Mission: Out of Control (17 page)
Read Mission: Out of Control Online
Authors: Susan May Warren
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Dear Reader,
My family claims that I sound different on the phone, or when I am speaking, than I do in “real” life. They're partly right. When I'm doing a signing or a women's event, I have a way about myself that might not be the same gal you'd see on the other side of the computer, hidden away in my office. We all live “double lives,” based on what we want people to see and the things we're trying to prove to ourselves. I took that premise and applied it wildly to Ronnie, aka Vonya, and Brody, who also wants to be seen as capable and not broken. But we're all a little broken, and we hide our failures and mistakes, thinking we need to make up for them to be forgiven and approved. But forgiveness isn't an equationâit's a gift. Only when we accept it can we take off our masks and become the people we are intended to be.
Susan May Warren
- At the start of the story, Brody finds himself in a place he'd rather not be, doing something he'd rather not do. What is it and how does it turn out for good? Have you ever been in a place you'd rather not beâ¦and had it turn out differently than you had expected?
- Vonya lives a life much different from her parentsâdifferent from their values and lifestyle. Have you had a member of your family or a close friend who has chosen a much different life than your family culture? How has that affected your relationships? Does that person choose to put on a mask when they are with their family?
- What is Veronica's motivation for going on tour overseas (besides her career)? Are there any global causes that would make you behave/do something out of your comfort zone to help?
- Brody at first believes the “mask” Vonya wears. When is the first time he sees her as someone different? Have you ever made a first impression about someone only to have it shattered later? When and how?
- The tour visits a number of European locations. Have you ever been to Europe, or even to one of Vonya's concert locales (Berlin, Prague and Amsterdam)? What was your favorite location and why?
- Vonya has a recurring nightmare about what she fears. Have you ever had a recurring nightmare? Was it something you feared, or something from your past? (Or neither?)
- What is Veronica's deep secret that she just can't forgive herself for? How does that keep her from being able to accept Brody's love? Do you think our past contributes to our ability to loveâand to let others love us? How?
- What is Brody's deep secret? Have you ever had to do something you disagreed with, that haunted you afterward?
- If you could be a rock star or a musicianâ¦what would you be like?
- Chet suggests that God had assigned Brody to protect Veronica not only for her good but his, also. Why? Has God ever given you an assignment that seemed over your head, or even useless, to surprise you with a lesson? What lesson was it?
ISBN: 978-1-4268-8868-7
MISSION: OUT OF CONTROL
Copyright © 2011 by Susan May Warren
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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