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Stories That Bind UsSusie Finkbeiner

Christian historical fiction

Stories That Bind Us

by Susie Finkbeiner

After her husband dies suddenly in 1963, Betty Sweet struggles to imagine a future beyond the quiet Michigan life they shared. Her estranged sister Clara arrives with a five-year-old son Betty never knew existed, then leaves the boy in her care. As Betty uses imaginative stories to comfort him, hidden family history and the realities of race in their community complicate the home they are learning to build. Warm and bittersweet, this novel suits readers who enjoy midcentury settings, unexpected motherhood, sister secrets, storytelling as connection, and found-family narratives that acknowledge prejudice while preserving hope.

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Amherst Meadow Tea + Chapterhouse Amber Ale

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At a glance

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Spice0 of 5
Suspense2 of 5
Creepy0 of 5
What do these symbols mean? →

No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Death of a spouse and bereavement; child abuse and neglect; parental mental illness and institutionalization; racism toward a biracial child; family abandonment and trauma.

Alcohol-Free Pour

Amherst Meadow Tea

A fragrant cup of tea suits an unhurried afternoon between the pages.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. 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.
  2. Garnish: Citrus peel, herb, or fruit from the recipe, if applicable.
  3. Glassware: Mug.
21+

Cocktail Pour · 21+

Chapterhouse Amber Ale

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

Pour a mellow amber ale and make room for another chapter.

What you'll need

  • 12 oz Amber ale

How to mix it

  1. Pour into a clean pint glass and serve at the appropriate cool serving temperature.
  2. Garnish: None.
  3. Glassware: Pint glass.

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