The Unlikely Yarn of the Dragon Lady by Sharon J. Mondragon

The Unlikely Yarn of the Dragon Lady
by Sharon J. Mondragon

ISBN-13: 9780825447020
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Released: September 21st 2021

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description from Goodreads:
Margaret, Rose, Jane, and Fran had a good thing going: meet every week in the quiet of their peaceful chapel and knit prayer shawls. No muss, just ministry. That is, until their pastor boots them out of the church in his last-ditch effort to revive the dwindling congregation.

Uptight Margaret isn't having it. Knitting prayer shawls where people can watch is the most ridiculous idea she's ever heard of, and she's heard plenty. Prayer belongs in the church, not out among the heathen masses. How are they supposed to knit holiness into these shawls if they're constantly distracted by the public? But with no choice, the others embrace the challenge. They pack their knitting bags and drag Margaret--grumbling the whole way--to the mall with them. She can't wait to prove them all wrong when it fails miserably, and show the pastor that she always knows best.

Without the familiar mold the group has been stuck in, their own losses, pain, and struggles rise to the surface. And the people and situations they encounter every time they try to sit quietly and knit are taking them a lot further out of their comfort zone than they ever imagined. Can they find the courage to tackle the increasing number of knotty issues they learn about in the community--or will the tangle be too much to unravel?

Sharon Mondragon's debut is warm and delightful, full of real laughter, grief, and personality. It beautifully illustrates the power of women across generations to reach people for Christ.


My Review:
The Unlikely Yarn of the Dragon Lady is Christian women's fiction. There were a number of view point characters, but we mainly followed the lives of Margaret, Rose, Jane, and Fran. They knit prayer shawls in a peaceful chapel, but it's being painted. The pastor challenged them to knit in a public place and bring God's influence into those spaces. Only, that's loud, messy, and involves getting personally involved with non-church people. It's a big change for all of them, but it ultimately brings healing to their lives as well as those they pray for while knitting.

The main characters were complex, likable people that reacted realistically to events. I could relate to their struggles even though they're not things I've personally dealt with. Even the knitting dragon lady (who likes being in control of everything) was likable since we know her thoughts and struggles behind her actions. God was very much at work in people's lives and in bringing about emotional and relational healing. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd highly recommend this enjoyable novel.


Giveaway:
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If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.