A Heart Once Broken (43 page)

Authors: Jerry S. Eicher

“Would you have seen it otherwise?” Lydia sat up straight, but Ezra's arm didn't leave her shoulder.

His voice was hushed. “I have always loved you, Lydia. You know that.”

Lydia laid her head back on Ezra's shoulder. “Somehow I understand.” No other words came, but no words were needed. Ezra clucked to Midnight, and they raced through the night with the beat of horse's hooves and the whirl of buggy wheels beneath them.

Discussion Questions

1. What is your first impression of the rivalry between Lydia and Susan?

2. What is your opinion of Rosemary's decision to pursue Ezra while the cousins are occupied with their family's financial problems? What was your first assumption as to where her dreams would lead?

3. If you had been in Edna Troyer's circumstances after Emil's death, would you have accepted Amos Helmuth's marriage proposal?

4. What would you have done with Lydia's rambunctious sisters, Emma and Rhoda?

5. At the time Rosemary received the letter from Johnny Mast, the future was still unknown. Where did Rosemary find the
strength to turn down Johnny for her seemingly useless pursuit of Ezra?

6. Do Sandra's strong negative reactions to both Amos and Clyde give any indications of her future acquiescence to both of their charms?

7. What are Rudy's real motives in his renewed pursuit of Lydia's affections? How would you have responded to them in Lydia's situation?

8. Could you tolerate the degree of interference Amish ministers exert over their members? Do you think there is any degree of benefit in this level of oversight?

9. What grade would you give Ezra in his handling of Rosemary? Do you think Ezra would have married Rosemary if she had not passed away? Would that match have worked?

10. Do you have any observations on the evening and night of Rosemary's passing?

About the Author

Jerry Eicher's
Amish fiction has sold more than 700,000 books. After a traditional Amish childhood, Jerry taught for two terms in Amish and Mennonite schools in Ohio and Illinois. Since then he's been involved in church renewal, preaching, and teaching Bible studies. Jerry lives with his wife, Tina, in Virginia.