This is an amazing novel that I picked up at my work’s book exchange. I figured, it probably won’t amount to much-so I can just put it back on the shelf….but it surprised me. The characters have an amazing depth, that makes them real/accessible to the reader.This is the story of two widows, and how their paths meet in difficult circumstances, and how each learn from the other-about living, love, relationships. Sandra is “encased in ice” after her husband’s death, while Mattie moves from one sewing project to the other. The story revolves around women’s history-textiles. How each thread has a history, and how crafts do not really change. A very well done first novel.

Ever since Jack’s funeral Sandra had been covered in glass.