Masked by Moonlight (22 page)

London Times
“Madam Whippleton’s Most Delectable Social Gossip”
May 2, 1892

London’s finest were decked out in their swashbuckling best last night as Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Covington hosted what is sure to become a fixture in the spring social calendar. The First Annual May Day Bandit Ball, said to be a quaint tradition brought over by Mrs. Covington from her native California. The gala event raised funds to support the Willsbury Home for Orphaned Children, a most worthy cause that has been a focus of Mrs. Covington’s since her arrival here two years ago. Festive touches such as a cascade of white ribbons and a traditional German Maypole added to the theatrical atmosphere of the evening. London’s finest joined in the spirit of the costumed event, making generous philanthropic gifts for the privilege of dressing as Robin Hood, Aladdin, the Three Musketeers, Blackbeard the Pirate, or any number of legendary bandits throughout the ages. Good show, Mrs. Covington—this author, for one, delights in your spirited contribution to London’s stoic social offerings.

Now, on to the loathsome qualities of Miss Edwina Dyson’s gown at the opera last Thursday. Surely someone should speak to her seamstress….”

Dear Reader,

Those of us who write can’t help but imagine what the world would be like if our characters came to life—especially one as handsome and heroic as Matthew. Sometimes, in our pursuit of an idealistic dream, it’s easy to miss the heroes right in front of us every day. I hope MASKED BY MOONLIGHT not only entertained you for a few hours, but made you think about what’s possible in our real world and in the people around us. Not to mention what’s possible within ourselves. We serve an amazing God who can do astounding things with ordinary people—and I believe that provides us with the best adventure of all.

And if you’re wondering what Quinn’s going to do with that mask, well, let’s just say I’m hoping you won’t have to wait too long to find out….

As always, I love to hear from you at www.alliepleiter.com or by mail at P.O. Box 7026, Villa Park, IL 60181.

Blessings,

1. If you could create a heroic alter ego for yourself, what would she/he be like?
   
2. Was Matthew right to step into the Bandit persona? What would you have done in his “boots”?
   
3. Is your faith journey more like Matthew’s or Georgia’s? What are the differences and how do they affect your journey?
   
4. Why do you think Georgia could continue to put up with Stuart for so long? What made her able to pull away from him when she did? Was it the right choice?
   
5. Reverend Bauers quotes, “What we think of as disaster and calamity is often God’s prelude to a mighty victory.” Where in your life has that proved to be true?
   
6. If you were Reverend Bauers, would you have helped the Bandit? Why or why not?
   
7. Think about an everyday hero you know. What can you do to recognize him or her?
   
8. Georgia sympathizes with Gideon’s plea, “If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened?” Have you ever felt that way? What can you do about it?
   
9. Why do you think God sent Matthew into this circumstance? What about Georgia? What makes them such a perfect match for the challenges at hand?
   
10. If you were Matthew, when would you have told Georgia you were the Bandit? Does your choice differ with Matthew’s choice in the book? Why?
    
11. Play author yourself for a moment. What do you think will happen to Stuart? Is he a redeemable character?
    
12. If you, like Georgia, were asked to read your favorite Bible verse to someone, which would you choose? Why?