A Tapestry of Light (Dreams of India)

Sometimes, when we are most alone, the God who sees and knows is closer than ever. 1885 in Calcutta, India was a time of change. The author gives us incredible detail of what life was like. Ottilie Russel has lost her father and two siblings to cholera and now has lost her mother to an accident, leaving her young brother, Thaddeus in her care. Nani (grandmother) lives with them and they manage to scrap out a living with the gorgeous beetle-wing embroidery Ottilie sells. Cholera strikes again, but not before a totally unexpected visitor arrives, bringing with him a complete status change for six year old Thaddeus. A move to England may bring safety from that dreaded cholera, but it doesn’t bring peace to Ottilie. The issues of mixed race, prejudice and feelings of unworthiness are very gently worked through. For one so far from home, how could acceptance into society be so very important? Will her faltering faith be enough to help her learn to love and appreciate her new home? Can life be separated into a before and after or are life’s seasons a mix of both? I loved the way the author gives us a glimpse of what is going on in Ottilie’s mind - an opportunity to watch the light change the tapestry of her world and those around her. This ARC was received through Baker Publishing Group, Bethany House Publishers, CelebrateLit and NetGalley. My rating, thoughts and impressions were in no way solicited.