Dear Author Patti Mobile,
I had to wipe the tears from my eyes before I could write to you. I finished reading your beautiful book, Lily Hills, and it left me feeling hopeful and encouraged that beauty and love still remain in our world. Your writing is sensitive, compassionate, engaging, and deeply entertaining; a very refreshing story.
Patti, in offering Lily Hills to your readers, you gently ask a powerful question: What is a family? Through your story, you remind us that family is not merely defined by blood, but by love, loyalty, sacrifice, and the willingness to understand one another.
Your book spans the years from the 1950s to the 1980s, and I so enjoyed meeting the three families you so thoughtfully portray — a Japanese family, a Black family, and a White family. Though each comes from different backgrounds and beliefs, they are united by kindness, compassion, and resilient hearts.
Much of this touching story unfolds at Lily Hills, a lovely flower farm owned and managed by Coral and her dear friend. Life is difficult in the years following World War II, and Coral faces many struggles, yet through perseverance and grace, she continues to nurture both the land and the lives around her. When she meets the Japanese family, she is deeply moved by their care and commitment, and together they flourish amidst the flowers. As the third family becomes part of their unfolding story, love, hard work, and positive thinking create a truly beautiful world for them all.
Your words, “We must share love and teach this to our children,” and “To treat each other fairly, we must take the time to get to know one another,” echo long after the final page. This message touched my heart deeply.
I feel truly blessed to have read such a thoughtful and encouraging story. Thank you for sharing your heart, your wisdom, and your love of families, community, and good works. May God continue to guide and bless you in all your writing endeavors.
With sincere gratitude,
Jean Mader for Dear Author Book Reviews/Speak Up Talk Radio