What do you think?
Rate this book
A Place Called Morning
Mae Demaray's life in an old clapboard house on a quiet Minneapolis street had been rich with the hues of security and love, beauty and faith. It carried the scent of flowers, the sound of quiet at daybreak, the laughter of children, the touch of God all giving her the satisfying sense of living life to its fullness. But that was before the March day when Mae's world was shaken at its very center.
The ordinary days leading up to that unforgettable moment were but a quiet prelude to the mad song that followed. Unforeseen and shattering events invaded her well-ordered life and silenced her joy. Unable to make sense of her torn-apart world, Mae retreated from life as she had once known it.
How quickly life had changed. How quickly the colorful became colorless, dressed in shades of black and white, no longer reflecting the light. Yet surely a new day would soon break, with light rising gently, giving hope for restoration
Surely there must be- A Place Called Morning.
The ordinary days leading up to that unforgettable moment were but a quiet prelude to the mad song that followed. Unforeseen and shattering events invaded her well-ordered life and silenced her joy. Unable to make sense of her torn-apart world, Mae retreated from life as she had once known it.
How quickly life had changed. How quickly the colorful became colorless, dressed in shades of black and white, no longer reflecting the light. Yet surely a new day would soon break, with light rising gently, giving hope for restoration
Surely there must be- A Place Called Morning.
342 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1998
198 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
About the author
Ann Tatlock
39 books297 followersAnn Tatlock is a novelist and children’s book author. Her books have received numerous awards, including the Christy Award, the Midwest Book Award and the Silver Angel Award for Excellence in Media. She also serves as managing editor of Heritage Beacon, the historical fiction imprint of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. She lives with her family in Western North Carolina.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
June 3, 2017
I read through this book quickly, not necessarily a good sign. In the case of this book, it was not. So much of this book I read before. Technically, this is the second book that Tatlock wrote so the subsequent books borrowed similar story lines. I read those books first. Tatlock improved with experience, somewhat. Nothing in this book captured my attention. Even though the book lasted 281 pages, the narrative sped through revelation after revelation with so much bein discussed that it nearly gave the reader whiplash.
This book did not survive round two of the "purge."
This book did not survive round two of the "purge."
August 21, 2019
A Place Called Morning by Ann Tatlock is a wonderful novel that takes place in the 1970’s and 80’s but stretches back into the Great Depression.
I continue to enjoy works by Ann Tatlock. She seems to reach deep into the souls of her characters. This time it is a grandmother, Mae Demaray who feels responsible for her grandson’s death while she was babysitting him. So many things from her past start to become clear only after another tragedy. Can she recover from an unforgiven mindset and find joy again? So well written, you feel the emotions of the characters and you truly see into their motivations.
Mae : “ I was running because I didn’t think I should accept His grace. I didn’t think I deserved to be healed of the grief. But something followed me all these years, and that something is four little words: HE RESTORES MY SOUL. Just tonight as I was sitting here thinking about everything that’s happened, I came to see that the Bible doesn’t say He restores my soul if I do this or if I do that. He just does it because that’s the way He is.”
This is a book worth reading and pondering, with spiritual lessons to be gleaned.
* I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own. *
I continue to enjoy works by Ann Tatlock. She seems to reach deep into the souls of her characters. This time it is a grandmother, Mae Demaray who feels responsible for her grandson’s death while she was babysitting him. So many things from her past start to become clear only after another tragedy. Can she recover from an unforgiven mindset and find joy again? So well written, you feel the emotions of the characters and you truly see into their motivations.
Mae : “ I was running because I didn’t think I should accept His grace. I didn’t think I deserved to be healed of the grief. But something followed me all these years, and that something is four little words: HE RESTORES MY SOUL. Just tonight as I was sitting here thinking about everything that’s happened, I came to see that the Bible doesn’t say He restores my soul if I do this or if I do that. He just does it because that’s the way He is.”
This is a book worth reading and pondering, with spiritual lessons to be gleaned.
* I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own. *
July 12, 2018
Had I read the reviews before reading this book- I probably wouldn’t have given the book the time of Day... after all I have many great reads and things to do... however, I got the book with no foreknowledge of others opinions... at first it was slow but as the story went on I found myself drawn in and wondering where the Author, Ann was going to go- (first read of hers). Anyway, the story turns out to be really good- a string of events brings about secrets that were hidden... Also, the bitterness and pain Mae put herself through due to lack of unforgiving... as she finds she has struggled with being angry and unforgiving from childhood- What life lessons she learns and taught from her Mom - even from the grave... oh and the secrets unveiled will in the end bring her own secret... to be honest I hope for a sequel for I’d like to hear what becomes of her and Roy and their future together.... (Ann is there one- already or planned??) - I recommend that you give it a go and travel down memory lane with Mae as she deals with her miserable unforgiving heart... like Mae, I myself had a hard time forgiving myself- unlike her- I forgive others quickly and often (maybe more than I should sometimes- nah)... enjoy!
June 8, 2017
This book was hard to read for a long time. It was slow and depressing and I could hardly bear Mae's attitude toward everything. True, many things in her life were difficult, but who doesn't have difficulty? I got impatient, waiting for her to come to terms with God's, and her daughter's forgiveness, not to mention forgiving herself. It was worth reading to the end, but I tried to hurry, as I was getting tired of feeling so depressed with her.
May 21, 2017
A charming story about middle-aged Mae, who allowed fear and lack of forgiveness to keep her from living a life of confidence and purpose . It took tragedy, disappointment and shock to make her finally realize the steps she had to take to find meaning in life again. I enjoyed the surprise ending which wrapped it all up and closed the book with a smile.
April 15, 2018
I really enjoyed this book although at times it got me crying so hard I could barely read the words. It was a real thought provoking book and I think I learned a lot from this book. And I'm glad everything turned out okay in the end.
March 25, 2017
A story well told.
Ann Tatlock weaves a story of family and the joy of being included. But due to a series of events, secrets come to light. A great read. I highly recommend it.
Ann Tatlock weaves a story of family and the joy of being included. But due to a series of events, secrets come to light. A great read. I highly recommend it.
July 8, 2019
In the novel A Place Called Morning by Ann Tatlock, Mae Demaray faces a grandparent’s worst nightmare. Her two-year-old grandson died while in her care, due to a moment of carelessness on her part.
Long after her daughter and son-in-law forgive her, Mae can’t forgive herself. She refuses to be alone with her other grandchildren, withdraws from the ministry she enjoyed for years at the children’s hospital, withdraws, in fact, from almost everything, including God. Mae’s daughter tries various ways to draw Mae out, but Mae resists.
The one activity she does keep up is her relationship with Roy, an old family friend. Roy is a few years older than her and has some kind of mental or learning disability. For as long as she can remember, her mother invited Roy from the orphanage for dinner and family get-togethers. Now her parents and her husband have all passed away, and Roy lives in a boarding house. Mae has Roy over for lunch a couple of times a week. He does odd jobs around the house and yard for her. The upkeep on her house, inherited from her parents, is too much for her, and the extra cash helps his fixed income.
Then another crushing family tragedy occurs, this one threatening her relationship with Roy. But in the aftermath, a long-buried family secret is revealed. Though it throws Mae for a loop at first, ultimately it opens her eyes and causes all her walls to come crashing down.
As a grandmother, the first part of this book was hard to read. I could really identify with Mae’s feelings in the loss of her grandson.
I loved the truths Ann brought out about relationships with family and with God. I loved where Mae ended up.
Long after her daughter and son-in-law forgive her, Mae can’t forgive herself. She refuses to be alone with her other grandchildren, withdraws from the ministry she enjoyed for years at the children’s hospital, withdraws, in fact, from almost everything, including God. Mae’s daughter tries various ways to draw Mae out, but Mae resists.
The one activity she does keep up is her relationship with Roy, an old family friend. Roy is a few years older than her and has some kind of mental or learning disability. For as long as she can remember, her mother invited Roy from the orphanage for dinner and family get-togethers. Now her parents and her husband have all passed away, and Roy lives in a boarding house. Mae has Roy over for lunch a couple of times a week. He does odd jobs around the house and yard for her. The upkeep on her house, inherited from her parents, is too much for her, and the extra cash helps his fixed income.
Then another crushing family tragedy occurs, this one threatening her relationship with Roy. But in the aftermath, a long-buried family secret is revealed. Though it throws Mae for a loop at first, ultimately it opens her eyes and causes all her walls to come crashing down.
As a grandmother, the first part of this book was hard to read. I could really identify with Mae’s feelings in the loss of her grandson.
I loved the truths Ann brought out about relationships with family and with God. I loved where Mae ended up.
September 1, 2019
Until the end, I kept thinking this was a three-star. Far too much of the same thing being said, or storylines could have been eliminated, or shortened. However, the last few chapters took it up a notch.
"Miss May" was a woman who lived in perpetual grief. She can't forgive herself for a tragic accident that claimed the life of her beloved grandchild. Years go by in a cloud of regret dreaming of what she’d do differently on that day.
But events following another tragedy is truly the best part of the book. If I ever feel the need to make a shrine of guilt again, I will remember those chapters and occasionally re-read them.
Memorable characters:
Roy (Simple, cigar smoking, sweet man)
Mae Demaray (aka: Miss Mae, aka Mother Mae to the orphans)
Sammy: Grandson, Mae's very heart
Ellen, Mae's kind, patient, forgiving daughter
"Miss May" was a woman who lived in perpetual grief. She can't forgive herself for a tragic accident that claimed the life of her beloved grandchild. Years go by in a cloud of regret dreaming of what she’d do differently on that day.
But events following another tragedy is truly the best part of the book. If I ever feel the need to make a shrine of guilt again, I will remember those chapters and occasionally re-read them.
Memorable characters:
Roy (Simple, cigar smoking, sweet man)
Mae Demaray (aka: Miss Mae, aka Mother Mae to the orphans)
Sammy: Grandson, Mae's very heart
Ellen, Mae's kind, patient, forgiving daughter
February 11, 2023
This book is about forgiveness. The main point is that while forgiving others is important, forgiving ourself is going to make the biggest difference in our life going forward.
Even though Mae has been a widow for several years now, she is happy doing volunteer work and caring for her grandson. However, one day she made a mistake which led to a terrible outcome. She cannot move forward. She becomes depressed, rarely leaves her house or interacts with others. This goes on for a long time until another disaster happens which results in Mae's discovering family secrets that totally change her life.
I liked the message in the story, but the book really dragged on for me that's why I gave it three stars. I also should have paid more attention to what years events took place because I found the timeline confusing.
Even though Mae has been a widow for several years now, she is happy doing volunteer work and caring for her grandson. However, one day she made a mistake which led to a terrible outcome. She cannot move forward. She becomes depressed, rarely leaves her house or interacts with others. This goes on for a long time until another disaster happens which results in Mae's discovering family secrets that totally change her life.
I liked the message in the story, but the book really dragged on for me that's why I gave it three stars. I also should have paid more attention to what years events took place because I found the timeline confusing.
July 15, 2023
Let me start by saying, I’m an atheist. I don’t look for books with a god or Jesus as a central theme. When characters are constantly praying for some answer or another, it’s time for me to look for a new book.
But THIS book…I LOVED this book! Ann Tatlock has a way of creating a character that fills in every corner and crevice of who they are.
You don’t have to be a Christian to understand and enjoy this story, but believing that kindness matters will help you fall in love with it. Five full stars.
But THIS book…I LOVED this book! Ann Tatlock has a way of creating a character that fills in every corner and crevice of who they are.
You don’t have to be a Christian to understand and enjoy this story, but believing that kindness matters will help you fall in love with it. Five full stars.
August 18, 2018
Never disappointed with Ann Tatlock.
I so love Ann Tatlock! Never do I get tired of her books. This one was no exception. I think this one is her best so far, but I still have a few more to read. The Way she puts Christianity in her books makes the reader feel like there is hope! The relationships in her books run deep. I feel like I personally know each and everyone of them. Thank you Ann for bringing your books into my life!
I so love Ann Tatlock! Never do I get tired of her books. This one was no exception. I think this one is her best so far, but I still have a few more to read. The Way she puts Christianity in her books makes the reader feel like there is hope! The relationships in her books run deep. I feel like I personally know each and everyone of them. Thank you Ann for bringing your books into my life!
December 13, 2020
Wonderful, Wonderful
I really enjoy the way Ms. Tatlock writes. This is the second book of hers I have read. To me this was written more in an old fashioned style and totally delightful. Mae was a very hard person through most of the book, but I enjoyed the explanations of why certain circumstances came to be. I thought Ellen was very patient and showed much love for her mother. Roy also was a favorite. For me, a totally enjoyable story and I recommend it 100%.
I really enjoy the way Ms. Tatlock writes. This is the second book of hers I have read. To me this was written more in an old fashioned style and totally delightful. Mae was a very hard person through most of the book, but I enjoyed the explanations of why certain circumstances came to be. I thought Ellen was very patient and showed much love for her mother. Roy also was a favorite. For me, a totally enjoyable story and I recommend it 100%.
March 22, 2018
I picked out this book due to the stunning cover. the book starts off with a woman that accidentally causes the death of her grandson. I was hoping for a steady or storyline but it jumps tenses so quickly that the story seems to be missing important parts. I did not finish this book because the jumping around quickly lost my interest
February 4, 2021
A Story of Hope
Sometimes the hardest person to forgive is yourself. For 5 years, Mae has struggled with forgiving herself and accepting the forgiveness of others. It seems that one singular mistake has robbed her of any possible chance for joy ever again.
But in an unexpected turn of events, she learns to forgive, to accept forgiveness, and to live again.
Sometimes the hardest person to forgive is yourself. For 5 years, Mae has struggled with forgiving herself and accepting the forgiveness of others. It seems that one singular mistake has robbed her of any possible chance for joy ever again.
But in an unexpected turn of events, she learns to forgive, to accept forgiveness, and to live again.
December 31, 2016
Not her best!
It felt like the author was trying to peruse the concept of forgiveness without, in my opinion, fully understanding that sometimes forgiveness can take a lifetime. Maybe it's just me, and where I'm at but in my opinion not one of Tatlocks best.
It felt like the author was trying to peruse the concept of forgiveness without, in my opinion, fully understanding that sometimes forgiveness can take a lifetime. Maybe it's just me, and where I'm at but in my opinion not one of Tatlocks best.
June 20, 2017
Learning to forgive
In beginning to read this, I wasn't.sure if it would be to my liking but as I kept reading I became very involved in the storyline. It is a wonderful lesson on forgiving especially ourselves.
In beginning to read this, I wasn't.sure if it would be to my liking but as I kept reading I became very involved in the storyline. It is a wonderful lesson on forgiving especially ourselves.
August 16, 2018
Wonderful!
This book was wonderful and amazing. I LOVE Ann Tatlock’s books - they make me smile and cry - I can’t put them down. She sees people and relationships and God and portrays them like an opening flower - beautiful. 💖
This book was wonderful and amazing. I LOVE Ann Tatlock’s books - they make me smile and cry - I can’t put them down. She sees people and relationships and God and portrays them like an opening flower - beautiful. 💖
April 11, 2020
Some secrets are best left untold.
Accidently leaving the basement door open leads to the death of Mae's two year old grandson and she is unable to forgive herself. Her friendship with Roy since early childhood has an unusual outcome many years later. Good clean story.
Accidently leaving the basement door open leads to the death of Mae's two year old grandson and she is unable to forgive herself. Her friendship with Roy since early childhood has an unusual outcome many years later. Good clean story.
April 9, 2021
An excellent read
This book does an excellent job of addressing the issue of unforgiveness and the toll it takes on a person, robbing one of the ability to really live. As always Ann holds the reader spellbound from beginning to end of the book.
This book does an excellent job of addressing the issue of unforgiveness and the toll it takes on a person, robbing one of the ability to really live. As always Ann holds the reader spellbound from beginning to end of the book.
March 8, 2025
Bittersweet story of a woman’s struggle to forgive herself after the tragic loss of her grandson due to a mistake and accident. When she learns a hidden truth about herself, it unlocks her ability to forgive herself and return to a life of joy.
January 23, 2019
The subject matter was difficult. I can’t imagine what this grandmother went through. Depressing book but glad she had somewhat peaceful resolve in the end.
January 29, 2019
Great story!
February 18, 2019
Great book
Loved this book. I couldn’t stop reading it. It was so heartwarming and I loved Roy. Thank you for a sweet, lovely story.
Loved this book. I couldn’t stop reading it. It was so heartwarming and I loved Roy. Thank you for a sweet, lovely story.
February 26, 2019
Wonderful book
Such a happy book. There were some sad things, but all the same, this book was very uplifting. Makes you think you should forgive yourself for some things too.
Such a happy book. There were some sad things, but all the same, this book was very uplifting. Makes you think you should forgive yourself for some things too.
March 5, 2019
Such a good story
I really enjoyed this, it was hard to put down. My heart broke with Mae's throughout the story. In the end, forgiveness is all that matters.
I really enjoyed this, it was hard to put down. My heart broke with Mae's throughout the story. In the end, forgiveness is all that matters.
April 23, 2019
A lot of twists and turns
This book was very thought provoking and had a very good story line. Don't know what you got til it's gone kind of story line.
This book was very thought provoking and had a very good story line. Don't know what you got til it's gone kind of story line.
June 18, 2019
Would have enjoyed it more if they hadn’t gone on and on about forgiveness; forgiving self....that aspect was overdone in my opinion 🤷♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2019
I just finished this book and loved it so much! I am very sentimental and this just about did me in! I think it's probably right up there with my favorites!
September 3, 2019
Wonderful
I love to read Family Sagas and this one did not disappoint! I had never read any of Ann Tatlock's writings before, but I will be doing so in the future.
I love to read Family Sagas and this one did not disappoint! I had never read any of Ann Tatlock's writings before, but I will be doing so in the future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews