Where Grace Abides
Page 24
Gant hesitated, drinking in for one more moment the goodness and loveliness of her face, the hint of a promise in her eyes, before stepping out to follow her.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
BJ Hoff’s bestselling historical novels continue to cross the boundaries of religion, language, and culture to capture a worldwide reading audience. Her books include such popular series as The Riverhaven Years, The Mountain Song Legacy, Song of Erin, American Anthem, and An Emerald Ballad. Hoff’s stories, although set in the past, are always relevant to the present. Whether her characters move about in small country towns or metropolitan areas, reside in Amish settlements or in coal company houses, she creates communities where people can form relationships, raise families, pursue their faith, and experience the mountains and valleys of life. BJ and her husband make their home in Ohio.
Did you miss book one in The Riverhaven Years…
RACHEL’S SECRET by BJ Hoff
Bestselling author BJ Hoff promises to delight you with her compelling new series, The Riverhaven Years. With the first book, Rachel’s Secret, Hoff introduces a new community of unforgettable characters and adds the elements you have come to expect from her novels: a tender love story, the faith journeys of people we grow to know and love, and enough suspense to keep the pages turning quickly.
When the wounded Irish American riverboat captain, Jeremiah Gant, bursts into the rural Amish setting of Riverhaven, he brings chaos and conflict to the community—especially for young widow, Rachel Brenneman. The unwelcome “outsider” needs a safe place to recuperate before continuing his secret role as an Underground Railroad conductor. Neither he nor Rachel is prepared for the forbidden love that threatens to endanger a man’s mission, a woman’s heart, and a way of life for an entire people.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Early in the story, Gant refers to the rules of the Amish ministerial brethren as “manipulation.” He seems to believe these rules have been established to prevent the Plain People from being infected by the “worldly influence” of the English (the non-Amish). What’s your understanding of these regulations? Do you agree with Gant? Are they a means of manipulation, or what is the primary purpose behind them?
2. When Gant tells Rachel of the bishop’s refusal to allow him to convert—thereby making it impossible for them to marry—she seems to accept the decision as the final word on the subject and tells Gant she can’t go against the bishop. Could you do that? If your church required that you give up any hope of marrying the person you love or that you disassociate yourself from a loved one, even a family member, would you be able to obey, or would you be more inclined to give up your church?
3. Rachel and her mother, Susan, approach the assurance of salvation from different perspectives, which prompts the question from Rachel: “Do you really think it’s so wrong to have questions about God’s will for us? Don’t you think He would want us to understand His teachings?” How would you answer that question?
4. What do you believe was the purpose behind Gant’s special gift to Rachel’s younger sister, Fannie?
5. Why did Gant and Asa seem surprised to see Gideon doing the supper dishes? What’s the typical division of labor between Amish men and Amish women? How do you feel about this? Are tasks clearly marked in your household as to who does what? Does the system work well for you and your family?
6. What do you believe to be Gant’s motivation for helping runaway slaves through the Underground Railroad? What prompts him to risk his own freedom to help others gain their freedom?
7. Incidents of harassment, persecution, and oppression have followed the Amish across time and place throughout the years. What do you believe accounts for such mistreatment? Can you relate their experience to other religions or ethnic groups?
8. How does Gant feel about the Riverhaven Amish? What does he see in them and their community that he secretly longs for in his own life?
9. What was your initial impression of Terry Sawyer, the newcomer to Riverhaven? Did your opinion change with the progression of the story? If so, why?
10. We often find experiences out of our “comfort zone” difficult to endure. Little about the flight North held any “comfort” for the runaway slaves. Obviously their primary concern and the source of their courage had to do with freedom. What would motivate you to submit to some of the harrowing events, dangers, and discomforts faced by the refugee slaves who were so desperate to make their way to the North?
11. What is the first sign to some of the Plain People—including Rachel and her mother—that something might be wrong with the bishop? Dr. Sebastian is also concerned, but what’s the reason for their hesitancy to discuss the possible problem?
12. As much as Gant and Rachel love each other and want to be together, their prayers for each other take a different turn and begin to go in an unexpected direction. What do you believe accounts for this?
And coming in Fall 2010…
GIDEON’S HOPE
Book three in BJ Hoff’s
The Riverhaven Years trilogy
OTHER EXCELLENT FICTION BY BJ HOFF…
SONG OF ERIN
The mysteries of the past confront the secrets of the present in bestselling author BJ Hoff’s magnificent Song of Erin saga.
In her own unique style, Hoff spins a panoramic story that crosses the ocean from Ireland to America, featuring two of her most memorable characters. In this tale of struggle and love and uncompromising faith, Jack Kane, the always charming but sometimes ruthless titan of New York’s most powerful publishing empire, is torn between the conflict of his own heart and the grace and light of Samantha Harte, the woman he loves, whose own troubled past continues to haunt her.
Originally published to strong sales nearly a decade ago, this new edition combines two of BJ’s best novels into one saga–length volume.
“The Song of Erin contains some of my favorite characters. This story—and its people—hold a very special place in my heart.”
—BJ HOFF
AMERICAN ANTHEM
BJ Hoff offers another thrilling historical saga that will capture your heart.
At the entrance to the city, an Irish governess climbs into a carriage and sets out to confront the man who destroyed her sister’s life—a blind musician who hears music no one else can hear…
On a congested city street, a lonely Scot physician with a devastating secret meets a woman doctor with the capacity to heal not only the sick…but also his heart.
In a tumbledown shack among hundreds of others like it, an immigrant family struggles to survive, and a ragged street singer, old beyond her years, appoints herself an unlikely guardian.
So begins American Anthem, a story set in 1870s New York that lets you step into another time to share the hopes and dreams and triumphant faith of a people you’ll grow to love—a people you will never forget.
“An eloquently told story that weaves history, music, faith and intrigue…an absolute pleasure.”
—CHRISTIAN RETAILING
“The story gently unfolds with intriguing characters, and the sound of music, which Hoff manages to make fly off the pages with her glorious and passionate descriptions.”
—CHRISTIAN LIBRARY JOURNAL
Great reviews for BJ Hoff’s
MOUNTAIN SONG LEGACY TRILOGY…
BOOK ONE…A DISTANT MUSIC
“BJ Hoff always delights readers with her warm stories and characters who become part of your ‘circle of special friends.’”
—JANETTE OKE,
BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF LOVE COMES SOFTLY
“For this Kentucky woman, reading A Distant Music was like driving through the eastern hills and hollers on a perfect autumn day, with the scent of wood smoke in the air and the trees ablaze with color. BJ Hoff’s lyrical prose brings to life this gentle, moving story of a beloved teacher and his students, who learn far more than the three Rs. I brushed away tears at several tender points in the story and held my breath when it seemed all might be lost. Ye
t, even in the darkest moments, hope shines on every page. A lovely novel by one of historical fiction’s finest wordsmiths.”
—LIZ CURTIS HIGGS, BEST-SELLING AUTHOR OF THORN IN MY HEART
“As always when I open BJ’s books I’m drawn into a place that is both distant and at home…as I tell my husband, I wish I could create the kinds of characters BJ does because I fall in love with them and want them always as my friends.”
—JANE KIRKPATRICK, AUTHOR OF LOOK FOR A CLEARING IN THE WILD
“In some ways, A Distant Music is reminiscent of the ‘Little House’ series. Each chapter recalls the details of an event or some character’s dilemma. Eventually, though, Hoff connects all the threads into a solid story whose ending will deeply touch readers. A Distant Music should find an eager audience.”
—ASPIRING RETAIL MAGAZINE
BOOK TWO…THE WIND HARP
“BJ always does a great job of drawing her readers into the lives of her characters. I’m sure that there will be many who will be eagerly pleading to know ‘what happens next.’ I will be among them.”
—JANETTE OKE, LOVE COMES SOFTLY
“BJ Hoff continues the story of Maggie and Jonathan, who must endure their share of trials before reaping their reward. Though this novel is historical, BJ Hoff deals with issues that are completely contemporary…Kudos to the author for charming us again!”
—ANGELA HUNT, BEST-SELLING AUTHOR OF THE NOVELIST
BOOK THREE…THE SONG WEAVER
“Like a warm visit with a good friend over a hot cup of tea, The Song Weaver offers comfort and satisfaction…and you don’t want the visit to come to an end.”
—CINDY SWANSON
“BJ Hoff is a master at characterization, and her stories are rich with insight. I love the historical setting and learned something new about the role of women in that society.”
—JILL E. SMITH
“The Song Weaver is the last book in the Mountain Song Legacy Story, and I hate to see it end. I’ll miss Maggie and Jonathan and all the others…A very satisfying end to a special series. She never disappoints.”
—BARBARA WARREN
More fine Amish fiction from Harvest House Publishers…
SHADOWS OF LANCASTER COUNTY
by Mindy Starns Clark
Following up on her extremely popular Gothic thriller, Whispers of the Bayou, Mindy Starns Clark offers another suspenseful stand-alone mystery full of Amish simplicity, dark shadows, and the light of God’s amazing grace.
Anna thought she left the tragedies of the past behind when she moved from Pennsylvania to California, but when her brother vanishes from the genetics lab where he works, Anna has no choice but to head back home. Back in Lancaster County, Anna follows the high-tech trail her brother left behind, a trail that leads from the simple world of Amish farming to the cutting edge of DNA research and gene therapy.
Anna knows she must depend on her instincts, her faith in God, and the help of the Amish community to find her brother. She also must finally face her own shadows—and pray that she’s stronger than the grief that threatens to overwhelm them all.
A WIDOW’S HOPE by Mary Ellis
A bright new voice shares a tender love story set in the rolling green fields of Ohio Amish country.
After the death of her husband, Hannah Brown is determined to make a new life with her sister’s family. But when she sells her farm in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and moves with her sheep to Ohio, the wool unexpectedly starts to fly. Her deacon brother-in-law finds just about everything about Hannah vexing. When his widower brother shows interest in the young and beautiful widow, the deacon turns to prayer for guidance.
Hannah thought she could never love again, until she meets the strong, gentle farmer. Unfortunately, Seth Miller’s only interest is in Hannah’s sheep. He is content in his bachelor state and slow to recognize his daughter’s need for a new mother. Yet God offers Seth the perfect solution to their problems if he could only open his heart again…and love.
Enjoy cooking the Amish way…
THE HOMESTYLE AMISH KITCHEN COOKBOOK
by Georgia Varozza
Just about everyone is fascinated by the Amish—their simple, family-centered lifestyle, colorful quilts, and hearty, homemade meals. Straight from the heart of Amish country, this celebration of hearth and home will delight readers with the pleasures of the family table as they take a peek at the Amish way of life—a life filled with the self-reliance and peace of mind that many of us long for.
Readers will appreciate the tasty, easy-to-prepare recipes such as Scrapple, Graham “Nuts” Cereal, Potato Rivvel Soup, Amish Dressing, and Snitz Pie. At the same time they’ll learn a bit about the Amish, savor interesting tidbits from the “Amish Kitchen Wisdom” sections, find out just how much food it takes to feed the large number of folks attending preaching services, barn raisings, weddings, and work frolics, and much more.
The Homestyle Amish Kitchen Cookbook is filled with good, old-fashioned family meal ideas to help bring the simple life home!
Shoo-Fly Pie
2 8-inch unbaked pie crusts
Syrup:
Crumb Topping:
1 cup molasses
2 cups flour
½ cup brown sugar
¾ cup brown sugar
2 eggs, beaten
cup butter
1 cup hot water
½ tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda,
dissolved in hot water
Mix syrup ingredients thoroughly together. Divide mixture in half and pour into the two unbaked pie shells. Th oroughly mix together the ingredients for the crumb topping. Divide and sprinkle crumb topping onto the two pies.
Bake at 450° for 10 minutes and then reduce heat to 350° and continue baking until done, about another 30 minutes.
Enjoy!