The House on Malcolm Street
by Leisha Kelly

List Price: $14.99
Pages: 352
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780800733285
Publisher: Revell

When tragedy steals her future, can Leah learn to trust again?

It is the autumn of 1920, and Leah Breckenridge is desperate to find a way to provide for her young daughter. After losing her husband and infant son, she is angry at God and fearful about the days ahead. Finding refuge in a boardinghouse run by her late husband's aunt, Leah begins the slow process of mending her heart.

Is it the people who surround her --- or perhaps this very house --- that reach into her heart with healing? As Leah finds peace tending to an abandoned garden, can she find a way to trust God with her future?

A beautifully simple story about the complexities of life, The House on Malcolm Street is a treasure.

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1. Have you ever felt angry at God? If you have, how have you resolved those feelings? (If you currently feel that way, what might help?)

2. When might anger be a justified emotion? Could anger at God be justifiable? Why or why not?

3. Is it helpful or hurtful to nudge someone towards ministering to others as Josiah feels Marigold nudges him?

4. What constitutes ministry anyway? Are we all called? And what does that mean? Does “just walking your faith” in front of someone really make a difference?

5. Despite being a saved person, Josiah still struggles with feelings of guilt over the death of his family. What might be some effective ways to cope with such feelings?

6. If you are or were suffering from feelings of guilt, would you be willing to honestly discuss this with others? How might this be difficult, and how might it help?

7. Leah is plagued by a deep and significant fear of trains stemming from an incident she was too young to remember fully. It is not unusual for a person to not understand the source or reason for their fear. How might such a person react to the suggestion to “just get over it”? How might you respond instead?

8. Have you or someone you know ever been seriously hindered by fear? What methods have been or could be effective in overcoming such fears?

9. Saul was very concerned about interfaith prejudices. Do you feel his concerns were justified? In that time period? What about today?

10. Saul is also dealing with a personal struggle between duty to family and the desires of his own heart. Can you give instances when family should come first? When heart should come first?

11. Eliza is an example of childlike faith. She sees what could seem like small things (like an orange on the train) as wonderful gifts of God. Can you give examples from your own life of seemingly small things that were truly blessings? How might you cultivate an attitude of gratitude in small things?

12. One of Leah’s first heart-steps back to an open relationship with God occurred in the church when she considered the Creator God of the vast universe actually loving her and reaching in her direction. How can the immensity or complexity of God’s creation increase our understanding or appreciation of who he is?

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