The Substitute Bride (24 page)

Dear Reader,

I find the history of mail-order brides fascinating. I’ve read numerous accounts of women traveling long distances to marry a virtual stranger, leaving behind everything and everyone they knew. Why did they take such an amazing step? For some, fear of spinsterhood, for others, a desperate need of life’s necessities. Most couples corresponded, some sent pictures, but often they never met until their wedding day. To find their mate, men and women placed ads in newspapers, giving their physical description and who they sought. The outcome of these matches varied, but these courageous women made not only a home for their husbands and children but also improved their communities by establishing churches, schools and libraries.

Thank you for choosing
The Substitute Bride.
I hope you enjoyed Elizabeth and Ted’s story and could empathize with their struggle to accept God’s purpose in their lives, especially when that purpose took them out of their comfort zone. Many heroes of the Bible questioned their ability to answer God’s call. You may struggle with that concern. We can step out in faith, knowing our great God will equip us to handle His assignment.

I love to hear from readers. Write me at Steeple Hill Books, 233 Broadway, Suite 1001, New York, NY 10279. Or e-mail me through my Web site,www.janetdean.net, at [email protected]. Visit my blog, www.janetdean.blogspot.com, and my group, www.seekerville.blogspot.com.

God bless you always,

1. Marrying a stranger comes with a host of problems. What challenges did Elizabeth and Ted face because of their situation? Did isolation on the farm complicate or help?
   
2. Elizabeth is out of her element as a farmer’s wife and must learn new skills. How do these experiences help her grow and change as a person?
   
3. Elizabeth had a love/hate relationship with her father. How did that impact her relationship with Ted?
   
4. Elizabeth and Ted were from very different worlds. What difficulties did that present for Elizabeth? For Ted? They both had gambling fathers in their pasts. How did that affect them?
   
5. Ted feels called to ministry, yet questions if he’s worthy. Discuss his growth that eventually leads to the acceptance of God’s purpose for his life.
   
6. What expectations did Ted have for a pastor? What colored his thinking about his worthiness? What helped him change that view? How was he the right man for ministry in the town?
   
7. Elizabeth ran from a marriage to Reginald Parks, a much-older man she couldn’t abide, into marriage with a stranger. Why does she take this drastic action? Do you understand her decision? What factors influenced it?
   
8. Laid-back Ted and outspoken Elizabeth testify that opposites attract. How are they alike? What do they share at first? With the passing of time?
   
9. Marrying Ted threw Elizabeth into instant motherhood. What complicates an already unnerving responsibility for her? How do the children bring Ted and Elizabeth together and, at the same time, keep them apart?
   
10. Why is Elizabeth hungry for God? For what purpose? How did her view of God and prayer change?
    
11. Elizabeth married Ted to give her brother a good life on the farm. But when Robby comes to New Harmony, he’s miserable. What does her brother’s unhappiness drive Elizabeth to do? Do you approve of her decision?
    
12. What secrets does Elizabeth keep? What secrets does Ted keep? How do these secrets affect them?
    
13. When Seymour recognizes Ted, is Elizabeth truly surprised by Ted’s past? What factors are at work in her? Do you understand her suspicion?
    
14. Do you feel that Seymour is a changed man? Why or why not? What influences him?