Loving Bella (21 page)
Authors: Renee Ryan
- In the opening scene, Bella is confronted with a shocking proposition that makes her realize how far she’s strayed from God. What is this proposition? Who presents it to her? Why is she tempted, while at the same time heartbroken beyond imagining? Why do you think she didn’t see this coming? Have you ever found yourself in a situation that caught you off guard like that?
- What crisis situation led Shane to the point of desperation in the opening of chapter one? Why is he unable to find the right person for the available position? Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation, where you knew what you were doing was right despite what the world claimed?
- Why do you think Bella accepts Shane’s offer, despite her complete lack of qualification? Do you think she’s motivated by selfish desires or a genuine wish to serve the Lord? Have you ever found yourself volunteering for a position for the wrong reasons? What was the result?
- What do you think keeps Bella from accepting Hannah as a confidant? Have you ever had a situation where you were convinced nobody could relate? If so, why did you think that?
- Why do you think Bella feels comfortable opening up to Mattie, of all people? Why do you think Bella is drawn to the “girls” in Mattie’s house? Do you think God can use our past mistakes in His service? Why or why not?
- What drives Shane to administer medical care to “undesirables” and those least accepted in the world? Do you think his service is noble or selfishly motivated? Why or why not?
- Bella has to learn the difference between sins of the heart versus sins of the flesh. Do you think sins of the heart are easier to overcome than sins of the flesh? Why or why not? Which of the two are easier to hide?
- What shocking information does the New York lawyer, Mr. Wilson, bring Shane? How does Shane react to the impossible terms? What solution does Bella come up with? Have you ever been in a situation that seemed impossible but ultimately worked out for the best? What was it?
- What is Bella’s terrible secret? What happens as she continues to keep it to herself? Have you ever kept something about your past hidden, only to have it come out in some unexpected way? What happened?
- When Shane discovers Bella’s secret he doubts her feelings for him are sincere. What happened in his past to make him skeptical of her declaration of love? Have you ever found it hard to believe someone’s sincerity? Why or why not?
- Bella has a surprise visitor at the end of the book. Who is it? How does she respond? What happens when she sees both William and Shane in the same room together?
- What sacrifice does Shane make in regards to Bella? Do you think that was a noble decision on his part? How does Bella react? Does it bring about their happy ending? How?
ISBN: 978-1-4268-5574-0
LOVING BELLA
Copyright © 2010 by Renee Halverson
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.
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