Ribbon of Years
Setting: Idaho, 1936-2001
A Timeless Journey of Love, Loss, and Unwavering Grace
Julianna Crosby feels adrift at forty-four, her comfortable life a gilded cage of unfulfilling routine. Desperate for a "do over," she stumbles upon an estate sale and a mysterious cardboard box simply marked "My Life." Inside, a collection of seemingly random trinkets holds the key to a woman's extraordinary journey, sparking an unexpected quest for meaning in Julianna's own restless soul.
From the rebellious River Bluff teenager who dreamt of Hollywood glamour in 1936, to the steadfast wife and mother navigating the heartbreaks of war and unexpected loss, Miriam Tucker's life was a tapestry woven with both immense joy and profound sorrow. Each item in her box—a faded service cap, a child's decorated tray, a cracked photograph—unveils a chapter of unwavering faith, enduring love, and the quiet resilience of a woman who learned to lean on God even when life seemed impossibly unfair.
As Julianna unearths Miriam's secrets, she discovers not just the raw reality of a life lived through a turbulent century, but the enduring power of a God who redeems every broken piece. Ribbon of Years is a deeply moving saga that explores the interwoven threads of faith, family, and unexpected grace. It's a testament to how one woman's journey through heartbreak and triumph can inspire a desperate soul to find her own "do over" in the unwavering love of Christ. Prepare to be swept away, to question what truly matters, and to find hope for your own ribbon of years.
Awards & Recognitions
RITA® Award Finalist
Named a Top Ten Favorite Novel of 2001 by Christianbook.com
Endorsements
“Nothing thrills my reader’s heart more than a novel filled with grace! RIBBON OF YEARS gently unfurls like satin, rolling through the second half of the twentieth century, capturing the nuances of each decade through the eyes of one remarkable woman. I finished her story with my eyes filled with tears and my heart filled with one prayer: ‘Lord, let me be like Miriam, overflowing with grace!'” — Liz Curtis Higgs, New York Times bestselling author
“Robin is a gifted writer whose novels unfailingly stir and challenge readers’ hearts.” — Francine Rivers, New York Times bestselling author
“Robin Lee Hatcher’s heart shines through in RIBBON OF YEARS. It reminded me of God’s profound faithfulness, and the impact one life can have on so many others.” — Terri Blackstock, New York Times bestselling author
Additional Reviews
In what I found to be one of the most gratifying, heart wrenching story this year, RIBBON OF YEARS carefully winds the reader through nearly seventy years of Miriam Gresham’s life… I have long been a fan of Ms. Hatcher’s books, but RIBBON OF YEARS became my favorite. It is not an easy read emotionally, the spans involving the bombing of Pearl Harbor, World War II, and the effects war has on the townspeople can easily relate to today’s War Against Terrorism. This poignant view of one woman’s life is a superb read, and one I am glad I did not miss! Be sure to grab a box of Kleenex first, and curl up with RIBBON OF YEARS. — Romance Reader’s Connection
Miriam’s story examines how trust in God can bring people through difficult times. Readers who enjoy strong character depictions will especially enjoy this story, but keep the tissues handy. Miriam’s life isn’t sugarcoated, but a testament to triumph over adversity. — CBA Marketplace
Hatcher writes with a strength and compassion that celebrates the impact of one devout woman on the people around her. Highly recommended. — Library Journal
In her 39th novel, the award-winning Hatcher ambitiously alternates between the past seven decades and the current one to show how the influence of a life of faith can shape the destiny of others. Juliana is 44, and wishing she could start over with a clean slate. When, at an estate sale, she happens across a box of old trinkets marked “My Life,” she hears firsthand the saga of Miriam, the owner of the box, from those who loved her best… Hatcher progresses through Miriam’s escapades as a teenager to her eventual death, interrupting her life story with the present-day reflections of Juliana, who comes to grips with her need for God. The writing is smooth, there’s some nice historical detail and Hatcher manages the time switches with aplomb… Hatcher, a past president of the Romance Writers of America, won a Christy Award last year for her novel Whispers [From] Yesterday. With five million books in print, she has built a loyal following among fans in both the Christian and romance markets… — Publisher’s Weekly
Bring out the tissues, folks. This is a story from the author’s heart, no doubt, and her best so far. No contrived plot lines or stereotypical characters here. If this is the type of book to expect in the future from Ms. Hatcher, I can’t wait for the next one. — Romantic Times Magazine, 4 1/2 Stars, Top Pick
