ECPA 2014 Christian Book Award Finalist, Christy Award Finalist, Christianity Today Book Award Finalist, MAGGIE Award Finalist!
“THE PRAYER BOX is Masterpiece of story and skill.” — NYT #1 Bestselling Author Debbie Macomber
When Iola Anne Poole, an old-timer on Hatteras Island, passes away in her bed at ninety-one, the struggling young mother in her rental cottage, Tandi Jo Reese, finds … bed at ninety-one, the struggling young mother in her rental cottage, Tandi Jo Reese, finds herself charged with the task of cleaning out Iola’s rambling Victorian house.
Running from a messy, dangerous past, Tandi never expects to find more than a temporary hiding place within Iola’s walls, but everything changes with the discovery of eighty-one carefully decorated prayer boxes, one for each year, spanning from Iola’s youth to her last days. Hidden in the boxes is the story of a lifetime, written on random bits of paper–the hopes and wishes, fears and thoughts of an unassuming but complex woman passing through the seasons of an extraordinary, unsung life filled with journeys of faith, observations on love, and one final lesson that could change everything for Tandi.
Just when Tandi Jo Reese has found a safe place for herself and her children, her landlord, Iola Anne Poole, passes away. Desperate to find income and stay in the rental cottage, Tandi agrees to clean out Iola’s home. To Tandi’s surprise, she finds beautifully decorated prayer boxes that contain prayers and a life story. She finds unexpected …
Absolutely excellent. This is not an inspirational fiction novel, it’s a lyrical work of art. Although I don’t usually read this genre, something in the synopsis intrigued me. When I started reading, the story just pulled me in and spoke to my heart. I couldn’t put it down.
“Prayers are answered in ways we don’t choose. The river of grace …
I have read other books by Lisa Wingate and loved them, so I was excited when this one was recommended. It is a wonderful story that is beautifully written.
Tandi is a woman with a troubled past trying to rebuild her life. She moves from Texas to the Outer Banks, where she had spent time as a child with her grandparents, to start over. While …
A bit sad but that’s the way a story that’s true to life is like. Always worth reading, and can inspire others to start their own prayer box. Really good.
I love how the story unfolded.
It has been a few years since I read this book originally, but it often flutters back inside my mind.
I felt what the characters felt.
I loved this book. The characters are wonderful and believable. A good example that we shouldn’t take people for granted; especially older people with experiences and memories to share.
Outstanding, in fact I have purchased it after reading a copy from my library! I loved the realistic character surrounded by love and hope. One of a few books I intend to read again.
I had to wait FOREVER for this book to come available and it was well worth the wait. Author is another one of my favourites. Keep those great books coming!
One of the best stories I’ve ever read!
Wonderful story of redemption!
After escaping from an abusive husband in Texas, Tandi Reese drags her children to the outer banks of North Carolina. Desperately low on cash, she takes a job cleaning a dilapidated Victorian house after the owner, Iola Poole, dies. While cleaning, she discovers a closet full of boxes that proves irresistible. The contents of the boxes reveal a …
There were so many prayer boxes…and it was actually encouraging to start one for myself. Like a journal…prayers to God. Good story.
This is one of my favorite books. I have read it twice, once years ago and again more recently. This is a story of a single mother who has run out of options and money. While helping prepare a deceased older lady’s home for sale, she runs across boxes and boxes of the woman’s writings. Reading the story of the older woman’s life gives her an …
I enjoyed this book. Lisa’s writing always soothes my writer-word-loving heart.
Love Lisa Wingate
I really enjoy Lisa Wingate’s writing style.
Nearly perfect use of language.
I enjoyed the story and characters, but wished the author had been more definitive about having faith in Christ.