Set in 1936, with the Great Depression having taken its toll, Prayers for Sale is the story of a unique intergenerational friendship, forgiveness, healing. The central character, 86-year-old Hennie Comfort, has lived in Middle Swan, in the high country of the Rocky Mountains, since before CO became a state. When she first meets 17-year-old Nit Spindle, a newcomer whose husband has taken a job in the local gold mine, Hennie is drawn to the young, lonely, isolated girl who is grieving. The harsh conditions of life that each has endured help them to create an instant bond, and a friendship is born, one in which they share deepest hardships and confess darkest secrets. As the relationship begins, Nit shares that her infant daughter has died. In response, Hennie shares her suffering—her husband being dragged off to fight in the Civil War; hooligans coming in search of him because they thought he had gone AWOL; their attacking Hennie, resulting in the bizarre death of her young daughter.

In the silence following the telling of her story, Hennie says, “But time passes, and you find peace of a kind. You will too, Mrs. Spindle. That’s why I told you my story. You’ll wake up and go an hour without thinking about your baby. And one day, when you think of her, why, you’ll remember her sweetness, not her death.”

Nit said, “Your story heals me.”

Thus begins the relationship which grows from this healing place. Stories and quilting are significant activities in the novel. Surprises at the end that tie up all the loose ends! Interesting title! I highly recommend this book--and am looking forward to reading other work by Dallas.