Excerpt

 An Unlikely Suitor Discussion Questions: by Nancy Moser

1.  The Scarpellis need a new apartment. Lucy goes to find one, leaving Mamma to do the praying for her. There's a fine line between doing our part because we shouldn't remain idle, and doing our part because we don't trust God to do it. Proverbs 21:31 says: "The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord." What does this verse mean? How did Lucy fare in following the instruction in this verse?

2.    In chapter 2, Lucy comes home and says, "When I left this morning, I didn't realize it would be the last time I'd see the place as it's always been." Her mother responds, "Consider it a blessing, Lucia. Sometimes it's best not to have time to wallow in the 'last' of things." Think of a "last" in your life (moving, sending a child off to college, changing jobs, etc.). How did you deal with your "last"? How would following Mamma's advice have helped?

 
3.   Lucy takes a big risk in catching Bonwitter in the act. There are repercussions for herself and her family. But what good came from her action? Have you ever risked much to see that justice was done? What did it cost you—or others? What were the rewards?

4.    In chapter 10, Mrs. Garmin explains about men coming to Newport only on weekends, leaving their wives alone the rest of the time. Lucy considers: "What a life they had. As their husbands worked hard to pay for their lavish lifestyle, all the women had to do was sit back and enjoy the benefits." This was a positive aspect of being a woman during the Gilded Age. Or was it? What are some of the other positives and negatives of being a woman of that time? How would you have fared?

6.    In chapter 14, the ladies of the dress shop finally take Sofia seriously. "Losing her title of 'Baby Sofia' made her feel like one of the group again, which made her want to work harder." When have you felt separate from a group of peers? How did it make you feel? How did you respond? How did the situation change?

 
7.    In chapter 17, Mamma is uncertain about going to a different church. Lucy pats her hand and whispers, "It's all right, Mamma. God lives here too." Where have you been where you had to remind yourself of God's presence?

8.    Rowena realizes that without Lucy coming into her life and taking Edward away, Rowena would not have been open to acknowledge the love Morrie has for her, and realize her love for him. And without the scandal and the boundaries of society broken by Edward and Lucy, Rowena would never have been willing to break the bounds herself. God works through all things for good. When have you seen His hand in your life, where something "bad" turned into something "good"?

 
9.    In the epilogue, Edward tells Lucy to close her eyes, to trust him. But she has trouble surrendering control. In the end he shows her a surprise beyond her imagining. Here are two verses that speak to this: "Watch—and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told" (Habakkuk 1:5), and "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know" (Jeremiah 33:3). When have you surrendered to God? As a result, what amazing surprises did He show you? If you haven't surrendered...why not? And finally, why not do so now and see what amazing things He has in store!