A Stitch and a Prayer by Eva J. Gibson, © 2014 ~ Quilts of Love Series

 
A young couple marry and begin their lives together on a small acreage near the Willamette River in Wilsonville, Oregon, the beginning of 1899. Within their home in a clearing carved out near a mighty forest, the story follows the thoughts and cares of this young wife.

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Set your affection on things above, not on things on earth.

   --Colossians 3:1-2 KJV

Florence proclaimed this is what she wants her marriage to be and for those with her to tell her if she is not living according to those precepts. A story of survival, love, and secrets, Will and Florence begin a life uncertain at best. Yet there is a promise to lean toward.

For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.

Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground;

yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant.

   --Job 14:7-9 KJV

Florence has the love of her family and family doctor to see her through her struggles and see the light at dawn as strength returns to her limbs. Called away to settle his earlier life to enable him to go forward, Florence's husband, Will, promises to return by their child's birth. Florence begins a Tree of Life quilt reminiscent of a dream in which she sees the pieces of their lives intertwined, leaving an heirloom for the generations to come after them. As she stitches she prays for her husband's safe return.

A Stitch and a Prayer is a settlement story of endurance and trust in God who sees our tomorrows. Florence and her family support each other as they wait for her husband Will's return. Life is daily as each one is encouraged by the strength offered each other. I liked the forgiveness given a neighbor and the bond they form together because of kindness. The making of the quilt is healing physically for Florence and the ability to receive help from others to aid in the completion of her dream.

Eva Gibson is the author of twenty books, including The Gift of Forgiveness and The Three Marys Bible studies. She currently teaches "writing your life story" classes for Portland Community College and is an active member of Oregon Christian Writers. She has lived most of her life on the family farm in Wilsonville, Oregon, which is the setting for A Stitch and a Prayer.
***Thank you to Litfuse Publicity Group for inviting me to be a part of the blog tour for this Quilts of Love Series story and to Abingdon Press for sending me a copy of A Stitch and a Prayer. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***

Quilts of Love | A STITCH AND A PRAYER – Kindle HDX Giveaway & “Quilting Bee” Facebook Party!

Don’t miss this month’s Quilts of Love book, A Stitch and a Prayer, by Eva Gibson. A quilt becomes a labor of love for a lonely wife mysteriously separated from her young husband.

Celebrate May's release by entering to win a Kindle HDX and RSVP for the Quilts of Love "Quilting Bee" Facebook party with the Quilts of Love authors.

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle HDX
• A Promise in Pieces by Emily Wierenga
• A Stitch and a Prayer by Eva Gibson
• Rival Hearts by Tara Randel

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 17th. Winner will be announced at the "Quilting Bee" Facebook party with Emily Wierenga, Loree Lough, and Tara Randel. RSVP for an evening of book chat, quilting tips and tricks, prizes, and more!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.