by Carol Voss
Although Maggie and Tony’s journey eventually continues on the bumpy road to love, they have some pretty big bumps to navigate, among them forgiveness and self-acceptance. I hope you find inspiration in their struggle to overcome past disappointments and abandonments and to turn to God to help them forgive themselves and each other.
I hope Instant Daddy readers who asked for Maggie’s story are pleased to find out what happened to her. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts and feelings about the book. You can write to me at Love Inspired Books, 233 Broadway, Suite 1001, New York, NY 10279, or email me at [email protected] or visit me on the web at www.carolvoss.com.
Grace always,
Carol Voss
Questions for Discussion
Tony heads home because he needs forgiveness. Have you ever needed forgiveness? Did you ask for it? Did you receive forgiveness or not? How did you feel about the outcome?
Given Maggie’s situation when she was fifteen, could she have made a different decision than to give her baby up for adoption? What would you have done?
Tony and his nonna have conflicting views of Tony’s father. Why? Whose view do you identify with? Why?
Tony’s father left when Tony was six years old. Do you think his father’s actions still drive Tony? If so, how?
Given Maggie’s history, can you understand her desire to hang on to people and things in her life? Why or why not?
Do you agree with Maggie that Tony abandoned her when she needed him most? If so, would you be able to forgive him? How is Maggie able to do it?
How do you think Maggie was able to overcome her losses and build the life she has?
Maggie struggles to find God’s plan for her life. Can you see God’s hand in your own life? Can you identify times He has somehow changed the course you’ve been following?
Tony says he prefers to worship in God’s great outdoors. Can you understand why he feels that way? Why or why not?
Tony and Maggie have both experienced deep disappointments in their lives, yet Tony admits Maggie has more faith in people than he does. Do you agree with him? Why or why not?
At fifteen, Maggie made a decision that changed her life forever. Have you or a loved one ever made a decision that changed your life? Perhaps when you were very young? If not, do you know someone who experienced this? How have you or someone you know dealt with it?
Maggie is certain Stella will not get well if she cannot come home to her beloved garden and old Victorian. Do you agree with Maggie? Or do you think Tony is right in his belief that his nonna will be relieved if she doesn’t have the worries associated with the old house? Why?
Do you understand Hannah’s decision to disobey the rules? Have you ever felt that taking a risk was worth the consequences? Was it? Why or why not?
“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
—Matthew 6:14. Have you ever had trouble living by these powerful words? Why or why not?
ISBN: 9781459226555
Copyright © 2012 by Carol Voss
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