Silent Protector (19 page)
Authors: Barbara Phinney
Tags: #Romance, #Religious, #Suspense, #Fiction
- Once he starts talking, Charlie sometimes tries to talk his way out of doing chores. In that sense, he’s trying to manipulate people. While he’s just a small boy and it’s cute to read about, have you ever found yourself doing the same thing sometimes? What was the result?
- Liz doesn’t think Ian cares enough for Charlie. In a way, she sees only one side of a story, and is accusatory because of it. How does she change throughout the book?
- After Liz is pulled from her sinking car, and after she’s dried off, she realizes that she needs dry clothes and a shower. She offers a simple prayer to God, stating that He knows her basic needs. Do you take your basic needs to God? Do you have a laundry list of wants? Or do you think you should wait until there is something important? What should prayer be?
- We are to have faith like a child. How do you perceive that? Who in the story had that type of faith? Who did not?
- What is your first impression of Ian? Does he sound like someone who can and will get the job done? How is that a good thing? How is that a bad thing?
- In the book of Exodus, Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, tells him to get help, that he’s doing too much. George says something similar to Ian, but how does he respond? How should he respond?
- Ian believes he’s better than he was before. Do you agree? Why?
- Liz is afraid that she’ll fail Charlie. Do you see her doing that? What do you think she should be doing or thinking?
- Liz learns that she can do all things with God’s help. Read Philippians 5:12-14 and ask yourself how the verses affect you. What can you attempt today with God’s help?
- Charlie makes a deal with God that he’ll tell what happened to his father and God will protect him. Charlie is just an innocent boy, but what was your reaction when you read that? Have you ever made a deal with God? Is it the right thing to do?
- Liz admits she was wrong when she is found on the trail. She even goes as far as to thank Ian for pointing out the fault. Have you ever done that? What was the result?
- Liz needs confidence, but she doesn’t realize how courageous she is when she thanks Ian for pointing out her fault. What is Ian’s reaction? What would you do in his place?
- When Ian brings Charlie down to Moss Point, he alters the boy’s appearance. The results are mixed, though. Now the killer has several boys to choose from, and Liz is scared he’ll kill them all. What Bible stories does
this remind you of? What did God do in those situations? How were those two stories connected? How were Moses and Jesus connected? - What stopped the random killings in this story?
- Do you think Liz was right to go after Charlie even though the authorities told her not to? Why or why not?
ISBN: 978-1-4268-6511-4
SILENT PROTECTOR
Copyright © 2010 by Barbara Phinney
All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the editorial office, Steeple Hill Books, 233 Broadway, New York, NY 10279 U.S.A.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
This edition published by arrangement with Steeple Hill Books.
® and TM are trademarks of Steeple Hill Books, used under license. Trademarks indicated with ® are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the Canadian Trade Marks Office and in other countries.
