; if so, how? Why does Tami come to rely on Julie for this case? What does Tami hope to gain from this friendship? Have you had friendships similar to theirs? What have you gained from those friendships?

8. Describe the character of Mrs. Fairmont. How does she change throughout this novel? What does Tami learn from her? Do you have someone like Mrs. Fairmont in your life? Describe her/him and what you have learned from that person.

9. Tami witnesses Mrs. Fairmont’s and Mr. Callahan’s glimpses of God. Describe both of those experiences. How are they similar and how do they differ? Why was Zach hesitant to tell anyone about his part in Mr. Callahan’s experience? What does Tami learn about herself and her faith from these moments? Have you ever had one of those glimpses of God or witnessed someone having one? How did you react?

10. Tami finds herself in tense situations, both personally and professionally, throughout this novel. What hope does she receive in the midst of those situations? Where does that hope come from? Does she always recognize it for what it is?