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Derby #2
Some Wildflower In My Heart
A moving novel that allows readers to experience one woman's transformation into faith. Richly textured and flavored by a small-town southern setting.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2006
82 people are currently reading
864 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Langston Turner
12 books135 followersJamie Langston Turner is the award-winning author of seven novels, including Sometimes a Light Surprises, Winter Birds, and Some Wildflower in my Heart, and has been a teacher for more than forty years. She is currently a professor of poetry and creative writing at Bob Jones University. Jamie lives in Greenville, South Carolina, with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
September 26, 2013
This is the first time I have heard of this author and I don't read a lot of fiction, but I really enjoyed this book. It was well written in how slowly, by love, the very closed Margaret was won to the Lord. Through Birdie's fervent, persevering love, the walls Margaret had erected over her life, due to the many sufferings she had been through, began to crumble.
One of my favorite lines was when Birdie spoke truthfully to Margaret:
"We can't do anything about suffering, Margaret," she said. "It's been around forever, and we're all going to have our share. Just because somebody's had a
hard life doesn't mean they've got a right to take it out on other people--or on God, either. Especially on God. He knows all about it. It's part of his big plan somehow--and don't ask me how.
Her words seemed to be pouring forth with increased velocity, and I was aware that I was staring at her in unveiled surprise. "We're all responsible for how we act, Margaret," she went on, "and there are a million ways to be mean. We can be mean in big ways by killing people or stealing or cheating, or we can be mean in little ways by being rude and snapping at everybody. A murderer is guilty in a big way, but all of us are guilty when we wrap ourselves up in our own little world and don't think about how we treat others."
pg. 329
One of my favorite lines was when Birdie spoke truthfully to Margaret:
"We can't do anything about suffering, Margaret," she said. "It's been around forever, and we're all going to have our share. Just because somebody's had a
hard life doesn't mean they've got a right to take it out on other people--or on God, either. Especially on God. He knows all about it. It's part of his big plan somehow--and don't ask me how.
Her words seemed to be pouring forth with increased velocity, and I was aware that I was staring at her in unveiled surprise. "We're all responsible for how we act, Margaret," she went on, "and there are a million ways to be mean. We can be mean in big ways by killing people or stealing or cheating, or we can be mean in little ways by being rude and snapping at everybody. A murderer is guilty in a big way, but all of us are guilty when we wrap ourselves up in our own little world and don't think about how we treat others."
pg. 329
October 5, 2016
Of the three Turner books I have read (the others being Winter Birds and Sometimes a Light Surprises), this was definitely the best. I thought the statements about pride in one's own suffering were spot-on. I also appreciated the realistic ways in which the narrator fights against God's drawing her to Himself.
Birdie Freeman is such a challenge (it sounds trite, but she really is) to me. She spends nearly a year just being a friend to bitter and hurting people. Christian fiction should be like this - an encouragement to Christians to live like Christians.
Birdie Freeman is such a challenge (it sounds trite, but she really is) to me. She spends nearly a year just being a friend to bitter and hurting people. Christian fiction should be like this - an encouragement to Christians to live like Christians.
September 13, 2016
As I finished this book, I tried to determine exactly why I liked it so much.
The author is a good – a very good – writer. Her prose could not be called ‘concise’ but she does have an incredible talent for helping the reader to empathise with her characters. Jamie Langston Turner does not write light, frothy fiction. Her writing is serious and thoughtful, exploring the motivations of the human heart. This author exposes the difficulties of life and helps the reader to feel the reality of situations and to immerse themselves within the hardships she portrays.
I really liked the first book in her “Derby” series, called “Suncatchers”. I had never come across such an interesting character as Eldeen Rafferty before in literature (although some of Dickens’ characters come close!)
This book is much more intricate than “Suncatchers”, and takes diligence to work through. There is a reward though, as the reader persists. The questions raised by the main character’s plight do get answered and they are not trite, quick fixes.
Margaret Tuttle has had a hard, tragic life. Her happy childhood with a loving, nurturing mother is replaced by tragedy when her mother dies and Margaret at the age of thirteen is plunged into a world she was neither emotionally nor physically prepared for. Now in her fifties, the reader wonders if she will ever be able to function normally and form healthy relationships.
Enter Birdie Freeman.
“For many years I had used my suffering as a wedge between others and myself. I was excused from the requirement of friendly social interaction because my past had taught me to trust neither God nor man... I knew that my friendship with Birdie would force me to recast my life in drastic ways, in ways that I thought of as disruptive.”
Birdie reaches out to Margaret, their co-workers, and everyone she comes in contact with. The book itself is supposed to be a character study of Birdie written by Margaret but the more we read about Birdie, the more we understand why Margaret reacts the way she does to Birdie’s repeated, unceasing attempts to reach Margaret.
“Don’t you think it’s interesting,” Birdie continued, “that God wanted his people to be happy and even wrote laws requiring them to take rests and have special feasts?”
I could not stop the words which sprang from my mouth. “It appears to me that God put a great deal more thought into providing for the suffering of his creatures than he did for their rejoicing.”
Can Margaret ever have a normal life and find peace and even joy in her daily circumstances? It seems impossible, and yet the reader is not just thrown a bone, a quick happy-ever-after resolution. That is probably what most attracts me to this author; she does not gloss over misfortune, discomfort or tragedy, but neither does she offer quick, pat answers that fail to satisfy.
Even though the vocabulary is challenging at times (I made myself keep a list), and the plot is slow-moving, I found this book to be just as inspiring and thought-provoking as the first one by this author! (and, yes. I will be reading the third book in the “Derby” series!)
“We’re all responsible for how we act, Margaret,” she went on, “and there are a million ways to be mean. We can be mean in big ways by killing people or stealing or cheating, or we can be mean in little ways by being rude and snapping at everybody. A murderer is guilty in a big way, but all of us are guilty when we wrap ourselves up in our own little world and don’t think about how we treat others.”
The author is a good – a very good – writer. Her prose could not be called ‘concise’ but she does have an incredible talent for helping the reader to empathise with her characters. Jamie Langston Turner does not write light, frothy fiction. Her writing is serious and thoughtful, exploring the motivations of the human heart. This author exposes the difficulties of life and helps the reader to feel the reality of situations and to immerse themselves within the hardships she portrays.
I really liked the first book in her “Derby” series, called “Suncatchers”. I had never come across such an interesting character as Eldeen Rafferty before in literature (although some of Dickens’ characters come close!)
This book is much more intricate than “Suncatchers”, and takes diligence to work through. There is a reward though, as the reader persists. The questions raised by the main character’s plight do get answered and they are not trite, quick fixes.
Margaret Tuttle has had a hard, tragic life. Her happy childhood with a loving, nurturing mother is replaced by tragedy when her mother dies and Margaret at the age of thirteen is plunged into a world she was neither emotionally nor physically prepared for. Now in her fifties, the reader wonders if she will ever be able to function normally and form healthy relationships.
Enter Birdie Freeman.
“For many years I had used my suffering as a wedge between others and myself. I was excused from the requirement of friendly social interaction because my past had taught me to trust neither God nor man... I knew that my friendship with Birdie would force me to recast my life in drastic ways, in ways that I thought of as disruptive.”
Birdie reaches out to Margaret, their co-workers, and everyone she comes in contact with. The book itself is supposed to be a character study of Birdie written by Margaret but the more we read about Birdie, the more we understand why Margaret reacts the way she does to Birdie’s repeated, unceasing attempts to reach Margaret.
“Don’t you think it’s interesting,” Birdie continued, “that God wanted his people to be happy and even wrote laws requiring them to take rests and have special feasts?”
I could not stop the words which sprang from my mouth. “It appears to me that God put a great deal more thought into providing for the suffering of his creatures than he did for their rejoicing.”
Can Margaret ever have a normal life and find peace and even joy in her daily circumstances? It seems impossible, and yet the reader is not just thrown a bone, a quick happy-ever-after resolution. That is probably what most attracts me to this author; she does not gloss over misfortune, discomfort or tragedy, but neither does she offer quick, pat answers that fail to satisfy.
Even though the vocabulary is challenging at times (I made myself keep a list), and the plot is slow-moving, I found this book to be just as inspiring and thought-provoking as the first one by this author! (and, yes. I will be reading the third book in the “Derby” series!)
“We’re all responsible for how we act, Margaret,” she went on, “and there are a million ways to be mean. We can be mean in big ways by killing people or stealing or cheating, or we can be mean in little ways by being rude and snapping at everybody. A murderer is guilty in a big way, but all of us are guilty when we wrap ourselves up in our own little world and don’t think about how we treat others.”
February 4, 2018
Second time through this, and I absolutely devoured it. I can't believe I forgot most of the story, but I do remember now how much I love JLT's writing. This book is interesting because it reads like an unedited manuscript and also contains "literary improbabilities" that the writer acknowledges to be "unlikely," and that would not be realistic if written in a novel. The reader would almost conclude the writer and her story were not fictional! I have laughed and usually cried over each of the JLT books and love how all the characters interweave into among her stories, carrying their gospel message out in their daily lives and touching the hurting in loving, meaningful ways.
June 23, 2016
Deep in detail tale about friendship and love finally accepted. We have two very different women. It's a slow process. Faith and trust develop with example and sharing. And within a circle that expands and does not limit. Birdie is a character to remember.
This is set within everyday life in a South Carolina small town. It moves slowly and yet pain of the past is overcome. Finally and in a way that breaks the solitary shell.
This is set within everyday life in a South Carolina small town. It moves slowly and yet pain of the past is overcome. Finally and in a way that breaks the solitary shell.
August 18, 2017
Five Stars That Are Not Enough
This book was given to me by my Pastor's wife. She really liked the book but she said she thought of me the whole time she was reading it because of the style of writing and the author made references to many books that are classics she was sure I had read as well. She was correct and the author also happens to be a professor of creative writing at a university.
From the very first chapter I was drawn into the story line of the two main characters Margaret Tuttle and Birdie Freeman.
This is a slow read not because it's hard to read but because you want to savor every word and phrase as the story develops. It is beautifully written and very poignantly told through the narration of Margret Tuttle.
It is a story of great sorrow, yet full of great joy and laughter. Anger and despair but truth and light through each chapter. It is a true story of forgiveness, not such much because of what the characters endured but because when a person has been so severely abused you sometimes have to forgive yourself even though the blame is not yours. the love in this story is slow and careful but beautiful beyond description.
This book can fill who ever reads it with a inner light.
This book was given to me by my Pastor's wife. She really liked the book but she said she thought of me the whole time she was reading it because of the style of writing and the author made references to many books that are classics she was sure I had read as well. She was correct and the author also happens to be a professor of creative writing at a university.
From the very first chapter I was drawn into the story line of the two main characters Margaret Tuttle and Birdie Freeman.
This is a slow read not because it's hard to read but because you want to savor every word and phrase as the story develops. It is beautifully written and very poignantly told through the narration of Margret Tuttle.
It is a story of great sorrow, yet full of great joy and laughter. Anger and despair but truth and light through each chapter. It is a true story of forgiveness, not such much because of what the characters endured but because when a person has been so severely abused you sometimes have to forgive yourself even though the blame is not yours. the love in this story is slow and careful but beautiful beyond description.
This book can fill who ever reads it with a inner light.
November 14, 2011
I have found there are 3 different kinds of people, those whose hearts only care about themselves, self-absorbed, spoiled, etc., those that their hearts have been rejected, hurt, and so they protect their hearts and have a wall around them, then their are those hearts that love and do not give up on others. This story is about two women (Margaret and Birdie) one heart is protected and one heart loves. Turner always writes with great detail and she does in this time as well. If you have the patience, you will appreciate the details and not hurry so much thru the book. The story is reflective and reveals life that happened to each woman and how she dealt with it. Margaret's heart was protected and during the story, she realized that she had a heart that was pride of suffering. Margaret was trying to work thru her heart difienicies. It is very easy to give parts of this book away and I don't want to do that because it would spoil it for the reader to seek the treasure that is in this story. I will have to say, it is the most emotional ending I have read lately. I pray that my heart is more like Birdie that I love and fight for those hearts that can't.
December 31, 2010
Had a hard time getting involved with this book, I wanted to, I liked the characters, but she went on about things other than the current subject that seemed to get me off track. About half way through I was totally involved. It was slow moving but the characters were very interesting. The main one (Margaret and she tells the story) was very strict and set in her ways and no one was ever going to change that. The other main character named Birdie was so outgoing and such a positive person that you couldn't help but love her and hope she would some day get through to her friend Margaret. It's about personal heartache and how they coped with it individually. Very uplifting and such a tender story.
April 6, 2024
I couldn't put this book down and really liked the way you feel that Margaret really has just written her story down for you. Since I recently started facilitating a small book club, all the books mentioned in the story were of great interest to me as well. The story moves along at a good, believable pace, and I would recommend it highly.
December 23, 2014
This book was recommended by one of my best friends. It did not disappoint. It's impossible not to fall in love with the main characters, Birdie and Margaret. I also fell in love with this author.
Margaret and Birdie came to life in a profound way on the pages. By the time I finished this book, I felt like I knew them both. The story of their relationship, beginning as co-workers and ending as close friends, made me look at my own relationships differently and wonder about my own ability to give and receive unconditional love. The love exchanged between them changes their lives for eternity
Jamie Langston Turner is an incredible author. I love all the literary references she used throughout the story. Her portrayal of real people loving others in a real way, as Christ does, is never religious but rather always God-honoring. I left this book wanting to be more like Birdie in my everyday life because I saw Jesus so clearly in her. This book beautifully illustrates that we as Christians are the hands and feet of the Gospel to those we meet each day. It reminded me that God uses simple acts of obedience to touch those around us for His glory. Great book.
I've read every book written by this author.
Margaret and Birdie came to life in a profound way on the pages. By the time I finished this book, I felt like I knew them both. The story of their relationship, beginning as co-workers and ending as close friends, made me look at my own relationships differently and wonder about my own ability to give and receive unconditional love. The love exchanged between them changes their lives for eternity
Jamie Langston Turner is an incredible author. I love all the literary references she used throughout the story. Her portrayal of real people loving others in a real way, as Christ does, is never religious but rather always God-honoring. I left this book wanting to be more like Birdie in my everyday life because I saw Jesus so clearly in her. This book beautifully illustrates that we as Christians are the hands and feet of the Gospel to those we meet each day. It reminded me that God uses simple acts of obedience to touch those around us for His glory. Great book.
I've read every book written by this author.
November 29, 2007
This is one of my favorite books of all time. I'll admit that Jamie Langston Turner's books are not action-filled, and some might find them to drag, but her characters are so realistic that I find them a delight to read. This story about an unlikely friendship between two women with secrets really touched me. The main character, Margaret, has suffered much pain emotionally by events in her past, causing her to close up her heart and isolate herself relationally. But she is befriended by a cheerful co-worker that doesn't seem to realize when she's getting the cold shoulder. This new friend, Birdie, has her own pain from the past, but has learned how to overcome it. The dialogue is both touching and humorous, and I felt like I really got to know these women.
This is the 2nd book set in the same Southern town, but it's not really a sequel. I do like to read books in order, but I read this one first (it was how I discovered the author), and it was no problem to go back and read the 1st book later.
This is the 2nd book set in the same Southern town, but it's not really a sequel. I do like to read books in order, but I read this one first (it was how I discovered the author), and it was no problem to go back and read the 1st book later.
September 20, 2011
Wow~ I usually do NOT enjoy Christian fiction but this is SO well written! The characters are fleshed out SO thoroughly, the vocabulary is SO rich, and the storyline is SO interesting that I couldn't put it down.
June 2, 2013
I received this book as a gift from its editor a few years when I confessed to her about my loss of love for fiction. This book totally re-awoke my passion for English literature, especially fiction. Lyrically written and incredibly moving it is the story of a woman learns who learns to love.
October 11, 2023
This book ended up being such a surprise, and I almost didn’t even read it! It started as a three, moved to a four, and ended up a five. There is so much to Margaret. It is easy to dislike her, until you get to know her. Birdie, Thomas, and Mickey are all three absolutely precious characters, and even in the midst of their own pain during their own lives, they remain positive, likable people.
From start to finish, Turner refers to literature. There are numerous references. One of my favorites appears on page 52: “Jane Austen is perhaps the author whose works I love best…I have long admired Austen’s unmatched genius for transforming the small business of everyday life into memorable scenes for her readers.” ❤️
“Life is short, and it’s up to you to make it sweet” (115).
Margaret is a very unique character. I can’t think of another such in all of the novels I have read. There is so much sadness, but the things she says and feels are so outlandish, there is also humor. “It is my opinion that a woman with long fingernails should not be allowed to draw a paycheck and certainly not to hold a position of responsibility” (140).
“I just know two things for sure l, and they don’t seem to go together—God is good and we all have to suffer” (198).
“Husbands could perform so many useful services if only they were more alert” (265).
“When one clutches his past bitterness like a prized gem, it numbs him to a great many things; it blinds and deafens him. His thoughts are concentered in self” (281).
I was tickled to see my hometown in this book. “The day after my family moved to Dothan, Alabama…” (288).
“Quit wallowing in your past! Use it as a springboard! Move ahead! You didn’t invent suffering” (363).
From start to finish, Turner refers to literature. There are numerous references. One of my favorites appears on page 52: “Jane Austen is perhaps the author whose works I love best…I have long admired Austen’s unmatched genius for transforming the small business of everyday life into memorable scenes for her readers.” ❤️
“Life is short, and it’s up to you to make it sweet” (115).
Margaret is a very unique character. I can’t think of another such in all of the novels I have read. There is so much sadness, but the things she says and feels are so outlandish, there is also humor. “It is my opinion that a woman with long fingernails should not be allowed to draw a paycheck and certainly not to hold a position of responsibility” (140).
“I just know two things for sure l, and they don’t seem to go together—God is good and we all have to suffer” (198).
“Husbands could perform so many useful services if only they were more alert” (265).
“When one clutches his past bitterness like a prized gem, it numbs him to a great many things; it blinds and deafens him. His thoughts are concentered in self” (281).
I was tickled to see my hometown in this book. “The day after my family moved to Dothan, Alabama…” (288).
“Quit wallowing in your past! Use it as a springboard! Move ahead! You didn’t invent suffering” (363).
October 4, 2023
Trying to decide what to say... I found this book very hard to put down. I could relate to Margaret in many areas. Scarily so at times. I loved Birdie. I would like to be more like her and see the good in every situation before I see the bad. I was sad to have the book end...
February 11, 2024
Probably would have been 3 stars but the last 100 pages were so well written and the story really came together
April 30, 2024
I don't understand whay Jamie Langston Turner isn't a common name when people think of writers for she has such beautiful and indepth stories to tell.
I believe this is the third time for me to read the story, though actually I listened this time, which seems to bring about even more depth showing the main character turning from pain to joy.
2018 review: I read this book 20 years ago, and I remember that I was frustrated (and sometimes bored) quite often with this type of writing. Now, that I've read it a second time, my views have changed completely, and I believe this is a a brilliant book.
Margaret's thoughts are long winded, and sometimes verge on boring, but when she gets to the point of her thoughts--it all fits in together similar to a puzzle, and that puzzle creates a beautiful, haunting and heartbreaking picture.
I love how Turner weaves former or latter characters into her books for small cameos. In the first book of this series called Suncatchers, the main character notices the organ player with just a small thought, and that organ player is a main character in this book. In this story, Margaret goes to a play, and the leading female actor is the leading character in her third book, By the Light of a Thousand Stars, my favorite book by Ms Turner.
She is a wonderful writer and I wish more people knew her.
I believe this is the third time for me to read the story, though actually I listened this time, which seems to bring about even more depth showing the main character turning from pain to joy.
2018 review: I read this book 20 years ago, and I remember that I was frustrated (and sometimes bored) quite often with this type of writing. Now, that I've read it a second time, my views have changed completely, and I believe this is a a brilliant book.
Margaret's thoughts are long winded, and sometimes verge on boring, but when she gets to the point of her thoughts--it all fits in together similar to a puzzle, and that puzzle creates a beautiful, haunting and heartbreaking picture.
I love how Turner weaves former or latter characters into her books for small cameos. In the first book of this series called Suncatchers, the main character notices the organ player with just a small thought, and that organ player is a main character in this book. In this story, Margaret goes to a play, and the leading female actor is the leading character in her third book, By the Light of a Thousand Stars, my favorite book by Ms Turner.
She is a wonderful writer and I wish more people knew her.
October 8, 2017
I should've seen the ending of this book coming. I really should've. But I didn't. And so, I got jolted and wrecked (in the best way possible). Also, words cannot express how utterly pleased I am finally to have read a well-written contemporary Christian fiction novel that does not revolve around romance. Birdie's story of being light and showing love to a wounded, bitter woman is worth reading. I also admire Jamie Langston Turner's way of unmistakably weaving important Christian truths into this novel without being Bible-thumpingly preachy. Make no mistake, the lessons of this novel are clear. But Turner communicates them without being overbearing.
Side note: The point of view/narration style in this novel might be off-putting to some. I say that only because that's how it was for me in parts. Should that happen, don't give up. Read the novel from beginning to end and consider how it fits Margaret as a character. Once you do, I think you will be able to appreciate Turner's stylistic choices (I did!).
(Read for the 2017 Tim Challies Christian Reading Challenge: A Christian novel)
Side note: The point of view/narration style in this novel might be off-putting to some. I say that only because that's how it was for me in parts. Should that happen, don't give up. Read the novel from beginning to end and consider how it fits Margaret as a character. Once you do, I think you will be able to appreciate Turner's stylistic choices (I did!).
(Read for the 2017 Tim Challies Christian Reading Challenge: A Christian novel)
July 18, 2011
Turner's narrator, Margaret Tuttle, pens this story of a remarkably generous woman, Birdie Freeman, who changed Margaret's life. Margaret, always proper and correct, holds herself aloof from everyone for justifiable reasons. Then she meets Birdie. Through Margaret's account of about a year of interactions with Birdie, we see how Margaret came to be the person she is today (she is middle-aged). Turner masterfully creates the old Margaret for us even as the new Margaret blooms under Birdie's loving touches. Many changes, including a bitterly cynical view of Christians and a distrusting view of everyone, are to come.
I liked that Turner shows how Margaret thinks through things. She doesn't give up old defenses easily, but she reasons logically through her old decisions in light of what she observes in Birdie. I liked all the literary references and what Margaret's take-away was from books she'd read. I liked the wry humor, too.
I liked that Turner shows how Margaret thinks through things. She doesn't give up old defenses easily, but she reasons logically through her old decisions in light of what she observes in Birdie. I liked all the literary references and what Margaret's take-away was from books she'd read. I liked the wry humor, too.
October 20, 2022
My third child used to tease me about the "obscure" words I would use everyday. He would not have enjoyed this book. The only reason I gave this 4 stars is the use of such words made for a difficult read at the start. For me it took quite a while to warm up to the two main characters which were indeed opposites. The book reads as a raw manuscript written by the character Margaret. Margaret is putting down in writing the unlikely friendship she developed with the other main character, Birdie.
The book deals with much suffering. Character development is great. I can see reading this book over again to find all the pieces I missed in the first reading.
The book deals with much suffering. Character development is great. I can see reading this book over again to find all the pieces I missed in the first reading.
September 1, 2017
I was not able to finish this book. I finally gave in about 59 percent in and skipped ahead to the end. I just had difficulty with the style of the writing, and in particular, the very frequent reference to other published works. I can understand an author referencing other material at times in their own works, but this was a bit excessive for my taste. I may try another novel by this author as I did enjoy the storyline and the other works may not be as exhaustive with other book references.
February 14, 2012
I quite liked this book, which surprised me because I'm not religious and definitely not Christian and this book's main theme is faith in God and in love. The narrator is outwardly very cold and no-nonsense, so the writing style reflects that. But she writes about how a friend and some other people in her life helped to soften her. It's a little bit sentimental, but not sappy. There are also some tragic descriptions of sexual abuse and death that are heartbreaking.
August 4, 2011
I'm not sure what it is about this book, but I could not put it down. The main character is both likeable and unlikeable at the same time.... You have to read it to understand. I found myself identifying with the characters and really rooting for them to be okay!
June 12, 2023
This is probably my favorite book. I have read it numerous times, and every time it still touches my heart immensely. I have all of Jamie Langston Turner’s books on my shelf and re-read them from time to time. I will always love this one the best. What a beautiful story!
September 10, 2018
4* A story about the power of a Christian witness to change the lives it touches. The main character is a woman whose heart has been hurt, and cold as stone. The love that flows from her co-worker's life touches and warms her, changing her heart.
January 30, 2023
One of my favorite books.I have re read it several times and it never fails to challenge me and keep me riveted from start to finish. Margaret Tuttle lets past hurts fester into anger and suspicion, whereas Birdie lets them flower into love.
June 2, 2020
My Favorite Jamie Turner book. I loved her development of characters. One of those books you read and years later you can still visualize the the memorable people in the story.
September 23, 2025
“I don’t know why he lets us suffer—I just know he does. It’s just part of life, and we all have our share sooner or later. And we can spend our whole life saying it’s not fair that we have to pay for something Adam did, but it doesn’t change a thing. I wish I had a mind that could figure it all out, but I don’t. I just know two things for sure, and they don’t seem to go together—God is good and we all have to suffer.”
***
"I suspected that I had grown so attached to my bitterness that I could not bear to give it up, for its amputation would utterly disable me."
***
“We can’t do anything about suffering, Margaret,” she said. “It’s been around forever, and we’re all going to have our share. Just because somebody’s had a hard life doesn’t mean they’ve got a right to take it out on other people—or on God, either. Especially on God. He knows all about it. It’s part of his big plan somehow—and don’t ask me how..... We’re all responsible for how we act, Margaret,” she went on, “and there are a million ways to be mean. We can be mean in big ways by killing people or stealing or cheating, or we can be mean in little ways by being rude and snapping at everybody. A murderer is guilty in a big way, but all of us are guilty when we wrap ourselves up in our own little world and don’t think about how we treat others.”
***
Birdie gave me much. No mortal can convict of sin, offer atoning grace, or restore the faith of another, yet God can use a man or woman to hold a lantern so that others may find the way to truth. Birdie was my lantern. Her light shone with great conviction. That she was sent to me from God I know without question.
***
"I suspected that I had grown so attached to my bitterness that I could not bear to give it up, for its amputation would utterly disable me."
***
“We can’t do anything about suffering, Margaret,” she said. “It’s been around forever, and we’re all going to have our share. Just because somebody’s had a hard life doesn’t mean they’ve got a right to take it out on other people—or on God, either. Especially on God. He knows all about it. It’s part of his big plan somehow—and don’t ask me how..... We’re all responsible for how we act, Margaret,” she went on, “and there are a million ways to be mean. We can be mean in big ways by killing people or stealing or cheating, or we can be mean in little ways by being rude and snapping at everybody. A murderer is guilty in a big way, but all of us are guilty when we wrap ourselves up in our own little world and don’t think about how we treat others.”
***
Birdie gave me much. No mortal can convict of sin, offer atoning grace, or restore the faith of another, yet God can use a man or woman to hold a lantern so that others may find the way to truth. Birdie was my lantern. Her light shone with great conviction. That she was sent to me from God I know without question.
July 19, 2024
I have mixed feelings about this book. It drew me slowly, but it did draw me in. I found myself engaged in the characters and caring deeply about them. The slow-paced, meandering writing style was a struggle for me all the way through, however. I can greatly respect what the author did through the story, having the main character “write” the book herself. I can think of no way it could have been done better, in that sense, but it’s always risky to write a book from the perspective of someone who’s not a skilled writer.
The book also startled me by being far darker than I had originally thought. It bothered me, in part, because I’ve been reading quite a few heavy books lately, and I picked this one up hoping for a break—a break it did not provide. That’s not the author’s fault, however, simply the fault of my circumstances.
Overall, I did enjoy the book, I’m glad I read it, and I am very impressed by the author’s skill.
The book also startled me by being far darker than I had originally thought. It bothered me, in part, because I’ve been reading quite a few heavy books lately, and I picked this one up hoping for a break—a break it did not provide. That’s not the author’s fault, however, simply the fault of my circumstances.
Overall, I did enjoy the book, I’m glad I read it, and I am very impressed by the author’s skill.
September 3, 2020
Turner is a deep and thoughtful writer. Her books are much more literary than most Christian fiction. Her themes are deeply and carefully developed. While A Garden to Keep will always be my favorite of her works, this is a close second. "Given sun and rain, a flower will bloom. To the human heart love is irresistible." Margaret is a deep, and deeply hurt, woman. Birdie's love draws her out. My only criticism might be that Margaret's stilted language is carried too far. Otherwise this re-read moved my heart just as much as it did the first time. It has also inspired me to do more to show love to those whose hearts appear to be bound up.
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