Prairie Fire (35 page)
“The fire nearly got us,” Jack said, holding Caitrin close.
“’Twas not a killing fire, as we feared,” Caitrin answered softly. “’Twas the heavenly Refiner’s fire, melting away the dross and impurities in our lives and welding us together with a golden bond that will never break.”
“You know something, Caitrin Murphy?” Jack asked. “You’re going to make some blacksmith a mighty fine wife.”
“Aye,” she said with a laugh. “And all because of three little words.”
Their lips met, and a love beyond any she had ever imagined welled in Caitrin’s heart as they melted into the Father’s precious baptism of hope, grace, and peace.
Discussion Questions
1. Why does Caitrin extend kindness in word and deed to Jack Cornwall? What effect does this have on him?
2. What causes Jack’s change of heart? How does God draw Jack to himself?
3. Why does Rosie stand up for Jack and convince Seth to give him a chance?
4. In chapter 6, Sheena tells Caitrin, “That’s the trouble with you. You see things for what they could be, not for what they are.” Caitrin points out that that kind of thinking is what causes transformation. Who is right, in your opinion? Is Sheena right when she says one can’t change people? that you have to accept them as they are?
5. At one point, Caitrin is so frustrated with her circumstances that she throws a plate against the wall as she complains to God. Is it okay to be mad at God for one’s lot in life? Why or why not?
6. Jack says that Caitrin was sent to him by God to show him what God and love are like. This scares Caitrin, who tells him not to look to her, an imperfect person, to understand God. Who is right? How does God use imperfect people to show who he is and what he is like?
7. What is the real cause of Lucy’s mental problems? Does the way her brother and mother treat her help her or hurt her? What finally sets her free?
8. Jack thinks he knows what God wants of his people. What is it? Is he right? How does the story prove it?
9. Fire is a recurring theme in this book. Discuss how this image of fire plays out in Jack’s and Caitrin’s personalities, in their relationship, and in the plot.
10. The town of Hope prays for the rain they so desperately need. What does God send? Does he answer their prayer?
11. In this story, what is the source of prejudice? What is the result of prejudice? How is it overcome?
C
ATHERINE PALMER lives in Atlanta with her husband, Tim, where they serve as missionaries in a refugee community. They have two grown sons. Catherine is a graduate of Southwest Baptist University and holds a master’s degree in English from Baylor University. Her first book was published in 1988. Since then she has published more than fifty novels, many of them national best sellers. Catherine has won numerous awards for her writing, including the Christy Award, the highest honor in Christian fiction. In 2004, she was given the Career Achievement Award for Inspirational Romance by
Romantic Times BOOKreviews
magazine. More than 2 million copies of Catherine’s novels are currently in print.
With her compelling characters and strong message of Christian faith, Catherine is known for writing fiction that “touches the hearts and souls of readers.” Her many collections include A Town Called Hope, Treasures of the Heart, Finders Keepers, English Ivy, and the Miss Pickworth series. Catherine also recently coauthored the Four Seasons fiction series with Gary Chapman, the
New York
Times
best-selling author of
The Five Love Languages
.
Visit catherinepalmer.com for more information on future releases. To learn more about her work as a missionary to refugees, visit
palmermissions.blogspot.com
.
