The Gift (45 page)

3. What can we do to help someone whose parents have abandoned them? What are some verses of scripture that might help someone like Adam cope with their past?

4. Cora made several unwise decisions during her adult life, including her decision to leave the faith of her people. How did walking away from the faith that she’d been taught during her childhood change the course of her life?

5. Should Cora have included her son Jared in the decision to leave their home in Chicago and move to Arthur where they had no friends or family? Do you think Jared may have been more receptive to change if he’d been included in the plans?

6. After Cora’s divorce, her son became rebellious. How can a single parent deal with a defiant teen?

7. Jonah suffered yet another loss when an unexpected accident shattered his world. What are some things we can do to help someone get through a tragic loss?

8. Despite his decision to remain single, Adam felt the need for a wife. His marriage was one of convenience, rather than love, since he needed someone to help him raise his nieces. Was that the best course of action for Adam, or should he have looked for a full-time babysitter?

9. Leah agreed to marry Adam even though he didn’t love her. Leah’s love for Adam’s nieces was a driving factor. Is there ever a time when a couple should marry without love? What obstacles would they have to overcome in order to make the marriage work?

10. Leah’s friend Priscilla became tired of waiting for her boyfriend to propose and was thinking about breaking up with him, but she didn’t tell him why. Do you think Priscilla should have been up front with Elam, or should she have been more patient and waited awhile longer to see if he would bring up the subject of marriage? How long do you feel a couple should date before marriage?

11. Was it fair for Leah’s friend Elaine to allow Ben to court her when she still had feelings for Jonah?

12. When Leah knew she had feelings for Adam, she kept them to herself. Should she have opened up and admitted how she felt instead of fearing rejection?

13. Forgiveness, acceptance, and tolerance of others are some of the themes in this book. What verses of scripture were mentioned in the story? Can you think of some other helpful Bible verses that deal with these topics?

14. What life lessons did you learn from reading this book? Were there any particular verses of scripture that spoke to your heart?

15. Did you learn anything new about the Amish by reading this story? What are your thoughts about their way of life?

In mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and brown sugar until combined. Stir in mini chocolate chips. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Place on large piece of plastic wrap and shape into a ball. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. Roll ball in nuts. Serve with graham crackers or any other cracker you like.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat 10-inch Bundt pan with cooking spray. In large bowl, combine cake mix, oil, pineapple, eggs, and cinnamon. Add enough water to reserved pineapple juice to make ½ cup. Add to bowl and beat thoroughly until mixture is combined. Stir in banana, ½ cup walnuts, and ¼ cup cherries. Mix well. Sprinkle remaining nuts and cherries in prepared pan then pour in batter. Bake 40 to 45 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool 15 minutes then invert onto serving platter and cool completely. In medium bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk. Beat until smooth. Drizzle glaze over cooled cake.

New York Times,
award-winning author, Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs. When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

To learn more about Wanda,
visit her website at
www.wandabrunstetter.com
.