Longing for Home (22 page)

Dear Reader,

I couldn’t wait for Kate to get her own happy ending—or should I say beginning! I knew it would take a special man to win her heart, and I kept going back to Alex Porter, Abby’s older brother who barged on to the scene in
A Place to Call Home
. Just as I suspected, he and Kate were meant to be together!

Many times when I’m working on a book, I find that I’m learning lessons in faith and life just the way my characters are. Jesus’s parable of the wise and foolish builders reminds me that there is no other foundation able to withstand all the storms of life.

Some of you may know that the writing of this book was delayed while I underwent radiation treatments for breast cancer last summer. The prayers and letters of encouragement I received from readers like you were such a blessing. I am happy to report that I am back to normal (well, as normal as a fiction writer can be, I suppose!).

I hope you are already looking forward to your next visit to Mirror Lake, when popular columnist Jenna Gardner arrives to care for her niece and nephew. This city girl is totally out of her element—until wildlife photographer Dev McGuire steps in to help. Watch for a special cameo appearance by one of the McBride sisters
(Family Treasures),
too!

Please stop by my website at kathrynspringer.com to say hello and sign up to receive my free newsletter. Not only is it a great way to connect, you will know when to plan your next trip to Mirror Lake!

Keep smiling and seeking Him,

Kathryn Springer

Questions for Discussion

1. Describe your hometown or city. What are some of the things that make it unique?
   
2. Do you think that Kate and Alex are examples of “opposites attract” or do you think sparks fly between them because they are so much alike? Explain your answer.
   
3. How did Alex and Kate’s childhood experiences shape the decisions they made as adults? If you had to pinpoint a “defining moment” in each of their lives, what would it be?
   
4. Why did Alex think that Kate was “settling” by staying in Mirror Lake? Have you ever had someone disagree with a major decision you’ve made (a move, career change, etc.)? What was your response?
   
5. When does Kate begin to change her opinion of Alex? Have you ever had to change your initial impression of a person once you got to know them better? Describe the situation.
   
6. Kate loves to bake. What are some of the things you enjoy doing? Do you prefer to spend time alone or with a group of people?
   
7. Alex teases Kate about being a superhero because she does so much. Just for fun, if YOU were a superhero, what kind of “superpower” would you like to have (ability to fly, become invisible, etc.)?
   
8. What was the turning point in Alex and Kate’s relationship?
   
9. Matt reads the parable about the wise and foolish builders. What are some of the “foundations” people build their lives on?
   
10. Kate has a special collection of trinket boxes that she “matches to memories.” Do you have a collection of some kind? What is it?
    
11. Knowing how busy Kate was, her friends surprised her with a potluck dinner. Has anyone ever done something like that for you? What was it?
    
12. Alex didn’t realize that he had a “grand plan” until Kate brought it to his attention. Having a plan can be a good thing, but it can sometimes get in the way of what God has planned for us. Have you ever found this to be true in your own life?
    
13. How did Alex’s proposal signify the changes in him? Do you think Kate changed, as well? Give examples to support your answer.
    
14. Imagine you are Alex and Kate’s wedding planner! What would their wedding be like?
    

ISBN: 9781459219878

Copyright © 2012 by Kathryn Springer

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