Homecoming Hero Read online

  Because of my husband’s job, I’ve had the good fortune of living in many college towns over the years. I’ve attended games at some of the most famous stadiums in the country, as well as some of the not-so-famous ones. I’ve tailgated with die-hard boosters and people who want to talk about their hair rather than the game. I’ve sat in terrible seats, fabulous seats, skyboxes and even stood on the sidelines. I’ve memorized countless cheers and fight songs. I’ve watched the cheerleaders and the silly antics of the mascots. But there’s one special mascot who has literally stolen my heart. I think you can figure out which one. He doesn’t do much, except just be who he is. I love him for that. UGA, you’re the man!

  What about you? Any college football fans out there? Or would you rather talk hair? I’d love to hear your opinion on either. You can contact me at my Web site, www.reneeryan.com.

  In the meantime, happy reading!

  Renee

  QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

  Why does Wolf seek out Hailey in the opening scene? What makes his task especially difficult? Is he right to try to stop her from her goal? Why or why not?

  When Hailey discovers Wolf was the only survivor of the IED that killed her brother and three other soldiers, she realizes she has an opportunity to offer comfort to a wounded soul, yet she has no idea how to go about it. What does she do? Have you ever been in a position that stretched your capabilities? What did you do?

  What is motivating Hailey’s determination to become a missionary in the Middle East? Do you think she’s naive, as Wolf claims? What’s the difference between having a heart for causes versus having a heart for people?

  What is Wolf’s reaction to the missionaries’ speech at Hailey’s church? Why does he react that way? Do you think he overreacts? Why or why not?

  Why do you think Wolf dislikes J.T. at first, despite their common backgrounds? What changes between the two that ultimately makes it possible for them to become friends? Have you ever had someone in your life who started out as an adversary but turned into a friend? What happened to make the change?

  When Wolf asks Hailey to help him shop for items to put in his townhome, the excursion goes badly. What happens in the store? Why do you think Wolf reacts that way? What would you have done had you been Hailey?

  Do you think Wolf’s intense need for danger makes him an adrenaline junkie? What’s really driving him to do the risky things he does? Do you agree with his assessment? Do you think God makes mistakes? Why or why not?

  What does Wolf do to “shock” Hailey into staying home? Do you think it’s unfair of him to show her those videos? Why do you think the exercise backfires on him?

  When Hailey realizes she can’t help Wolf overcome his guilt she turns to J.T. for help. What does he tell her? Why is his advice so hard for her to accept? Have you ever felt helpless in the face of a loved one’s problem? What did you do?

  What happens when Wolf takes Hailey to a homeless shelter that is mere blocks away from her house? Why do you think it’s so hard for her to look people in the eye, at least at first? What changes in her as a direct result of her time with the homeless?

  Why is Wolf afraid to love Hailey? What’s holding him back? What happens when he reads her brother’s e-mails from Iraq?

  What happens to Hailey on her short-term mission trip to Haiti? Why is this change significant? Have you ever thought God was calling you to go in one direction, only to discover He had something else planned for your life? What happened?

  ISBN: 978-1-4268-6502-2

  HOMECOMING HERO

  Copyright © 2010 by Renee Halverson

  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.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  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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