Book Review: The Story Keeper by Lisa Wingate


I was thrilled to be part of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Books this year. . I am a members of Circle 17. . .a group of 5 sisters who committed to reading Lisa Wingate's book, The Story Keeper, and sharing our thoughts with one another. . .a traveling book group. I loved this idea and was truly tickled to get to read an advance copy and partake in all of the fun. I also received a pretty notebook from the sister before me to keep my stories in.

First of all, I need to share that this year God has had a running theme in my life that "my story matters." It has shown up in my art journal class, in an on-line Bible study, I received a "Your Story Matters" necklace for Mother's Day from my hubby who is my greatest encourager and then I received my chance to read, The Story Keeper. I know it is no co-incidence.

Jen Gibbs is an newly hired editor at Vida House publishing in New York. She has worked in the industry 10 years and Jen knows the ropes and has been on the move to bigger and better things. . .when mysteriously a manuscript appears on her desk. Jen opens the manuscript and is drawn in to the story about Sarra, a mixed-race Melungeon girl trapped by dangerous men from a by-gone era in Appalachia. The manuscript also draws Jen back to the Blue Ridge Mountains where she grew up. . .a place she thought she would never go back to. As the Story Keeper goes on, Jen's story becomes more interesting and so does the story of Sarra. I enjoyed both stories. . .and the lessons they teach. One set in days gone by and one set in modern days. One set in days gone by and one set in modern days. Both were page-turning stories. This book was also one that lingered in my mind for awhile as my heart sorted out the lessons it had for me. I don't want to over share and spoil the plot, but I would encourage anyone wanting a good read to get a copy of this book when it comes out on September 1. For me, it was a reminder that all of our stories matter and maybe we make more of a difference than we think we do.

I received a copy of this book to read and pass on to the next sister as part of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Books. I was not required to write a positive review.



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Comments

  1. Hi Monica!

    Thank you for the beautiful review of The Story Keeper and for being part of The Sisterhood Of the Traveling Books! 2014 with The Sisterhood has been so much fun. I hope people will be encouraged, like you, to record and share their stories. Our stories do matter.

    Lisa

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  2. Hi, Monica, I'm waiting for my turn on the Sisterhood of the Traveling Books. I hope it comes before the 17th. If not my house sitter or neighbor will really enjoy it. Reading you profile, I realize your concept of a wonderful book might be the same as mine. I look forward to find good reads...and listening.
    PeggyPurserFreeman.com

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    1. I signed up to follow your website, Peggy.

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  3. And Monica, the same message has been in my heart for several years. I just retired as a magazine editor and columnist for my hometown newspaper. During that ten years, since my last book...first book, I have not worked at getting my novels out to editors. I have been so discouraged by this. Then I decided to self-publish a collection of my slice of life stories. Monday night, we had the privilege of hearing Lisa at our writers' group and came home so inspired while I wait for my books to come. I had a Pastor once who said, when you have a relationship problem with someone, listen to their story. When you hear someone's story, you can't hate them.

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    1. Sounds like good advice from your pastor, Peggy. I feel your excitement and feel inspired hearing your story too. Thanks for stopping by. I enjoy how we can all encourage each other in this sisterhood group.

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  4. I was one of the Beta Readers for The Story Keeper. It's a wonderful book and as you said, a book with life lessons for us all. Thanks for your review!

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    1. Thank you and thanks for stopping by Sharon!

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