4. Why does Marguerite fight her attraction to Henry? What is her attitude toward artists as potential spouses? In chapter 2, when Marguerite sees Henry’s marvelous paintings in the gallery, how does she first react? How does this change when she realizes he painted them? Marguerite will never paint exactly like Henry; she brings her unique talents and emotions to the canvas. How is it possible to be a success without being the best?
5. Marguerite has relied on her son, Rob, to give her life direction. In chapter 3, how does she feel when Phil and Darla whisk him off to college? When have you experienced despondency and felt there was no end in sight? With an empty nest, how does Marguerite attempt to fill her days? How do her walking group friends attempt to bolster her spirits?
6. Fellow classmate Emily takes an interest in Marguerite. What do these two women have in common and how are they different? What can Emily offer Marguerite that her girlfriends and mother cannot? In your own life, how has an older friend or mentor’s wisdom affected you?
7. How does Laurie encourage Marguerite with her drawing? Who are your encouragers? In the second half of chapter 6, how does Marguerite react when Laurie says she’s fed up with her husband and is interested in another man? Why do Laurie’s musings strike home with Marguerite? How would you counsel her?
8. In chapter 9, how does Marguerite feel when she steps into her parents’ home? The eldest child, Marguerite compares herself to her younger brother and sister. Do you think her parents would agree and why? What is Marguerite’s reaction to her mother’s questions about a new beau? Marguerite has placed her father on a pedestal. When her mother claims her father still meets with his former employee Alice, what does Marguerite think? What is her reaction when her mother says God rescued her?
9. Why does Marguerite feel awkward visiting Henry’s studio in chapter 10? Why is she unable to accept his compliments about her drawing ability? Henry mentions he works best in a studio with few distractions. In your home, where could you find a place to lay out craft and art projects, or set up a music stand? Why would having a workspace set up all the time make you more likely to start and finish projects?
10. Why does Marguerite finally agree to go on a blind date? What is Tim like and how does he compare to Henry? Logic tells Marguerite that Tim embodies all the qualities she’s looking for in a man, yet she doesn’t find him attractive. Why do you think that is? In the past, why has she dated men she didn’t really care for? What does her cairn terrier, Charlie, think of Tim?
11. In chapter 15, when Marguerite drives Henry home, why do you think he chooses to share his loss with her? How did his wife’s death affect him? How did his two daughters force him to reenter the human race? How did his terrible loss eventually improve his painting? What is his house like and why does it surprise Marguerite?
12. What are some of the challenges of working at a commission-only job like selling real estate? In what ways is partnering with Lois a good business move? How does Lois let Marguerite down and how is their relationship later mended? When in your own life has a friend or family member, who appeared polished and successful, proved to be otherwise?
13. In chapter 22, when Marguerite creates her first painting since college, what are her emotions? Why does she choose to share her victory with Henry instead of Tim? Later that evening, when Phil calls to tell her about Rob, Henry assures her God can change darkness into light. When have you witnessed this in your life?
14. In chapter 24, how are Marguerite’s images of her father shattered? Why did she go looking for him and whom does she confront? In chapter 26, when she finally tracks him down, what is his initial response? He once told Marguerite, “A man’s only as good as his word.” What are your thoughts about this statement?
15. In chapter 28, Marguerite recalls the day Phil walked out on her and their infant son. When has a significant person in your life disappointed or abandoned you, making you wonder if God deserted you too? Do you believe that all things work together for good for those who love God? How is God’s timing different than ours?
16. Why was Charlie’s getting lost particularly frightening for Marguerite? Why does she blame his disappearance and Rob’s situation on herself? At the end of the chapter, when Marguerite and Henry are in her kitchen, he gives her permission to paint badly. What does he mean? How does striving for perfection stop you from trying new things?
17. Marguerite has kept a part of her life a secret. Do past mistakes haunt you, keeping you from achieving intimate relationships because you’re afraid friends and family members will think less of you if they find out? In chapter 31, how does Emily describe her faith in the God she cannot see but is sure exists? Do you notice God’s love reflected in the lives of those around you? Why does Marguerite feel unworthy of God’s forgiveness? What is Emily’s response?
18. In the final chapter, Marguerite is shocked to find Henry has painted her portrait. How would you feel if someone painted your portrait? When has someone prepared a special meal, spoken words of encouragement, or given you a gift that demonstrated the same affection? In the painting, Marguerite is stepping from a drab world into a colorful flowered meadow. What do you think the open door represents? How
