by Beth Wiseman
Just like a family.
Reading Group Guide
*Guide contains spoilers, so don’t read before completing the novel.
1. Throughout the story, there are several instances of symbolism. Can you name three?
2. When Darlene takes a job outside of the home for the first time in her marriage, she admits to herself and others several reasons for her choice. What are these reasons, and why do you think she chose a job working with children?
3. Every member of the family keeps a secret at some point— except for Ansley. Whose secret is never revealed?
4. Overcoming guilt plays a large role in several of the characters’ lives—Darlene, Brad, Chad, Grace, and Layla. How do they each get past it? Have you ever let guilt bog you down, and if so . . . how did you handle it?
5. Teenage “cutting” is a growing problem. Have you ever heard of it before or known a family that has been affected by it? If so, did the problem resolve itself, or did the teen seek counseling?
6. When Layla dies, she says her daughter’s name. Do you think she really saw Marissa? Have you ever had a friend or loved one who experienced something similar as they passed on?
7. There are several times when characters unrightfully judge one another. The most obvious would be when Darlene and Brad judge Skylar by the way she dresses. What are some other examples of passing judgment?
8. When Brad lies to Darlene about the investments he made, we know that he was doing it to provide for his family, and in the end it all worked out. But if Darlene hadn’t caught him on the phone in the barn, do you think he ever would have told her about it?
9. Layla shows up in church to thank God for answering her prayers about Tom. At this point, is she still somewhat nonchalant about the Lord’s role in her life? And if so, when does she truly begin to have a relationship with Him?
10. God has a plan for everything. Why did He bring Darlene and Layla together? What roles did they play in each other’s lives that neither of them could have foreseen?
11. Do you feel like Darlene and Brad have a good marriage? Could they have benefited from counseling, as Darlene suggested?
12. What are your thoughts about Dave? Did he pursue Darlene? Did you have compassion for him and his situation? How much do you blame him for his indiscretions in the barn with Darlene—or do you? Do you hope that he finds someone to spend his life with and to be a good mother to Cara, or does he not deserve such happiness after almost wrecking Darlene and Brad’s marriage?
13. Do you think Darlene would have ever kissed Dave in the barn if she hadn’t suspected Brad of infidelity? What were her motives? Did she feel justified? Lonely? And how did her betrayal ultimately affect her?
14. When Darlene and Brad are arguing a lot, their discord is fueled by their worry for Grace. But what inner feelings are each of them harboring that cause resentment of the other?
15. If you live in the city, have you ever dreamed of escaping to a quieter life in the country? Does geography really have anything to do with the peace we have in our hearts?
16. Do you think Darlene and Brad’s betrayal and lies will make their marriage stronger now? Or would they have been better off without any of it? Has there ever been a time within your own marriage when poor judgment ended up strengthening your bond?
Cutting is a dangerous coping method that can be addicting. If you or someone you know is engaging in self-injury, talk to a health professional—such as a counselor, social worker, doctor, or nurse—and ask about resources in your area. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) offers a national directory of mental health facilities on its website, store.samhsa.gov/mhlocator, and The American Psychological Association’s website has a Psychologist Locator, locator.apa.org. SAMHSA’s public education website “What a Difference a Friend Makes” contains information—including a community forum—for anyone trying to help a friend through a mental health difficulty: www.whatadifference.samhsa.gov. A large Internet forum specifically devoted to self-harm is www.recoveryourlife.net.
Don’t leave God out of your pain. Pray for His guidance and healing so that this behavior releases its hold on you. “Come to me, all who are weary, and I will give you rest.”
MATTHEW 11:27-29 NASB
Acknowledgments
Special thanks to my dear friend Kelly Long for keeping me and this book in prayer for over a year. It’s an honor to dedicate it to you, and I value our special friendship.
To my assistant / publicity coordinator, Janet Murphy, I did my best writing on this book at your beach house that you graciously offered to me. Much thanks for your generosity, friendship, and the great job that you do.
Teenage cutting is a serious problem, and it was important to me to accurately explain the thoughts and feelings that go along with this destructive way of coping. Thank you to Eric Baumgartner, MA, clinical psychology, for your help and input on the manuscript. It is much appreciated!
Thank you to my Thomas Nelson fiction family—especially my editor Natalie Hanemann and “Superman” Allen Arnold—for allowing me to spread my wings into a new genre by writing a story that called to my heart. If Need You Now helps one struggling family, then we have all done our job for Him.
To my line editor, Jenny Baumgartner, it is always a pleasure to work with you. You take over where Natalie leaves off, and you always make my books shine. Love being on this journey with you. Blessings to you and your precious family, my friend.
Mary Sue Seymour—so glad you came to visit us in Texas. What a fantastic time we had! I’m very blessed to have an agent who is also a dear friend. Peace always.
To my wonderful husband, Patrick . . . I love you so much! And I cherish the fruit salad tree that you planted in our front yard—symbolic of our own family . . . “A tiny tree—a spring of life no bigger than a twig. But with proper nourishment, the tree and its various fruits will be forever grounded, rooted together for life, for generations to come.” That’s us!
Friends and family, I’d be lost without your love and encouragement. Special thanks to my best friend, Renée Bissmeyer, and also to my mother, Pat Isley.
As always, my most heartfelt thanks goes to God for His continuous blessings.
Thank you, dear readers, for allowing me to share the gift of story with you. If this novel touched you or someone you know, I’d love to hear from you at [email protected].
About the Author
BETH WISEMAN is hailed as a top voice in Amish fiction. She is a Carol Award winner and author of numerous best sellers including the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series. She and her family live in Texas.