Piece by Piece Author:Laura Bradford A grieving mother learns to heal in Amish country, in this heartfelt, beautifully told novel. — Danielle Parker is a gold-medal mom -- the kind who volunteers in her children’s classrooms, shuttles them between activities, throws legendary birthday parties, and has a remedy on hand for any emergency. Whatever her husband, Jeff, and t... more »heir children need, Dani is there, always. Except for one day.
On that day -- the day that Dani reluctantly takes some “me time” while her mom and Jeff drive the children to the park -- the unthinkable happens. The car crash leaves no survivors. Somehow, Dani gets through the funerals and visits, accepting neighbors’ sympathy and dropped-off meals. All the while, guilt and grief make her wish the accident had claimed her life too. Then a call comes from Lydia Schlabach, an Amish woman Dani befriended in childhood. In addition to condolences, Lydia offers Dani something more: a place to escape to.
In Pennsylvania’s Amish country, Dani’s days take on a new rhythm, marked by the clip-clop of buggies and the bustle of chores. Lydia gives Dani space to mourn, to think, and to realize how long it’s been since she felt like a person in her own right. And with the help of friendships old and new, Dani learns about the ways life continues to surprise us -- even after the deepest loss -- with joy, love, and second chances. . . .« less