Bishop Jakes weaves inspirational life lessons into this tender and touching tale, a thoughtful reflection on our actions throughout the giving season and all year-round.
Lela Edwards wants nothing more than to spend the holidays with her family. But her husband of fifty years passed away recently, her daughters live far from their old Chicago neighborhood, and her granddaughter, Darcie, is avoiding her grandmother for fear Lela will judge her decision to get a divorce. Irritated and lonely, Lela concentrates on the lessons of the Virgin Mary with her Bible study group and begins to piece together an unfinished quilt she set aside long ago.
The cold winter brings some unexpected rough patches for Lela and her loved ones. The closer she examines the Scriptures, the more she realizes how quick she is to find fault with the people around her. Lela soon discovers she has woven the Virgin Mary’s lessons into the handiwork of the quilt, a reminder that by following the guidance of the cherished story we revisit every December to celebrate the meaning of Christ, she can learn from her mistakes and find favor with God.
Readers everywhere will find an uplifting message of hope in this heart-warming story.
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"I found Lela's character annoying with her judgmental and negative nature, but this nature was a carefully constructed part of the story that was instrumental in the storyline. I loved the analysis of Mary's story and how it was parallelled with the lives of characters in the story."
— Emespre (4 out of 5 stars)
“[Jakes] stitches the story of the Virgin Mary into a modern-day tale that’s inspiring and warmhearted…sharp, sassy Lela is the real draw here. And as she stumbles and rights herself, Jakes achieves his purpose: teaching the Bible, gently.”
— Washington Post" ended up skimming it. "
— Laurie, 11/12/2013" Great book to read during the holiday season. "
— Leo11, 10/24/2012" cute story, easy reading. It never hurts to remind ones self of the important things in life. Like, compassion and forgiveness. "
— Joy, 10/21/2012" Read this for book club this month. Really loved it. This story has made me want to be less negative about life in general and has caused me to be even more grateful for my family. "
— Jennifer, 8/3/2012" Good. Religious. Explores the possibility of saying yes "
— Laura, 7/17/2012" Just wasn't my style "
— Ruth, 6/27/2012" A sweet Christmas story set in the south side of Chicago. "
— Jill, 6/21/2012" Liked this book a lot. Good flow to this uplifting Christmas story with Chicago references. "
— NK, 5/18/2012" This is a book that makes a person stop and think about what you are reading. There are times you laugh and times you want to cry as I was reading it. "
— Marguerite, 12/10/2011" This was just what I needed to get me out of my Christmas funk! "
— Beverly, 10/20/2011" Lela is a stubborn and often negative 70-something grandma torn between what she wants and what her family members want for her. She turns to her Bible and studies Mary during the Christmas season, and gradually her whole attitude changes. "
— Laura, 5/30/2011" Ugggg. Got it as a stocking stuffer. 'nuff said. "
— Robin, 4/20/2011" Very quick read. Can be read in about an hour. A good Christmas story. Scripture references throughout the story. "
— Marcy, 9/16/2010" slow moving. wasn't impressed with the ending it just ended. No real wrap up of the story. "
— Chelly, 8/23/2010" Cute book about a bitter old lady who finally sees the err of her ways. Mom and Mary Ann gave me this book on CD to listen to. Reminded mom of MawMaw. Very cute. "
— Jamie, 5/23/2010" slow moving. wasn't impressed with the ending it just ended. No real wrap up of the story. "
— Chelly, 5/19/2010Bishop T. D. Jakes is one of the world’s most widely recognized pastors and a New York Times bestselling author of over thirty books. Named by Time magazine as “America’s Best Preacher,” his message of healing and restoration is unparalleled, transcending cultural and denominational barriers. Jakes is the founder and senior pastor of The Potter’s House, which has a congregation of over thirty thousand. His weekly television outreach, The Potter’s House, and his daily television program, The Potter’s Touch, have become favorites throughout America, Africa, Australia, Europe, and the Caribbean. Jakes lives in Dallas with his wife, Serita.
Kirk Franklin is the top gospel artist in Nielsen Soundscan history, selling more than twelve million albums and more than twenty #1 gospel hits. The host of his own talent search program, Sunday Best, he is the winner of seven Grammy awards, six NAACP awards, and many other honors. Also the author of the memoir, Church Boy: My Music & My Life, he lives in Texas with his wife and children.