Little Girls in Matching Dresses: And Other Tales of Mothers, Daughters & Grandmothers Hardcover – Bargain Price, April 7, 2009

I have recently read the book, Little Girls in Matching Dresses, and I absolutely adored this book. Faith Andrews Bedford has such a down to earth style of writing and capturing treasured memories. This book made me think about how the most special moments in our lives are just little ordinary occurences, such as searching for seaglass and seashells with our children, or taking a walk through the woods. We don't need extravagant things to make treasured memories; it's the simple things that will linger in the minds of our children. I especially loved the chapter entitled "Migrations." As a person who loves to spend time by the shore, I was truly able to connect with this chapter. Ms. Bedford's book will make you want to go get a journal and start recording all of your own treasured memories with your family. This book is a must-read treasure.

I loved Faith's columns in Country Living for years and was so excited to learn from her website that she has a new book out (I bought several of her previous book Barefoot Summers as gifts). This darling little (5 x 7") book with its pretty white cover is going to make perfect Mother's Day gifts for all the women in my family. The stories are timeless, I can see giving it a gift for years to come. I couldn't wait to read it and found the collection of stories as heartwarming as those she has written before. I loved her gentle way of reminding her children just how much time people spend when they choose a gift and why a thank you note is so important. And I got tears in my eyes as she described her mother's joy in finding perfect matching dresses for Faith and her sisters. Each story is a little jewel.

Faith Andrews Bedford has a remarkable gift as a storyteller. She paints a warm and moving picture of her childhood and her life as a Mother. I especially enjoyed her description of a hawk watch in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Then again, the story of a golden thimble found in an old sewing machine, which led to a wonderful detective story, was delightful too. And I should not forget to mention the anecdote of 'A Walk with a Child' which reminded me of my own grandchildren. Actually, I just loved all of her stories. They are funny and sad and heartwarming.