Yuletide Hearts (20 page)
Authors: Ruth Logan Herne
- This book opens as Matt Cavanaugh questions himself about buying Cobbled Creek. Have you ever taken a leap of faith and doubted yourself? How did that come out in the end?
- Jake and The General exemplify all that is right and simple in the world of Christmas. What are the simple things in your world that you tend to overlook or forget to thank God for?
- Callie comes face-to-face with her father's gut-wrenching financial ruin when she realizes that Matt has taken over the subdivision. At this time she doesn't realize how nicely God has answered her prayer. Have you ever experienced a time when your prayers are answered unbeknown to you until later?
- Matt has to swallow his pride and ask the Mareks to work for him. Do you have a hard time asking others for help? Or making amends with those you've hurt, even unintentionally?
- Callie agrees to work for Matt because money is tight. In saying yes, Callie opens herself up to possibilities she can't take. Matt is her boss and a bad romance could ruin this opportunity. Has God ever put mixed opportunities in front of you? How did they work out?
- Callie cannot trust her heart. She married her ex-husband while stationed in Iraq, serving her country. But he abandoned her and their baby, leaving them without money or care. Callie guards her heart beneath a tough armor.
Have you ever had to take a leap of faith? To trust God to catch you if you fall? - Shadow Jesus is Jake's favorite Christmas decoration. The silhouetted figures are simple and holy against the faded house at night. The humble nativity opens Matt's heart and reminds him of Christ's difficult beginnings. Does remembering the true nativity story help you keep the heart in Christmas?
- Matt realizes he must mend his relationship with Don Cavanaugh, but it's hard to forgive him. Don's illness and earnest quest to stay sober soften Matt's heart toward forgiveness. Did Don's efforts help ease the way to a new relationship?
- Callie's self-image suffered with Dustin's treatment of her. She's a survivor, but her womanly ego was injured. Matt's respect for her ability and her efforts offer her hope. Why is it so important for us to gain others' approval? Is that healthy?
- Matt's got a lot on his plate, but he's come back to town to make amends. Once he begins with Don, he finds everything else easier. Do you find it hard to make that first step toward reconciliation or commitment, but once made, the path gets easier? Why is that?
- God has blessed Callie with a beautiful son, but Jake's father cares nothing for the boy or his mother. How difficult is it to explain a parent's indifference to a child and what kind of effect might that have on Jake?
- Matt longs to make a family with Callie and Jake, but his world gets turned upside down when he realizes that
Hank and Callie lost their business illegally. An honorable man, he feels he has to walk away. If Callie hadn't intervened, would Matt have come back on his own, or would he see that door as closed forevermore? - Meeting Matt at the model home is a big step forward for Callie. How did Matt's confidence in her abilities and his appreciation for her beauty help build her self-esteem and bring them to their happy ending?
ISBN: 978-1-4592-8253-7
YULETIDE HEARTS
Copyright © 2011 by Ruth M. Blodgett
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, Love Inspired 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 Love Inspired Books.
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