Mystic Sweet Communion

Dream Catcher

by Jane Kirkpatrick

Set in turn-of-the-century Florida, this frontier saga traces the life of Ivy Cromartie Stranahan, the first English-speaking teacher in the region, as she struggles to teach school in the Seminole Nation and lead Indian families to Christ. Ivy is disliked by tribal leaders in spite of her obvious love for their children, yet she eventually overcomes their resistance and serves as their spokesman in negotiations with the U S government. Already scarred by her mother's tragic death in childbirth, Ivy overcomes her husband's suicide and other devastating disappointments to share her faith with her adopted people and eventually earn their love.

In 1900, Ivy Cromartie Stranahan gives up a promising teaching career to join her husband at the remote New River trading post in south Florida - but she doesn't give up her love for learning or her passion for righting wrongs. In this remarkable story of God's faithfulness and one woman's commitment, Ivy becomes a friend to the Seminole people, their teacher of forbidden English and the Christian faith, and finally, their spokesperson in a time of turmoil.

Like all of us who search for meaning, Ivy yearns to experience the power of faith, understand the limitation of human protection, and learn the importance of perseverance in caring for those we love. She finds them in Mystic Sweet Communion.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Historical

400 pages, Paperback

First published October 2, 1998

About the author

Kirkpatrick brings us a story of one woman's restoration from personal grief to the meaning of community."

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual,this Jane Kirkpatrick historical novel is peopled with realistic characters and documented situations. Her heroine, Ivy Cromartie Stranahan, is as strident and unyielding as any she has portrayed in her other novels; sometimes irritatingly demanding in her insistence on doing things her own way, but in the end proving to be a powerful force for good in the early life of Florida. I love Kirkpatrick's books and the strong women she chooses to write about, and the Indian cultures she brings to life.

[Jolene · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story of the Stranahan's of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. This book was full of history and taught me a lot about life in S. Florida at the turn of the century - things I had NO IDEA ABOUT. Jane Kirkpatrick is true to form! Her writing is warm, tender, and beautiful. She brought these real people to life again, and I LOVED IT!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stranahan, is a tapestry of faith, ambition and ahead-of-her-time activism. The first teacher in Florida's Broward County, she and husband Frank are among the few people courageous and compassionate enough to reach out to to Seminole Indians along the New River, along which Fort Lauderdale would eventually emerge. She begins as a young woman with small dreams, and winds up being called upon by no less than the president of the United States. In the meantime, she deals with society that suppresses women, legalistic religion that often strays from the grace-filled God it purports to serve and people who, unlike Stranahan, seems content with not questioning cultural norms.

This was an awesome book with a historical base and great character development. I definitely want to read more from Jane Kirkpatrick!

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book but it is different from the previous books I have read by Jane Kirkpatrick. Ivy Stranahan was a very unusual woman for the time period she lived in. She had a determination to right the wrongs she saw around her.
She came from a large family and experienced a childhood trauma that influenced some of her unusual choices as an adult. She married an older man who became influential man in the history of Fort Lauderdale and among the Seminole Indians. Ivy also left a legacy there herself. The author stated she made an effort to portray Ivy,her family and her friends as true to the facts as she knew them.

[Mary Mccoy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really tried to finish this book so that I could legitimately tell you not to read it, but I came up 80 pages short of my goal. But I'm still going to tell you not to read it. It only has value to someone interested in Ft. Lauderdale history, and it is of minimal value to them. The writing style was warm and inviting, so I kept waiting for the story to warm up. BLAH! Reading this book almost made me want to have TV.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

4+ stars. THis was a fairly slow moving book, but somehow I fell for the characters. I loved the history of Ft. Lauderdale, FL and what life was like back in the early 1900's. There were an amazing amount of quotes etc that were helpful for me and were very interesting food for thought. I really appreciated the efforts and thoughts that people put into decisions so long ago that still affect us today.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a novel based on the lives of Ivy and Frank Stranahan who lived in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in the turn of the century (1900). Ivy worked for education and basic rights for the Seminole Indians who lived in the region. This was pretty interesting - although not a favorite book by any means.

[Emoore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was an interesting book about the establishment of Ft. Lauderdale. It was slow moving in parts and then seemed to gloss over others. It'd keep my attention and then I struggled to get it finished. Jane Kirpatrick did a great job describing the scenes of her book making you feel like you were there.

[Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked her description of the transformation of Florida as it was settled and the swamps drained, but I found her characters lacking. It's hard to know if this was because she was using journals to recreate this woman's likfe. it's true that she was remarkable and did important things, but no one found her likable in book group. It's hard to discuss a worthy person who no one really likes.

[Pat McCain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tied together many of the people, places and historical events I've learned about as my sister and I explored various places when I visit her in Florida. Ms. Kirkpatrick does an exceptional job of delivering a message about a Christian's calling and responsibilities.

[Sandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

While somewhat promising and an interesting setting, this book went nowhere. Seeming to lead up to something, various starts seemed to just fade away. Too dull to finish.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have found that reading Jane's novels about my state of Oregon is part of the fascination of her stories. This one was good, but I missed my visual of nearby locals.

[Laura Holland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't like it as well as some of Kirkpatrick's other books, but still a good read.

[Belinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

History of South Florida and early settlers.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is an interesting way to learn the history of the Fort Lauderdale area but the story drags a little toward the end.

[Michelle Haxton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story. It was sad that they never had children.

[Amber Dickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can never get enough of Jane Kirkpatrick's books. The story draws me in every time.

[Aisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written. Not at ALL what I expected. Just finished and I am a twist of emotions inside. Don't spoil and read the end of the book - savor the story.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautifully powerful story!
A story of a life humbly lived. A woman's journey to find a way to bring education, trust and faith to the lives of the Natives of the Florida everglades. The timing of reading this story was perfect. I started reading it as Canada's first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was celebrated, quickly followed by October and Women's History month. Although this story of Ivy Cromartie Stranahan was set in the United States, the issues that she persistently fought for are universal. I learned a lot about the development of Miami, Lauderdale and Palm Beach, as well as the Seminole people and their persistence to stay in the land they knew and loved and not be gathered up to reserves in the Midwest. They are still fighting for many of their rights today.
This was a good read about a life well lived for the good of others and the good of a community.

[Gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know why I have never read this story before since I am an ardent reader of Jane Kirkpatrick's books. Perhaps because I have been told that it's only of value to those who are interested in Florida's history. While the story does in fact take place in Florida it's so much deeper than Florida history. Ivy the heroine of the story was a real person at the turn of the last century but oh my was she way ahead of her time. At a time when women were expected to be tied to the kitchen stove and having babies she defied all those expectations but did it with such grace and faith in God. If you are at all familiar with Jane Kirkpatrick's writing this book will not disappoint. I found myself staying up way too late wanting to read just one more chapter.

[Wendy Johansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning about the development of Southern Florida with this novelized account of one woman's efforts to preserve the area's environment and her interactions with the Seminole Indians around the turn of the century. It doesn't really surprise me that many of today's ecological issues were concerns of only a few citizens more than a hundred years ago. Medical and mental issues, women's rights, the economy and personal greed were as troublesome then as they are now.
The writing, however, didn't flow; there were gaps in the story line I thought. But that won't stop me from reading more historical fiction by Jane Kirkpatrick to see how she handles other periods in her novels.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

On a recent trip to Florida and the Caribbean, we visited Stranahan House in Fort Lauderdale. Ivy Stranahan, one of the founding members of the area, was a truly fascinating woman. I picked up this book and a nonfiction book in the gift shop to learn more about Ivy and Frank. I've long been a fan of Jane's books. I won't rate it higher because I felt the book hastened through Ivy's last years. I urge anyone who is visiting Fort Lauderdale to tour the wonderfully furnished home. Hop on one of the yellow water taxis and sail on the Intercoastal to see gorgeous homes and yachts.

[Andie Hofmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting historical book, based on a true story. While the characters were well researched and had compelling stories - the plot of this book moved very very slow. I was also disappointed that the book description had a spoiler that didn’t happen until the very end. Worth the read, if you’re interested in the early days of Florida, woman’s suffrage, or the Seminole Indians, but be prepared for a very detailed read.

[Peggy Balcom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a hard time getting into this book, but it grew on me. I have read everything that Jane Kirkpatrick has written and I have heard her speak twice so I knew the book would get better. I was sad when it was over. It's a historical novel and it prompted me to investigate the history of the Florida Everglades and the Seminole Indians. I recommend this book.

[Kaye Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystic Sweet Communion

This book was recommended to me by my church book club. To me it is one of the best books that we have ever read. Learning about the history of south Florida through Ivy's eyes was a bonus. However the lessons learned through her love for others were what touch my heart the most!

[Jeanne Modisett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although it is a novel, it reads much like a biography with a little too much detail.

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book disturbing when I read it years ago. I was deep in fundamental Christianity at the time, so this book was dangerously thought-provoking.

Their marriage relationship was crazy, yet at the same time, it showed the extreme of an unhealthy practice in many fundamental Christian marriages today. I think sexual repression is generally unhealthy and most likely contributed to Frank's mental health decline. The author may attempt to paint a different picture, but as someone who was trapped by similar beliefs, I couldn’t help but see a clear line between the suffocating rules of Christianity and the deterioration of one’s mental health. This wasn’t the case for Ida, the rules gave her freedom; they allowed her to not have to face her fears. She was able to thrive within the bounds of legalism, while tragically, Frank was not.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really tried to like this book, but gave up on it about halfway through. It just went on and on, without much of a plot. I’m surprised, because I have enjoyed many books by Jane Kirkpatrick. This one just fell flat for me.