A Refuge Assured
Page 40
Discussion Questions
For a long time, Vivienne feels that the more people know about her, especially her parentage, the more likely she is to lose their esteem. Can you think of a time when you shared something you weren’t proud of, and the response surprised you? What happened?
Vivienne has a difficult time forgiving Sybille and Armand for their life choices. Have you also struggled to forgive a family member? What happened when you finally did?
Fleeing the French Revolution uproots Vivienne, requiring her to reinvent herself in a new country. When have you been uprooted, either by a physical relocation or by an emotional/social/economic upheaval? How did you find your footing again after that?
Liam struggles to reconcile his love of liberty with the need for order in the new nation of America. What parallels do you see in America today, in the balancing act between personal rights and freedoms and the need to govern and be governed?
After Martine dies, Vivienne is charged with raising a child, which is something she feels the least qualified to do. When was the last time a task was thrust upon you that you weren’t sure you could manage? What happened?
Liam feels responsible for the well-being of the people closest to him, even though Tara and Finn are adults and Liam lives far from them. Do you ever feel responsible for people who are outside your sphere of influence? Why or why not?
Throughout the book, Vivienne seeks refuge in settings that promise safety. Today, we may not be hiding from physical danger, but what do we try to escape? Where do we seek refuge in our modern culture? What are typical results of those coping mechanisms?
Liam’s injuries during the book were a direct result of his defending people from harm. When have you experienced a negative personal outcome for standing up for what you believe in?
Armand gives Henri a kitten because he knows Henri would enjoy having something to care for. Has there been a time in your life when caring for someone else has also helped you in some way? Explain.
Themes of home and belonging are important to Vivienne, Liam, and Henri. Where, or with whom, do you feel the most profound sense of belonging? Why?
Jocelyn Green is an award-winning author of multiple fiction and nonfiction works, including Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives and The 5 Love Languages Military Edition, which she co-wrote with Dr. Gary Chapman. Her first novel in the HEROINES BEHIND THE LINES series, Wedded to War, was a Christy Award finalist and the gold medal winner in historical fiction from the Military Writers Society of America. She and her husband live in Cedar Falls, Iowa, with their two children and two cats. Her goal with every book is to inspire faith and courage in her readers. Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com.
Books by Jocelyn Green
The Mark of the King
A Refuge Assured
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