Authors: Millie's Treasure

Kathleen Y'Barbo (51 page)

2. Millie’s father does not appear to be a good role model. In fact, he does things that are hurtful to her. Even so, she does not use her earthly father as an example for what her expectations of a heavenly Father should be. Are you lacking that example of a good earthly father? If so, how have you been able to get past that to allow a clearer picture of the kind of loving Father our God is?

3. Millie thinks she wants to fly around Memphis on the aviator’s invention—until she gets the chance. Then she hesitates and might not have gone had she been able to find any other way down to the ground. Have you ever been right on the edge of a big idea only to allow fear or something else to cause you to doubt whether you should do it? Is there something in your life right now you’ve longed to do but are afraid to try?

4. Millie and Kyle do not learn each other’s names until several chapters into the book because both prefer anonymity. Later, this becomes
a barrier to their relationship and they choose to reveal who they truly are. Have you experienced this reluctance to show someone—perhaps God—who you really are at first? Why? What did you do about it?

5. Kyle wears dual hats as a Pinkerton agent and an inventor. While he loves using his knowledge of science to create new things and solve problems with gadgets he has invented, he also uses his creative mind to solve Pinkerton cases. This is one example of how God gives us all gifts that can be used in more than one area of our lives. What are some of your gifts and how are you using them? Is there another area of your life you can use these strengths to bless others?

6. Millie disobeys her father’s wishes and creates her own hidden space—a kingdom-of-her-own in the attic. Her father is furious when he finds the room, and eventually the things she lied about owning are taken from her. While her father was not a good man, he did hold Millie to a standard of honesty, and when that standard was not upheld, he took action. Have you ever been disappointed to find out someone has lied to you? What did you do as a result of learning this?

7. Millie’s grandmother was so desperate to protect the secret of her identity and that of her son, Millie’s father, that she pretended to be someone else. That action changed the course of many lives, including her children and grandchildren. Though you have most likely not gone to the extent she did, have you gone to great lengths to keep a secret? Did it come out anyway? What were the repercussions of this? What do you wish you had done differently?

8. Millie is the recipient of a locket passed down from her grandmother to her mother and then to her. It is a reminder of her family history and a precious possession she guards carefully. Is there something special you now own that once belonged to a family member or beloved friend? If so, what is it and what memories does it hold for you?

9. Kyle has promised his best friend, Lucas McMinn, that he will see justice done and Will Tucker returned to his rightful place behind bars. It is a promise he has made, and one that keeps him working for the Pinkerton Agency until the promise has been fulfilled. Have you ever been called upon to make a sacrifice for a friend or family member? What did you do? Do you regret it?

10. Millie and Kyle share a love of science and learning. For Kyle, having a woman who is unique in this aspect is something he likes very much. Millie, however, is reluctant to believe that what most in her generation find odd in a woman is something that Kyle actually likes about her. What is most unique about you? If you cannot answer this question, ask someone who can.

11. Will Tucker is on the run, and he must never stay in one place too long or he will be caught. Was there ever a time when you felt as though you were on the run—from a memory, a responsibility, or even from God? What did you do about it? Or is it still something you’re dealing with?

12. In Millie’s private sanctuary, she surrounded herself with some of her favorite things. Many of those things reminded her of her mother and sisters, while others were in the room because she enjoyed them. From the books on the shelves to the sketchbooks and pencils on the table, everything in her room was there because it was special to her. Close your eyes and imagine your dream room. What does it look like? What is in it? Why would you choose those specific things?

13. In addition to the wheel cypher made of gold doubloons, Millie wears a heart-shaped locket on her necklace. Inside is a painting and a message that causes her to believe a clue to treasure is hidden there. When the locket is taken away, Millie fears she has lost any chance of finding the treasure. Ultimately, however, this proves not to be the case. Have you ever had the feeling that all is
lost only to find out later you were wrong? Why did you feel that way, and what changed to make you realize you were wrong? Could this apply to something in your life right now?

14. Millie Cope is the last woman Kyle needs to be thinking of as he tries to fulfill his duties as a Pinkerton agent on an important case. Not only does love take his mind off the mission, but Millie was once engaged to the man he is hunting. To fall in love with her meant taking a huge risk, but he knew in his heart she was the woman he was meant to spend his life with. Have you ever taken a risk because you knew in your heart it was what you were supposed to do? What did you do? What was the result? What, if anything, do you wish you had done differently?

15. The Louisiana bayou is a dark and interesting place full of hidden coves and abounding in rumors of buried treasure and pirate gold. Some doubt these rumors, but many believe that time and the abundance of hurricanes that batter the southern coast of Louisiana have forever obscured markers that hide treasure beneath them. What do you think? Are you the type who might go on a treasure hunt if you had a map and a means for doing so? What would you hope to find? What would be inside your ideal treasure chest?

About the Author

Kathleen Y’Barbo is a bestselling author of 45 novels with almost two million copies of her books in print in the US and abroad.
A Romantic Times
Top Pick recipient, she is a proud military wife and an expatriate Texan cheering on her beloved Texas Aggies from north of the Red River.

Find out more about Kathleen at
www.kathleenybarbo.com.

Flora’s Wish

The Course of True Love Never Did Run Smooth

May 1887—Flora Brimm is determined the fifth time is the charm. Back home in Natchez, Mississippi, she has a reputation as “Fatal Flora,” a woman whose previous four fiancés met odd, untimely deaths before they could get to the altar. Flora tries and tries again because she is desperate to marry. Producing an heir is the only way she can keep Brimmfield, her family’s estate, from going to her despised cousin Winthrop. She’s praying a visit to an elite spa in Eureka Springs with her grandmother will help her say “I do” at last.

Pinkerton agent Lucas McMinn is hot on the trail of Will Tucker, a charming, cunning thief who broke his sister’s heart. When Lucas arrives in Eureka Springs and discovers the slippery fellow apparently in Flora’s good graces, he believes they are in on a devious plot together. Will she be able to convince him of her innocence? Will he finally apprehend the elusive Mr. Tucker?

And, more importantly, will Lucas survive if he pursues Fatal Flora’s heart?