Hunter's Prize (45 page)

2.
   Dreaming of a life more exciting than safe and respectable Canton, Mississippi, Addie McRae longs to escape the confines of her hometown and the bonds of her overprotective parents. However, her initial foray into the outside world leaves her cowering behind her mother like a frightened child. Why are we often braver with our feet on familiar sod than we are on the other side of the fence?

3.
   Despite their humble beginnings, Addie’s parents provided her a life of affluence and safety. Therefore, the rough-and-tumble appearance of Pearson Foster and his friend frighten her and make them seem untrustworthy. Even after she comes to know Pearson better, it’s easy for her to jump to conclusions about him. How often do we judge a person based on his or her appearance? Is this practice wholly wrong or, depending on the circumstances, could it have some merit? How important are first impressions?

4.
   With the facts lined up so convincingly, it was easy to misunderstand Pearson’s interest in Addie’s mother. Have you ever, due to extenuating circumstances, appeared guilty of a wrongdoing you didn’t commit? How did it make you feel to be accused?

5.
   Denny Currie is a bitterly unhappy man, displaying harsh, cruel treatment toward his sidekick, the only person who cares about him. Sick with greed, Denny believes that lack of wealth is the only obstacle to the life he covets. What do you think is actually the root cause of his unhappiness?

6.
   As Pearson leans into a renewed relationship with God, he breathes an unusual prayer:
Help me to forgive You
. What seems on the surface to be a forward, sinful request, Pearson’s plea rises from the depths of his pain. How do you think God responds to such a prayer?

7.
   After believing Pearson to be a bold lothario devoid of a gentleman’s conscience, Addie reaches a turning point in her feelings for him. Catching a glimpse at his upright, decent soul, she’s determined to trust him unconditionally. Yet when seemingly irrefutable evidence makes him look guilty of cruelty and greed, Addie’s newfound trust puddles at her feet. How often do we jump to conclusions and allow circumstances to persuade us away from the truth?

8.
   Miss Whitfield’s remembrances of Dr. Moony didn’t grow old along with her. Her first glimpse of him as an elderly man disturbs her and brings home the truth of her own mortality. She makes the decision to put aside her cherished memories of him in favor of forming a new relationship. Is there an outdated memory of someone or something you’ve held for far too long? If given the chance, would you cling to treasured memories or trade them for something more tangible?

9.
   Pearson’s return to his childhood home in Galveston triggers healing; allowing him to lay aside old ghosts and deal with his grief. When we avoid confronting our pain, do we extend our misery unnecessarily?

10.
  Priscilla Whitfield is charged with the daunting task of raising an autistic child. Despite her willing heart, in an era where autism is little understood, Priscilla might have bitten off more than she can chew. Do you approve or disapprove of the way she handled Ceddy’s welfare in the end?

Other books by Marcia Guver:

T
EXAS
F
ORTUNES
S
ERIES

Chasing Charity
Diamond Duo
Emmy’s Equal

B
ACKWOODS
B
RIDES
S
ERIES

Raider’s Heart
Bandit’s Hope