Authors: Jillian Hart
Calico Bride (20 page)
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Dear Reader,
Welcome back to Angel Falls.
Calico Bride
is the third book in my BUTTONS & BOBBINS series. I hope when you open these pages, you enjoy revisiting old friends in the BUTTONS & BOBBINS girls and you recognize familiar faces from my previous Love Inspired Historical books. In Lila's story, the BUTTONS & BOBBINS girls have grown up and are starting on their different paths in life. Fiona is happily married. Meredith is engaged and teaching summer school. Lila is working in her parents' mercantile and waiting for her life to begin. When she prays for God to liven up her life, I hope you enjoy the adventure He sets her on with a handsome hero new to town, an undercover mission and forbidden love that cannot end happily'¦or can it?
Calico Bride
is a story I dearly loved writing. Perhaps because I was touched by Burke's tragic past and by the dreams he wants and doesn't believe he deserves. I loved Lila's sense of adventure and courage and the lessons she comes to learn about her life and the nature of true love. Most of all, I loved the gentle humor of their romance and the way God leads them softly, surely and inevitably together. I hope you do, too. Ruby's story is next!
Thank you for choosing
Calico Bride
.
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Wishing you love and peace,
Questions for Discussion
- Describe Lila's first impression of Burke. How does she react? What conclusions does she draw about him initially? How are they different after he hands her his badge?
- How would you describe Burke's first impression of Lila? Why is he drawn to her? Why do you think he trusts her with his secret?
- What do you think about the concern and compassion Lila shows wounded Burke? What do you think of Eunice's lack of compassion? What are the reasons for both?
- What do you think of Burke's past as revealed initially through his nightmares? How do you think the loss of his family has affected him? How does this change your perspective on his character?
- How would you describe Burke? What are the deeper layers to his character? What are his flaws? How would you describe Lila? What are her deeper layers? What are her flaws?
- What is the story's predominant imagery? How does it contribute to the meaning of the story? Of the romance?
- Both Burke and Lila look to God to help at turning points and crossroads. When do you see Him in the story? How does He guide Lila? How does He guide Burke?
- What does Lila learn about compassion through the course of the story? How does the depth of her compassion change for others? For Burke?
- Burke tells Lila he is a loner, that he likes life better without ties. Why does he tell her this? What deeper feeling is he hiding? What hints does he give through the story to let you know how he truly feels?
- What roles do Lila's friendships and the town's characters play in the story and the romance?
- How did you react when you read about Burke's involvement with a violent outlaw gang? How do you think this has affected him? How does it change your opinion of him?
- What do you think Lila and Burke have each learned about love and about themselves? How has love changed them?
- What does Burke learn about forgiveness?
- What are the ways Lila changes and what does she learn about her life?
- There are many different kinds of love in this story. What are they? What roles do they play in the meaning of the book? In Lila and Burke's romance?
ISBN: 978-1-4592-0860-5
CALICO BRIDE
Copyright "© 2011 by Jill Strickler
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, Love Inspired 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.
"® and TM are trademarks of the publisher, 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 McKaslin Clan
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The Granger Family Ranch
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Buttons & Bobbins