Patchwork Bride (20 page)

“Not yet, but I will when the time is right.” His chuckle became a kiss, a tender brush of his lips to hers. His kiss was gentle and reverent and fairy-tale perfect.

Overwhelmed, she stepped back, but she could not let go of his shirt, let go of him. She was grateful to God for bringing them together. Love was an entirely new territory, but she had faith that God would see them through.

“C’mon.” Shane took her hand. “Let’s get you home.”

“You know what this means, don’t you?” She hardly needed his help into the buggy. Bliss filled her, made her lighter than air. “We have a chance to live happily-ever-after.”

“A chance? No, darlin’. There’s no chance. It’s a certainty. I promise you that.”

The sun chose that moment to brighten, as if they were not alone. Birdsong crescendoed, and their melodies carried on a loving wind. The green growing grasses, daisies blooming in the fields, the sky as blue as dreams. Never had the world been so beautiful. Never had she felt so whole. The pieces of her life were coming together, the pattern so beautiful that it hurt the eye to see. She remembered to take a moment to thank God for His gifts before she scooted over on the buggy seat to let Shane take the reins.

Dear Reader,

Welcome back to Angel Falls. PATCHWORK BRIDE is the second book in my
Buttons & Bobbins
series. When you open these pages, you will revisit old friends from earlier books like the Worthington family from HOMESPUN BRIDE and Finn McKaslin from HIGH COUNTRY BRIDE. The
Buttons & Bobbins
girls are growing up, graduating from high school and adding a new member to their beloved sewing circle. I hope you enjoy revisiting old friends and meeting new ones as much as I have.

PATCHWORK BRIDE is a story I hated to end. Perhaps because I loved the bonds of family Meredith was blessed with and the circle of friends that reminded me of my high-school days. Most of all I loved the tender story of how true love comes to Meredith and Shane in God’s time, a great blessing that is a complete surprise. It changes both of them into better people and transforms their lives forever in the most beautiful of ways. I hope you are touched by Meredith’s journey, Shane’s love for her and their discovery of their dreams for the future. Lila’s story is next!

Thank you for choosing PATCHWORK BRIDE.

Wishing you the best of blessings,

1. Describe Meredith’s first impression of Shane. How does she react? What are the reasons why she doesn’t tell him her last name?
   
2. How would you describe Shane’s first impression of Meredith? Why is he drawn to her? What role does his past play in regard to her?
   
3. What do you think of Henrietta Worthington? Is she a bad character? Is she good?
   
4. Meredith overhears Shane talking about her and reacts with anger. Why? What is behind her emotions? Has this ever happened to you? How did you handle it?
   
5. How would you describe Shane’s character? The things he does in the book—for instance, the way he treats Minnie—what does this say about him? What are the deeper layers to his character?
   
6. What is the story’s predominant imagery? How does it contribute to the meaning of the story? Of the romance?
   
7. Meredith looks to God to help her at her turning points and crossroads. When do you see Him in the story? How does He guide her? How does He guide Shane?
   
8. What role does Meredith’s friendships play in the story and the romance?
   
9. What values do you find in this book? What are the most important ones to you?
   
10. How does Meredith resolve her conflicts with her mother? What meaning did you find in their conversation? How does it contribute to the larger story?
    
11. What do you think Meredith and Shane have each learned about love and about themselves? How has love changed them?
    
12. What role does the patchwork quilt play? What is its greater message?
    
13. There are many different kinds of love in this story. What are they? What role do they play in the meaning of the book? In Meredith and Shane’s romance?