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The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck
by Bethany Turner

Published: 2017-10-03
Paperback : 304 pages
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Steamy romance writer Sarah Hollenbeck’s career is at its peak, but reconciling her writing with her newfound faith proves more difficult than she imagined—and falling for her pastor doesn't make things any easier.

With a powerful voice, penetrating insight, and plenty of humor, ...

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Introduction

Steamy romance writer Sarah Hollenbeck’s career is at its peak, but reconciling her writing with her newfound faith proves more difficult than she imagined—and falling for her pastor doesn't make things any easier.

With a powerful voice, penetrating insight, and plenty of humor, novelist Bethany Turner explodes onto the scene with a witty debut that isn't afraid to deal with the thorny realities of living the Christian life.

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Discussion Questions

1. Sarah’s depression and self-pity are palpable at the opening of the story, but after being
knocked down a peg, she seems to find the catalyst she needs to start her life over.
Have you ever been in a similar situation? What snapped you out of it?

2. A lot of Sarah’s eye-opening experiences happen as a result of her book club. What makes
a book club such a good vehicle for looking at life? Have you ever had a book club experience
that went beyond what you expected?

3. After some time, Sarah realized that receiving attention as Raine deBourgh wasn’t all it was
cracked up to be. In fact, she rather disliked it. Have you ever been the focus of unwanted
attention? What did you do with the limelight?

4. Sarah’s first experience with the Bible and church put her out of her comfort zone.
Have you ever committed to something that you didn’t know much about? What was the
experience like for you?

5. Piper is the ideal best friend for Sarah. What qualities in her do you admire?
Are there any that bother you?

6. Throughout the novel, Sarah struggles to find “middle ground,” as she calls it. Have you
ever found yourself in this situation? Has following Christ ever put you in a position where
you’ve struggled to find balance?

7. Sarah struggles to separate her actions from the intentions with which she does them.
She tithes on her royalties from her steamy romance novels, but her intention for doing so is
good. What do you think about this dilemma? How do you reconcile actions with intentions?

8. As a pastor, Ben finds himself being held to a higher standard (especially in regard to dating).
Is that fair? Why or why not? Are there some people in our lives who we hold to stricter rules?

9. What do you think of the idea that Christian romance can be “sexy” without being “dirty”?

10. Have you ever been the subject of negative gossip? How did you handle it?

11. Did you find yourself relating to Sarah in any way? If so, why? If not, was there a character
in the story who you saw pieces of yourself in?

12. Did you enjoy the story? Why or why not?

Notes From the Author to the Bookclub

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Member Reviews

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  "The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck"by Brenda M. (see profile) 04/01/21

A great story of the power of truth & faith. A sweet romance with some interesting twists.

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