About the Book
Book: The Unlikely Yarn of the Dragon Lady
Author: Sharon J. Mondragon
Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction
Publisher: Kregel
Release Date: September 21, 2021
A simple change of scenery can change lives in powerful ways
Margaret, Rose, Jane, and Fran had a good thing going: meet every week in the quiet of their peaceful chapel and knit prayer shawls. No muss, just ministry. That is, until their pastor boots them out of the church in his last-ditch effort to revive the dwindling congregation.
Uptight Margaret isn't having it. Knitting prayer shawls where people can watch is the most ridiculous idea she's ever heard of, and she's heard plenty. Prayer belongs in the church, not out among the heathen masses. How are they supposed to knit holiness into these shawls if they're constantly distracted by the public? But with no choice, the others embrace the challenge. They pack their knitting bags and drag Margaret--grumbling the whole way--to the mall with them. She can't wait to prove them all wrong when it fails miserably, and show the pastor that she always knows best.
Without the familiar mold the group has been stuck in, their own losses, pain, and struggles rise to the surface. And the people and situations they encounter every time they try to sit quietly and knit are taking them a lot further out of their comfort zone than they ever imagined. Can they find the courage to tackle the increasing number of knotty issues they learn about in the community--or will the tangle be too much to unravel?
Sharon Mondragon's debut is warm and delightful, full of real laughter, grief, and personality. It beautifully illustrates the power of women across generations to reach people for Christ
My Thoughts
This book was definitely an unexpected surprise. I absolutely enjoyed this story and the ladies of the knitting prayer group. If you have been around church long enough or have ever worked at church for a long period of time you will recognize the characteristic in some of these ladies right away. I know I did and I could picture the Margaret, Rose, Jane and Fran's of my life. I think we have all known a Margaret at one point or another. You know the ones.. the ladies that are always set in their ways and always in control. Well that all changes in this story and it was done in such a great way.
I think one of my favorite parts of this story is that each lady has something they are going through in their life and while they are doing a great thing by knitting and praying over these shawls they are making they aren't truly ministering. Being outside the church gives them those opportunities and we see all of this unfold and see their lives change for the better.
The author did a great job in this book and I could not believe this was her debut novel. She weaves faith throughout the story and especially the very real scenario that God changes our plans to make HIS plan work in our lives. His way is always perfect. Overall I thought this was a beautiful story and I highly recommend it!
My Rating: 4 Stars/Really Liked it!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher Kregel. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Giveaway
About the Author
Mondragón has been active in prayer shawl ministry since 2008 and currently serves as facilitator for the prayer shawl ministry at her church, St. Paul Episcopal in Waxahachie, TX. She also knits with the Circle of Healing at Red Oak United Methodist Church. She is a Level 2 Certified Knitting Instructor through the Craft Yarn Council and teaches beginning knitting at a local yarn store.
Mondragón is the mother of five grown children and has four grandchildren. After 26 years as an Army wife, she has settled in Midlothian, TX with her hero/husband, her laptop, and her yarn stash.
Visit Sharon Mondragón’s website and blog at www.sharonjmondragon.com and follow her on Facebook (Sherry Mondragón) and Twitter (@SJ_Mondragón)
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