READING GROUP GUIDE
1. The story covers a particular belief system, Christian Identity, and one of the offshoots of this, the Phineas Priesthood. Had you heard of this before? If so, where?
2. How does the Phineas Priesthood justify their beliefs? Are they unique in this?
3. In chapter 3, we start to meet Gwen’s former husband, Robert, and by chapter 16, Beth is urging Gwen to forgive him, which is the theme of the book. Does she forgive him? How do you know? Does she need to forgive anyone else? Have you had to forgive someone who has hurt you badly?
4. Revenge is the opposite of forgiveness. Who else is seeking revenge?
5. In chapter 17, Gwen empties the contents of Robert’s desk: a lined notepad, an empty tissue box, a broken stapler, a crumpled piece of paper with a list of every terrible thing he’d ever said or done to her, a writer’s magazine featuring Robert on the cover, and a squirt gun. Could these items represent her life? What six items could represent yours?
6. Robert’s office goes through three changes in the book. What are the three changes, and how do they parallel Gwen’s changes?
7. Gwen loses her job by exceeding her role as forensic artist. What were her stakes? Would you have done the same given her circumstances?
8. The color pink to Gwen represents overcoming adversity. What adversity did she overcome? What would represent overcoming adversity in your life?
9. Aynslee is self-centered at the start of the story. Does she change? What makes her change?
10. Beth is a friend, sidekick, and wise mentor to Gwen. Do you have someone like her in your life?
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
ONCE AGAIN I’D LIKE TO THANK THE WHOLE world, but I’ve learned a certain amount of restraint over the years. I must always start with the Perettis. Frank and Barb, you both believed in me from the start. To my husband, Rick, I love you for all your help. No, I really don’t care to hear about the Sharks’ chance for the Stanley Cup. Again. A grateful and appreciative thank-you to my agent, Terry Burns of Hartline Literary Agency. A big thank-you to Amanda Bostic, Editorial Director, and Natalie Hanemann for your spot-on editing, and to Jodi Hughes for your polishing of the manuscript. Thank you, Kerri Potts, Senior Marketing Associate, for your work on getting this in front of the readers.
I wish to send out a great big hug and thanks to the folks who helped with this story, some of you without even knowing how much you helped. Dave and Andrea Kramer, Aynslee Stuart, and the rest of my great family. Scott, you made it. Thanks to all my forensic students and friends in law enforcement for providing suggestions from your vast pool of knowledge, with a special thanks to Detective Dave Prichard, CCA, Las Vegas Metro Police Sex Crimes Division; Sylvia Stone, Montana State Crime Lab, Missoula; Debs Laird, West Monroe Police Department, Louisiana; Heath Migliore, CFA. Hugs and thanks to very much alive Detective Margie Sheehan, CFA, Special Victims Detail, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, California; and Mike Higgins, CFA, Orange County Sheriff’s Academy.
The hospital thanks go to Shoshone Medical Center, Kellogg, Idaho, and Nancy Rahn Peacock, Gary Moore, and Jerry Brantz.
Thank you, my dear friends Kerry Kern Woods, Michelle Garlock, and everyone else who provided much needed insight as beta readers. A special thanks to Kelly Mortimer for all her help.
Thank you to Rogie and Papa, as well as all my beloved Great Pyrenees over the years for providing the template for Winston.
Mom and Dad, you were such inspirations. I miss you every day.
Finally, and most importantly, thank you to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To You goes all glory, and honor, and praise.
CARRIE STUART PARKS
PHIL. 4:8–9
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ANDREA KRAMER, KRAMER PHOTOGRAPHY
CARRIE STUART PARKS IS AN award-winning fine artist and internationally known forensic artist. She teaches forensic art courses to law enforcement professionals and is the author/illustrator of numerous books on drawing. Carrie began to write fiction while battling breast cancer and was mentored by New York Times bestselling author Frank Peretti. Now in remission, she continues to encourage other women struggling with cancer.
VISIT HER WEBSITE AT WWW.CARRIESTUARTPARKS.COM
FACEBOOK: CARRIESTUARTPARKSAUTHOR
TWITTER: @CARRIEPARKS
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