At a glance
A Tapestry of Light
Christian historical fiction
A Tapestry of Light
Book 2 of the Dreams of India series
432 pages · First published 2021
In 1886 Calcutta, Ottilie Russell struggles to find her place between two cultures, belonging fully to neither the British society of her father nor the Indian community of her mother. After losing her parents, she supports her young brother, Thaddeus, and their grandmother through the delicate art of beetle-wing embroidery, a skill passed down through generations of Indian women. But when Englishman Everett Scott arrives with astonishing news that Thaddeus has inherited a barony, Ottilie faces the possibility of losing the little family she has left. Tragedy eventually forces them to England, where her brother's new position offers opportunity while Ottilie encounters fresh prejudice, painful family secrets, and an unexpected attraction to Everett. As she fights to protect Thaddeus's heritage and discover where she truly belongs, Ottilie must confront difficult questions about identity, love, and God's faithfulness. Rich in historical detail and beautiful language, this moving Christian historical novel is perfect for a rainy afternoon or a long winter evening when you're craving memorable characters, a journey of faith, and hope woven through heartbreak.
Paired for this story
Jump to the pours ↓Mango Chai + Gin and Tonic
Choose your bookseller
Find the Book
Print retailers offer a search when an exact edition is unavailable. Kindle links open a specific edition. Audiobook links may open an edition or a search.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Book Bartender earns from qualifying purchases. Bookshop.org links also earn us a commission on qualifying purchases. Your price is not affected. Read the full affiliate disclosure.
No surprises at chapter twelve
Content notes
Racism, colorism, and discrimination against people of mixed British and Indian heritage; colonial prejudice and social exclusion; deaths of family members, including parental loss; sustained grief, loneliness, and periods of emotional despair; threats of family separation and loss of cultural identity; family secrets, betrayal, and class-based mistreatment; references to historical colonial violence.
Alcohol-Free Pour
Mango Chai
Sweet mango and comforting chai evoke the flavors of India and the treasured heritage Ottilie strives to preserve, even as her life carries her far from home.
What you'll need
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.How to mix it
- Steep the tea and any herbs or whole spices in hot water according to the tea type, then strain. Stir in sweetener and juices. Serve hot.
- Garnish: Citrus peel, herb, or fruit from the recipe, if applicable.
- Glassware: Mug.
Shop glassware & tools
We earn a commission from qualifying purchases through these Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.
Mug ↗Cocktail Pour · 21+
Gin and Tonic
For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
A classic gin and tonic recalls the intertwined histories of Britain and India, its bittersweet balance reflecting Ottilie's struggle to find belonging between two cultures.
What you'll need
- 2 oz gin
- 4 oz tonic water ↗
- 1 lime wedge ↗
- Ice
Shop the spirits 21+Search Total Wine for Gin · 21+ ↗
How to mix it
- Fill a highball glass with ice. Add the gin, then gently pour in the tonic water. Stir briefly to combine. Squeeze the lime wedge over the drink and add it to the glass.
- Garnish: Lime wedge.
- Glassware: Highball glass.
Shop glassware & tools
We earn a commission from qualifying purchases through these Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.
Highball glass ↗Set up the bar cart
Shop the Barware
Find the glasses and tools for your next pour.