Purls & Prayers The Unlikely Yarn of the Dragon Lady, (Paperback)

On the fateful Wednesday morning the final battle was engaged. "It's time somebody stood up to Mrs. I-Run-Everything Benson before she runs the church right into oblivion!" These first words, and the intriguing title, are just a sample of what's inside this gem of a book! Pastor Pete McIlhaney believes that a change needs to be made, and he's ready to challenge Margaret Benson and the ladies of Heavenly Hugs Prayer Shawl Ministry. What follows is a delightful story that will have you either laughing out loud, or wiping the tears from your eyes! It may also leave you searching your heart about your own Christian actions. Do we allow our desire for success to override our initial good intentions? Are we trying to control God's Plan, instead of letting God be the One in control? Author Sharon J. Mondragón completely captures the friendship among this group of ladies, and she perfectly describes each of their strengths and weaknesses. Seeing their prayer lives deepen and their faith increase is a joy to read, and an inspiring message for all of us. This is Mondragon's debut novel and I look forward to reading more of her efforts. Five stars for The Unlikely Yarn of the Dragon Lady! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel Publications. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts

This book has been a joy to read. I found myself laughing at some parts of the book. There is a small group of women who meet every Wednesday morning at the chapel of their church to knit prayer shawls and pray. It is a wonderful ministry and everyone gets along so well. But trouble is coming when a suggestion is made to go out into the world and do their ministry to reach others. Oh my did a certain woman get her feathers ruffled.They have always met in the Prayer Chapel. Margaret is in charge of the group, well at least she thinks she is. Some people are set in their ways and change bothers them. I loved when they decided to meet at the mall. What a great opportunity for them to pray for people and also share Jesus with them. Their knitting attracts a lot of people in the mall and soon they are asked to pray for a young girl who wants to get a good grade in college. I loved how she was welcomed by the ladies and made her feel at ease. The group encouraged those they talk to to come visit their church. There are sone very tender moments in the story where a young woman comes to them for prayer. She is a single mom to be and wants to learn to knit. She has purple hair which bothers no one in the group but Margaret. Each person they meet is there for a purpose. They need a kind word, a prayer or just someone to talk to. I know if I saw a group knitting at a mall I would stop to talk to them. My mother knitted and crocheted all the time. This story brings back memories of my mom knitting this beautiful blanket for me. I was so surprised because she never bought me a present or gave me anything in my entire life. I cried as I felt comfort come over me. I can still remember her handing it to me and hugging it for a long time. Each woman in the group has their own struggles and I loved getting to know them. These women are supportive of each other and pray without ceasing. I wonder if they realize they are bringing people to church by their ministry at the mall?I loved getting to know each woman in the group and their own personal stories. I adored Margaret because she needed healing just as much as the woman she started visiting in the hospital. Their time together brought tears to my eyes. This story is a reminder that we should all go out into the world and pray for each other. There are lonely people, hurting people, unloved people and the list goes on. We need to be like the ladies in the knitting group and find where God wants to plant us. It's time to be His hands and feet. I'm encouraged by this book and know when I'm out or even talking on the phone I will tell my family and friends how much they mean to be. I now understand why I am drawn to blankets. They comfort me and I feel hugged by them. Something my parents never did. I may not have a prayer shawl but I do know that I will be looking for a new blanket to add to my collection. I need a hug from a special blanket and I know that God has the perfect one for me. I