By Allison Bottke
Bethany House
Paperback and Large Print Editions

Dee Harris is busy with the reconstruction of her life in so many areas. Her 30-year marriage to her husband, Lyle, seems to be over after she caught him having an affair.

Her two 30-plus year old children are still living at home with their father. She lost 150 pounds and has undergone several reconstructive surgeries.

Her career as a consultant has really taken off. All of this, plus she has become a Christian.

A Stitch in Time Excerpt I can tell Areta is uncomfortable, and she’s never uncomfortable. Something’s up. “Dee, I’ve been thinking about this. Why do you think Christian books and secular books are segregated in bookstores?” Huh? “Why do you think we have all of these issues with the separation of church and state?” I’ve been slow on the uptake, but suddenly I get the picture. It’s not about the job – it’s about God. “Tell me I’m not hearing what I think I’m hearing.” “Listen to me, Dee, and don’t take this personally. What I’m saying is that maybe we’ve branched out too far in taking on a faith-based project when we are primarily a business that caters to the secular community. That’s all I’m saying.” ©2006 Allison Bottke Published with permission from Bethany House

Dee’s life is very fast-paced. Her job at LeGrande Enterprises includes helping raise money for causes through events and helping committees plan out projects.

Eating has always been a comfort to Dee, but after her weight loss surgery, she has to be extra careful to eat in a whole new way. At one event, Dee eats an egg roll that wasn’t chewed enough which sent Dee to the ladies room.

This is where she meets Lily. Lily is a very wealthy lady who lives in Las Vegas. She needs help in planning and implementing a huge building project. Is this a divine appointment?

Dee’s boss and friend, Areta, does not understand Dee's Christianity. Stress mounts as reports are given to Areta about Dee aggressively evangelizing clients and coworkers. Where are these anonymous reports coming from?

Dee wants to divorce her husband for she cannot forgive him for the affair. Lyle is not cooperating by not signing the divorce papers. Her children, Kelsey and Kent, have enjoyed their lives living at home. Their lives begin to change along with their attitudes toward their mother.

Lily’s nephew, Carter, is a handsome cowboy who is on the committee for the project. He becomes an interest to Dee on a personal basis.

Carter’s twin, Colt, died and has left his land for the project to build an art museum that will glorify God in the arts. Problems arise as the committee members have different views on how this should be done. Will the project get started by the January 1 deadline, or will the land be forfeited?

Bookworm's Briefing
Allison Bottke does a wonderful job with her first novel. Her sense of humor and detail gives life to the story and makes it fun and believable.

A Stitch in Time is hard to put down once the reader gets started. The author implies the teaching of what it means to be a Christian in everyday life.