1. The Mule Shoe Resort is a fictional location with parts loosely lifted from Double Arrow Resort and Paws Up Resort in Montana. Have you ever gone to an all-inclusive resort or retreat?
2. Darby had three stones, representing her still-present hurdles she had to get over. If you wanted to give yourself a physical reminder of a challenge you might face this year, what would you choose and why?
3. If you were at the resort and needed to get help, what would you have done? Ride out with one of the characters, stay behind, or another solution?
4. Darby was given two Bible verses, both of which she repeated to give her comfort or strength. By the end of the book, she believed in the source of that comfort and strength. Do you have a Bible verse that has helped you through rough times?
5. What did you think about the drawings that Mae did? Did you figure out their meaning before they were revealed?
6. Have you ever heard of a forensic linguist? What types of forensic specialists have you heard of?
7. Have you ever visited Yellowstone National Park?
8. Would you like to see Darby return in another book?
9. Do you have suggestions for an interesting location for another book?

Acknowledgments

This is now my eighth novel for HarperCollins Christian, and I’m thankful every day for the honor and privilege of working with such a warm and caring publishing house. Amanda Bostic, my editor and publisher, as well as friend, is sheer joy to work with. The dog, Holly, in this story is in honor of her dog. My marketing team of Nekasha Pratt, Kerri Potts, Matt Bray, Margaret Kercher, and Marcee Wardell are all the best in the business and I’m thrilled to have them.

I’m so blessed in having the award-winning editor and bestselling novelist in her own right, Erin Healy, as my editor. She polishes my words until they shine and I’m so grateful for her keen insight.

Karen Solem, my agent, is the most awesome, perfect, delightful, wonderful (I could keep adding here for another hour) lady that I’ve had the honor to know. She listens to me and gives me solid, sound advice every time. She joined our brainstorming crew to hash out the elements of this story along with the fabulous Colleen Coble, Robin Caroll, Lynette Eason, Voni Harris, and Pam Hillman.

I thank my dear husband, Rick, for reading and giving me suggestions on the book. He still wants me to place a book on a river cruise so he can do the research. Dream on, Toots.

Thank you to Sheriff Len Humphries of the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office for letting me interview you, and to Jeff White of J. L. White Fine Gemstones of Kingsport, Tennessee, for the information on fine gems.

Finally, the most important thank you of all to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in whom all things are possible.

About the Author