Flashover (23 page)
Authors: Dana Mentink
Tags: #Fiction, #Suspense, #General, #Christian, #Romance, #Religious, #Love Stories
Dear Reader,
Ivy Beria is a hero. In her professional capacity she saves lives, protects property and holds a place in a tightly knit firefighter family. One moment too long in a burning house and Ivy is separated from her job and the status that comes with it. She's cut off from the brotherhood, and forced to face her own anger at losing her sister so many years ago.
Tim Carnelli has been in love with Ivy for years, but she's never given him a chance. He's not a firefighter, and what's more, he's devoted to the same God Ivy believes took her sister away in a horrific accident. When circumstances conspire to put her neighbor Moe, an autistic savant, in harm's way, Ivy sets aside her pride and teams up with Tim to keep Moe safe.
This book explores the identities we forge for ourselves, identities that can pull our attention away from our life in Him. Can there be heroism in humility? Honor in the ordinary? Ivy struggles to find the answers and to let go of the pain that separates her from Him.
I am so pleased that you chose to read
Flashover
. It has been my pleasure to write it. I would love to hear from you via my Web site at www.danamentink.com.
Fondly,
- What sort of qualities does it take for a woman to do a traditionally male job?
- Ivy disobeys a direct order and stays in the burning house for what she feels are noble reasons. Was she justified in doing so? What decision would you have made in her place?
- As a culture do we still believe that misfortune is just punishment for sin? What does the Bible say about that?
- Mitch tends to Ivy in the helicopter after she is hurt in the structure collapse. What is your initial impression of his character?
- Sergei Evans behaves as though he is superior to others. Is this feeling of entitlement a common one in the modern world? Is it a sin to believe that we are deserving of a certain type of treatment, good or bad? How have you dealt with people who acted as if they were entitled to everything?
- Nick says, “Waiting was a skill, a talent so many people lacked.” Do you agree or not? How can people learn to be more patient?
- Ivy is described as Miss I Gotta Be in Charge of Everything. Do you know people who seem to fit this description? Is it a role today's women feel pressured to fill? How can we learn to let go of some things?
- Ivy feels uncomfortable when Tim starts up his “God talk.” Why do you think Ivy doesn't want to hear Tim speak about God? Have you encountered a similar attitude in people you know?
- Ivy is not a “good relaxer.” What are some techniques she could try to help her with this?
- Why does Ivy focus on the death of her sister, rather than remembering the time they spent together?
- Tim is not the traditional hero. His actions are quiet and self-sacrificing. As a culture we place more value on the dramatic acts of heroism than the humble actions of God-fearing people. Do you agree or disagree? Why?
- What are some ways that people can keep from defining themselves through their occupation?
ISBN: 978-1-4268-2708-2
FLASHOVER
Copyright © 2009 by Dana Mentink
All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the editorial office, Steeple Hill Books, 233 Broadway, New York, NY 10279 U.S.A.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
This edition published by arrangement with Steeple Hill Books.
® and TM are trademarks of Steeple Hill Books, used under license. Trademarks indicated with ® are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the Canadian Trade Marks Office and in other countries.
