by Meg Moseley
1. Southern hospitality is world famous, but a sleepy southern town can be somewhat resistant to newcomers of the Yankee persuasion. How might the descendants of all parties of the Civil War, including the descendants of slaves, be reconciled with one another? As fellow citizens, what are our responsibilities to each other?
2. Tish wants to find her niche in her new community. Given her family’s history of frequent moves, what are her chances of putting down permanent roots in Noble? What might improve or hinder her chances?
3. In some ways, Tish resembles the elder brother of the parable of the Prodigal Son, Luke 15:11–32. She’s a responsible person who expects her good behavior to be rewarded. Meanwhile, Mel hasn’t earned anyone’s respect, but she’s quick to justify her bad behavior. Is either attitude better than the other? Why? Are you able to empathize with one character over the other?
4. The parable in the book of Luke mentions the prodigal’s stint as a farmhand feeding pigs, and also the ring, robe, and sandals given to him upon his return. What is Mel’s “pigsty,” and what significance do jewelry, clothing, and shoes have in her story?
5. Some of the locals snub Tish because she’s descended from carpetbaggers, and Farris the banker refuses to hire her because she has befriended Mel. Do these rejections harden Tish’s heart? Or do they soften her heart toward Mel, another reject?
6. Mel’s undiagnosed learning disability has kept her from reaching her potential. Why are some of us so reluctant to confess our secret battles and handicaps?
7. George admits that his history in the romance department is “boring,” while a tragedy destroyed Tish’s plans for marriage. How can two people build a future together when they come from such different experiences?
8. George saw his mother kick his Uncle Calv out of the family because of his drinking. How much might this affect both men in the way they relate to Mel?
9. Mel’s Grandpa John showed her unconditional love, but her father requires more of her than she can give. When we have less-than-ideal father figures, how do they affect our perspective of God the Father?
10. Tish is so upright that she has never even had a parking ticket, but eventually she breaks the law for Mel’s sake. What might have happened if Tish had reported Mel to the police instead? Do you think either of them is likely to break the law again?
11. During Tish’s unsettled childhood, she clung to her identity by repeating “I am Letitia McComb; you can’t change who I am.” Late in the story, she says instead: “I am Letitia McComb; I can’t change who I am.” What has changed in the way she sees herself?
12. Some of the story’s characters own—or covet—vehicles, jewelry, antiques, homes, and so on. But “you can’t take it with you.” In your opinion, who is richest in the unseen possessions of the heart? Who is poorest in that sense?
13. Imagine what Tish could have discovered about her ancestors and their personal perspectives if, somehow, she could have shared the same time with them for a while. If you could time-travel a hundred years into the future, what kind of legacy would you hope to find you had left your future family?
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The writing of a novel is a solitary occupation but one that can’t come to fruition without the help of many people. I’ll start with Chip MacGregor, whose agent-wisdom steers me through the sometimes murky waters of the writing life. Chip, thanks for being there.
Big thanks go to my excellent editors, Shannon Marchese, Jenny Baumgartner, and Pamela Shoup, as well as those who worked behind the scenes. Special thanks to Kelly Howard for cover art that captures the joy at the heart of the story. I salute the unsung heroes in every department: editorial, production, marketing/publicity, and sales. It’s a privilege to work with all of you at WaterBrook Multnomah.
I don’t know what I would do without my church family and my friends who are so generous with their encouragement, wisdom, and prayers. Special thanks to Suzan Robertson for educating me about the special needs and quirks of Maltese dogs, and to Lindi Peterson for those spur-of-the-moment phone calls that keep us connected even when life gets crazy.
My dear friend Deeanne Gist is a godsend. She braves my rawest, messiest rough drafts and helps me turn them into viable stories. Beyond that, she’s a beautiful person who radiates the love of Jesus. Dee, you’re a treasure.
I’m also indebted to my precious friend Sherrie Lord, who can brainstorm like nobody’s business and fine-tune a sentence until it purrs. Sherrie, you’ve taught me so much about writing and about life. I’m honored to be your sis.
Michelle Truax, thank you for years of friendship forged through good times and bad. You’re family, now and forever.
Most of all, I’m thankful for Jon; Sam, Cindy, Lizzie and Karis; Brent and Stephanie; and Scott. I don’t deserve you, but I’m glad I have you. You’re my best treasures.
My deepest gratitude goes to our Elder Brother who invites the hungriest, dirtiest, most messed-up prodigals to share His inheritance and rejoice. Jesus, You are my King.
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