Hearts on the Line Read online

  “Speechless. That’s most unusual.”

  She blinked, throwing her arms around him. “Yes. Yes! If you hadn’t asked me soon, I would have asked you. Time’s running out if we are going to have a family.”

  Joy gleamed in his eyes. “Then I think we should beat Julianna and Ken and have a Valentine’s Day wedding.”

  She answered him by rising up on her tiptoes and planting a deep kiss on his mouth. She had come home.

  Dear Reader,

  In Hearts on the Line, both Quinn and Becca have to learn to trust in each other but mostly in God. Even Quinn, who has a strong faith in the Lord, doesn’t put his trust in God totally. He is scared to put his heart on the line again and love Becca as she deserves. Trust is hard to give over to someone else. But that is what faith is all about—putting your trust in God that He knows best.

  I hope you enjoyed Quinn and Becca’s journey toward loving and trusting each other as well as God. Along the way, their faith and love are tested as they fight for their lives and the lives of their loved ones.

  Also in this book, I had to delve into the life of a hostage negotiator. I was fortunate to interview a female hostage negotiator with a police department in my area. My respect and prayers go out to these men and women who have a very difficult job, trying to save lives in highly emotional situations. Captain Carole Newell coined the phrase “captive victim situation,” which I use in my story in a domestic incident that turns into a barricade situation.

  I love hearing from readers. You can contact me at P.O. Box 2074, Tulsa, OK 74101, or visit my Web site at www.margaretdaley.com where you can sign up for my quarterly newsletter.

  Best wishes,

  DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  Becca watched her mother die a slow, painful death, and as a result, turned away from God. Have you gone through something similar, where you questioned God and doubted your faith? How did you deal with it? What Scripture helped you get through it? “For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourself: it is the gift of God.” What does Ephesians 2:8 say about faith?

  To Becca, control was important so she wouldn’t experience the pain she did when both her parents died a few years apart. Do we have control of our lives? Why did Becca think control was the answer to her problems? What could have helped Becca?

  Emotions got in the way for Becca on her job as a homicide detective. She had a hard time being as objective as she thought she should. Do you think police officers should keep their emotions locked up while on the job? How can a police officer be effective when he/she is continually bombarded by the evil in this world?

  When Quinn created a beautiful piece of furniture, he felt closer to God, as if he was paying homage to the Lord as he carved the wood. Do you have something you do that makes you feel that way? How do you use your talent to glorify the Lord? How do you feel when you do it?

  Quinn turned away from having a relationship with a woman because of the tragic death of his fiancée. Grief is a powerful emotion. How have you dealt with grief in your life? What has helped you the most while going through the grieving process?

  Becca knew that Quinn wanted a family while she didn’t, because she had already raised her siblings. How would you resolve this dilemma of two people who, although they care deeply for each other, are at polar opposite ends of a problem? How can your faith help you deal with this dilemma?

  Becca’s dream of finishing school and getting her psychology degree was important to her. Dreams are important to people. When do you cut your losses and give up on your dream? Should you give up your dream if it might hurt someone else if you don’t?

  Quinn had to learn that risk is part of life. When and how have you had to learn that? What risks are important enough to take? What risks should not be taken? Where do you draw the line?

  Quinn was scared for Becca during the hostage situation. Have you ever had a situation that frightened you? Did your faith strengthen you and allow you to get through it? How? What Bible verses come to mind when thinking about fear and the Lord? “So that we may boldly say, the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” What does Hebrews 13:6 say about fear?

  In this book Becca went through a makeover for a date with Quinn. She never really cared that much about her looks. Physical looks are important in our society. We are bombarded by beautiful models in ads on television. Why do you think physical beauty is so important in our culture? How does God see beauty?

  ISBN: 978-1-4268-4922-0

  HEARTS ON THE LINE

  Copyright © 2006 by Harlequin Books S.A.

  All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the editorial office, Steeple Hill Books, 233 Broadway, New York, NY 10279 U.S.A.

  All characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author, and all incidents are pure invention.

  This edition published by arrangement with Steeple Hill Books.

  ® and TM are trademarks of Steeple Hill Books, used under license. Trademarks indicated with ® are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the Canadian Trade Marks Office and in other countries.

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  *The Ladies of Sweetwater Lake

  *The Ladies of Sweetwater Lake

  *The Ladies of Sweetwater Lake

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