Child of Grace (Love Inspired) (18 page)

Dear Reader:

I have always been a passionate believer in the rights of the unborn, the most innocent and vulnerable of all life. This book gave me the opportunity to create a heroine who shares that belief, and whose compassion, principles and conscience compel her to carry to term a child conceived in violence. Although Kelsey finds herself in the kind of situation even many pro-life proponents would say justifies abortion, she firmly believes that two wrongs don’t make a right. And out of her courageous decision comes grace and blessings beyond her imagining.

Writing Kelsey’s story gave me a renewed appreciation for the difficult choices many of us face in life, whether it be an unexpected pregnancy, end-of-life decisions, or how best to deal with illness, job loss, betrayal and the myriad problems that are the human lot. May her choice inspire and uplift you, and may you, too, be nurtured and graced by God’s love as you travel the sometimes rocky road of life.

Please watch for my next Steeple Hill book, coming in the fall of 2011. In the meantime, I invite you to check my website at www.irenehannon.com for more information about my other books.

Luke comes to Michigan to fulfill a promise to a man who had a tremendous impact on his life. Is there someone in your life who left a lasting impression? What made him or her stand out?


Kelsey has made a very courageous choice. Do you agree with her decision to carry the baby to term? Why or why not?


What is your position on abortion? Why do you feel the way you do? If you believe it’s wrong, is there ever a situation that justifies it? Why or why not? What guidance does the Bible give on this subject?


Although Kelsey suffers a terrible trauma, it causes her to reevaluate her life and make some drastic changes—becoming better, not bitter, as she says in the story. Have you ever found yourself in a bad situation that ultimately led you down a better path?


After Luke witnesses the deaths of three friends in a suicide bombing, he shuts down emotionally. Is that healthy? How else might a person cope with such a tragedy?


Carlos’s grandmother was important in the young medic’s life. What do you think might have happened to him if she hadn’t employed some tough love when he got into trouble as a teen? What does this say about the importance of involved, caring parents or guardians in a young person’s life?


Luke is taken aback when Kelsey decides to keep her baby, and he backs off. How did you feel about his response?


Why do you think Kelsey was drawn to quilting, even in her corporate ladder-climbing days? Do you have a favorite pastime that gives you solace?


At one point, Reverend Howard remarks that loving is often a struggle. Do you think this is true? If so, why? What does the Bible teach us about loving?


When the story begins, Kelsey is frightened of Luke. Why does she change her mind over time? Cite specific examples from the story to support your answer.


Which secondary character in the book did you find most interesting? Why?


At the end of the story, Luke is heading off to Atlanta to direct the E.R. at a major medical center. What experiences and personal qualities will serve him well in this job?


What qualities in Kelsey made Luke fall in love with her? Do you think they were a good match?


In the end, Luke chooses to view Grace as a gift from God rather than a reminder of violence, just as Kelsey chose to be better, not bitter. What does this suggest about the power of choices and the responsibility we bear for our own happiness?