The Prayer Box (A Carolina Heirlooms Novel)

Great book with the added bonus of 2 stories, blended nicely together as you read Iola Poole's letter's from the past and follow Tandi Reese's life in the present. Both stories are compelling and interesting in their own unique way, but the way they work together in the book is amazing. Tandi is a down on her luck single-mom whose life has been a whole lot of heartache. She's on the run from an abusive husband and flat-broke. Her kids are used to fending for themselves for the most part and their relationship with Tandi is shallow at best. You can feel the despair and desperation in her situation right from the beginning. Iola Poole was a lovely woman who didn't understand many wrongs that had been done to her throughout her life. She was sent away from her home and family at a young age to live at a Catholic home for orphans and overheard some ladies call her an "anathema" which means curse or something to be shunned. It took many years before she'd realize why they would say that about her, and even afterwards the sting of rejection from her own family would be something she carried. Hiding her true identity of who she was from her neighbors, and even her husband for a time, was something she bore alone. However, she found solace in her letters, written to Father, that she placed in prayer boxes. Those prayer boxes are the treasure that Tandi will find, years later, and slowly begin to piece together Iola's secret. What Tandi discovers is an amazing woman, with a great capacity to give, anonymously, to meet the needs of those in her community and beyond. Even when many treated her poorly because they did not understand her true heritage, she never stopped praying and giving generously, even up to her death. What happens and how it all pulls together makes for a great story. Tandi learns a lot of hard lessons along the way, but with the help of some people who treat her compassionately and genuinely care about her well-being, she grows stronger and is able to stand on her own two feet. An excellent read that will grab you and engross you throughout the entire book!

The Prayer Box – Prayer Box Series #1 Lisa Wingate I downloaded this eBook when my favorite author, Jen Turano, posted about it on her FB page. I tucked it away to be read later, and later finally came this weekend. I finished the book in tears (Oh, the Mulberry Girl!) and can’t wait to read the novella, The Tidewater Sisters – Postlude to the Prayer Box. I generally read Christian Historical Fiction, but this was a free download, Jen recommended it, and there was a great video from the author under the paperback version posted on C B D. So I gave it try. I am so glad I did. The book really took off around Ch. 4 when we begin learning about the elderly Iola Anne Poole and her letters. I had never heard of prayer boxes before this. They are a place to tuck your prayers into, and let your cares go. This book so beautifully describes them, and although Iola is fictional, she is someone I wish I could know. I have tried journaling before, and tend to do it most when I am going through great turmoil, and then stop when things are good. I would hate for someone to just read those someday and think my whole life was turmoil. Maybe a prayer box would be good for me. Tandi is a broken young woman with two kids, who finally had the strength to leave a controlling marriage. She has returned to her childhood hometown where her grandparents occasionally were able to bestow love to her and her sister Gina. She hopes to lay low and start fresh. Little does she know that small town people tend to notice, and this small town intends to help her. She is renting a cottage from the elderly Iola Anne Poole, who lives in a historic Victorian home next door. She has a new boyfriend, Ross who seems to care about her. I prefer not to include spoilers about him. Her 9 year-old son, J.T., seems to making an impression on the locals and his teacher, Paul Chastain has taken a real liking to him and his helping grow his interest in science. Paul wears outrageous Hawaiian shirts, proving once again you cannot judge a book by its cover. Tandi’s 14 year-old daughter Zoey has fallen in with the wrong crowd, and it will take some time and the love of the community to help her out of it. Iola also had a difficult life. I believe she was born in the 1920s. Her father was white and her mother was a black servant. Sometime after her father died, the patriarch of the home she lived in, Mr. Benoit had married a woman who did not approve of her and insisted she be sent away to a missionary school. She prayed and prayed to be returned home. God molded this young girl into someone so beautiful who would have such a passion for His people around her, and even far from her. It was amazing. She never sought recognition, but quietly served. So quietly that the people of her community made up lies about her which spread all throughout the town so much that many people believed them. That part was sad. There is a delightful reference to banana beignets. Unfortunately the author did not include the recipe, but I did my own internet search and look forward to trying them. I found one on Taste of Home magazine, from a lady in VA, which would be close enough to the region of the story set in Hatteras, NC and The Outer Banks. If it does not get deleted, I am including the link here: W w w tasteofhome dot com /recipes/banana-beignet-bites/print There is also an ugly black cat in the book who adds great fun to the story. In this book he has no name. Maybe in the next one? Sandy is the owner of Sandy’s Seashell Shop. She is included in the book at the request of the author’s own Aunt Sandy who offered up much input about what her shop should look like. The character is spunky and kind, generous and protective. I definitely enjoyed her and would love to go sit, have a cup of tea, and gab in her shop with the Shell Shop Sisters. I believe her story starts in the novella, The Seaglass Sisters, prelude to The Prayer Box. The only thing that did not add to the story for me was the overabundance of ocean themed metaphors, that were sometimes so over-the-top I had to re-read them trying to understand them. But, maybe that’s just me. I recommend this book, but have your tissues ready! 4.5 out of 5 stars Also included: Discussion Questions for Reading Groups © 2013 Tyndale House 385 Pages I downloaded this eBook from Amazon for free and offer my honest opinion for no compensation. Read: 8/8,9&10/2014 Reviewed: 8/10/2014

I love this book. Lisa Wingate’s exquisite prose drew me in from the first paragraph as she paints in delicate watercolours this brief period of time in the life of Tandi Jo. I love the complexity of the characters and the myriad little surprises throughout the book. This is a story of redemption, of forgiveness, and of faith. I loved Tandi Jo’s transformation as she immersed herself in Iola’s secrets. Her new faith was tested time and time again, and that realism enhanced my appreciation. This is a book I will read again and again. The Prayer Box is worthy of five stars, and that is what I award it.

A great story. I shall be looking out for more of Lisa Wingate's stories. I had great difficulty putting it down once I started it. I would recommend it highly as suitable for all age groups. Like all good books I will be returning to it again in the future. It is well written, the story flows well, the characters are credible and it keeps your interest right up to the last page. God bless you.

It's nothing life changing but it was a good read and it was free so that was fine. It was written well and I would recommend it as a light read.

I loved this book. Very well written, deeply thoughtful and some really good twists and turns. I so admire Iola and learned some wonderful life lessons. Highly recommended.

I just started reading this book out of curiosity. My mind was asking : why would someone give their book on Kindle for free? As i read I realized the incredible gift this book is. It is full of wisdom and a depth of understanding of human nature that is rarely found in a storybook. I was captivated by this girl ,Tandi, and her mentor from the grave, Iola Anne. Their journey together took me along as a silent partner who in the end was transformed by what they discovered. Thank you Author Lisa, for this Spirit-to-spirit treasure .