by Lyn Cote
Lon again felt the deep tug of intense emotion, of the brilliant truth that radiated from his motherin-law’s simple words. He reached for Mercy and clasped her hand in his. I couldn’t have said it better myself, God. Thank You.
Dear Readers,
I hope that you have enjoyed reading the stories of these three special sisters, Verity, Felicity and Mercy Gabriel. I’ve enjoyed doing the historical research for each story and have grown to love these characters.
Very few people have the audacity to go against popular opinion. It takes a special kind of faith and strength. But Mercy needed a support system, too— Indigo, Mercy’s new friend, Ellen Dunfield, and, of course, her helpmeet, Lon. As Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 4:11–12a: “…if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.” Two are better than one.
As for Indigo and the other African-American characters in The Gabriel Sisters series, it’s hard to believe that it took nearly a hundred years to finally put to rest laws that discriminated against African-Americans in the United States. Though some prejudice lingers in the dark corners of America, our laws no longer uphold it.
Nevertheless, if Verity, Felicity and Mercy walked the streets of the U.S. today, they would still find plenty to keep them busy. I hope that these three sisters will make you sensitive to those who need God’s love. I hope they will inspire you to let His light shine in this present darkness.
Please drop by www.strongwomenbravestories.com and www.craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com for more about stories by me and other Love Inspired authors.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
Have you ever known or talked to a veteran? Have you ever asked him what it was like to come home after a conflict?
Do you think that Civil War veterans had struggles similar to those of military personnel today?
Do you believe that God has a path or a plan for each life?
Why do you think men didn’t want women to enter the professions in earlier times?
Did you have any women in your family who were ahead of their time? What did they do?
Do you know what post-traumatic stress syndrome is? How did this manifest itself in Lon and in Mercy?
Why do you think the people of Idaho Bend changed their minds about a woman practicing medicine?
Could you travel far from your family to do what God wanted you to?
Why do you think the Boise doctor was so angry about Mercy being a doctor?
The man who stabbed Lon wanted vengeance. Why is seeking revenge unwise?
Why did Lon become a gambler? Do you think he would have continued on this path if he hadn’t met Mercy?
What was your favorite scene in this book? Why?
Have you ever forgiven someone who hurt you or someone you love? How did you feel afterward?
Indigo suffered from prejudice. Where do you think prejudice springs from?
Do you support any medical missions? If so, which ones? Why?
ISBN: 978-1-4268-7661-5
HER HEALING WAYS
Copyright © 2010 by Lyn Cote
All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the editorial office, Steeple Hill Books, 233 Broadway, New York, NY 10279 U.S.A.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
This edition published by arrangement with Steeple Hill Books.
® and TM are trademarks of Steeple Hill Books, used under license. Trademarks indicated with ® are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the Canadian Trade Marks Office and in other countries.
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†The Gabriel Sisters
††Bountiful Blessings
*Sisters of the Heart
**New Friends Street
‡Harbor Intrigue
