Welcome back to Mason, Missouri, and its endearing inhabitants. Readers will remember meeting some of the characters in NIGHT OF MIRACLES in Elizabeth Berg’s previous book, THE STORY OF ARTHUR TRULUV. Mason is a place where everyone knows everyone, or at least knows about them. Various old timers, newcomers, couples, singles and children are all part of the fabric of this town.

NIGHT OF MIRACLES is a story filled with hope, friendship and what it means to belong to a community. At the heart of it all is Lucille Howard.

"This peek into a slice of life in a town will make you laugh out loud, yet tears may fall. It is always important to remember the spirit of the season and what it means to care for one another."

Although Lucille feels that she is past the time of importance and relevance, this is not so to the people who know and love her. Lucille, who is a marvel at baking, has found her niche late in life. Her cakes, cookies and pies are mouthwatering, and she now teaches classes. Plus, the local restaurant wants her to provide cakes for them.

This new venture will help keep Lucille busy, since her good friend Arthur Truluv has passed away. His adopted daughter, Maddy, and granddaughter, Lola, continue to be a part of her life. They stop by often, even though they live some distance away. Their latest visit brings good news: Maddy is getting married. Lucille, of course, will bake the wedding cake.

Lucille’s business is booming. When she places a help-wanted ad, Iris Winters enters her life. Iris has past regrets that leave her with bitterness over her divorce. Mason offers her the opportunity to begin again, and Iris hopes to get the job. Only time will tell how this chance at rebuilding her life will work out.

But life in Mason is full of surprises, including romance. Monica, the waitress at Polly’s Henhouse where Lucille’s cakes will be a tasty addition to the menu, is hoping that Tiny, a local man and frequent customer, will finally ask her out. He is intrigued by Monica, but neither seems to be able to reach out to the other.

And then the young couple next door to Lucille find themselves facing a difficult health crisis. In Mason, neighbors look out for each other. Lucille will help care for little Lincoln so that Jason can be with his wife Abby during her treatments.

Lucille misses Arthur, as well as Frank, the lost love of her life who reenters it only to pass away a short time later. She has so much more to do, and to give. But then she receives the night visitor, as the angel of death appears. Has she run out of time? Whatever happens, the town of Mason and the people who live and love there will help each other through it.

This is the time of year when a book that fills the senses about love, longing, whimsy, hope and community is cherished. Elizabeth Berg’s latest work is just that story. This peek into a slice of life in a town will make you laugh out loud, yet tears may fall. It is always important to remember the spirit of the season and what it means to care for one another.