Review of Short Story by Lisa Wingate

 

There are times when life is particularly hectic or perhaps when I've just read a long book and I'm in the mood for something lighter that a short story is just what is needed.  That happened to me at the end of 2025, and I found this short story by Lisa Wingate that just hit the spot.  I had read books by this author before and knew I liked her writing style, so I downloaded this book to my kindle and enjoyed a nice break from my holiday preparations.

Story Synopsis

In this moving short story, Olympic silver medalist Kalista Brooks returns to her hometown to be with her father when his heart condition worsens.  He was a beloved coach to many and always holds a special place in Kalista's heart.

As the visit, her father has one request.  He really would love to return to their old farmhouse in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  He would love to relive that area in all four seasons.  Since time is to short to be there a year, Kalista works on a way to relive all four seasons in a months' time.

As the narrative continues, they relive their shared experiences such as spring blossoms, homemade jam in the summer, a special autumn festival and a very special winter evening.

Along the way Kalista learns some valuable lessons and takes another look at what is really important in her life.

This short story looks at the enduring love between a father and daughter and the valuable bonds that family relations hold.

I found this a very touching and delightful read.

Book on Amazon

Here is a link to the short story on Amazon,  The Last Father-Daughter Dance

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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The Prayer Box: A Book Review

Summer is on it's way and hopefully you have a list of Books to take to the cottage or read on those lazy summer nights!

                                   

I have just finished reading The Prayer Box, by Lisa Wingate!

What a great story about a lady who lived her whole life in a small vacation community and yet remained a mystery to that whole community.

It doesn't take long for this book to grab you and reel you in.  Iola Anne Poole had lived on Hatteras Island her whole life and died at the ripe age of ninety one!  Hatteras Island is a community of people that live there all year long and an increased population during the summer season.  Artisans and good people call this home and wait for the influx of visitors in order to finance their off seasons.  Home cooked meals, coffee shops with caring staff, make this island a wonderful place to live and an even better place to spend your summer months.  Everyone who lives here knows everyone else.  With the exception of Iola Anne Poole!

What starts out as a new beginning for Tandi Jo Reese, ends up being her lifeline to a future without fear.  Tandi Jo is hiding from a controlling and manipulative man.  She and her two children are literally running from a past of fear and control, into a future that will hopefully be better.

Iola, rents Tandi a cottage that is part of the property she owns.  Tandi in search of a better place for herself and her children jumps at the chance of having a secure roof over their heads without the fear of being found.  Her landlady is even willing to rent to her on a weekly basis.  

Just two weeks into this new beginning, Iola dies!  Tandi is already having problems with the rent.  Her "ex", (you'll learn more about him when you read the book)  does not know where she is and she does not want him to find her.

Iola, left her belongings and everything else in her life to the church just up the road from her Rambling Victorian home.  The pastor needs help to clean out Iola's home.

Tandi, now has a job.  Hired by the pastor to clean out her home, Tandi comes across a walk in closet full of decorated boxes.

Image by Luisella Planeta Leoni from Pixabay

What happens next is for you to find out.  I really don't want to spoil this novel for you.  So much happens in such a reasonably short time frame.  You will need to pick up this book and enjoy it for yourself.

Those boxes and life on Hatteras Island has made it possible for Tandi to understand that there is more to life than running and hiding.  That there are good people in the world and that everything you learn from life can come to your aid when you need it the most.

 The Prayer Box (A Carolina Heirlooms Novel)Check Price

 

This book has won many awards, and  has been recommended by Debbie Macomber , one the New York Times Bestselling Authors.  (I enjoy her writings as well).

It is the firsts in a series of 3 novels, and, I know I will read all of them.

The Prayer Box is a lovely summer read and will have you thinking about your own relationships, familial and with the people around you.  This book really is a summer gift and I'm sure you will enjoy it as much as I have.

About the Author

 Lisa Wingate has written several novels and each one has had it's share of acclaim.  

While I was busy taking in this novel, my co-writer Bev Owens just finished reviewing another of her books, Before We Were Yours!  I had read this book as well and enjoyed it immensely.  So when I saw The Prayer Box, I was already enchanted with the author. Her stories are really enjoyable and I can see why she has such great reviews!  

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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