Excerpt, Product Closeup

 An Eye For An Eye Discussion Questions: Irene Hannon

1. When Mark and Emily reconnect after many years, it’s as if time has melted away. Have you ever experienced this kind of reunion? What are some reasons this can happen? What might it say about the future of that relationship?

2. Do you think the guilt that prompted Mark’s leave from the HRT was valid? How would you advise him to deal with it? Have you ever been in a situation where you tried your best to do the right thing, only to have it backfire? How did you feel? How did you cope?

3. Although Mark was a believer when he was young, the bad things he’s seen have turned him away from his faith. How do you reconcile the tragedies and violence in the world with a loving God?

4. When Coop tells Mark he’s leaving the HRT, Mark is shocked. The team has always been the center of his partner’s life. But now Coop’s priorities have changed. Why? Have you ever realigned your priorities? What prompted it? Did your faith play a role in that decision?

5. Did you consider Dale a “bad guy” in the traditional sense? Why or why not? Have you ever known anyone who had a stress-related breakdown? How did it manifest itself? What can we do to help a friend or family member who is under a lot of stress or pressure?

6. Do you think there’s a stigma attached to counseling? If so, why? What are the upsides of seeking third-party help with problems? Have you—or anyone you’ve known—ever had counseling? Talk about that experience.

7. Jack Hanley, Emily’s EAP referral, has a serious anger problem. What effect has that had on his life? Have you ever had problems dealing with anger? What are some effective ways to diffuse it before it becomes destructive?

8. Emily hosts a radio program for teens who are seeking guidance. The teen years are a particularly vulnerable time of life, and peer pressure can be enormous. What are some ways parents can foster a young person’s independence during this challenging period, yet help them help stay on track?

9. Dale was clearly misguided in his efforts to avenge the deaths of his family members, misinterpreting a number of biblical passages. What does scripture teach about justice, vengeance and forgiveness?

10. Although she’s a psychologist, Emily finds it hard to take her own advice and remains afraid to risk another heartbreak. Fear can be a powerful force that separates us from others and holds us back from trying new things. Have you ever lost someone or failed at something? How did that affect your behavior going forward?

11. Even after two decades, Wren Lake holds a special place in the hearts of Emily and Mark. Do you have a place like that? What made it so memorable?

12.  Emily thinks she’s created a safe, secure, predictable world for herself—until a gunshot shatters it in a heartbeat. Temporal security, as she realizes, is always an illusion. But her faith helps her carry on. Talk about the power of spiritual security. How can that sustain us through difficult times?

13. When Coop asks Mark if he’s ready to go home to Quantico, Mark realizes he’s never thought of it as home. It’s just a place to stay between missions. What makes a place a home? What are the characteristics of a good home? What are some things you can do to right now—today—to make your home a warmer, more nurturing place?

14. Emily tells Mark that the journey to faith is rarely a road to Damascus experience. Do you think that’s true? What has your faith journey been like?

15. As Emily and Mark pick up their long-ago romance, the spark is evident. But in many relationships the romance fades over time. What are some things partners can do to keep the spark alive? What is the difference between love and romance?

16. Near the end of the book, Frank Purcell calls the police after his son notices suspicious-looking activity. Had he not acted quickly, there could have been fatal consequences. Often in today’s world, though, people look the other way in such situations. Why don’t they want to get involved? What guidelines does scripture give us for occasions like this?

17. When Mark gets the letter from Jason Wheeler’s parents, he’s overcome by emotion. But he doesn’t want Emily to see his tears. Why do many men consider tears a sign of weakness? How do you view male tear? Why are women’s tears more acceptable than men’s? Do you think this is healthy?

18. Emily is clearly committed to her job, her patients and her counseling work at the shelter and with teens. In fact, it consumes her life. Do you think this is healthy? Why or why not? Do you know anyone who’s a workaholic? What are the downsides of this, even if the work is worthwhile? Why is it important to have balance in your life?

To Learn More visit www.IreneHannon.com

 Heroes of Quantico Series