by Amy Clipston
2. By the end of the book, Joshua finally stands up to his mother and tells her to stop meddling in his life. Do you think Joshua should forgive his mother for trying to come between him and Carolyn? Why or why not? Have you ever been asked to forgive someone whose actions changed your life negatively? Did you forgive this person? Why or why not? What Bible verses would help with this situation?
3. Ruth quotes 1 John 3:18, which speaks about how we should love one another. “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” What does this verse mean to you?
4. By the end of the book, Amos realizes he was wrong to criticize Carolyn and treat Benjamin badly. He believed he was helping his sister by being hard on her, but he realized his behavior was un-Christlike. What do you think caused him to realize he was wrong?
5. Benjamin stands up for his mother when he hears her suffering. He knows she’s struggled to be the best mother she could be despite her circumstances, and he’s tired of how people treat her. Have you ever taken a stand for someone you loved? Where did you find your strength? What Bible verses would help with this situation?
6. Due to a mistake she made when she was sixteen, Carolyn feels she’s been judged much of her life by her community that is supposed to be Christlike. Do you think we do this in our own church communities—judge and gossip about our fellow Christians without considering the consequences? Why do you think that is?
7. “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” 1 Peter 3:8. This verse speaks about how we should treat one another. What does this verse mean to you? How does this verse apply to the story? Share this with the group.
8. In A Hopeful Heart, the first book in this series, Lillian is convinced her mother, Hannah, is being selfish and is betraying her by leaving the Amish community. In this book, we see Lillian still struggling to forgive her mother. Do you agree with Lillian’s feelings? Or do you believe Hannah was justified in her decision to leave and pursue a new life outside of the Amish faith when she fell in love with an Englisher? Do you think it’s time for Lillian to forgive her mother and move on? Share this with the group.
9. Which character can you identify with the most? Which character seemed to carry the most emotional stake in the story? Was it Joshua, Carolyn, Benjamin, or someone else?
10. Carolyn is irritated by her brother’s constant criticism and reminders about the mistake she made when she was sixteen. Have you ever been criticized by a close family member for a choice you’ve made? If so, how did you handle the criticism? Share this with the group.
11. What did you know about the Amish before reading this book? What did you learn?
Acknowledgments
As always, I’m thankful for my loving family, including my mother, Lola Goebelbecker; my husband, Joe; and my sons, Zac and Matt. I realize I’m absolutely no fun when I’m stressed, especially when I’m on deadline. Thank you for not throwing me out or changing the locks on the doors when I’m in the midst of a book project. You’re all saints for dealing with me, and I’m so blessed to have such an awesome and tolerant family.
I’m more grateful than words can express to my patient friends who critique for me, including Stacey Barbalace, Amy Lillard, Janet Pecorella, Lauran Rodriguez, and, of course, my mother. I truly appreciate the time you take out of your busy lives to help me polish my books. Thanks to your hard work, my editor thinks I’m actually capable of writing without many typos or missing words. (Please continue to keep the truth a secret!) Thank you for always making me look good!
I’m so thankful for the people who helped me with the horse research, including Jim and Mary Frazier, Andy and Lucia Hunter, Bobbi Kendrick, and Michelle Melton. You were lifesavers since the only animal I can say I’m an expert in knowing anything about would be the common spoiled house cat. Special thanks also to Stacey Barbalace for helping with research and also for tolerating my constant emails with strange questions.
Special thanks to my special Amish friends who patiently answer my endless stream of questions. You’re a blessing in my life.
Thank you to my wonderful church family at Morning Star Lutheran in Matthews, North Carolina, for your encouragement, prayers, love, and friendship. You all mean so much to my family and me.
To my agent, Mary Sue Seymour—I am grateful for your friendship, support, and guidance in my writing career. Thank you for all you do!
Thank you to my amazing editor, Sue Brower. I appreciate your guidance and friendship. Thank you also to editor Becky Philpott for your friendship and guidance. And thank you to Jean Bloom for her amazing edits and help with this book. I also would like to thank Laura Dickerson for tirelessly working to promote my books. I’m grateful to each and every person at HarperCollins Christian Publishing who helped make this book a reality.
To my readers—thank you for choosing my novels. My books are a blessing in my life for many reasons, including the special friendships I’ve formed with my readers. Thank you for your email messages, Facebook notes, and letters.
Thank you most of all to God—for giving me the inspiration and the words to glorify you. I’m so grateful and humbled you’ve chosen this path for me.
