Treasuring Emma (37 page)
Adam stood next to Leona’s chair, near enough to Emma that his arm touched hers. In clusters of two and three, members of the community came by to shake his hand and welcome him back to the fold. Once or twice he caught Leona’s eye and saw her smiling at him. She nodded as if to add her blessing, and he suspected that she’d had a hand—or at least a prayer—in the changes that had come to his life.
Transformation. That’s what it was about. Connecting with God and
familye
and community, and finding contentment and love in God’s will. Nothing else mattered. In good times and bad, in struggle and joy, the Lord was present, and that presence made all the difference.
He glanced down at Emma. She, too, had changed. She was no longer dependent upon him for her happiness and contentment, but together they could rely on God and work together to build a life.
On the other side of the lawn, his father stood talking with a small group of men. He looked up, caught Adam’s eye, and nodded.
That was all. Just a nod. But it was enough.
His mother came up and put her hand on his arm. “Today is a
gut daag
,
mei sohn
.”
Adam swallowed down the lump in his throat and smiled. For so long he’d been broken, searching for what he thought was missing in his life. And all along it had been here, in the Amish community. Quite literally in his own backyard.
He leaned close to Emma and felt the pressure of her arm against his.
“Ya,”
he said. “It is a very
gut daag
.”
I always thank my editors and agent in every book I write. But they deserve more thanks than I can say for their help, support, and encouragement during the process of writing
Treasuring Emma
. Natalie, Penny, and Tamela, thank you for being there for me as this book took shape. Thank you for the prayers and guidance that kept me going. Thank you for being by my side as I faced the challenges during the writing process. Thank you for being wonderful at your jobs and for being treasured friends.
1. Have you experienced loss like Emma’s? What words offered you the most comfort in such a time?
2. What is your first impression of Adam? Do you immediately judge him?
3. Why do you think Emma’s grandmother wrote to Adam? Do you think she is a nosy old lady, or do her intentions appear sincere?
4. As the story unfolds, there is obvious discord in Clara and Peter’s marriage. Discuss the steps both could be taking to work out their problems.
5. Adam’s return home mirrors the biblical story of the prodigal son. What differences do you see between that story and Adam’s return?
6. Characters often reflect on the phrase “God will provide.” Do you believe that? Has there been a time in your life when you’ve doubted that God would come through for you?
7. Discuss Norman Otto and his relationship with his son. How do you react to Norman’s attitude toward Adam? Do you think that Norman is wrong?
8. At what point do you become suspicious of Mark?
9. Emma’s grandmother comforts her and tells her at one point, “We’re not guaranteed an easy life.” Do you disagree? How have you dealt with bitterness concerning the not-so-easy parts of your life?
10. Do you feel pity toward Mark? Why or why not?
11. In order for Adam to return to the community, he was required to stand in front of the entire church and confess his sins. He had to completely embrace humility. Have you ever had to do that?
12. How do you feel about where the author leaves Mark King, or Matt Kingston, as he tells the young Amish girl? Do you believe that he can be brought back from the path he is on?
13. The title of this story is
Treasuring Emma
. What does it mean to actively treasure someone? In what ways do you see characters in this story treasuring each other?
14. What is your biggest takeaway from this story? Do you feel encouraged after seeing God’s faithfulness through so many difficult circumstances?
Moriah’s heart
will only be safe
with a man of his word.
A Hearts of Middlefield Novel
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Ruth’s a good girl, a born schoolteacher.
Zach’s been in trouble most of his life.
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Anna must find the courage
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A collection of novellas
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Kathleen Fuller is the author of the best-selling novel
A Man of His Word
and
An Honest Love
. When she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and farm pets.