At quarter to seven, Dad put on his billed cap and coat. “Well, this is it,” he said.
Should she say “good luck”? Uncertain, Katy just nodded at him.
His chest expanded, as if he needed to pull in a breath of fortification, then he stalked out the back door. Katy dashed forward and pressed her nose to the glass, watching until the truck disappeared into the evening shadows.
She gathered up all the dishes and ran dish water, but she couldn’t stand still long enough to get them washed. Instead, she paced the room, continually peeking out the back door and checking the clock. When would Dad return? Her chest felt tight and her hands shook. Your will, God. Let it be Your will. She repeated the words so many times in her head she lost count.
Finally, at 8:25, a pair of headlights turned in at the road. She stood at the back door, her hands clasped so tightly her fingers hurt. Her heart pounded so loudly she could hear it. The truck door opened, illuminating Dad briefly, but from the distance she couldn’t see his face. Was he happy? Sad?
Your will, God.
Dad walked across the yard. The big light on the corner of the barn lit the path, and his shadow stretched far ahead of him, reaching the house before he did. Then he followed it onto the stoop. He gave a little jump of surprise when he stepped inside and found Katy hovering in the doorway.
She searched his face for signs of joy or despair, but he just looked like Dad. Square-jawed, clean-shaven, thick brows, serious face. She gulped out, “Well?”
Dad lowered his head and rubbed the underside of his nose with one finger. Then very slowly he lifted his chin. Katy held her breath, waiting. He met her gaze and a spark flashed in his eyes.
And even though he didn’t say a word, Katy knew. She just knew. With a laugh of joy, Katy leaped into Dad’s arms. She pressed her cheek to his chest.
He chuckled, the sound a vibration in Katy’s ear. “Things’ll be changing, Katy-girl.”
Still nestled in his embrace, she nodded. Yes, things would change. Having a stepmother would be a new experience. But Katy knew the important things would also stay the same. Neoteric and same-old, same-old all at once. And somehow she didn’t mind at all.
Discussion Questions for Katy’s Delate
1. How do you think developing your debating skills might help you as a Christian? Should you argue with someone who has an opposing view of Christianity?
2. Katy struggled with how she felt about her father dating Mrs. Graber. Do you think Katy’s father should have talked with Katy before showing his interest in Mrs. Graber? Why or why not?
3. How might Katy have handled things differently? How would you handle the emotional aspect of accepting a stepparent into your family?
4. How would you approach your parents about issues that you disagree on? What if the disagreement remains after you have had a discussion about it?
5. If you found yourself beginning to have a crush on someone you thought your parents would disapprove of, what would you do? What is more of an issue—gaining a boyfriend or gaining your parent’s trust? How do you think honoring your parents comes into play?
6. Even though Katy didn’t want a stepmother, she told her dad to reestablish his relationship with Mrs. Graber. Why do you think she make that choice?
7. When Katy decided having Mrs. Graber as part of their family would be both “esoteric and same-old, same-old,” what did she mean? Is it possible to have new and old at the same time?
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Rebecca Kauffman’s tranquil Old Order Amish life is transformed when she suddenly has custody of her two teenage nieces after her “English” sister and brother-in-law are killed in an automobile accident. Instant motherhood, after years of unsuccessful attempts to conceive a child of her own, is both a joy and a heartache. Rebecca struggles to give the teenage girls the guidance they need as well as fulfill her duties to Daniel as an Amish wife.
Rebellious Jessica is resistant to Amish ways and constantly in trouble with the community. Younger sister Lindsay is caught in the middle, and the strain between Rebecca and Daniel mounts as Jessica’s rebellion escalates. Instead of the beautiful family life she dreamed of creating for her nieces, Rebecca feels as if her world is being torn apart by two different cultures, leaving her to question her place in the Amish community, her marriage, and her faith in God.
Katy Lambright Series
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Kim Vogel Sawyer
Katy has always enjoyed life in her small Mennonite community, but she longs to learn more than her school can offer. After getting approval from her elders, Katy starts her sophomore year at the public high school in town, where she meets new friends and encounters perspectives very different from her own. But as Katy begins to find her way in the outside world, her relationships at home become strained. Can she find a balance between her two worlds?
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