Pirate of My Heart: A Novel (27 page)

Discussion Questions

1. Kendra’s father and uncle are twins and the sibling rivalry is exacerbated by the elder earl’s favoritism and training of the eldest son. Let’s discuss sibling rivalry and parental favoritism. Read about Joseph’s life in Genesis chapters 37–39 and compare his experience with his siblings to your experience as a child. What experiences have you had with this issue as a child, parent, or even in the workplace?

2. Kendra’s mother died giving birth to her and her father becomes her whole world. When he dies, she is devastated. What were your relationships like with your parents? If you are a parent or would like to be in the future, what would you do differently? The same?

3. Dorian is happy with his life and has no desire to change it. He doesn’t draw close to God because he doesn’t really feel that he needs Him. Have you ever fallen into this trap when life is coasting along fine? What happened and what did you learn from that time?

4. For the first time in her life, Kendra finds herself highly attracted to a man. She is confused—afraid and excited at the same time. What was your first crush like? What happened and what did you learn from it?

5. Love and infatuation can cause many emotions to surface such as jealousy and desire. The Bible has a lot to say about desire along the lines of James 1:15, “Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” What do you think about the emotional traps involved with falling in love? Is there a “best” way to go about it? Any other Scriptures come to mind?

6. Kendra’s relatives in America have been disillusioned by life’s hardships, making them cold and bitter. But Kendra’s giving nature brings light and joy to their lives again even though their situation remains the same. It amazes me how much one person can influence a household for good or evil. What impact do you have on your household and/or the people in your life? Is there something you would like to change?

7. How can you bring the love of Jesus into the lives of others? What practical steps can you take?

8. Angelene is determined to have Dorian as her husband. Dorian’s mother tells her that God has the perfect mate for her, like Eve for Adam, and not to force a relationship. Have you ever forced a relationship? What happened?

9. Kendra overhears a conversation and jumps to the wrong conclusion. The Bible says in Matthew 5:37 to “let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’.” What do you think this means? How has miscommunication affected you?

10. Even though Dorian loves Kendra he has a hard time saying it. How often do you tell people you love them? Is it easy or difficult to say? Were you raised in a family that was demonstrative in their love for you? How has that impacted you?