The Traveling Prayer Shawl

by Jennifer Lynn Cary

Her dream account just landed in her lap...
...So did the future of her family
And she's got two months to save them both.

Cami Madison's grandmother died, leaving her with a task she must complete or all the inheritance goes to charity. Plus her boss handed her the ad campaign that will win her the coveted vice presidency opening.

Both have the same time table.

When she realizes the projects are interwined, things really start to unravel.

Kate Hanson raised her granddaughter after the child became an orphan in a car accident. But not all scars are on the outside.

Can Kate's last request help Cami to heal?

Will Cami be able to step up to the job?

You will love this split-time women's romance because when family is on the line, everyone knows the only way to survive is wrapped in prayer.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction

253 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2021

About the author

Hi there! My name is Jenny though I write Christian Historical Romance under the name Jennifer Lynn Cary. I enjoy sharing God-centered stories of love, forgiveness, and redemption. And romance, gotta have romance. I'm a retired teacher about to celebrate forty years with the same wonderful guy, the mother of three beautiful and brilliant young women who married three handsome, intelligent young men and gave me three amazing grandchildren. And, sorry (not sorry), this Mimi loves to brag on them. You've been warned. Besides reading, I love to crochet and bake (if someone else will clean), and travel. I've even been to Ireland and stood in the ruins of where my great, great, great grandfather's great, great grandparents were married. That was a trip--pun intended. Feel free to follow me for updates on my writing and to sometimes get a glimpse of this crazy writing life. You can also visit my website for more information: https://www.jenniferlynncary.com/
Hope to see you there!
BTW, if you want to see my official bio, here it is.

Jennifer Lynn Cary likes to say you can take the girl out of Indiana, but you can't take the Hoosier out of the girl. Now transplanted to the Arizona desert, this direct descendant of Davy Crockett and her husband of forty years enjoy time with the family where she shares tales of her small town heritage and family legacies with their grandchildren.

Reviews

[Aks4avonyahoo.Com · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a long time since a book made me cry but this one did! Interesting and unique plot with characters that are flawed and human just like you and me! I was rooting for both cousins to find their way thru the whole book! Definitely a must read, and now I want a prayer shawl!

[Cheri Swalwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by Jennifer Lynn Cary but it won’t be my last. I had read a book about prayer shawls last year and it was then I decided I wanted one. I’m going to ask for one for my birthday or Christmas because that is how much I have fallen in love with them from reading about them. I’m not sure who I loved more in this book – Cami, Kate, or Morgan. And the men in the story? Bruce and Jeff? I loved that none of the characters were perfect, they were all flawed and yet they and the storylines drew me in. The adding of the sweet seven-year-old twins was a wonderful addition that brought some much-needed humor at times, and I loved the growth the characters showed throughout. Again, this book not only was entertaining, but further cemented the significance of a prayer shawl and how much I really want one in my life.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit but was not under any obligation to write a review. All opinions are strictly mine.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this touching story of relationship reconciliation. I liked how Cary developed the plot, centering on first cousins who did not get along well in childhood. A wise grandmother knew exactly how to structure her will so that lives would be changed and troubled relationships healed. We get flashbacks to help us understand how things got to be where they are today.

The characters were developed well. Cami is an accomplished woman. She has some rough edges needing softening and her grandmother's task sets in motion what needs to happen. I liked seeing how Cami came to face her areas of need and could reach out to others for help. Her greatest need gave Cary the opportunity to include a good gospel presentation in the plot as well as showing the power of prayer.

This is a good novel for readers who like seeing how God can change lives and form lasting relationships. It is a good exploration of one person willing to sacrifice for the well being of another, only to find what God has planned is best for all involved, including herself.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was so refreshing to read a book that included making a prayer shawl and the story that surrounds it. I could identify with the pleasure it brings to pray for some one while crocheting something to bring comfort as I have made several for friends with cancer. I definitely want to try the pattern included at the end. A great bonus feature. This is my first book by this author but won’t be my last as I loved that she could move me to tears multiple times as the characters were like family. A book of healing from physical scars as well as emotional scars, family, forgiveness, and finding out what is important in life. I loved the Faith journey these women take and the healing and restoration that only God can bring. I have to say this book was a blessing to my heart. I highly recommend taking the time to read this one.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve tried more than once to learn to knit and it did not go well. The most common question I’ve heard from the dear souls attempting to teach me is “How did you do that?” However, I CAN crochet with some success, so I was delighted to see that The Traveling Prayer Shawl has a focus on crocheting, allowing me to relate a bit better to the characters.

Raised by her grandmother Kate after Cami was the lone (but not unscathed) survivor of the car crash that killed her parents, Cami’s scars go deeper than the external ones she still carries. After Kate passes away, Cami is shocked to discover that even her cousin Morgan’s inheritance depends on Cami finishing the task their grandmother left for her to do. Completing the project will test Cami in ways she didn’t even imagine when she reluctantly begins to follow her late grandmother’s wishes. I loved how we as readers get to discover Kate’s true self along with Cami, who is realizing several things about her grandmother for the first time, things she never really recognized during her grandmother’s life – for a variety of reasons. This natural approach, as well as the glimpses we get into Kate’s perspective during the brief dual timeline element to the story, allows Kate to remain a vital part of the book even though we begin with her funeral (or Celebration of Life, as cousin Morgan would be quick to correct).

Cami and Morgan’s relationship and separate-but-connected journeys in The Traveling Prayer Shawl are such touching aspects of this novel. I’m pretty sure my eyes stayed misty through the entire last half of the novel. The author does a wonderful job, though, of authentically presenting their deeply-emotional story threads without making this book too overwhelmingly heavy. Instead, plenty of lighter moments are peppered throughout, including a swoony romance subplot that, of course, i loved. And enveloping the entire story is a gentle & organic message of grace and restoration which touched me as well.

The only thing that didn’t feel natural to me in The Traveling Prayer Shawl was some of the dialogue. Lots of very formal grammar that, while technically more correct, doesn’t feel like what women Cami & Morgan’s ages would use in conversation. Sentences like, “Must I set up the MRI or will he?” and “Mightn’t we receive our share?” took me out of the story a bit and disrupted my reading flow, because they just weren’t typical word choices for their generation (or mine, for that matter lol).

Bottom Line: The Traveling Prayer Shawl by Jennifer Lynn Cary is more than a story of family and forgiveness. It’s more than a story about an inheritance and a grandmother-granddaughter relationship. It’s more than a story about getting your priorities straight. It’s more than a romance or a dual timeline novel or a women’s fiction story. Though, it’s all of those things too. Rather, this book is a beautiful story of redemption, grace, and how the love of Christ changes everything. If you love Cynthia Ruchti, Beth K. Vogt, and Catherine West, you’ll love The Traveling Prayer Shawl too!

(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I borrowed with Kindle Unlimited.)

first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Gail Hollingsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story for me. Cami had several irons in the fire so to speak. Pressure at work, pressure from a stipulation in her grandmother’s will, and finding out her cousin was seriously sick. She is trying to burn the candle at both ends and stressing out all along. Plus she’s attracted to a preacher who says even though he’s drawn to her he will not become involved with a non-believer.
Her cousin Morgan lives two hours away so Cami has to make several trips back and forth and also keep her boss happy with her work. Interestingly I found these three stressors Cami had on her plate all seemed to tie together somewhat which made the story even more compelling.
I enjoy crocheting when I’m not reading and reading about Cami having to learn how to crochet all over again had me dusting off my crochet hooks and looking for yarn. A bonus in the back of the book was the pattern to the prayer shawl Cami had to make. I’m going to follow up on that!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Traveling Prayer Shawl, by Jennifer Lynn Cary, is a dual time line story of two cousins who did not get along as children and are forced together when their grandmother passes away. This is such an amazing story! I just love how the Grandmother makes her will so secretive and has stipulations that will force Cami to move past fears and do what is needed to be done for not just herself but also her cousin, Morgan. I enjoyed how Cami took the advice of a friend and made a schedule in her busy life to make sure she made time to do everything that was needed to be done. The thing that stands out to me is that with how put together Morgan is, when illness strikes she has no one close to turn to for help. And, with how busy Cami is, she does what family does and makes time to help Morgan.
This is a well written story that deals with death, divorce, cancer and second chances. I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started to read this book I didn't want to put it down! The characters are cousins who never have gotten along as children or adults. Each one has their own hurts and bruises from their lives that affect how they manage their interaction with each other as well as other people in their lives. I especially liked how God's plan for salvation is woven into the

If you crochet, there's a pattern for a prayer shawl at the end of the book. By the end of the book, I wanted to make a prayer shawl and was pleased a pattern was included.

Read it! I think you'll enjoy it!

I did receive an advanced copy to review.

[Lt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Does every Christian fiction writer believe in prosperity gospel? The beginning was pretty good, and I had high hopes that perhaps this was finally going to be a different Christian fiction novel than most, but unfortunately, the ending was the same as them all, preaching that if you believe in Jesus your cancer will go away, you'll marry the perfect person, and you'll even inherit multimillions...Sigh.

[Ashley Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have honestly never thought much about prayer shawls. I've read books about them/that have them in it but honestly its just never struck my fancy. This book changed that. I now think that I want to make one and truly use it. I need to work on prayer in my daily lifer overall if I'm completely honest.

Now the way the author wrote the story was really good. I liked how the book is about chances and how a grandma knew more than her grandkids gave her credit for. Characters are realistic and flawed. I really just liked the entire story and how the characters had to take a second look at themselves and their flaws. Just a really good story.

4/5

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story about prayer shawls and answered prayers. I read it and am passing it around to other members of my local prayer shawl ministry.

[Annmarie Kuyath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cami was raised by her grandmother after being the only survivor in a car accident with her family as a baby. Grandma dies and leaves instructions that Cami must finish the prayer shawl in order for her will to be read.
This is a story full of heartache, forgiveness, and learning lessons of life. A quick, powerful read.

[Jenny Knipfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wonderful Read

This heart-warming story reveals the difficult times of being family and the joys of it. Cary never fails to tell a well-wrought tale of characters who lead an imperfect life but who are lead towards redemption and grace. A wonderful and highly recommended read.

[Nyla Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Traveling Prayer Shawl by author Jennifer Lynn Cary is a Contemporary Christian romance novel. It is the first book that I have read by this author, and I enjoyed it. It made me want to crochet or knit, and I thought of the many times my grandmother tried to teach me. If only I had stuck with it.

This is the story Cami. Her grandmother Kate raised her after her parents died in a car accident that Cami survived. When her grandmother dies, Cami learns that her inheritance and her cousin Morgan’s depend on a stipulation that Cami must finish a certain project. There is one problem as this deadline coincides with an important work one. Cami is tore between work and family.

After I had read a few chapters, I became invested in the book and had trouble putting it down. The two cousins never gotten along. They each have issues in general and with each other. It was interesting to see the progression of how their thoughts and feelings changed. They bickered like sisters when they were young and continued as adults.

Overall I like the author’s style of writing. At times the conversations felt a little forced or too proper. I thought the life and faith lessons of forgiveness, family, priorities, redemption, grace, and Jesus’ love shined brightly throughout the book. As an added bonus, there is a crochet pattern for a prayer shawl at the end for crafty readers.

I recommend this to lovers of Contemporary Christian books. It is a beautiful story with a few twists. It gets a 4 out of 5 star rating from me. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was introduced to author Jennifer Lynn Cary about a year ago. I have come to enjoy her books. I was excited to see that she has a new book out and read it. The Traveling Prayer Shawl is the latest book that I have had the honor to read.

Cami Madison was raised by her Grandmother Kate Hanson after both parents died in a car accident. Cami has always been career focused and puts aside family and friend relationships. Her Grandma Kate dies and leaves a "stipulation" to the family inheritance being given to Cami and her cousin Morgan. Cami has 2 months to finish a Prayer Shawl that her Grandmother began knitting or everything goes to charity. Cami also receives notice from her boss that she has 2 months to complete an ad project. Finishing the Ad Campaign would secure the position of Vice President for the company. Cami knowns what the right thing to do is, but she really wants the job of Vice President also. Will Cami be able to finish both projects? Will she put her focus on multiple things this time?

I will say this book caught my attention from the first chapter and I didn't stop until I was finished. I think many can relate to Cami in that so many are Career Focused rather then Family focused in life nowadays. I really love the Heart of Grandma Kate and her intentions with the Reading of the Will. Cami is forced to slow down and focus on priorities of Family and it helps her speak to her cousin Morgan often, which in turn heals their relationship. The book is one of Forgiveness, putting priorities in order, relying on God and so much. I HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction. FANTASTIC BOOK!

[Jeannine Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like split-time women's romance books, check out The Traveling Prayer Shawl by Jennifer Lynn Cary. I typically avoid split-time novels because it takes a truly gifted writer with a unique ability to craft a story that doesn’t confuse readers or lose story momentum between time shifts. This book is fantastic! The story unfolded beautifully, without issue. I enjoyed every minute.

The main character, Cami Madison, faces a perplexing dilemma. After her grandmother Kate’s death, she discovers she is solely responsible for fulfilling her grandmother’s last wish. If she does not comply, the entire family inheritance goes to charity. The story gets interesting when Cami receives a new project at work. The project could land her the promotion she has desired until she realizes it is directly tied to her grandmother. Turns out Kate had another side that Cami didn’t know existed. Life gets complicated when both projects are due at the same time.
I loved the reason behind the grandmother’s last wish and how the author used all areas of Cami’s life to pull her in.

I give The Traveling Prayer Shawl 5 out of 5 stars.

Note: I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for sharing my thoughts. This is my honest opinion.

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The traveling prayer shawl is written by Jennifer Lynn Cary. This is a Christian Fiction/Split time novel. One of the things that I love about this author is the fact she always creates such realistic and flawed characters. I’ve read her previous series, The Weather Girls and was excited for this new novel.



We meet Cami in this novel. Her grandmother has passed away and she has to complete a task or she has to donate the inheritance to charity. Unfortunately she also has a new account for an ad campaign that if she wins them over she will have a nice big promotion.



Cami is a realistic character. She’s flawed, rough around the edges, and needs to heal. I love that the tasks her grandmother set before her will help her on that journey. Cami was the lone survivor of a car crash that left her in the care of her grandmother to raise her. Morgan is her cousin who also has to complete these tasks to get her inheritance.



I loved this story. It’s about family and forgiveness. It’s well written and I cried in a few places. I’m so happy to have been able to read another story by this author.



Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this story. All thoughts are my own.

[Lisa Howeler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jenny Lynn Cary is known for writing touching, sweet stories with plenty of tame drama mixed in and she’s done it again in The Traveling Prayer Shawl.

I enjoyed this sweet, well-told story about a woman named Cami and her cousin, Morgan, and watching them work through grief after the loss of their grandmother, but also through their own hurt feelings toward each other.

Cami is working at an advertising agency when her grandmother passes away, while Morgan is raising her two children after her husband left her to take a job out of state.

Each character had their own dramas going on beside the loss of their grandmother, which made their efforts to find peace with each other a challenge.

I enjoyed how Cary wove in the past point of view of their grandmother, Kate, to give us an insight into when the girls were younger and what caused them to become estranged.

Cary even manages to weave in some romance in the midst of a story that involves a health concern for Morgan and work challenges for Cami.

The book is a touching reminder of the importance of family, the connections we take for granted, and the forgiveness we can extend because God first extended it to us.

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an emotional and faith filled story. I loved the flashbacks where we get to know Cami's grandmother. She is such a kind and gentle person. Stepping up to raise Cami after her parents died was inspiring. I loved how she always encouraged Cami and gently guided her with faith. Cami is a woman who is driven by work. She is so focused on a promotion that she misses out on relationships. When her grandmother passes away it leaves her feeling lost. The will is very intriguing as it states that Cami must complete a project in order for the heirs to get their inheritance. Through the journey we see Cami and her cousin Morgan try to repair their relationship. There are very touching moments in the story which made me feel like crying. The title is perfect for this story and the author crafts a journey of forgiveness, hope, finding a relationship with God and repairing relationships.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Mary Hake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This intriguing novel drew me right in and held my interest throughout. Although the main characters each have some issues, they still make you care about them and hope for the best. The character and the plot development was well-crafted and came across as authentic and natural. The story jumps back and forth between past events from Cami’s youth (to help you better understand why she turned out as she did) and the present, beginning with her beloved grandmother’s death and the events that follow. Her rivalry with her cousin Morgan had continued into adulthood, and she must also deal with issues at work. Will the cousins draw closer now or be driven further apart? I expected the book to be about a shawl that went from woman to woman so the title doesn’t exactly fit the tale, in my view. But the heartwarming family drama is worth reading. It would make an interesting choice for a book club discussion. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was first introduced to this author through her Weather Girls series. I loved that series so much that I knew I would love this book. Oh, and of course, there’s the fact that it includes handcrafts.

Now, let’s be honest. I’m more of a knitting girl myself. I knit well and quickly. Crocheting is okay but I only crochet lace.

This was such a sweet book. It made me laugh and yet it also made me cry. The characters were well developed and drew me in. I loved the sweet and spicy twins. Have I ever confessed that I always wanted to have twins?

You’re going to love this book. Definitely, one that I recommend you give a read and then pass on.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Miriam Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Traveling Prayer Shawl" by Jennifer Lynn Cary gives Cami Madison her dream account and two months to save it and the future of her family. When Cami's grandmother died, she left her with a task she must complete or all the inheritance goes to charity. Cami's boss hands her the ad campaign to win her the coveted vice presidency opening. Both projects have the same incredible time table and are irrevocably interwined. When Cami realizes this, things really start to unravel, as the pressure mounts on Cami to do what she must do, in order to fulfill the conditions. Cami's grandmother, Kate Hanson raised her after she became an orphan in a car accident. But not all scars are on the outside and this split-time story links family and prayer in a unique way, proving that prayer is the one and only thing needed for a family to survive all the odds victoriously.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cami Madison’s parents died when she was a child. So she grew up living with her grandmother. Now as an adult, Cami’s grandmother dies and leaves Cami’s cousin Morgan as executor of her estate. Meanwhile, Cami receives a task to complete a project before anyone receives their inheritance.

Jumping around in time and between Cami and Morgan, readers watch the two learn about each other and learn about God and trust him. The backstories and current stories provide the perfect method of weaving this book together. With crocheting a prayer shawl included as part of the plot, I loved this book.

So if you enjoy books filled with clean romance, second chances, and twin children, check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[Elizabeth Sofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Jennifer Lynn Cary has a new fan. I can't wait to read her other books. The Traveling Prayer Shawl was a good fit for me at this time in my life. To be honest, I don't know that a non-Christian would enjoy this book, because being "saved" and being a "believer" is such an important theme in the story.

Two cousins meet again at their grandmother's funeral. Both resent the other. Both are caught up in meeting the conditions of the will. Both have a great deal to lose if the conditions are not met. Both have to decide to hold on to their past hurts and jealousy, or to embrace forgiveness and healing of past hurts.

I was not expecting cancer to be a major theme in the story. If your experience is too new, too raw, too terrifying, perhaps you would be better off saving this story until enough time has passed to enable a new perspective to be possible.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cami's beloved grandmother (who practically raised her) dies and leaves instructions that Cami must complete a project in order for the will to be read. She and her cousin, a longtime rival who is the only other living family member, have no idea what the will contains - and Cami's project timetable mirrors one for an ad campaign at work that turns out to be inextricably connected with the project her grandmother left for her. A great read about priorities and the meaning of family. I'll look for more by this author.

[Carol Keen · Rating 5 out of 5]

With an inheritance at stake, Cami's life is about to change. This story was sweet, and sad, and yet strong and up-lifting. Crochet and a bit of knitting and praying are deeply founded in this story, as is the lives of more than one woman. In a split time story like this one, a lot of topics are covered. Cami, Morgan and others moved my heart. I also loved the pattern included in the back, even if I can't use it, yet.

Thanks to Celebrate Lit for my digital copy of this review. A positive review is never required and this review is what I thought of this book.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this and absolutely LOVED it! I ran the full gamut of emotions and cried many happy tears! A wonderful book of hope, healing and friendship. I loved how the author wove trusting God throughout the book and how leaning on Him with all decisions in life is so important. I can’t wait to read more from this author!

[Peggy Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written story of a sister and cousin who had differences but after their grandmother passed things started changing Cami's Grandmother puts in her will Cami must knit a Prayer Shawel and give it to someone who needs it to get their inheritance and it ends up going to her Cousin Morgan who is very ill.
Cami finds a whole new life and she finds her faith again in Jesus.

[Deborah Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story that lifted my spirits

I highly recommend this story. The characters bring family heartache to life and make you remind yourself to be aware of struggles others may have that you can help them through. Made me want to take on knitting! And of course, wonderful love story.

[Jeanette H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Traveling Prayer Shawl by Jennifer Lynn Cary

OMG, this book was So Good! I have to say that I originally borrowed it through the Kindle Unlimited program, but after I started reading I realized that I was definitely purchasing the book. I didn't read the story description and thought that it would be something like the sisterhood of the traveling pants. Stories of how a prayer shawl helped the people whose lives it was passed on to. But I couldn't have been farther away from the truth! I cried, I laughed and I prayed, for characters and all the souls who needed the prayers. This book made me question things in my life and helped me figure out answers with the help of prayers. Thank You Ms. Cary for a wonderful story. GOD Bless You 🙏