ST. FRANCIS SOCIETY FOR WAYWARD PETS

Sarah Naughton delivers a charming narration of this story about a woman discovering herself as she becomes acquainted with her late mother. Maeve Stephens is recovering from a humiliating breakup, a mugging, and a lost job when she learns that her biological mother, Annabelle, has died. Naughton portrays the overwhelmed protagonist with tender humor, capturing her reluctant journey to Timber Creek to attend the funeral. There she becomes involved with the nosy small-town community. Naughton captures the townsfolk with equal deftness. Transitions between the voice of Maeve in the present and that of Annabelle as a girl are seamless. Both portrayals add to the heartwarming nature of the story as Maeve stumbles upon the true mission of the seemingly bland knitting society. A quietly empowering story is told with wit and wistfulness. M.F. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2020]