"Just Between You and Me" (September selection)

"Just Between You and Me" by Jenny B. Jones

About the Book
 Maggie Montgomery lives a life of adventure.   Her job as a cinematographer takes her from one exotic locale to the next.  When Maggie's not working, she loves to rappel off cliffs or go skydiving.  Nothing frightens her.  Nothing, that is, except Ivy, Texas where a family emergency pulls her back home to a town full of bad memories, painful secrets, and people Maggie left far behind. . . for a reason.  Forced to stay longer than she intended, Maggie finds her family a complete mess, including the niece her sister abandoned.  Ten year old Riley is struggling in school and out of control at home.  The only person who can really handle the pint-sized troublemaker is Conner, the local vet and Ivy's most eligible bachelor.  But Conner and Maggie keep butting heads -- he's suspicious of her and, well, she doesn't rely on anyone but herself.  As Maggie humorously fumbles her way from one mishap to another, she realizes she's going to need to ask for help from the one person who scares her the most.  To save one little girl, and herself, can Maggie let go of her fears and just trust God?


Discuss the book (click on the question and give us your feedback)


1. The insightful Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "What you don't do can be a destructive force". How was this true in Maggie Montgomery's life? Do you have any examples of your own to share?


2. What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?

3. Connor tells Maggie to get out of the driver's seat and let God take control. In what areas did she need to apply this advice? What about in your own life (children, family, work, personal fears)

4. Fear abounds in our society right now--from the economy, the housing market, to a decline in family values. Why is it so hard to trust God for all our needs, even in the scary, uncertain times?

5. What fears did Maggie have? What about Connor?

6. Imagine you are Maggie. What advice would you have given Riley to allay her fears? When things occur that are so unfair, how do you explain to a nonbeliever that an invisible God is in control?

7. What are some ways Beth is there for Maggie? Describe a time when a friend came through for you in a dark time with help or just the right words. Have you ever been able to pass that favor on?

8. Maggie struglles with her past holding her back. In what ways can our families and past events become like shackles and prevent us from truly living a full life?

9. Isaiah 43:1-3. What did this verse mean to Maggie's life? What does it mean to yours?

10. What things did Maggie doubt? What about Riley? Describe a time when you struggled with doubt. What did you do to overcome it? Can you think of a time when fear got the best of you?

11. Maggie decides to pursue her dream of producing documentaries, even though it's a pursuit where few succeed. Why is it our nature to play it safe? Is this good common sense--or lack of faith?

12. Do we pass fears and phobias on to our children? How can we break that generational habit?

13. Describe how Maggie's phobia of water got in the way of her life. Do you have a phobia? Could it be preventing you from fulfilling your life purpose?

"Mine is the Night" by Liz Curtis Higgs (August selection)

"Mine is the Night" by Liz Curtis Higgs (August selection)

August's book was the conclusion of the series by Liz Curtis Higgs.


About the Book

SHE LOST EVERYTHING SHE LOVED.
HE HAD EVERYTHING SHE NEEDED.
BUT COULD SHE FIND THE COURAGE TO TRUST HIM?

Stepping from a battered coach on a rainy April eve, newly widowed Elisabeth Kerr must begin again, without husband or title, property or fortune. She is unafraid of work and gifted with a needle, but how will she stitch together the tattered remnants of her life? And who will mend her heart, torn asunder by betrayal and deception?
   Elisabeth has not come to Selkirk alone. Her mother-in-law, Marjory Kerr, is a woman undone, having buried her husband, her sons, and any promise of grandchildren. Dependent upon a distant cousin with meager resources, Marjory dreads the future almost as much as she regrets the past. Yet joy still comes knocking, and hope is often found in unexpected places.
   When more than one worthy hero steps forward to woo Elisabeth, she makes a bold choice, then must confess her heart’s desire. Will he refuse her out of pride, or surrender to her love?
   The heartrending journey of the Kerr women comes to a glorious finish in Mine Is the Night, a sparkling gem of redemption and restoration, set amid the velvet landscape of eighteenth-century Scotland.

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"Her Daugther's Dream" by Francine Rivers (July selection)

July's book was the conclusion of the series by Francine Rivers.

About the Book

In the dramatic conclusion to the New York Times bestseller HER MOTHER’S HOPE, Francine Rivers delivers a rich and deeply moving story about the silent sorrows that can tear a family apart and the grace and forgiveness that can heal even the deepest wounds.

Growing up isn’t easy for little Carolyn Arundel. With her mother, Hildemara, quarantined to her room with tuberculosis, Carolyn forms a special bond with her momma, Marta, who moves in to care for the household. But as tensions between Hildie and Marta escalate, Carolyn believes she is to blame. When Hildie returns to work and Marta leaves, Carolyn and her brother grow up as latchkey kids in a world gripped by the fear of the Cold War.

College offers Carolyn the chance to find herself, but a family tragedy shatters her newfound independence. Rather than return home, she cuts all ties and disappears into the heady counterculture of San Francisco. When she reemerges two years later, more lost than ever, she reluctantly turns to her family to help rebuild a life for her and her own daughter, May Flower Dawn.

Just like Carolyn, May Flower Dawn develops a closer bond with her grandmother, Hildie, than with her mother, causing yet another rift between generations. But as Dawn struggles to avoid the mistakes of those who went before her, she vows that somehow she will be a bridge between the women in her family rather than the wall that separates them forever.

Spanning from the 1950s to present day, HER DAUGHTER’S DREAM is the emotional final chapter of an unforgettable family saga about the sacrifices every mother makes for her daughter --- and the very nature of unconditional love.

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Discussion Questions

1. Both Hildie and Trip miss some obvious signs that something traumatic has happened to Carolyn. What are they? Later, in Chapter 4, when Hildie and Trip argue about Hildie’s going back to work, Trip says, “A little girl shouldn’t be alone so much. Things could happen.” Discuss the irony in that statement. What is it about their family dynamics that makes Carolyn vulnerable to a predator like Dock?

2. Do you think Hildie’s character changes from book 1 to 2? If so, how does she change and why? Did you like her more or less in this book?

3. Carolyn runs away --- literally and figuratively --- after getting the news of her brother’s tragic death. Is that a realistic response? Why or why not? Have you ever wished you could run away from a painful reality? How did you deal with it? Have you ever been in the place of Carolyn’s parents and grandmother --- not knowing the whereabouts of someone you love? What was that like? What advice would you give someone who is facing such a situation?

4. When Carolyn meets Mary in Golden Gate Park, Mary says she felt an impulse to make extra sandwiches that morning, even though she had no idea why. Have you ever felt God nudging you to do something you didn’t understand? Did you follow through on that impulse? Why or why not?

5. After Carolyn comes home following her two-year disappearance, neither Hildie nor Trip presses her for details about what happened. Do you think that is wise? How does this both help and hurt Carolyn? In your own life, how can you balance being nosy with being concerned for those you love?

6. When Carolyn graduates from college and pays off her debt to her parents, Trip and Hildie give the money back to her. Were you surprised by Trip and Hildie’s action? Why or why not? Why is it hard for Carolyn to accept their gift? Have you ever given or received an unexpected, extravagant gift? What was the motivation behind it? What was the response?

7. For many years, Carolyn finds more appealing fellowship and support in AA than she does in the church. Why is that? What does that say about AA? About the church? What finally changes Carolyn’s view of Christians? Do you know anyone who has a negative view of the church? What could you say or do to encourage them to give the church another chance? What other influences does God bring into Carolyn’s life to show her the truth of His love for her?

8. Near the end of the story, Hildie reflects that God sent Mitch to rescue her, just as he had rescued Carolyn years earlier. In what ways does Mitch “rescue” Carolyn? How might her life have been different if she had never married? If she had married someone less understanding and supportive?

9. Marta’s choice not to move to Jenner by the Sea with Hildie and Trip seems to finally make the gap between mother and daughter so wide it can’t be crossed. Why does Hildie think Marta doesn’t want to move in with them? What does Marta really want? Why are they unable to discuss it rationally?

10. In chapter 30, when Dawn and Carolyn go to visit Marta for a week, Marta says that “making things easier on your children is sometimes the worst thing you can do.” Do you agree or disagree? How do you see this illustrated in the story? in your own life?

11. How does Marta change over the course of the two books? What changes her the most? In what ways is she still the same?

12. When Dawn confesses to her mother that she slept with Jason, Carolyn’s response is gracious and nonjudgmental. How do Carolyn’s own experiences play into her response to Dawn? How would you respond to such a confession from your son or daughter? How would you like to respond?

13. How does Dawn’s experience of the church after she sleeps with Jason differ from Carolyn’s experience after returning from Haight-Ashbury? Why is it different? How does Paster Daniel’s gracious response affect Dawn’s future and her walk with Christ? Have you ever been in a position to counsel someone who has made a mistake they think cannot be forgiven? What did (or would) you say?

14. Near the end of the story, Dawn makes an important decision that affects the life of her unborn child. How might her struggle with miscarriage and infertility have affected her decision? What would you have done in Dawn’s place? Discuss her choice not to talk about it with either her husband or her family. Was that the right way to handle it? Why or why not? How do you think Jason felt when he learned what had happened?

15. In Chapter 55, Dawn reads this excerpt from Marta’s journal: “We try to do a little better than the previous generation and find out in the end we’ve made the same mistakes without intending.” How do you see this illustrated in the story? How have you seen negative behaviors easily turn into a habit in your own life, as Hildie mentions in chapter 56?

16. When the three generations (Hildemara, Carolyn, and May Flower Dawn) finally sit down to talk, they discuss many of their “family secrets.” Discuss the revelations and the effect of finally getting them out into the open. Are you satisfied with what they talk about and how it goes? In what way do you wish it had been handled differently? Are the responses realistic and/or what you expected?

17. At one point, Marta tells Dawn that people either weigh you down or give you wings. How do some of the characters in this saga give people wings? What can you do in your own relationships to give those you love wings instead of weighing them down?

18. While Scripture makes it clear that children are not held responsible for their parents’ sins (see Ezekiel 18:20), it’s also true that destructive patterns tend to continue in families and have a negative impact on successive generations (see Exodus 20:5). Over the span of these two novels, what relationship patterns are repeated between mothers and daughters? Between grandmothers and granddaughters? In what ways are the patterns finally broken? Is the resolution realistic? What relationship patterns --- either negative or positive --- have occurred in your family? If the patterns are negative, what have you done or what could you do to break them?

19. Are there secrets in your family --- either from generations past or from the present? To whom would you like to talk about these secrets? What kind of response do you think you would get? What response would you hope for?

20. This novel contains many relationships, conversations, rifts, and moments of reconciliation. Take a few minutes to list some of your favorite scenes and tell why you were especially touched or challenged by them.

"Her Mother's Hope" by Francine Rivers (June selection)

June's book was "Her Mother's Hope" by Francine Rivers.  Did you read it?  Offer us some of your comments!

The first in an epic two-book saga by beloved author Francine Rivers, this sweeping story explores the complicated relationships between mothers and daughters over several generations. Near the turn of the 20th century, fiery Marta leaves Switzerland determined to find life on her own terms. Her journey takes her through Europe and finally lands her with children and husband in tow in the central valley of California. Marta’s experiences convince her that only the strong survive. Hildie, Marta’s oldest daughter, has a heart to serve others, and her calling as a nurse gives her independence, if not the respect of her mother. Amid the drama of WWII, Hildie marries and begins a family of her own. She wants her daughter never to doubt her love --- but the challenges of life conspire against her vow. Each woman is forced to confront her faulty but well-meaning desire to help her daughter find her God-given place in the world.

1. Marta certainly had a difficult childhood. What factors do you think shaped her the most, for better or worse? How do you see those influences shape the woman she becomes? 

2. How does Marta’s father shape her early beliefs about God and His expectations of her? Contrast that with the way her mama talks about God. Look at Marta’s prayer. What seems to make the biggest impression on the way Marta views God? Do you see that change throughout the story? If so, what causes that change? 

3. Marta’s mother gave her a blessing when she left home to make her way in the world. In what ways, verbal or otherwise, did your parents give you their blessing? If they didn’t, what do you wish they had said to you? In what ways did you --- or do you hope to someday --- do the same for your own children? 

4. It has been said that women often marry a version of their father. How is Niclas like or unlike Marta’s father? 

5. Marta has a hard time trusting Niclas because of the way her father treated her mother. How do you think that made Niclas feel? How was he able to love Marta despite her sometimes prickly nature? In what ways --- good or bad --- has your family of origin affected your marriage or close friendships? 

6. Do you feel like it was right for Niclas to ask Marta to sell the boarding house and move to Manitoba with him? Why was it so difficult for her? What did the boardinghouse represent for her? If you were Marta, what would you have done in that situation? 

7. Do you think Marta hijacked Niclas’s role as head of their household? In what ways was Niclas both passive and aggressive? Did Marta view herself as a “helpmate” to Niclas, and do you think he saw her in that way? 

8. Why do you think Marta never told Niclas --- or anyone else in her family --- that she loved them? How do you think Marta best showed and received love? 

9. In many ways, Marta is like the woman described in Proverbs 31. Which of the qualities described in that passage do you see in her? Which ones do you not see? 

10. Marta sometimes showed that she harbored resentment toward Niclas. Was it fair? 

11. After rescuing Elise from the Meyers, Marta tells her friend, “I swear before God, Rosie, if I’m ever fortunate enough to have a daughter, I’ll make sure she’s strong enough to stand up for herself!” How do you see Marta’s family dynamics come into play later in life when she has children of her own? Hilde isn’t her only daughter, so why do you think Marta treats her differently? 

12. Do you think that parents often favor one child over another? Is it always wrong? Is treating children differently the same as favoring one over another? Is it possible to raise all the kids in a family exactly the same? 

13. Marta loves Hildemara deeply. Yet of all her children, Hildemara probably feels the least loved. Given who Marta was and the time in which she lived, could she have made different choices? If you could sit down with Marta and Hildemara, what would you like to tell each of them? 

14. Is there someone you love, as Marta loved Hildemara, who seems unaware or disbelieving of your love? What might you do to try to change that perception? 

15. Have you ever felt, as Hildemara did, that others in your family have unfairly received a greater share of love, financial provision, or some other valuable resource? How did you respond? What advice would you give someone in this situation? 

16. After the Hildemara’s incident with Mrs. Ransom, Hildemara told her father that she prayed and prayed, but her prayers didn’t change the situation. Niclas replied, “Prayers changed you, Hildemara.” What did he mean by that? Have you ever had a similar experience? 

17. Why do you think that Marta was so averse to Hildemara’s decision to attend nursing school? Does she ever change her mind about Hildemara’s chosen profession? 

18. For several months, Hildemara kept Trip at arm’s length. Why do you think she did that? What made her finally admit her love for him? 

19. Trip, like many men of his generation, had tragic, life-altering experiences in World War II. Have you heard stories from or about men in your own family who were similarly affected? Have any of your loved ones been involved in more recent wars? How has war affected your family? 

20. Tuberculosis is much rarer today than it was in Marta’s and Hildemara’s lifetimes. Yet life-threatening and chronic illnesses have never been more prevalent. How has your family been impacted by serious illness? Discuss the strain illness can place on family dynamics, regardless of the “relational health” a family may have at the outset. 

21. At the end of this book Marta is determined, with God’s help, to make a fresh start with Hildemara. Do you think she will succeed? Why or why not? How do you think Hildemara will respond? Is there hope for this relationship? 

22. If you could change one thing about the way you were parented, what would it be? And if you have children, is there anything you would change about the way you’ve parented them thus far? 

Books for Oct, 2011 through Sept, 2012.

At our May meeting, we are going to choose the next year's books.  Many of our readers like to get ahead during the summer months.  We have been collecting a listing of favorite books from our gals, other book club selections and Christy (Christian fiction) award winning books.  Send me your favorites and I will add them to our list.  We will each choose our favorite 12 books, and the winning 12 become next year's selections.  Send your list to me as soon as you can!!

Our April selection was "My Heart in His Hands". It is the story of Ann Judson. She was one of the first women missionaries. She went with her husband to Burma. Travel was difficult, communication was next to nothing and the people of Burma showed little indication of conversion. Her husband was busy translating the scriptures into the native language. Ann made relationships with the ladies while learning the conversational languages of the area.

But their lives were tough...sometimes almost torturous. Ann contracted some illness which forced her home at one point. The distance and time to get home took MONTHS by ship. There was little to no communication with her family. To make matters worse, their therapy for her illness included bleeding her with leeches and giving her large doses of mercury. How she ever survived the time at home is miraculous in itself!

At the point she returns to Burma, the nation is ready to go to war with the English. Her husband gets sent to a prison and she goes and lives outside the prison to provide meals to him and other prisoners. Her dedication to him and their work to the Burmese is incredible, but her dedication to her Lord is inspirational! She never falters in her walk in spite of unbelievable circumstances.

This is a "must" read for missionaries. To imagine the great sacrifice that they made for the gospel is an encouragement to all of us!

Any comments from our readers? Let me know if something else jumped out for you!

This book tells the story of the shooting of the Amish school children in Nickel Mines, PA. This story tells the remarkable ability of the Amish people to immediately forgive. Forgiveness is such an important part of their "daily" lives. With no hesitation, they went to the home of the shooter and let his wife know that they forgave is actions. Can we forgive like that?

The rest of the world found their forgiveness "hard to believe". Why?

Part of the Amish teaching comes from the important role of the "Lord's Prayer" in the daily life of Amish from early childhood. The understanding that God cannot forgive us if we cannot forgive others is clearly evident in that prayer. Is it clearly evident in your life?

One of the apparent contradictions to the forgiveness of the Amish to the "English" is their practice of shunning of their own people when caught in sin. Their understanding of the scripture makes a clear separation between forgiveness and shunning. Did this book help you understand that separation?

Other comments or questions...please post!!