Book
Description:
In June 1972, John Creighton determines to build his wife Joan a kitchen table.
His largest project to date had been picture frames but he promises to have the
table ready for Thanksgiving dinner. Inspired to put something delicious on the
table, Joan turns to her mother’s recipes she had given to Joan when she and
John married.
In June 2012, Lauren Mabrey discovers she’s pregnant. Gloria, Miriam, and the
rest of her friends at Glory’s Place begin to pitch in, helping Lauren prepare
their home for the baby. On a visit to the local furniture builder, Lauren
finds a table that he bought at a garage sale but has recently refinished. Once
home, a drawer is discovered under the table which contains a stack of recipe
cards. Growing up in one foster home after another, Lauren never learned to
cook and is fascinated as she reads through the cards. Personal notes have been
written on each one from the mother to her daughter and time and again Lauren
wonders where they lived, when they lived, and in a strange way, she feels
connected to this mother and her daughter and wants to make the mother proud.
The story continues to from 1972 to 2012 as Joan battles breast cancer and
Lauren learns to cook, preparing for the baby’s arrival. As Christmas nears,
can Lauren unlock the mystery of the table, and find the peace she's always
longed for?
My
Review:
The Christmas
Table is a lovely holiday
story that will fill your heart with joy and hope. Donna
VanLiere did a great job with the time slip between 1972 and 2012. I
enjoyed reading about Joan and Lauren learning to cook and the stories behind
the recipes. Joan's story touched my heart as her husband, John, poured his
love for her into building her a kitchen table. I love that Lauren, with great
determination, sought out a significant piece to an important puzzle. The folks
who work at Glory's Place are delightfully funny and caring. I received a
complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are
completely my own.