Aprons on a Clothesline by Traci DePree

Another church library book....

Aprons on a Clothesline is the third book in DePree's "Lake Emily series" and this goes a long ways in explaining the multitude of characters and everyone's complicated (and tragic) backstory.  Readers who have been following the series from the first may be able to enjoy this book more than I did.

The central character in this book is Virginia, who is struggling to cope with physical limitations and depression following a stroke.  The side stories follow just about everyone in town - and the main narrative is interupted by "flashbacks" of back story that provide additional details into many characters' pasts - and you nearly need a map to follow all the different characters. The book does not end with all the ends neatly tied - providing the opening for the next book in the series.

I had no problems with this book theologically - faith, prayer, hope, a sense that God has a purpose for every life and value of the support found in church community all feature here - but if I had to read one more "she gently brushed the salty tears from her red-rimmed eyes" over-blown and sappy descriptions, I think I would have puked!