Garden of Faith

by Lynne Hinton

Welcome back to the charming world of Hope Springs, the small southern town at the center of bestselling author Lynne Hinton's Hope Springs trilogy. In this sequel to Friendship Cake , the same delightful women have finished the cookbook that brought them together, showing each the true meaning of friendship. Now these bonds are challenged by Margaret's sudden illness, Nadine's mourning for her lost daughter, and Jessie's desire to see the world outside the confines of a small town. Even Charlotte, the steadfast young pastor, has a spiritual crisis and finds herself questioning her calling. Standing by each other through tragedies and triumphs, these unforgettable women come to realize that true friendship, like faith itself, is a garden that needs to be tended and nurtured. In the end they learn that there is more to living than just surviving -- they discover a life of health, courage, and freedom. Interspersed throughout this heartwarming tale are amusing and handy gardening tips from Bea's Botanical Bits -- memorable snippets of advice that help to cultivate the spirit, as well as the garden. Watered with tears of laughter and sorrow and fertilized with a touch of humor, Garden of Faith is just plain good for the soul.

Genres: Christian Fiction

224 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2002

About the author

Lynne Hinton is the pastor of St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. The author of numerous novels including Friendship Cake, Hope Springs, Forever Friends, Christmas Cake, and Wedding Cake, she lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another really good book by Lynne Hinton from the amazing women in the Cookbook Committee. This time it is a Garden Newsletter that brings the ladies together again. I missed this one in the Friendship Cake series. It is the second one and the title through me off. This one has humor and warmth along with some touching insights into grief and recovery.

[Janet C-B · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story set in the south, with interesting characters and a spiritual slant. It is light reading. I would probably try the author again.

[Phyllis Barlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't realize until I started on this that I read this years ago. That's okay, I read it again and enjoyed it just as much as I probably did the first time. I love reading stories of women loving and supporting each other through thick and thin. I'm going to go back and reread the other two now then look for the last two in the series. I didn't even know there were more in the series, and I know I will enjoy them as much as I did the first three.
If you read and liked the Sensible Shoes series by Sharon Garlough, you will love this series.

[LInda L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was amazing - a wonderful follow-up to Friendship Cake. It says so much so well about friendship, sisterhood, and faith. Lynne Hinton is a force to be reckoned with! She writes like a dream. Did not realize until recently that she has written at least 15 books, and I plan to read every one of them. Such a welcome relief from violence, etc.

[Porter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thoughtful fictional read dealing with the strength of woman friends and a belief in God.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the original title for Hope Springs

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story of love and friendship, just like the first in the series. I loved the honest look at depression and illness and what it takes to be in that place.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is some of the best prose that I have read in recent years. Her observations of womanhood and the sisterhood we enjoy is profound.
If you read it, one of my favorite scenes involves bald heads. You should know what I mean about this move of solidarity upon reading it.
I would not recommend this book to someone who is still dealing with a tragic loss of a child as it may hit too close too home.
Also, if you are really depressed, it may not be the best read for you either.
I told someone that this was an uplifting book and then added a few words of caution about the sadder scenes. They said, this is uplifting?
Most certainly it is uplifting and beautfiul.
(it is a sequel to an earlier book that I have yet to read) This book was yet another gift from my sister-in-law that I treasured! I you like the Mitford series, you will probably like this. I do feel bad when those in the clergy are struggling to feel inspired as the Pastor in this book is facing such challenges.

[Georgia Herod · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second in Hinton’s series which began with Friendship Cake. (I may have taken this from the blurb--just acknowledging that.)

The Hope Springs Community Church Women’s Guild cookbook project has come to an end, but the unique friendship forged between five diverse women is put to the test when Margaret Peele discovers a lump in her breast. Jessie and her long-lost husband are moving to CA, but that changes when Margaret shares her news. Charlotte, the pastor, continues with her crisis of faith, but becomes more vulnerable and connected to the other women.

This book is a tribute to friendship and the longings of the human heart for deep connection. Hinton uses humor, sensitive dialogue, and knowledge of the heart as she addresses themes of friendship, fellowship, love, loss, renewal, faith, healing, redemption, and strength unique to women.

An easy read.

[Lu]

Sequel

[Kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't like this book at all. I read the first one a couple of years ago, but this one is plain awful!

[Dineen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series. Be prepared to cry. Happy tears at the end though.

[Reforming · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sequel to Friendship Cake. Good to revisit old friends.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story of friendship and sticking together through thick and thin.