Placemaker by Christie Purifoy

When I first saw the title, Placemaker, I had to look up what the word means. I was pleased to discover that it means exactly what it says, one who makes places for others and themselves.

In Placemaker, Purifoy goes through her homes throughout the years and connects them with not only the trees that grew there but how those trees relate to what God taught her in the midst of that placemaking. She covers a wide range of theological issues with ease through the overarching symbol of trees. But maybe the best part is something she discovers and brings home in the midst of her sadness.

In the chapter "Rainbow Eucalyptus and Roses," she talks about Hawaii and their amazing rainbow eucalyptus trees. She also talks about the loss of her brother in law. Within that trip to Hawaii, she shares a conversation that she has with an old surfer and how she sees that he encounters the world through waves the same as she does through trees and gardens. She shares how each of us has that thing that we understand with the deepest part of our heart and how God talks to us with that love.

Overall, it is a great read for the spring and that time in between your preparations for the garden in the fall and the hard work that will be summer. That in-between place filled with longing and hope. If you are intrigued or invested in the creating of places for others to be, this is a good book to add to your collection.

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of review from Handlebar Publishing. I'm never required to share a positive review but I'm always thankful when I can.

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