Instant Daddy (17 page)

Dear Reader,

I’m so glad you chose Peter and Jessie’s story to read. I hope you enjoyed watching them fall in love as they helped each other overcome their problems and learn to trust God. Writing their story was both challenging and part of my own journey in trusting God.

Researching ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and learning about the strides researchers are making to find cures for it and other neurological diseases like it was encouraging and healing. ALS and Parkinson’s took two of my beloved aunts from us, so you can see why Peter’s courage and self-sacrifice make him a hero in my eyes. I hope you found him inspiring, as well.

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, email me at [email protected] or visit me on the web at: www.carolvoss.com.

Grace always,

Carol Voss

1. After the accident, Jessie gives up her dreams, moves back with her parents and refuses to consider moving away from Noah’s Crossing. Have you ever felt defeated by life’s circumstances? If so, what helped you go on?
   
2. Why does Jessie resent her parents’ and friends’ concern for her? Have you ever felt resentful over something you knew you should be thankful for?How did you deal with it?
   
3. Peter is completely dedicated to his research in a race against time to save his friend. Why is it so important to him that he take on the role of daddy, as well?
   
4. Why does Jessie decide to help Peter with Jake even when she fears Peter could decide to fight her for custody of her baby? Do you understand her decision?
   
5. What did Peter do to ruin Jessie’s budding trust in him? What is his biggest flaw? How did his past contribute?
   
6. Jessie loves her twin and deeply grieves her death even though she doesn’t understand her sister’s choices. Have you ever struggled to understand a loved one’s choices? Explain.
   
7. Why is Jessie convinced that any man who loves children will want babies of his own? Do the men in her life contradict her belief? Why or why not?
   
8. A lifelong Christian, Jessie still struggles with faith. Do you understand her struggle? What is her mother’s advice to her? Have you ever questioned your faith? When? What did you do about it?
   
9. How are Jessie and Peter different in their ways of approaching God? Do you think they are able to help each other in their faiths? If so, how?
   
10. Do you know anyone who has a debilitating, life-threatening disease? How do you encourage that person?
    
11. Jessie fears losing people she loves. How does she handle her fear? How do you handle yours?
    
12. How does Peter overcome his pain? What does he learn over the course of the story? How?
    
13. When I am afraid, I will trust in you. —Psalms 56:3
    Have you ever had trouble living by these powerful words? Why?
    
14. Do you believe trusting God is a prerequisite to trusting people? Why or why not?
    
15. Jessie learns God has a plan for her life that is beyond anything she imagined. Do you believe God has an overall plan for you? Do you know what it is?