Jennifer Allee - The Pastors Wife

Discussion Questions

1. Maura left Nick because she felt that she came last in his life. Do you think she had an unrealistic expectation of what it would be like to be a pastor's wife? Have you ever felt neglected in a relationship? How did you handle it?
2. As a new pastor, Nick felt obligated to spend most of his time on his job. Was he right to do this? How might he have better balanced his life? Was he right to expect Maura to immerse herself in church service as well?
3. There were issues in Nick and Maura's relationship that were never addressed. How might things have worked out differently for them if they had talked about their feelings? Do you find it difficult to talk through problems with your own spouse or those close to you?
4. Granger is a small, close-knit town. What are the pros and cons of living in that type of community? How did the town affect Nick and Maura's marriage?
5. Maura felt that Nick put his job before her. But when she takes over the theatre and finds a job she loves, she discovers how easy it is to be consumed by work. Do you think it helped her see Nick's side of the story? Have you ever been in a similar situation? Has your work ever taken over chunks of your personal life?
6. When Maura returns to town, she reconnects with her friend Rachel. Have you ever had a friend who looked past your faults and just loved you? Have you been that friend? Was it worth it?
7. At Christmastime, Nick gives Maura a teacup to replace the one hed broken years earlier. What's the symbolism behind this gift?
8. When Maura discovers a lump in her breast, she immediately remembers her mother's battle with breast cancer. Have you ever gone through a comparable experience or helped a loved one through something similar? How did you feel?
9. Nick drops everything to be with Maura as she goes for tests and waits for results. Considering their history, why was that so important?
10. Maura kept her miscarriage a secret from Nick. What were her reasons? Was she right not to tell him?
11. When Nick finds out about the miscarriage, he feels betrayed and says that Maura lied to him. Is not telling someone the truth the same as lying? Did Nick overreact? How would you feel in a similar situation?
12. In the end, Nick and Maura realize they were both responsible for the problems in their marriage. Only through forgiving each other were they able to move forward. Have you ever experienced a seemingly irreparable rift with a friend or loved one?

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What theyre saying about

Gone to Green, by Judy Christie

Refreshingly realistic religious fiction, this novel is unafraid to address the injustices of sexism, racism, and corruption as well as the spiritual devastation that often accompanies the loss of loved ones. Yet these darker narrative tones beautifully highlight the novel's message of friendship, community, and God's reassuring and transformative love. Publishers Weekly starred review

The Call of Zulina, by Kay Marshall Strom

This compelling drama will challenge readers to remember slavery's brutal history, and its heroic characters will inspire them. Highly recommended.

Library Journal starred review

Surrender the Wind, by Rita Gerlach

I am purely a romance reader, and yet you hooked me in with a war scene, of all things! I would have never believed it. You set the mood beautifully and have a clean, strong, lyrical way with words. You have done your research well enough to transport me back to the war-torn period of colonial times.

Julie Lessman, author of The Daughters of Boston series

One Imperfect Christmas, by Myra Johnson

Debut novelist Myra Johnson ushers us into the Christmas season with a fresh and exciting story that will give you a chuckle and a special warmth.

DiAnn Mills, author of Awaken My Heart and Breach of Trust

The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow, by Joyce Magnin

Beware of The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow. Just when you have become fully enchanted by its marvelous quirky zaniness, you will suddenly be taken to your knees by its poignant truth-telling about what it means to be divinely human. Im convinced that on our knees is exactly where Joyce Magnin planned for us to land all along. Nancy Rue, co-author of Healing Waters (Sullivan Crisp Series) 2009 Novel of the Year

The Fence My Father Built, by Linda S. Clare

Linda Clare reminds us with her writing that is wise, funny, and heartbreaking, that what matters most in life are the people we love and the One who gave them to us.Gina Ochsner, Dark Horse Literary, winner of the Oregon Book Award and the Flannery OConnor Award for Short Fiction

eye of the god, by Ariel Allison

Filled with action on three continents, eye of the god is a riveting fast-paced thriller, but it is Abbywho, in spite of another letdown by a man, remains filled with hopewho makes Ariel Allison's tale a super read.Harriet Klausner

www.AbingdonPress.com/fiction

Acknowledgments

Writing often feels like a solitary task, but in truth, it's an amazing group effort. I humbly give thanks to the essential members of my group:

Editor extraordinaire, Barbara Scott. You encouraged me to stretch and grow, to push past where I thought I could go. Thanks a thousand times for your support and for seeing the potential in my little story.

Patti Lacy, who rescued me when I was a sobbing mess and mentored me for a year. I learned so much from you, not only about writing, but about reflecting the love of God.

Lisa Richardson. You started out as my critique partner, became my friend, and now youre the sister of my heart. Im so glad God is letting us experience this crazy ride together!

American Christian Fiction Writers. I literally would not be here today without this incredible organization. What a blessing youve been in my life.

My husband, Marcus, and my son, Billy. What can I say? I love you both so very much. None of this would mean anything without you to share it with.

And finally, but most important, praise be to God, the creator of creativity and imagination. Thank you for the gift of storytelling and all the blessings youve showered on me.

H old the elevator!

Maura Sullivan ran across the lobby as fast as she could in high-heeled pumps. Once again she second-guessed her choice of attire for this meeting. She didnt plan to stay in town long. Just get in, talk to the lawyer, and run out again. But in a place the size of Granger, Ohio, there was a good chance shed run into someone she knew. And if that happened, she wanted them to see a successful, self-sufficient businessperson, not a frazzled woman barely holding it together.

The elevator doors were almost shut when they stopped, then slowly started to move in reverse. Maura sighed in relief. Maybe her luck had changed.

Sorry, a male voice said from inside the car. I couldnt find the right button and

The man in the elevator gaped at Maura, his finger glued to the button panel. Meanwhile, Maura's stomach fell to the tips of her shoes. If not for her impractical footwear, shed be jogging up the stairs right now instead of staring like an idiot at her almost ex-husband.