I have long been a person who knows how to worry like a dog over a bone. I can chew and stew and fret and fuss with the best of them. But something happened to me in the aforementioned life storms—I was at peace.
Oh, it wasn’t fun to go through the broken ankle, and I certainly had moments when I wondered how I was going to pay the mounting medical bills. But even when my brain asked, “How will I manage?” my heart answered, “Trust God.” I wasn’t afraid. I pressed in and pressed on (which, not surprisingly, were the words God had given to me at the start of 2010). I pressed into Jesus and pressed on in faith.
Of course I deeply grieved the passing of my mom. She was always there for me, every moment, every step, every day of my life. She was the best example of what it means to be a woman of faith. She was also my greatest fan and cheerleader. Even in those last months of her life when she was so frail and her mind was no longer sharp, she always introduced me to others like this: “This is my daughter Robin. She’s an author. She writes wonderful books.” Yes, I will always miss my mom. And yet I had peace with her passing, for I knew without a doubt that she was and is with her Savior, free of pain and the restrictions of a physical body grown old and tired.
But the complete and utter peace that blanketed me from that first moment I heard the doctor say, “It’s cancer”—and the peace that stayed with me every moment after that—was unmistakably an act of a merciful God. So much so that there was no room left for worry and doubt to push their way in. The Comforter had come, and I could be at rest.
Well, finally and at last—and with the help and guidance of my wonderful and very patient editors—Heart of Gold did get written. I don’t know if it is different than the book it might have been had I not passed through those life storms in 2010 and 2011. However, I imagine it must be somewhat different since I am somewhat different. I hope it’s a story that you’ve enjoyed reading.
I have a couple of historical notes to share with you:
First, I took creative license in regard to the telegraph being present in the Boise Basin in 1864. Although telegraphy may have existed between towns in the territory (the Civil War was the first war where the commanders in chief received quick updates on battles, thanks to the telegraph), I was unable to rule it in or out. However, research tells me the first telegraph wires from outside the territory didn’t arrive into Idaho until 1866.
Second, I also took creative license with Confederate Captain Rufus Henry Ingram, the Red Fox. There is no historical data that I found saying he was ever in Idaho Territory. The “gentlemanly robber” did escape capture in California in the late spring of 1864 and he did reportedly make it back to Missouri. I saw no reason for him not to continue his efforts to steal treasure that was being shipped out of the gold camps in Idaho before going back to the South.
In closing, I would like to tell you how much the e-mails and Facebook messages and comments on my blog meant to me during the above-mentioned life storms. I will forever be grateful for the prayers of so many readers, especially those who make up my prayer team. You have shared wisdom and comfort and laughter with me over and over and over again. You’re still sharing all of that with me today, and I am filled with thanksgiving to God for each one of you. How very amazing that the Lord has given me an abundance of friends, most of whom I shall not meet this side of heaven.
At the end of my cancer treatments, I told some family and friends that I was looking forward to life returning to normal and that I wouldn’t even mind a period of boring. My brother told me I shouldn’t ask for boring because that would mean I wasn’t living. He’s right. Better to embrace it all as an adventure, especially since I know that God has plans for my life, plans for my future, plans that give me hope. He has wonderful and unique plans for you as well.
So now it’s time to get back to work on my next book. I must see what sort of mischief I can stir up for a particular hero and heroine. Because, after all, they need to embrace the adventure right along with you and me.
In the grip of His grace,
Robin
www.robinleehatcher.com
READING GROUP GUIDE
1. In the beginning of the story, Shannon finds herself in a place she despises. Have you ever been somewhere that you’d rather not be? How did you handle your emotions? Did you ask God to help change your attitude?
2. A lifelong bachelor, Matthew struggles with the unexpected situation of taking in his sister and nephew. Have you ever encountered such an unplanned responsibility? Have family obligations ever required you to drastically alter your plans? If so, how did you deal with the changes?
3. Even in the face of death, Alice maintains incredible amounts of faith and courage. Have you ever known someone like Alice? When you encounter something frightening, how does God come to your aid?
4. According to Reverend Adair, every person is loved equally by God, no matter that person’s race or politics; and he hopes that one day the divided town of Grand Coeur can be united under his church’s roof. How do we let such differences get in the way of bringing people together? How can Christians work against the divisive forces of prejudice?
5. When Matthew discovers how sick his sister really is, he feels guilt for not being a better brother to her in the past. Have you ever regretted neglecting a friend or family member during their time of need? Is it possible to make up for lost time?
6. Though Shannon arrives in Grand Coeur as a Confederate sympathizer, she soon becomes close to people whose politics could not be more different from hers. Have you ever become friends with people with whom you completely disagree on some things? What do you think it means to “live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18)?
7. Reverend Adair is an example of one who prays without ceasing. How does his constant prayer impact his own life, as well as the lives of others in the story? How can we learn from such a model of faithfulness?
8. Upon first meeting Matthew and Alice, Shannon judges them harshly. Have you ever made a judgment about someone, only to befriend that person later? How does it feel to discover you’ve been wrong about that person all along?
9. Though Alice is at peace with her diagnosis, Matthew wanted to “argue with God” about it. Have you ever had difficulty finding peace with something you can’t understand? Why does God ask us to trust Him, especially when we can’t comprehend His will?
10. After Shannon and Matthew have broken off their engagement, Reverend Adair tells Shannon that “pride is cold comfort.” What does he mean by this? How does pride get in the way of healing broken relationships?
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Best-selling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. She discovered her vocation after many years of reading everything she could put her hands on, including the backs of cereal boxes and ketchup bottles. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction (Whispers from Yesterday), the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance (Patterns of Love and The Shepherd’s Voice), two RT Career Achievement Awards (American
a Romance and Inspirational Fiction), and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of more than sixty novels.
Robin enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, reading books that make her cry, and watching romantic movies. She is passionate about the theater, and several nights every summer, she can be found at the outdoor amphitheater of the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, enjoying plays under the stars. She makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with Poppet, the high-maintenance papillon, and Princess Pinky, the kitten who currently terrorizes the household.
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