Review: A beautifully written story!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 16, 2014
This was my second book by Lisa Wingate-definitely will be reading more from this talented author!  The first book was “The Prayer Box” which I thoroughly enjoyed.  I should have read the novella first; however, at the time was unaware of the short story.  Both can be standalone; however, would encourage you to read this sweet novella first, to get a better understanding of Aunt Sandy and her quaint shop, and what this dream meant to her as well as back story for some of the other characters.The novella also includes a preview of The Prayer Box -- you will most definitely want to continue to learn more about this town and the lives of those from past and present.Set in the beautiful coastal Hatteras Island of Outer Banks, NC, a story of connecting with family and learning the meaning of prayer and leaning on others in time of need.  Lisa was very descriptive in her way of putting you into the setting of this lovely shop and its surrounding in the village.  (I was very drawn by the front cover and could image walking in to shop)  Reminds me of a quaint shop in Islamorada, FL which is always a treat.From 911 calls in Michigan, a little girl kidnapped, to a road trip of mother/daughter to the Outer Banks, a hurricane, and family ties – it is packed with smiles, tears, and life lessons, and good friends.  It is about living your life, your passions and new adventures. In addition, this charming novella is full of wisdom and courage and loved the many quotes and verses:  These are just a few, which I treasured:“A decision you make in life has benefits and consequences. Sometimes you just have to go on faith, and even that comes at a price. It means you have to give up the idea that you’re the one in charge of the universe.”“You know how it is. The storms come and it’s water and wind as far as the eye can see for a bit. But winds calm and the waters drain. We find our feet again, and the ground under us sprouts a new crop of seed. That is always the way of it. I don’t suppose this storm will be any different.”“The shadow of the highest evil intermingled with the light of the highest good. Maybe all lives are filled with this. Maybe it is always a choice between embracing the darkness of one or the saving grace of the other.”“Perhaps this rebirth from one thing to another happens repeatedly in a lifetime. Maybe life is a series of little deaths and rebirths, of passages and rites of passage, of God teaching you to stop clinging to one thing so you can reach for another.”  ― Lisa Wingate, The Sea Glass Sisters: Prelude to The Prayer Box