1. At the beginning of the novel, Esme reads words she had written years ago about a country church she saw through a train window. What do you think this church represents to her?

2. What contributes to Esme’s restlessness at the beginning of the novel? How does she begin to move past this feeling?

3. After Esme’s first husband leaves, she throws herself into her work. How do you see this affecting her emotionally and spiritually?

4. Esme is immediately fascinated by Jabez. Why do you think she finds him so intriguing?

5. Esme fears what people will think of her if they find out that she feels unable to pray. Do you think pretense is more or less apparent in ministry than other vocations? Why or why not?

6. Jabez feels the church’s prayers for his wife, Maeve, were filled with unreality. What do you think he means by this?

7. Esme faces the dilemma of choosing fulfillment through professional success or through relationship. Why do you think she chooses not to move?