Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Call number
F WIN
Publication
Tyndale
Description
Fiction. Christian Fiction. HTML: A young woman, an old woman, and the story of a lifetime... When Iola Anne Poole, an old-timer on Hatteras Island, passes away in her bed at ninety-one, the struggling young mother in her rental cottage, Tandi Jo Reese, finds herself charged with the task of cleaning out Iola's rambling Victorian house. Running from a messy, dangerous past, Tandi never expects to find more than a temporary hiding place within Iola's walls, but everything changes with the discovery of eighty-one carefully decorated prayer boxes, one for each year, dating from Iola's youth to her last days. Hidden in the boxes is the story of a lifetime, written on random bits of paper�??the hopes and wishes, fears and thoughts of an unassuming but complex woman passing through the seasons of an extraordinary, unsung life filled with journeys of faith, observations on love, and one final lesson that could change everything.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member bytheseabchcmbr
Tandi, and her 2 children have come to Hatteras Island to start over and save themselves from a bad life they left behind. Iola, the woman they are renting a bungalow from dies just after they move in, and Tandi is ask to help by cleaning up.
In the blue room she finds boxes and by reading them, she
This is a very nice read, the flow of the story and writting blend together to make a fast read, but the depth of the story will touch your life.
In the blue room she finds boxes and by reading them, she
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finds herself.This is a very nice read, the flow of the story and writting blend together to make a fast read, but the depth of the story will touch your life.
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LibraryThing member khiemstra631
Booklist named The Prayer Box a top ten book for 2013, truly a mark of excellence. Tandi Reese, a woman fleeing from an abusive man, ends up on Hatteras Island with her two children. Hired to clean out the house of recently deceased 91-year-old Iola Anne Poole, she finds eighty-one carefully
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decorated prayer boxes that tell the story of Iola's long life. The boxes end up changing everything for Tandi and for residents of the island. The book is not at all preachy like many Christian novels. Really, a wonderful read that deals with many contemporary issues. Highly recommended. Show Less
LibraryThing member busyreadin
Lisa Wingate always delivers a engrossing story. All of her books deal with relationships...between other people and with God. I always enjoy her books best that deal with relationships between the elders and the you gets of. Family.
LibraryThing member karmaforlifechick
This book was well-written, I found the characters intriguing, particularly Iola. This was like two books and the lives of the characters seemed to run parallel to each other, but in a different time. Tandi, I understand was trying to make better choices, not successfully though, and was at risk of
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recreating her past for her children. Those letters written by Iola told a completely different story, because Iola’s plight was not of her making, but she seemed to live in hope and faith for the people she loved. This was an inspirational story for sure, we are not our past and we all can, with faith, set the course for a better future. Show Less
LibraryThing member karmakath
This book was well-written, I found the characters intriguing, particularly Iola. This was like two books and the lives of the characters seemed to run parallel to each other, but in a different time. Tandi, I understand was trying to make better choices, not successfully though, and was at risk of
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recreating her past for her children. Those letters written by Iola told a completely different story, because Iola’s plight was not of her making, but she seemed to live in hope and faith for the people she loved. This was an inspirational story for sure, we are not our past and we all can, with faith, set the course for a better future. Show Less
LibraryThing member Judy.Welker.Frick
Although the book starts out a little slow, the ending and the lessons learned along the way make this book a great read. Loved reading the story of Tandi, Zoey, and JT, and the life they found on Hatteras Island thanks to Iola and her prayer box. So thankful to my long-lost friend for suggesting
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this one. Show Less
LibraryThing member BrendaKlaassen
I read this book for an in-person discussion. At first the story did not grab my attention, but the more I read, the more I wished I lived in the same community as Tandi. I found the author included enough details to keep the reader interested without over burdening the reader with to many details.
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I have read at least two other books authored by this lady and they all have been well constructed. When I am seeking "hope," I turn to this author. Show Less
LibraryThing member SABC
Iola Anne Poole lives on Hatteras Island and passes away there at the age of 91. Tani Jo Reese and her 2 children rent Iola's cottage and Tani is the one who finds Iola dead in her bed. Tani soon realizes that she is the one charged to clean out the big white house. While cleaning out, Tani
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discovers a closet filled with boxes, floor to ceiling, and each box is filled with pieces of paper written by Iola with prayers on them.....spanning from her very early age till just before her death. The prayers are filled with wonderful, surprising history of her family, the town and events along the way. All this greatly affects Tani,s present life, her children, sister and young man in her life.... Show Less
LibraryThing member SABC
Iola Anne Poole lives on Hatteras Island and passes away there at the age of 91. Tani Jo Reese and her 2 children rent Iola's cottage and Tani is the one who finds Iola dead in her bed. Tani soon realizes that she is the one charged to clean out the big white house. While cleaning out, Tani
Show More
discovers a closet filled with boxes, floor to ceiling, and each box is filled with pieces of paper written by Iola with prayers on them.....spanning from her very early age till just before her death. The prayers are filled with wonderful, surprising history of her family, the town and events along the way. All this greatly affects Tani,s present life, her children, sister and young man in her life.... Show Less
LibraryThing member debs4jc
A unique habit--recording prayers on scraps of paper and placing them in a prayer box--is at the crux of this story. The boxes, which belonged to a deceased woman named Iola, are discovered by a young woman named Tandi who is given the job of cleaning out Iola's house. Tandi, a single mother on the
This is a thoughtful and inspiring story which shows how a person's life can have a great impact, even from beyond the grave. I enjoyed the concept of the prayer box and I could see readers, especially if they were in a book group, wanting to make one of their own. This would be a great read for church groups or anyone who enjoys an uplifting story which showcases the power of prayer.
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run, has numerous problems of her own--one of the biggest being that she is not sure how long she will be able to remain in the cottage that she was renting from Iola. With little money and a fear that her past will catch up with her she none-the-less becomes distracted by the boxes, which form a sort of diary of Iola's life--one in which she performed many acts of secret charity. As Tandi's story unfolds, Iola seems to be speaking to her from beyond the grave and helping her to find a new direction for her life. This is a thoughtful and inspiring story which shows how a person's life can have a great impact, even from beyond the grave. I enjoyed the concept of the prayer box and I could see readers, especially if they were in a book group, wanting to make one of their own. This would be a great read for church groups or anyone who enjoys an uplifting story which showcases the power of prayer.
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LibraryThing member mchwest
What a nice inspirational read this book was. As I stated in previous reviews, I read this book out of order of its being published, but it didn't harm the story line. I love the backdrop of the Lowcountry and the feel of a small town in this story of mystery of the life of Iola Ann Poole.
LibraryThing member Northern_Light
Tandi runs away from a drug-filled abusive relationship with her two children and arrives in the seaside community of Hettera she knew as a child. Soon after she arrives her landlady dies and she is given the task of sorting out the large house.
This is a beautiful book about a damaged individual
It shows how we are all valued and loved by God and that He is a God of seconc chances even when we mess up.
I did find it a little long at times and the end was somewhat abrupt but overall a good read
This is a beautiful book about a damaged individual
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growing into a self-confident one with the help of a loving local community who take her in without judging her. Most of all though she learns about the life of Iola her landlady through the prayers she left behind.It shows how we are all valued and loved by God and that He is a God of seconc chances even when we mess up.
I did find it a little long at times and the end was somewhat abrupt but overall a good read
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LibraryThing member Sandralb
I love Lisa's story telling. When I first started reading, I couldn't get into it. I am not sure but maybe because I didn't care for the main character Tandi, at first. As I learned about her past and some of the things she has had to go through, it didn't take long and I was totally pulling for
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her. I found myself in tears, more than once. Especially during the reading of some of the letters/prayers. There are so many sub-stories in this wonderful book. The character Iola Ann Poole was one I won't forget for some time. I would loved to have known her. Lisa's writing makes her come alive and jump right off of the pages. Even with my slow start, I think I would have rated this higher than a five if I could. This I believe is my favorite story of 2017. I would highly recommend it. Show Less
LibraryThing member BeautyintheBinding
Just when Tandi Jo Reese has found a safe place for herself and her children, her landlord, Iola Anne Poole, passes away. Desperate to find income and stay in the rental cottage, Tandi agrees to clean out Iola's home. To Tandi's surprise, she finds beautifully decorated prayer boxes that contain
Once again, my book club has introduced me to an amazing book that wasn't even on my radar. It's one of the best books I've read this year. The novel held my attention from the beginning, was well-written, and progressed at the perfect pace. I was intrigued by the prayer boxes and the characters pulled me in, making me wish they were real. Tandi's character development was phenomenal. I loved watching her grow, change, and open her heart to the right people. Prayer is a prominent theme in the novel, but there were other secondary themes about grace, empowerment, and helping others.
The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate is the first full-length novel in the Carolina Heirlooms series. It has a prequel novella, The Sea Glass Sisters, and a postlude novella, The Tidewater Sisters, which appears to continue Tandi's story. Neither of these are required to understand and enjoy The Prayer Box. I highly recommend The Prayer Box to anyone who enjoys inspirational fiction.
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prayers and a life story. She finds unexpected connection with the author of the prayers and healing begins to take root. Read more in The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate.Once again, my book club has introduced me to an amazing book that wasn't even on my radar. It's one of the best books I've read this year. The novel held my attention from the beginning, was well-written, and progressed at the perfect pace. I was intrigued by the prayer boxes and the characters pulled me in, making me wish they were real. Tandi's character development was phenomenal. I loved watching her grow, change, and open her heart to the right people. Prayer is a prominent theme in the novel, but there were other secondary themes about grace, empowerment, and helping others.
The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate is the first full-length novel in the Carolina Heirlooms series. It has a prequel novella, The Sea Glass Sisters, and a postlude novella, The Tidewater Sisters, which appears to continue Tandi's story. Neither of these are required to understand and enjoy The Prayer Box. I highly recommend The Prayer Box to anyone who enjoys inspirational fiction.
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LibraryThing member bcrowl399
Such a wonderful book. Worth every penny.
LibraryThing member kaylynvh
Lisa Wingate is an excellent storyteller. I loved the main characters and hated the bad guys.
LibraryThing member bookczuk
I picked this up because I loved The Story Keeper so much. This was good, but didn't take my imagination to the same place.
LibraryThing member beckyhaase
THE PRAYER BOX by Lisa Wingate
When the book begins you will want to shake Tandi and tell her to grow up. As the book progresses, she does exactly that, although in fits and starts. Concurrently with Tandi’s story is Iola’s story of growing up unwanted and shunted aside because of the
Tandi is well developed as are Paul and Iola. Iola’s story is one of redemption and survival under trying circumstances.
If you like uplifting, positive stories, this one is for you. There is no sex, no cursing and no violence.
4 of 5 stars
When the book begins you will want to shake Tandi and tell her to grow up. As the book progresses, she does exactly that, although in fits and starts. Concurrently with Tandi’s story is Iola’s story of growing up unwanted and shunted aside because of the
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circumstances of her birth. Sympathetically written, the story details what it is like to escape from one bad situation into another… and another until you feel you have no options left. But people are ultimately good in this tale and Iola’s house becomes a beacon of light. Tandi is well developed as are Paul and Iola. Iola’s story is one of redemption and survival under trying circumstances.
If you like uplifting, positive stories, this one is for you. There is no sex, no cursing and no violence.
4 of 5 stars
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LibraryThing member FerneMysteryReader
This is a novel that evokes many emotions as the story unfolds in two (2) ways: (a) A single mother, Tandi Jo Reese is trying to give herself and her two (2) children a fresh start while living in a rental cottage on Hatteras Island, (b) and after Tandi has found her landlady Iola Anne Poole has
In the years when working as a children’s librarian the teaching that I always remembered first is that the magic for a reader is to provide "The Right Book for the Right Reader at the Right Time." Particularly to read this novel during the Global COVID-19 Pandemic of 2020 was to read the right book at the right time for me even though it has been on my tbr pile for a long, long time. I set aside the novel many times but when I was looking for the next book to read I was inexplicably drawn to select this book. There are some novels that touch my heart, mind, and soul in such a powerful way for a multitude of reasons that I wish I could give it more than 5 stars to truly convey the beauty of the extraordinary writing, the eloquence of the presentation of the story, and how it has touched me. I hope each person finds the messages of faith, hope, friendship, and love within this inspiring story at just the "right time" for you.
The story is fluid and the past is presented as gracefully as the ocean’s tide coming up to the beach shoreline and going back out as the rhythm of life continues forward. And with that same ease and grace, the author shares one of the most noteworthy aspects of life that the course of each day leaves an imprint on our hearts and in our minds affecting each path forward of our life journey just as the ocean water leaves a residual imprint on the beach, however delicate and calm or stormy and forceful – each day’s tide affects the future.
Many of us do not have a sister or sisters by bloodline but that does not mean that we do not have a sister or sisters. As I read this novel there were pauses for my own reflections and deep appreciation for the "sisters" that have embraced me in friendship and especially love over the years. I am especially appreciative for my "sisters" that helped me with listening ears and encouraged me to open windows when I felt only doors slamming closed in times of my own darkest hours. May we as women always be "sisters" to one another as we have so much to give to one another and so much to learn from one another.
I also found the inspiring story offered a pertinent reminder that as everyone returns to "busy" lives that none of us miss or forget the quiet ones – the silent ones. A sharp retort may not be what it seems. Someone who sits alone may need me (and you) to ask if he/she can sit with him/her as he/she may not have the confidence or strength or courage that day to ask if he/she can sit with me (and you). Someone who walks in the neighborhood and never says hello or who drives by and never smiles or waves may one day respond if I (and you) keep saying hello, smiling, and waving. Let’s not miss an Iola as life opens let our minds and hearts open to care for each other. Each day is a new opportunity to begin anew.
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died in her old Victorian home, Tandi is given the task of cleaning out Iola's home in exchange for overdue rent and discovers years of private letters in decorated boxes that reveal not only Iola's secrets but also inspire and strengthen Tandi in ways she never imagined possible.In the years when working as a children’s librarian the teaching that I always remembered first is that the magic for a reader is to provide "The Right Book for the Right Reader at the Right Time." Particularly to read this novel during the Global COVID-19 Pandemic of 2020 was to read the right book at the right time for me even though it has been on my tbr pile for a long, long time. I set aside the novel many times but when I was looking for the next book to read I was inexplicably drawn to select this book. There are some novels that touch my heart, mind, and soul in such a powerful way for a multitude of reasons that I wish I could give it more than 5 stars to truly convey the beauty of the extraordinary writing, the eloquence of the presentation of the story, and how it has touched me. I hope each person finds the messages of faith, hope, friendship, and love within this inspiring story at just the "right time" for you.
The story is fluid and the past is presented as gracefully as the ocean’s tide coming up to the beach shoreline and going back out as the rhythm of life continues forward. And with that same ease and grace, the author shares one of the most noteworthy aspects of life that the course of each day leaves an imprint on our hearts and in our minds affecting each path forward of our life journey just as the ocean water leaves a residual imprint on the beach, however delicate and calm or stormy and forceful – each day’s tide affects the future.
Many of us do not have a sister or sisters by bloodline but that does not mean that we do not have a sister or sisters. As I read this novel there were pauses for my own reflections and deep appreciation for the "sisters" that have embraced me in friendship and especially love over the years. I am especially appreciative for my "sisters" that helped me with listening ears and encouraged me to open windows when I felt only doors slamming closed in times of my own darkest hours. May we as women always be "sisters" to one another as we have so much to give to one another and so much to learn from one another.
I also found the inspiring story offered a pertinent reminder that as everyone returns to "busy" lives that none of us miss or forget the quiet ones – the silent ones. A sharp retort may not be what it seems. Someone who sits alone may need me (and you) to ask if he/she can sit with him/her as he/she may not have the confidence or strength or courage that day to ask if he/she can sit with me (and you). Someone who walks in the neighborhood and never says hello or who drives by and never smiles or waves may one day respond if I (and you) keep saying hello, smiling, and waving. Let’s not miss an Iola as life opens let our minds and hearts open to care for each other. Each day is a new opportunity to begin anew.
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LibraryThing member HeatherLINC
It took me a while to get into "The Prayer Box" but once I did, I couldn't but it down. I enjoyed following Tandi's story, a young mother who had hit rock-bottom, and although I didn't like her at the start, I found myself cheering for her as she started to grow into a strong, admirable
However, it was Iona's story that gave the novel its depth. Through her letters, both Tandi and the reader learnt about this remarkable old lady. Here letters were beautiful and gave a glimpse into the pain Iona lived through as a young woman, but they also provided Tandi a look into a world where people shared and gave without hidden agendas or wanting something in return. These letters helped turn her life around.
As with all Lisa Wingate's novels the writing in "The Prayer Box" was beautiful, emotional and thought-provoking. A wonderful read.
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woman.However, it was Iona's story that gave the novel its depth. Through her letters, both Tandi and the reader learnt about this remarkable old lady. Here letters were beautiful and gave a glimpse into the pain Iona lived through as a young woman, but they also provided Tandi a look into a world where people shared and gave without hidden agendas or wanting something in return. These letters helped turn her life around.
As with all Lisa Wingate's novels the writing in "The Prayer Box" was beautiful, emotional and thought-provoking. A wonderful read.
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LibraryThing member lamb521
Title: The Prayer Box (A Carolina Heirlooms Novel #1)
Author: Lisa Wingate
Pages: 400
Year: 2019
Publisher: Tyndale House
My rating: 5+ out of 5 stars
For me, Lisa Wingate is a brand-new author I ran across while perusing an online bookstore. When I saw how many reviews this novel received and read the
The Prayer Box is a story of a lady whose past was littered with pain and disappointment, yet she didn’t dwell there in self-pity. Iola Anne Poole passes away in her home at an old age in a small town where people thought they knew her and shunned for good reason. But no one really knew this lady, including the single mom (Tandi Jo Resse) and her two kids who rented the cottage on her property. When Tandi finds Iola, she feels scared about what the unknown future might bring to her family who has already suffered so much. Tandi is hired to help begin cleaning out the home while the property goes through estate. What Tandi finds is a closet filled with prayer boxes of many shapes and sizes, containing letters that Iola wrote to her father, her heavenly Father.
Throughout the book audiences will be moved to see how Iola’s letters will change hearts and lives of Tandi and the community who thought they knew her. When the historic home that Iola has lived in is threatened with destruction, will the past that is unveiled be enough to save the home? Lisa Wingate has done a masterful job of weaving a tale that is sure to entertain and engage the audience from start to finish. I bought another Lisa Wingate novel to read and hope others will read her books too!
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.
Author: Lisa Wingate
Pages: 400
Year: 2019
Publisher: Tyndale House
My rating: 5+ out of 5 stars
For me, Lisa Wingate is a brand-new author I ran across while perusing an online bookstore. When I saw how many reviews this novel received and read the
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synopsis, I was hooked. After reading the book, I was in awe of the way the story moved me. At first, I was lost in the story, not sure what was happening or where the author was taking me. As pages were read and more of the tale was revealed, I just kept reading until the end.The Prayer Box is a story of a lady whose past was littered with pain and disappointment, yet she didn’t dwell there in self-pity. Iola Anne Poole passes away in her home at an old age in a small town where people thought they knew her and shunned for good reason. But no one really knew this lady, including the single mom (Tandi Jo Resse) and her two kids who rented the cottage on her property. When Tandi finds Iola, she feels scared about what the unknown future might bring to her family who has already suffered so much. Tandi is hired to help begin cleaning out the home while the property goes through estate. What Tandi finds is a closet filled with prayer boxes of many shapes and sizes, containing letters that Iola wrote to her father, her heavenly Father.
Throughout the book audiences will be moved to see how Iola’s letters will change hearts and lives of Tandi and the community who thought they knew her. When the historic home that Iola has lived in is threatened with destruction, will the past that is unveiled be enough to save the home? Lisa Wingate has done a masterful job of weaving a tale that is sure to entertain and engage the audience from start to finish. I bought another Lisa Wingate novel to read and hope others will read her books too!
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.
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Awards
Christy Awards (Nominee — Contemporary Romance — 2014)
ISBN
9781414386881
Series
Carolina Chronicles (1)