The Decision (44 page)

Ingredients:

1 egg, beaten

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon vanilla

1 cup sour cream

¾ cup sugar

2 tablespoons flour

2½ cups sliced fresh peaches

1 (9 inch) pie shell, unbaked

Topping:

½ cup butter

¹
⁄
₃
cup sugar

¹
⁄
₃
cup flour

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a saucepan, combine egg, salt, vanilla, sour cream, sugar, and flour; add peaches and stir. Pour into unbaked pie shell and bake for 30 minutes or until pie is slightly brown. Remove pie from oven. Combine topping ingredients and spread on top of pie. Bake for 15 minutes.

1. Elaine felt that the care of her grandmother was her responsibility, so she had trouble accepting help from others at first. Have you ever been in a situation where you needed help but tried to do everything on your own? How did you feel when someone stepped in to help?

2. When Edna first learned that she had dementia, she was in denial. Have you or someone you know ever been told by a doctor that something was seriously wrong? If so, how did you deal with it?

3. Elaine told Jonah a lie when she said she didn’t love him. Is there ever a time when it’s okay to lie?

4. When Sara began having health issues, she put off going to the doctor, using the cost as an excuse. Have you or someone you know ever avoided going to the doctor due to lack of money? Was Sara right in neglecting her health, or should she have asked someone for the money she needed? By not going to the doctor sooner, was Sara putting her son at risk?

5. Edna knew she was losing her memory, and her biggest concern was that she wouldn’t remember any of her family or friends. If you suffered from memory loss, what would you do to help remember those who are closest to you?

6. Elaine’s closest friends, Leah and Priscilla, helped her deal with the sorrowful events that came her way. What are some ways we can help a friend who is going through a difficult time?

7. Jonah had been hurt by two women and was afraid to take another chance. Have you or someone you know ever been fearful of entering a new relationship because of past failures? If so, how did you or your friend deal with those fears?

8. Elaine’s friends often gave her advice. When should we listen to a friend’s recommendations, and when should we choose to ignore them?

9. Elaine waited too long to tell her grandma about her illness, and Grandma ended up hearing it from someone else. If you knew someone in your family had been diagnosed with a serious illness, would you tell them right away, or would it be better to keep it from them?

10. Do you think Jonah gave up too quickly on Elaine, even though she said she didn’t love him? Should Jonah have tried harder to assure Elaine of his love for her and his willingness to help during her time of need?

11. Do you think Elaine was being overprotective of her grandmother? As a caregiver to a relative with dementia, how would you handle things?

12. While reading this story, what did you learn about the Amish community of Arthur, Illinois?

13. Did any passages of scripture mentioned in the book specifically speak to you? If so, in what way?

14. Does reading about the Amish influence you to simplify your life? What are some ways we can simplify?

New York Times
bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter became fascinated with the Amish way of life when she first visited her husband’s Mennonite relatives living in Pennsylvania. Wanda and her husband, Richard, live in Washington State but take every opportunity to visit Amish settlements throughout the States, where they have many Amish friends. Wanda and Richard have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. In her spare time, Wanda enjoys beachcombing, ventriloquism, gardening, photography, knitting, and having fun with her family.

To learn more about Wanda,
visit her website at
www.wandabrunstetter.com
.

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The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club
The Tattered Quilt
The Healing Quilt

The Discovery Saga
Goodbye to Yesterday
The Silence of Winter
The Hope of Spring
The Pieces of Summer
A Revelation in Autumn
A Vow for Always

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The Journey
The Healing
The Struggle

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Betsy’s Return
Sarah’s Choice

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A Cousin’s Promise
A Cousin’s Prayer
A Cousin’s Challenge

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A Sister’s Secret
A Sister’s Test
A Sister’s Hope

Brides of Webster County Series
Going Home
Dear to Me
On Her Own
Allison’s Journey

Daughters of Lancaster County Series
The Storekeeper’s Daughter
The Quilter’s Daughter
The Bishop’s Daughter

Brides of Lancaster County Series
A Merry Heart
Looking for a Miracle
Plain and Fancy
The Hope Chest

Amish White Christmas Pie
Lydia’s Charm
Love Finds a Home
Love Finds a Way
Woman of Courage

Children’s Fiction

Double Trouble
What a Pair!
Bumpy Ride Ahead
Bubble Troubles
Green Fever
Humble Pie

Rachel Yoder—Always Trouble Somewhere 8-Book Series

The Wisdom of Solomon

Nonfiction

Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish Friends Cookbook
Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish Friends Cookbook Vol. 2
The Best of Amish Friends Cookbook Collection
Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Desserts Cookbook
Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish Christmas Cookbook
The Simple Life Devotional
A Celebration of the Simple Life Devotional
Portrait of Amish Life–with Richard Brunstetter
Simple Life Perpetual Calendar–with Richard Brunstetter

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