An oldie novella from one of the most versatile authors to ever write ChristFic.

This isn't a story with a sermon or a come-to-Jesus moment stuffed into it to make it "Christian." Rather, one woman's soul-deep task of faith is the story here, along with the way she gently impacts the lives around her.

It's a simple tale but not a shallow one. Heartwarming but not corny or oversweet. The style is almost rambling, but it's an intentional ramble, taking its time to show the intricate nature of some imperfect, loving relationships between compellingly human characters.

Really, Mary's relationship with her younger, middle-aged son, a bond that isn't particularly sentimental but that's still deeply felt on both sides... I could have read this book just for that.

It's a poignant story—not the kind to reach for when you're looking for an upbeat, happy ending for everyone. Rather, it's for those contemplative moments when you feel like pausing to appreciate the blend of joys and sorrows that make up this priceless thing we call life. ( )

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A sweet little story about the grandmother in a family, who was really too old to quilt anymore, but decided to make just one more. Lady friends and family came to help her, to the consternation of her son, who thought she ought not to doing so much at her age. But the quilt was sewn with love and prayer, and a close community was made of those who helped. ( )

This is rather more along the "obvious" lines than I usually like, but I couldn't resist a book about a quilt. For some reason, quilts, like crochet, fascinate me with their interwovenness - there is some magic that connects everything together.

And it turned out to be the perfect book to read on a day for recharging batteries. I wasn't even so keen on the central character of Mary - I liked rather better her reflections in the form of the people to whom she "ministered". But the simple central message of thanksgiving and taking time to remember what's important was just exactly what is needed on a day taken out to remember myself who and what I am. I am now grounded and centred again. ( )

A simple little "heartwarming" story that I liked in spite of myself. Beautiful photographs. ( )