The Imposter (30 page)

Discussion Questions

A common phrase of David Stoltzfus was, “Everybody begins somewhere.” What was the starting point of your spiritual journey?
What is it about that phrase that prompts mercy, or a margin of grace, toward another?
If there's one overriding theme in this novel, it would be how David Stoltzfus always kept his eye on what was most important, what was truly at stake. What does that kind of discernment look like in your life?
David had a belief: “The God who spoke, long ago, still speaks.” David, Birdy, Katrinaâthey all sought and sensed a timely word from God. Have you ever sensed God speaking to you? What was it like? A prompting, a nearly audible word, a gut feeling? Did you listen to that prompting and, if so, what was the result?
On the surface, the tension between David Stoltzfus and Freeman Glick had to do with how a church adjusted to
cultural and financial pressure without losing its core values. Such pressure isn't unique to the Amish. Every church faces issues of holding tight to essentials of faith while making accommodations for a changing culture. What kinds of changes and adjustments have you observed in your own church experience?
Did your first impression of any character turn out to be wrong? When have you had a similar experience in real life, when you realized your first impression of someone, good or bad, was not at all accurate?
Describe Katrina Stoltzfus in the beginning of the book. How did her past define her? Then describe her at the end of the novel. What created that kind of change in her?
In what ways, large and small, did Thelma Beiler have an influence on Katrina? How have you been influenced by an older person?
Another common phrase of David's was to let God write the love story. What do you think that means? It might sound like a passive response, but consider the way David knew Birdy was the one to marry. He wasn't at all passive about it! But he did include God in the conversation. What advice would you give a young person who longed for love?
On the surface, David Stoltzfus and Birdy Glick seemed an unlikely romance. He was older than her, widowed with six children, and held the position of minister. She was a young spinster-ish type, lived alone, and was awkward around menâparticularly so around David. Added to the mix, she was the sister of Freeman Glick,
who was not a fan of David. When did it strike you that they might be well suited for each other?
Let's talk about Freeman Glick. Have you ever known someone in ministry who had some of Freeman's misguided behavior? What was the result? Why does hypocrisy turn people cold to faith?
“One thing I've learned in life,” David Stoltzfus said, “is that we're all just a few choices away from becoming just about any kind of person. Good or bad.” Do you agree or disagree with his belief?
Do you think Katrina Stoltzfus and Andy Miller eventually got together? Was he a keeper? Why or why not?
It might surprise you to learn that “quieting” is an actual means to have a minister or bishop or deacon removed. After reading this novel, were any other aspects of the Amish life new to you?
What did you think was ultimately the book's lesson?

Acknowledgments

My imagined Stoney Ridge could not have taken shape in these pages without the unflinching help of first readers in the right places, especially because it arrived on their desks during a very busy holiday season. My heartfelt thanks to them all: Meredith MuÃ±oz, Tad Fisher, and Lindsey Ciraulo.

I'm similarly indebted to Kent Moore, a talented man who helped untangle oil exploration for me and gave me clear and manageable guidance. Just the right advice delivered in just the right package. I'm more grateful to you than you can imagine! And to Janet Moore, a thank-you for being the message bearer to Kent.

I always enjoy connecting with readers, and computers make this easier than ever. You can find me on Facebook and Twitter almost every day of the week. (But don't tell my familyâI've convinced them that every time I am on the computer, I'm writing. Every single time.) You can also write to me via my website,
www.suzannewoodsfisher.com
.

Suzanne
Woods Fisher
is the author of the bestselling Lancaster County Secrets and Stoney Ridge Seasons series.
The Search
received a 2012 Carol Award,
The Waiting
was a finalist for the 2011 Christy Award, and
The Choice
was a finalist for the 2011 Carol Award. Suzanne's grandfather was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Her interest in living a simple, faith-filled life began with her Dunkard cousins. Suzanne is also the author of the bestselling
Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated
World
and
Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom from the Simple
Life
, both finalists for the ECPA Book of the Year award, and
Amish Values for Your Family: What We Can
Learn from the Simple Life
. She has an app, Amish Wisdom, to deliver a proverb a day to your iPhone, iPad, or Android. Visit her at
www.suzannewoodsfisher.com
to find out more.