The Tangled Tale of the Woolgathering Castoffs

Title: The Tangled Tale of the Woolgathering Castoffs

Series: Purls and Prayers #2

Author: Sharon J. Mondragón

Publisher: Kregel

Genre: Christian Fiction, Women's Fiction, Contemporary Fiction

Source: own

My Review:

The Tangled Tale of the Woolgathering Castoffs is the second book in the Purls and Prayers series. I recommend reading the books in order, as we meet several of the ladies in the first book.

This book is not quite as light-hearted as the first book, and it really couldn't be, with dealing with family members in the memory care unit. It is a realistic book, with flawed characters, some dealing with tough issues. I love that Rose has created another knitting/crochet group that meets at her retirement community. It not only gives the lonely senior citizens something to do, but it also forms a small group of friends that stretches into the community.

If you are looking for a realistic book with relatable characters that will inspire you to make a difference in your community, look no further.

★★★★/5

Synopsis (Goodreads):   

A humorous, heartwarming tale of love, loss, and the power of community
Fair Meadows Retirement Community might as well be a country club for most of the retirees enjoying the pool, golf course, and book clubs. But for the caregivers whose family members reside upstairs in the special Memory Care Unit, vacation is over.
Comforting these caregivers is exactly why the Woolgatherers group has formed. They make prayer shawls to support those affected by the heartbreaking reality of not being recognized by a loved one-people like Sam Talbot, who has been barely existing since his wife moved into Memory Care. He finds that his life has lost all color and meaning without her.
That's something the Woolgatherers can't bear to see. Flirtatious Jenny Alderman, cranky crocheter Edna O'Brian, kind Rose Harker, and the rest of the prayer shawl group weave him into the circle. Sam has no idea how he got tangled up with them, and he's no good at knitting. But when one member talks him into taking up his wife's old crochet hooks, he discovers that this one small gesture might just have the power to heal his life--or even save it.
Full of Sharon Mondragon's characteristic humor and heart, this book wrestles with the loneliness of being the forgotten spouse of a dementia patient, moving past the fear that the spouses often face into the love and compassion that can make all the difference.