Firewall (32 page)

D
I
A
NN
M
ILLS IS
a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She currently has more than fifty-five books published.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; the 2014 president of the Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope, & Love chapter; and a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and International Thriller Writers. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is also a craftsman mentor for the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild.

She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas. Visit her website at
www.diannmills.com
and connect with her on Facebook (
www.facebook.com/DiAnnMills
), Twitter (
@DiAnnMills
), Pinterest (
www.pinterest.com/DiAnnMills
), and Goodreads (
www.goodreads.com/DiAnnMills
).

1. Taryn steps too quickly into marriage with a man she believes loves her. Does Taryn, in her excitement about the relationship, ignore signs she should have heeded? Would she have seen through the deception if she’d taken more time? Have you ever been betrayed by someone you thought you could trust? Looking back at the situation, how would you have handled it differently?
   
2. Growing up, Taryn often felt ostracized because of her shyness and high intelligence. Have you ever been singled out because you were different? What would you say to someone who has trouble fitting in?
   
3. If you were in Taryn’s shoes, suspected of committing a heinous act of violence, would you have run away from the hospital and the FBI? Or would you have trusted the FBI to handle things? How might things have gone for Taryn if she had stayed?
   
4. Grayson takes a chance when he believes Taryn’s story. What convinces him she’s telling the truth? Would you have trusted her? Why or why not?
   
5. Joe West became Grayson’s mentor and gave his nephew a home when life with his dad became unbearable. Have you ever been a mentor or even taken someone into your home? What were the results? Is there someone in your life now who could use this type of guidance or hospitality?
   
6. In chapter 10, Taryn seeks refuge in a church and has a spiritual awakening. How do Taryn’s attitude and actions change after this scene? In what ways does she succeed in clinging to God and where does she continue to rely on her own strength and wits? What lessons can you apply to your own life from her?
   
7. Though Taryn is afraid of dogs, a stray German shepherd becomes a huge comfort to her during this crisis. How do you feel about dogs or other animals? Have you ever experienced a situation where something unexpected helped you cope with a difficult situation?
   
8. For years Grayson has carried guilt over his role in his mother’s death, struggling to find forgiveness from his family and himself. What makes someone hold on to guilt or other emotions like that? What would you say to encourage Grayson to let go?
   
9. Despite Grayson’s objections, Taryn repeatedly risks her life to find Zoey. Would you have done the same? Have you ever risked something big for the sake of a loved one? What was the outcome? What spiritual parallels can you draw from Taryn’s sacrificial devotion to the little girl?
   
10. What was your reaction to the villain’s motivation for the airport bombing? Does anyone ever have a right to seek revenge? If so, under what circumstances? If not, what would you suggest as an alternative? What does Romans 12:17-21 have to say about revenge?