1. In Chapter 1, Tabitha daydreams of something she desperately wants but thinks she will never have. What are your dreams? How would faith in God helped Tabitha have hope of seeing her dreams fulfilled?

2. Dominick is an indentured servant, a form of short-term slavery. Is only his body enslaved, or are his heart and soul under bondage, too?

3. In Chapter 3, Raleigh returns to Tabitha after having abandoned her years before, and wants to renew a relationship with her. Would you have reacted as Tabitha does, or in an entirely different manner? If differently, how would you treat someone who hurt you deeply?

4. Tabitha bears heart wounds that keep her separated from God. What heart wounds have separated you from the Lord’s love and Grace?

5. Being a midwife sets Tabitha apart from other women and makes her feared by some men. Would you have the courage to be a near outcast for the sake of your vocation?

6. In chapters 1 and 8 we find Dominick on the beach when he isn’t supposed to be. Although he has a mission to complete, does the ends, the good of many, justify the means of him violating his master’s orders? Does any duty justify breaking the law?

7. Tabitha holds a secret that will ruin her ability to continue practicing midwifery if she keeps quiet, and break people’s trust in her integrity if she gives it away to save herself. How would you react in similar circumstances?

8. In Chapter 22, Danger strikes Tabitha and Dominick. Who do you think the intended victim was and why?

9. In Chapter 26, Tabitha makes two important choices. What are their significance to her future? If you knew you could lose everything you want with the choices you make, how would you have decided to act? As Tabitha does, or would you go in another direction?

10. Throughout the story, Raleigh claims to be a Christian, yet his actions rarely reflect this claim. Are any of his actions, especially aboard the ship, what we expect of Christian behavior, or does he never make up for his previous mistakes?

11. How do the suspense and mystery elements of the story demonstrate the themes of love, forgiveness, and sacrifice for the redemption of others?

12. Who do you think makes the most important changes in the story --- Tabitha, Dominick, or Raleigh? What is the significance of the changes they make?

13. Isaiah 53:5 is the bible verse chosen for this book. How do you think it applies to the themes in the story?

14. Who is your favorite character and why?