Abigail’s New Hope
The Wayne County Series, Book 1
by Mary Ellis

List Price: $13.99
Pages: 288
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780736930093
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers

As an Amish midwife, Abigail Graber loves bringing babies into the world. But when a difficult delivery takes a devastating turn, Abigail is faced with some hard choices. Despite her best efforts, the young mother dies --- but the baby is saved.

When a heartless judge confines Abigail to the county jail for her mistakes, her sister Catherine comes to care for her children while Daniel works his fields. Catherine meets Daniel’s reclusive cousin, Isaiah, who’s deaf and thought to be simple minded by his community. She endeavors to teach him to communicate and discovers he possesses unexpected gifts and talents.

While Abigail searches for forgiveness, Catherine changes lives and, in return, finds love, something long elusive in her life. And Isaiah discovers God, who cares nothing about our handicaps or limitations in His sustaining love.

An inspirational tale of overcoming grief, maintaining faith, and finding hope in an ever-changing world.

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1. Well aware of her doctor’s advice, why would Ruth Fisher endanger her own life to give birth? Infertility is heartbreaking for all couples, but how is it uniquely tragic for an Amish woman?

2. What are some reasons why Nathan is initially reluctant to handle his newborn son?

3. Abby is stoic even while facing bail set at half a million dollars. What does she turn to during her incarceration?

4. Why is Daniel resentful of Catherine and reluctant to answer her questions regarding his cousin Isaiah?

5. Why is the Grabers’ Amish district in such a quandary about raising Abby’s bail?

6. Dr. Weller’s visit is pivotal for Abby. What information does he convey that helps her to deal with separation from her family?

7. Aunt Iris at times seems impatient with her nephew. Why does she demand so much from a young man trying to come to terms with loss?

8. What gifts has God given Isaiah that more than make up for his lack of hearing and speech?

9. Frightening news from her public defender sends Abby deep into the Old Testament. What stories and biblical heroes help her to keep her faith?

10. Daniel gets a firsthand look at Catherine and Isaiah during the swimming outing. Why is he softening his attitude toward his sister-in-law?

11. Why does Nathan finally reach out to the English social worker?

12. When the judge has a change of heart, Abby has an opportunity to go home. Why does she choose to return to her jail cell instead?

13. Although the Amish rarely display temper, what causes Nathan to lash out at the other grief therapy participants?

14. What sours Abby’s poignant visit with Daniel and her beloved children during their jail visitation?

15. What happened in Isaiah’s past that makes outings among other people, both Amish and English, difficult for him?

16. Why does Abigail change her mind about revealing the person who had supplied the anti-hemorrhage drug?

17. When Isaiah takes Catherine to his “secret garden,” why does he relent and agree to go to the volleyball party?

18. Abby makes an unlikely friend while incarcerated. How does this friendship benefit both women?

19. Why had Nathan stayed away from church services for so long?

20. What is Isaiah missing in his life that makes Catherine bound and determined to teach him to speak, and especially to read?

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