The Caregiver
Families of Honor, Book One
by Shelley Shepard Gray

List Price: $12.99
Pages: 304
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780062020611
Publisher: Avon Inspire

Lucy is traveling by herself via train to Jacob's Crossing to help care for her cousin Mattie, recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Trying to overcome the sudden death of her husband, she's glad to get away and focus on someone else for a while.

The only other Amish people on the train are Calvin Weaver and his little sister, Katie. When their train breaks down outside of Cleveland, Calvin and Lucy band together to face the outside world. But Calvin also carries the weight of past hurts. When an altercation brings both their wounds to light, they question whether they can trust each other.

Once in Jacob's Crossing, Lucy is occupied with caring for Mattie, while Calvin does his best to run his family's farm. But they can't stop thinking about those special hours spent together. Will the bond they formed last? And will Lucy and Calvin be able to put away the pain in their pasts to recognize the happiness that is suddenly in their grasp?

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1. Lucy and Calvin are on the train to Cleveland by chance. However, that one coincidence changes their lives in numerous ways. Can you think of an experience in your life when a “chance” meeting led to a lifelong friendship?

2. Calvin’s personality is far different from Lucy’s. While she’s reserved, he’s outgoing. Where she is timid, he is sometimes too gregarious. Do you think they really were a good match? What qualities did Lucy and Calvin each bring to their relationship that the other lacked?

3. After twenty years, John Weaver returns to Jacob’s Crossing. He hopes to reconnect with his extended family. John’s story continues through the next two books in the series. What do you think will happen to him? Can you ever really go home again?

4. Do you think John will stay in Jacob’s Crossing? Already, he’s interested in two different women, Jayne and Mary. Do you think either woman will be the right partner for him?

5. While Mattie Lapp endures chemotherapy, she’s struggling with her faith and depression. Was there a time in your life when you also experienced a crisis of faith? If so, what helped you cope?

6. Was Lucy the “right” person to be Mattie’s caregiver? Why or why not?

7. As I wrote about Lucy, I often thought she was one of the strongest heroines I’ve ever created. She survived years of abuse and the death of a spouse and was able to still reach out to others. Is there anyone in your life who has displayed a great strength that you admire?

8. Happiness is the inner joy that can be sought or caught, but never taught or bought.

From the moment I read this Amish proverb, I knew it was the perfect quotation to start my novel. How can this proverb about happiness be applied to your life?

9. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me ~Psalm 23:4

God is present with all of the characters in this novel. Lucy knows that without her faith, she could never have survived her marriage to Paul. Calvin and John’s faith gave them a positive outlook for their future. Finally, God has blessed Mattie with a loving family, a giving community, and a good friend in Graham --- all people who want to help make her recovery easier. When has God’s presence helped you through a difficult time?

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