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Authors: Legacy of Lies
Jill Elizabeth Nelson (19 page)
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Dear Reader,
Nicole and Rich survived deadly trials with their faith strengthened, their hope renewed and their hearts bound in love. They faced difficult, even shocking, issues that made them appreciate the blessings of life and family more deeply. Nicole realized that protecting her heart was more costly than risking it. Rich ran across the biggest case in his career and discovered how far short man's law can fall in providing justice for the innocent.
I want to thank Sherry Deyo, RN/PHN, for providing health-care information. Deep appreciation goes to the Steeple Hill staff for all the wonderful things they do to bring these exciting tales of faith and hope into your hands, dear reader. I particularly want to thank my savvy editor, Emily Rodmell, for her fabulous insights that enrich the story. I also need to say to my family, especially my husband, thank you so much for your love and support (and your patience when I am wrapped up in deadline). I couldn't write without you, dear fam!
And without you, dear reader, stories would have nowhere to go. I invite you to visit me on the Web at www.jillelizabethnelson.com. Read on, faithful ones!
Abundant Blessings,
Jill Elizabeth Nelson
- Nicole and her grandmother have different visions for the same business. Clashing visions happen in relationships. How do you resolve these important differences in a Godly fashion?
- In times of grief, we seek safe havens. After losing her husband, Nicole returns to a person and a place that has always equaled security to her, and then a shocking discovery threatens everything she trusted. How does she react? How would you react in such a situation?
- Rich has been admiring Nicole from afar with plans to kindle a romance. The resurrection of this cold case brings Rich's duty into conflict with his heart. What is more important, heart or responsibility? Can the two be reconciled? Why or why not?
- The Elling family has ruled the area with money, influence and outright threats when necessary. These mini-dynasties pervade society. What influence do those in such positions of power have on the dynamics of a community? How does a person of integrity wisely respond to this type of undue influence?
- Rich's deputy thinks he should have Rich's job. Rivalry and jealousy in the workplace are common. Discuss situations you've encountered or observed. How should these matters be handled?
- Loss upon loss has been piled upon Nicole's life, and grief has dulled her relationship with God. Where in
the story do you see her renew her commitment toward the Lord and why? - Why does Nicole become irritated whenever Rich compliments her coplike deductive and investigative abilities? Do you have hot-button issues in your life? Does your touchy reaction indicate a need to look for the underlying cause, and then to deal with it?
- In her prior marriage, Nicole encountered an issue with infertility. She was willing to adopt a child. But when she lost her first husband and Rich came into her life, she was not willing to consider forgoing children in order to have him. Was this a legitimate concern or an excuse to protect her heart? How about her decision never to marry another copâlegitimate concern or excuse? Do we often set up criteria in our relationships that are designed to protect ourselves? When is this a good thing and when does it have negative effects?
- Despite the Keller family's long-standing respect in the community, people's opinion turns sharply against them after the infant's remains are found. Have you encountered similar rushes to judgment? What position should a Christian take when circumstances arouse suspicion but not all the facts are in?
- Nicole saw the devastating results on her family due to reporting her discovery of the remains at the beginning of the book. Later in the story, she encounters another piece of important evidence, but she hesitates to report it to Rich. Are her reasons compelling?
- Mason is a bad boy who wreaks havoc wherever he goes and nearly gets an innocent young woman killed. He's also suffered rejection by his family from the day of his birth. Does his pain excuse his behavior? Why do bad boys fascinate good girlsâor vice versa?
- Hannah's psyche becomes stuck in the '50s. Why? And why might she continue to make up excuses for Fern no matter what her sister does?
- What is the basic fear behind the Ellings' obsession with carrying on their name? What goal do they expect to achieve by perpetuating their lineage at all costs? Is this thinking rational?
- Discuss the affect of this tragic obsession on the following characters: the Elling patriarchs (Seth, Silas and Simon); the Elling wives, including Margaret and Fern; Melody and Mason; Hannah; Frank and Jan Keller; Nicole; the community of Ellington. Could every one of them be considered a victim in some way? Do they all commit or omit something that allows the obsession to continue? Who would you name as the truest victim in this story? Why?
- Discuss Frank and Hannah's response to Elling evil and the death of baby Samuel. Were they justified in their actions? What might you have done if you were Hannah or Frank?
ISBN: 978-1-4268-6650-0
LEGACY OF LIES
Copyright © 2010 by Jill Elizabeth Nelson
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.
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