Shelf Life: The Key on the Quilt by Stephanie Grace Whitson

3.9 out of 5 stars

Synopsis

Enter a historic Nebraskan prison where three women find betrayal, love, and ultimate truth. Jane Prescott is serving a ten-year sentence for murder. Can a broken spirit be healed behind bars? Matron Mamie Dawson feels called to help the wounded women in her charge. Will a guard’s attentions keep her from her mission? Warden’s wife Ellen McKenna has changed her preconceptions about these female prisoners. Will it be enough to save her from a life-or-death situation? Will the cryptic quilt connecting their lives expose the truth of one woman’s past and ensure a better future for them all?

Review

The Key on the Quilt is a unique novel that is certain to capture the history lover. Stephanie Grace Whitson has taken a unique step in Christian fiction and ventured beyond the realms of the typical story-line found in the historical genre as she explores prison life among females.

This novel introduces the reader to three protagonists. Each of these protagonists struggle with something different. One is an actual prisoner, the other is the matron, the other is the warden's wife. These protagonists have the potential to reach a variety of readers, as one may be able to identify with a certain protagonist more than the others due to their life's circumstances.

This novel does an excellent job of showing readers the essence and heart of Jesus--which is to reach those who are broken and hurting. What better place than a prison? I love how this novel delves into a Christianity that the modern church is slowly forgetting about. It's wonderful to see the direction this story takes.

Another great part of the novel is the symbolism at the end. It's one of those "wow" moments that leaves readers reaching for the nearest tissue.

The only problem I have with this novel is the amount of back-story and explanation. It seemed to slow the story down. I would have loved to have seen it worked in rather than explained. At some portions, the back-story was very appropriate. At other times it felt un-necessary.

I definitly recommend every history lover give The Key on the Quilt a try. It's so far from the ordinary story, that one can't help but find themselves pleasantly surprised by this novel.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Barbour Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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About the Author

Stephanie Grace Whitson, bestselling author and two-time Christy finalist, pursues a full-time writing and speaking career from her home studio in southeast Nebraska. Her husband and blended family, her church, quilting, and Kitty--her motorcycle--all rank high on her list of "favorite things."

Website

Purchase

Available from Barbour Publishers in ebook and print formats