Review
Dear Reader: I have never in the past endorsed books, or
reviewed them in my letter, but I feel an inescapable desire to share
with you my latest find. I just finished a book so inspiring, so
passionate, that I literally devoured its 712 pages in three days.
The book,
Among the Lilies is the despairing yet hopeful story of an
Amish girl . . . . --
Jill Borders, Evolving Woman magazine -- publishers letter December 1997I loved the characters. I thought each one was someone I knew
or used to know. The way their lives accidentally connect and fit
together is amazing, just like real life. (Martha McCarty playwright
and freelance writer for
Kansas City Star, New York Times, Hibernia
Magazine etc.)
--
Martha McCarty playwright and freelanceThis compelling expression of a woman's desire for God in the
midst of the reality of the world, touched my soul and stole my
heart. I read it straight through over a weekend. --
Rebecca Wright Vice President, World Visionin regard to the THORPE MENN BOOK AWARD '97 Just a personal
note to let you know how difficult it was to eliminate
Among the
Lilies as our final three choices. Your book was one that kept us
up until the wee hours. It is a powerful story, well-written, and so
thought provoking. (Gloria Bandstra,
American Association of University
Women) --
Gloria Bandstra, American Association of University Women
About the Author
For over three decades, Mary Adriano's primary career has
been wife and mother of five children, two of which are college
graduates, one is presently in college and two still under wing and
foot. A variety of part-time jobs were worked around the children's
schedules--the most enduring was her own painting and wallpapering
business for twenty-plus years.
Classes in Journalism at the University of Missouri at Kansas City
whet her appetite for writing. At first she garnered only rejection
notices for her magazine submissions, but was soon employed as a
freelance regional reporter for the St. Joseph, Missouri, News Press,
the historical and charming Weston, Missouri, her beat.
It was about this time that Mary A. became acquainted with another
Mary in the neighborhood, Mary Bruno. Their love of Scripture led to
many long and deeply reflective discussions on what they had been
reading, the favorite topic being women in Scripture.
It was from Mary Bruno's extensive research into women in Scripture
that the idea of a book on the subject was born. But it was soon
apparent to the Marys that without formal theological training behind
them, chances were slim that a nonfiction book would be taken
seriously.
When Mary A. awakened one morning with a story line running
lickety-split through her mind, she realized it could be the fictional
vehicle to encompass the encouraging word they wished to share with
other woman. In the year that followed, the post-civil war epoch,
Among the Lilies grew to its present girth of 714 pages.
An artist by nature, Mary Bruno limited her talents to projects which
were domestic and child-oriented during the raising of her four
children. As the children began leaving the nest, Mary B. began making
miniature furniture which soon developed into a successful home
business. Not only is Mary's furniture owned by serious collectors
around the United States, but is among the displays at the Miniature
Museum in Kansas City. The Victorian house she painted for the Museum
has graced a Hallmark card nearly every year since. As well as being
in charge of the biblical research for Among the Lilies, the task of
creating the cover design, logo and business cards fell into Mary's
capable hands.
The Marys have set up their own publishing company, Lily Publications,
which has grown to include inspirational works of other women. More
projects are in the works.
