The Prayer Chest: A Novel About Receiving All of Life's Riches

No matter what your faith or particular belief system, there seems to always be a yearning for something better than the here and now. But what allows some to succeed through their tragedy and move forward while others seem to flounder? The answer may be found in The Prayer Chest by August Gold and Joel Fotinos. Now before you write this off as a book trying to force you to believe in something you are not comfortable with, let me assure you that this 181-page book offers solutions for everyone who has ever done one thing: pray. It's something many of us are taught early in life. We go through the motions of it during special events, meals and family gatherings. But do we really appreciate the words we say and who they are directed to and the purpose for them? The Prayer Chest introduces us to the Hutchinson family, a group that has known its share of pain but has experienced a joy that many with far more riches would do anything to have. The story travels back and forth in time, but the main principals for me were Joseph Hutchinson and his two children. They have seen the best of times but have now gotten to the point where the worst of times threaten to engulf them. Joseph has lost his wife, is in the process of losing his home and the fear of the unknown causes him to believe that all hope is lost. We learn that even though Joseph was the primary provider for the family, it was really the wife's faith that kept things together. With her gone, it was like all hope was lost. Enter the Prayer Chest. It has been in the attic for years and now, with things at their worst, the chest provides three guidelines for you to get results: 1)Prayer is answered through you. 2)Prayer is answered when you listen. 3)Prayer is answered when you welcome everything. Is it really that easy? Does the answer to our problems really begin with something found within us all? Does our ability to pay attention to what we ask for and discern the answer really determine results? And probably the most difficult of the three is the thought that we have to accept the good and the bad when it comes to what we ask for, realizing that all things work for the good in the end. The Prayer Chest taught me a lot about the way I address challenges in life, mainly because it showed that maybe what we ask for has already been given to us - we just might not realize it because it's not the way we wanted it to be. The authors give us a tale that should resonate with everyone who has ever wanted more out of life but wasn't sure how to get it. May we all be so fortunate as to put ourselves in a position to accept what comes our way and use our experiences to be of benefit to others.

What an inspiring little gem! Captivating story and characters, with a tear-jerking romance and children in danger, back in great-grandma's time. Solid Americana. Fun and riveting to read, yet wholesome and spiritually fulfilling. Not written for children, but would definitely appeal to teenagers as well as adults. Ideal for a neighborhood book club-- inspirational message will draw families of all concerned together, and strengthen marriages. If you're feeling down and need to remember how lucky you are and that love begins from within, read this one, then write your own review. Personally, I'm waiting for the movie.

This wonderful little book is a virtual treasure trove of inspiration, guidance and wisdom. Hats off to Fotinos and Gold for a truly heartwarming tale of loss, fear, faith and love. BRAVO!!

The Prayer Chest is not only the greatest gift one can give oneself it is a gift that should be given to all ones friends and family because it reveals the three best kept secrets for attaining the answers to all ones prayers. No, it's nothing magical but in fact three simple truths that we can do all by ourselves and with whatever we choose to call God or Spirit. Like most 12 steps programs, it works if you work it so work it and see for yourself. I love when I can get these kinds of goodies wrapped up in a great, engaging story that I can relate to. So do yourself a favor and read this sweet, compelling story of truth, kindness and real human emotions.

This is a warm, touching and very human story taking place in the late 19th century. It is to be enjoyed by any reader - from those seeking just the casual joy of a wholesome story to others who appreciate philosophical undertones that will pleasingly resonate with traditional Christians, new thought practitioners and truly anyone who recognizes that there is so much more to this world than our flesh and bones existence. This book will find its way onto my gift list for many friends this year!