After Marigold Shadd’s parents disappeared during a mission trip, she and her sister Ixora moved to Mapleville, a rural community on the shores of Lake Erie. Their grandmother Annabelle “Big Momma” Henson adored them but Marigold had lost faith in everything including God. Marigold’s best friend Logan van Basten became the silver lining in her life. Days after their high school graduation, they ran off to New York and took up cruise ship jobs. Time may heal all wounds but the decade spent at sea didn’t fill the void in Marigold’s heart. When Logan revealed that his wife Alena was unable to carry a child and asked Marigold to become their surrogate mother, she said yes. Marigold saw Logan's request as an opportunity to prove her sister Ixora wrong. Ixora had always said she was selfish. What could be more redeeming than her carrying a baby for a woman she didn't even like?
Vivian Kay is a Christian fiction author whose faith stories are woven around the themes of human imperfection, redemption and transformation. When she’s not writing or daydreaming about writing, you’ll find her playing simultaneous games of online Scrabble or snuggling up with a good book. Kay’s debut novel, Secret Places, was first published by Brown Girls Books (USA) in November 2015. A wife and mother, Kay lives in a quiet corner of Canada’s banana belt.
I have not read much Christian fiction in awhile. I think a lot of it has become too predictable and too safe. But, when I read books like 'Knit Together', my hope and joy is restored in the genre that is my first love. Marigold was selfish for not really thinking through what she may have to endure as a surrogate; knowing that she really did not care for Alena should have given her pause before making a major decision that would affect her life and others. Because I wanted Marigold and Logan to be together, I was hoping Alena would die.
But the author decided to do other things that had me dropping my jaw, wanting to slap a few characters, and on the verge of tears. In the end I love how Marigold took control of her life and made decisions that would bring peace and healing to her. Thank God for loving grandmothers who lift us up in prayer when we won't, or are too broken to reach out to Jesus. My hope is that Vivian Kay will continue this story. I think more needs to be said. I thought this was the beginning, now we need a middle and an end.
If I could give this story ten stars, I would. In less than one hundred pages, Vivian Kay has woven a poignant tale as she tackles surrogacy, loss, complicated relationships and the true meaning of life and faith. Knit Together is the type of story that will spark conversations and have the reader wondering what the future holds for the characters after it ends. This was my first read by the author, but I'm looking forward to reading her debut novel, Secret Places and future works. What a great storyteller!
Author Vivian Kay has penned a story that is emotional, sometimes funny, sometimes sad, but it carries a message. It’s a short novelette, but the characters are well developed and interesting and it packs quite a punch. Big Momma reminded me so much of my grandmother, I could almost hear her voice. I wanted to smack Marigold’s snooty sister, Ixora, until I found out why she acts that way. Then, I wanted to hug her. I’m still mad at Logan for losing his backbone though, I really wanted him to stand firm. His wife, Alena, left such a bitter taste in my mouth, I had to go brush my teeth after reading her interaction with Logan and Marigold.
Tackling the question of surrogacy, unrequited love, and moral obligation, it also addresses complicated relationships in both love and family, and the question of faith, strength, and belief. Knit Together will, I’m sure, spark conversations in households and book clubs. I’m hoping that there is a continuation of this book, because I absolutely must find out what happens to the characters, especially Logi, Jr.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good, short, “I can’t put this down” read that makes you think, wonder “what-if”, and helps you to realign your faith. (I was at the doctor’s office and the nurse called my name several times, before I finally heard her. Everyone wanted to know what had my attention so hard, lol.)
This short novella was beautifully written. It's mixed with wanting to be selfless and the story of redemption. A great deal of me rooted for the main character Marigold and Logan but he was married to Alena. This story was a gently reminder that we are never too far from God and that our Creator will always provide and have our best interests at heart. Even when we feel ill prepared, there are things that are meant to happen in our lives and some things that aren't. I enjoyed reading this story and recommend if you want a quick read with the highs and lows of a regular novel. I am looking forward to the next book in this series and I'm sure you will too.
It's hard to categorize this short novella. It has so many things going on that you would think it should be a larger piece of work. But maybe the fact that it's a short work it what gives this book it's flavor.
Marigold is a woman who can't forget the loss of her parents many years ago. Her best friend, Logan, is a man she's always cared for but now he has moved on and is married to a woman she doesn't like. However, when he comes to her and asks her to be a surrogate mother for them, Marigold has to make the decision if she can do this thing for her best friend and a woman she can't stand.
The story gets inexplicably complicated and by the end of the book, you find yourself thinking about everything. Friendship, marriage, unrequited love, everything. Knit Together packs a wallop of a story in only a few words but man, what a ride!
Knit Together was a great read. I enjoyed getting to know Mari and Logan as well as Big Mama and the other characters. I can't wait to see what happens with each as they move forward in their purpose!