Aprons on a Clothesline

One of the best terms for Traci's books is "comforting." Written with a readable style, her rural setting and familiar characters offer readers an oasis from the stress of everyday life. You may also want to read Can of Peas by Traci and, if you care for short Christian fiction, I would recommend Cool Water for the Thirsting Soul by Kenny Paul Clarkson.

Have read all three of Traci Depree's books and loved each one. I adored the characters, who stayed in my heart long after the story ended. Traci's books are quick (unfortunately!) reads with very real, sweet, poignant, and sometimes heart-wrenching, storylines. These are books you don't want to end. Am looking forward to the next installment in what I hope is a very long series.

Just in the month of June I have read A Can of Peas, Dandelions in a Jelly Jar, and Aprons on a Clothesline. Peter and Mae remind me of my own step-daughter and son-in-law who are living down the road from us on the family farm which has been in my husband's family for 75 years. My step-daughter who was raised mostly in the city and visited her grandparents here on the farm has become a true southern farm wife and mother. I have fallen in love with these characters and I can't wait until the next book to see what is currently happening in Lake Emily. Traci, I hope you are busy on the next installment.

In Austin, Minnesota, near Lake Emily, Virginia Morgan tells her friend Lillian Biddle that she has a bad headache, but will be okay. However, not long afterward, Virginia collapses inside the Spam Museum. Nurse Mary Shrupp calls 911 believing the kindhearted grandmother suffered a stroke. Virginia survives, but is not the same person as she feels unneeded since she is unable to help others like she has all her life. Depressed, Virginia begins to question whether she and those caring for her would be better off if she was dead especially since she knows that others in town need help but her body refuses to cooperate. However, she thinks her worst failure is not being there for Jessie Wise who needs a nurturing mother just like the pre stroke Virginia provided to everyone for decades in the Lake Emily area. Instead the post stroke Virginia has given up on life. APRONS ON A CLOTHESLINE is a deep look at small town rural life with an emphasis on believing in God, hard work, and honesty with one's self and towards others. Many of the characters return from previous novels (see A CAN OF PEAS and DANDELIONS IN A JELLY JAR) with new troubles as relationships change. However, the star of this tale is Virginia who goes from an active elderly person providing assistance and nurturing whenever she can to a beaten individual struggling with receiving love and care as opposed to giving. Fans of inspirational character driven tales will enjoy the Lake Emily series especially this powerful third entry. Harriet Klausner