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Women of Hope #1
Ribbon of Years
A realistic portrayal of a woman committed to God despite her circumstances. Miriam's unwavering faith throughout the decades of her life not only sustains her, but also impacts the lives of those around her in miraculous ways. Fans of Francine Rivers will love the inviting style of Robin Lee Hatcher.
312 pages, Hardcover
First published July 13, 2001
598 people are currently reading
881 people want to read
About the author
Robin Lee Hatcher
142 books3,013 followersRobin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 90 novels and novellas with over five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Her numerous awards include the RITA® Award, Christy Award, Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award, and she is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America®. When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. A mother and grandmother, Robin makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog.
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January 15, 2021Ribbon of Years is so very dear to me. My mom was my inspiration for Miriam, a woman of strong faith who endures much hardship, and although Mom never saw herself in the protagonist, Ribbon of Years was her favorite book of mine. Mom's been gone since 2010, and whenever someone says how much they love Ribbon of Years, it's like a warm hug from Mom.
January 19, 2020
Anyone who ever said that Christian fiction is easy or fluffy has never read this book (and probably not this author). This is an intense book about a woman who was in many ways a Naomi of her time. Miriam goes through the unimaginable time and time again, from WW2 all the way up to the 1980s. Her story is told in sections by her friends at the estate sale which takes place in her home after her death, reminiscing about the incredible ways this strong woman touched their lives. Being a Christian isn’t easy but Miriam didn’t budge in her faith and her desire to send others on the way of life even as her earthy life crumbled piece by piece. This is not an easy read but it’s incredibly inspiring.
March 16, 2024
Ribbon of Years by Robin Lee Hatcher (5⭐)
This book was a surprising five stars! I’m really glad it was recommended to me. It left me feeling all of the emotions. Things that I knew were going to happen but I still wasn’t prepared for. I loved the characters, especially the love story as well as the faith content was fantastic!
There were topics near the end of the story that I felt the author handled exceptionally well. It could have gone in a worldly direction very quickly, but Robin Lee Hatcher spinned it back to the Lord and I loved how she did it.
Might end up in my favorites of the year!
This book was a surprising five stars! I’m really glad it was recommended to me. It left me feeling all of the emotions. Things that I knew were going to happen but I still wasn’t prepared for. I loved the characters, especially the love story as well as the faith content was fantastic!
There were topics near the end of the story that I felt the author handled exceptionally well. It could have gone in a worldly direction very quickly, but Robin Lee Hatcher spinned it back to the Lord and I loved how she did it.
Might end up in my favorites of the year!
July 11, 2022
A book review: A Ribbon of Years by Robin Lee Hatcher
Topic or themes I saw: The progression of faith in lives. Being tuned into how God leads then following that despite the opinions of others. How that can influence lives. Doing what God lays on our hearts even if you don’t understand it completely.
Who it may interest: Those who love women’s fiction. Anyone who would enjoy following a woman’s life through younger years all the way through her death. A woman who some may say had gotten a hard lot in life, but how even in the pain how she learned to walk through it. Anyone who loves Francine Rivers or Lynn Austin will most likely enjoy this book.
Story: This book explores the topic of hardships and pain. It’s focus is of one woman’s life but it’s told through many different characters over many years. It’s a story that shows how God works in individual hearts and in the big picture when we can see past the pain of today. It shows real fears, feelings, and real abiding faith and the God who reaches down and pulls us closer to Him, even when it feels our world is falling apart. It’s a story that plays right to the heart of what I believe: a life well lived can shape the stories of other hearts. It can reach out and impact others in ways we never can imagine. It’s a story that shows how great our God is. I loved this book. This was a story I needed when I read it.
Ease of reading: Easy
Main takeaway: God will always provide. Even when we don’t understand, even when it’s painful He provides. It’s worth it to remain faithful to Him, that’s a life well lived.
Topic or themes I saw: The progression of faith in lives. Being tuned into how God leads then following that despite the opinions of others. How that can influence lives. Doing what God lays on our hearts even if you don’t understand it completely.
Who it may interest: Those who love women’s fiction. Anyone who would enjoy following a woman’s life through younger years all the way through her death. A woman who some may say had gotten a hard lot in life, but how even in the pain how she learned to walk through it. Anyone who loves Francine Rivers or Lynn Austin will most likely enjoy this book.
Story: This book explores the topic of hardships and pain. It’s focus is of one woman’s life but it’s told through many different characters over many years. It’s a story that shows how God works in individual hearts and in the big picture when we can see past the pain of today. It shows real fears, feelings, and real abiding faith and the God who reaches down and pulls us closer to Him, even when it feels our world is falling apart. It’s a story that plays right to the heart of what I believe: a life well lived can shape the stories of other hearts. It can reach out and impact others in ways we never can imagine. It’s a story that shows how great our God is. I loved this book. This was a story I needed when I read it.
Ease of reading: Easy
Main takeaway: God will always provide. Even when we don’t understand, even when it’s painful He provides. It’s worth it to remain faithful to Him, that’s a life well lived.
December 30, 2018
A wonderful Christian story that I really enjoyed! There are many "Ok" Christian books, and many "good" Christian books, but when you get hold of a really great Christian book, you know it and feel it in your whole body, mind and spirit, and that's what this book is - great. It's not easy to explain where God is in severe trials and pain in a Christian's life, but this author not only did it, she did it scripturally and well! I know I'll read this book many more times over the years. Thanks for a great story that I'm sure will encourage many people.
PS. I just realized that there was a glitch when I posted this review. I meant to give it 5 stars but noticed there were only 4. So I've changed it to what I meant it to be all along.
PPS. I have to share too, that although I've read two good books since this one, I still can't get this one out of my mind. That's how good it was. No, it doesn't leave me thinking of some silly fictional romance, but instead keeps bringing me back to the Lord, and His marvelous ways. I find myself reflecting on things the book brought up about Him and His Word. Because of that, I've gained more insight and I believe it's helped me grow in my faith. Not many fictional books can do that, and to me it means this book is a cut above the rest. It's definitely a keeper!
PS. I just realized that there was a glitch when I posted this review. I meant to give it 5 stars but noticed there were only 4. So I've changed it to what I meant it to be all along.
PPS. I have to share too, that although I've read two good books since this one, I still can't get this one out of my mind. That's how good it was. No, it doesn't leave me thinking of some silly fictional romance, but instead keeps bringing me back to the Lord, and His marvelous ways. I find myself reflecting on things the book brought up about Him and His Word. Because of that, I've gained more insight and I believe it's helped me grow in my faith. Not many fictional books can do that, and to me it means this book is a cut above the rest. It's definitely a keeper!
February 2, 2019
This is an awesome stoy of love! It takes Miriam from headstrong teenager to humble, God loving senior adult. She faced many hardships in life, but each one made her stronger. This is the picture of a life lived for others and for God. It’s now one of my favorite reads of all time!
June 30, 2019
Ah, one of the best books I’ve read. Definitely a fave!
December 26, 2020
Story of courage and love.
This was an inspiring and touching story about overcoming life's tragedies by faithfully turning to and trusting in God's word.
This was an inspiring and touching story about overcoming life's tragedies by faithfully turning to and trusting in God's word.
December 24, 2020
This is by far one of the best books I have read. Robin Lee Hatcher is one of my favorite authors. It is one of those books that is hard to put down.
December 19, 2020
A breath of fresh air
I loved “Miriam’s” story. Her life was filled with pain, triumph, and, best of all, faith in a living God. The lives that were touched and changed by her life was encouraging. And challenging.
This was a story well written. I look forward to reading more by this author.
I loved “Miriam’s” story. Her life was filled with pain, triumph, and, best of all, faith in a living God. The lives that were touched and changed by her life was encouraging. And challenging.
This was a story well written. I look forward to reading more by this author.
December 20, 2020
What s your Ribbon like?
While on the journey with Miriam, I kept wondering what my ribbon will be like. Hers is a story of rebellion, of growth mentally, & spiritually. I started the book & couldn’t put it down. Hope you enjoy the Ribbon. What will your be?
While on the journey with Miriam, I kept wondering what my ribbon will be like. Hers is a story of rebellion, of growth mentally, & spiritually. I started the book & couldn’t put it down. Hope you enjoy the Ribbon. What will your be?
December 21, 2020
The story seemed it was like real life
The book is hard to put down as you become involved with each person as if they were real to you.
The book is hard to put down as you become involved with each person as if they were real to you.
December 28, 2018
It's a 10 star novel!
I almost did not get this novel. Oh. I'm so glad I did. Such an inspiring story. Such as inspired life. Yes, it's a great book, but full of heart breaking experiences. But the faith, struggles and path that was taken was rich and fulfilling. And because of one person, she made a huge difference
I almost did not get this novel. Oh. I'm so glad I did. Such an inspiring story. Such as inspired life. Yes, it's a great book, but full of heart breaking experiences. But the faith, struggles and path that was taken was rich and fulfilling. And because of one person, she made a huge difference
July 20, 2020
Loved this book and found it very inspirational!
October 1, 2020
Miriam has passed away and her house and belongings will be sold at auction. Julianne is feeling some discontent and decided to visit the house to view its contents. What she encounters will change her life. India's story is told in flashback by various people important to her through the years, each telling how her Christian life impacted their own. A wonderful read; I couldn't put it down!
June 20, 2019
Just a great story. Beautiful themes of trusting God through everything and how He redeems even the most broken things.
January 26, 2020
Beautiful! I couldn’t put it down.
July 15, 2020
Another favorite of mine from this author that I have read over and over.
June 23, 2025
The story opens with middle-aged Julianna Crosby somewhat at loose ends, feeling there should be more to life. Nothing major is wrong, but she just feels sort of empty, purposeless.
She visits an estate sale, usually one of her favorite activities. As she roams through the house, she finds an upstairs sitting room with a cardboard box labeled “My Life.” The woman at the door had said everything in the house was on sale, so Julianna opened the box. The items inside were a hodgepodge collection that didn’t seem connected.
Just then an elderly man comes into the room and notices the box. He sits down and asks Julianna to pass him the movie poster in the box. He begins to tell Julianna how Miriam, the woman whose house they were in, acquired the poster and what it meant to her.
As a teenager, Miriam had wanted to be an actress. Headstrong and impulsive, she didn’t even want to finish high school: she wanted to run away to Hollywood.
More people come into the room with Julianna and the older man, Jacob McAllister. Each person has some story to tell about Miriam based on one of the items in the box. Through frequent flashbacks, we get the story of Miriam’s life, from a teenage girl headed for trouble, to a young wife who can barely handle her husband being sent off to war, and so on throughout her 80 yeas of life.
She has many ups and down through the years, but eventually finds God faithful and his grace sufficient for all her needs. Her life, then, inspires others–even Julianna’s.
The audiobook of this was free with my Audible subscription at the time. I didn’t realize until I started listening to it that it was narrated by a “Virtual Voice.” I was disappointed, but figured it was free and I’d already started it, so I kept listening.
That was a mistake. The voice sounded human, but the inflections were often wrong. There was no emotion in the voice. Some words were mispronounced. Sometimes the voice sounded garbled and I missed a few words–if this had been a cassette, I would have said it sounded like the tape had wrinkles in places.
Miriam’s life was inspirational, not because she lived it perfectly, but because she learned to rely on God through all that happened to her.
The author said that Miriam was based on her own mother. The audiobook didn’t contain end notes, so I am not sure whether the events of the story occurred in the author’s mother’s life, or whether the character of Miriam reflects the author’s mother–or both.
The story itself was good, but I am afraid I didn’t love it as much as my friend did. I can’t pinpoint exactly why. However, I feel I can recommend it to you–at least the print version–without qualms. Maybe you’ll love it as much as my friend.
She visits an estate sale, usually one of her favorite activities. As she roams through the house, she finds an upstairs sitting room with a cardboard box labeled “My Life.” The woman at the door had said everything in the house was on sale, so Julianna opened the box. The items inside were a hodgepodge collection that didn’t seem connected.
Just then an elderly man comes into the room and notices the box. He sits down and asks Julianna to pass him the movie poster in the box. He begins to tell Julianna how Miriam, the woman whose house they were in, acquired the poster and what it meant to her.
As a teenager, Miriam had wanted to be an actress. Headstrong and impulsive, she didn’t even want to finish high school: she wanted to run away to Hollywood.
More people come into the room with Julianna and the older man, Jacob McAllister. Each person has some story to tell about Miriam based on one of the items in the box. Through frequent flashbacks, we get the story of Miriam’s life, from a teenage girl headed for trouble, to a young wife who can barely handle her husband being sent off to war, and so on throughout her 80 yeas of life.
She has many ups and down through the years, but eventually finds God faithful and his grace sufficient for all her needs. Her life, then, inspires others–even Julianna’s.
The audiobook of this was free with my Audible subscription at the time. I didn’t realize until I started listening to it that it was narrated by a “Virtual Voice.” I was disappointed, but figured it was free and I’d already started it, so I kept listening.
That was a mistake. The voice sounded human, but the inflections were often wrong. There was no emotion in the voice. Some words were mispronounced. Sometimes the voice sounded garbled and I missed a few words–if this had been a cassette, I would have said it sounded like the tape had wrinkles in places.
Miriam’s life was inspirational, not because she lived it perfectly, but because she learned to rely on God through all that happened to her.
The author said that Miriam was based on her own mother. The audiobook didn’t contain end notes, so I am not sure whether the events of the story occurred in the author’s mother’s life, or whether the character of Miriam reflects the author’s mother–or both.
The story itself was good, but I am afraid I didn’t love it as much as my friend did. I can’t pinpoint exactly why. However, I feel I can recommend it to you–at least the print version–without qualms. Maybe you’ll love it as much as my friend.
January 4, 2019
This book starts well. Julianna, a discontented woman in 2001 visits a house she is considering buying, and meets some people connected with Miriam, who used to own the house. The story switches between past and present, and we first meet Miriam as a headstrong teenager in 1936.
Julianna is not really developed at all, and by the time I'd reached the end I'd forgotten almost everything about her. Miriam's is the main story, and while it's mainly one of faith, she's so dogged by tragedy that I found it all rather depressing. Some controversial issues are covered towards the end, and I thought they were done well given the genre of American Christian fiction - although some of Miriam's comments would probably cause friction in more fundamentalist circles.
I felt there was far too much introspection and discussion of what it means to be a believer; superfluous for those who are, and off-putting to those who are not.
I liked some of this author's other books a lot better. But it was a free download for my Kindle, and not a bad read for an otherwise boring flight.
Julianna is not really developed at all, and by the time I'd reached the end I'd forgotten almost everything about her. Miriam's is the main story, and while it's mainly one of faith, she's so dogged by tragedy that I found it all rather depressing. Some controversial issues are covered towards the end, and I thought they were done well given the genre of American Christian fiction - although some of Miriam's comments would probably cause friction in more fundamentalist circles.
I felt there was far too much introspection and discussion of what it means to be a believer; superfluous for those who are, and off-putting to those who are not.
I liked some of this author's other books a lot better. But it was a free download for my Kindle, and not a bad read for an otherwise boring flight.
February 10, 2019
I would give this book at least a ten. Remarkable story about remarkable people. The author's spirituality and her bible knowledge is amazing. Some of her scriptural interpretations really caused me to stop and realize that the bible is not of one man's interpretation. I was brought to tears several times, joyful ones, sad ones but OMG ones. (meaning how much her bible interpretations made me think 'out of the box.' And I am a bible student for over fifty years now.) You will love this book as much as all the others do. GO FOR IT!
May 24, 2019
I want to be like Miriam. If someone looked through a box of keepsakes after I die, I would be so happy if what was in the box brought to mind a legacy of faith and love and strength in the face of adversity. Miriam started out as a rebellious teenager seeking glamour and fame, but she matured into a woman of God who shared her love and faith with everyone around her. Hearing her story inspired a woman who had never even met her to come to faith and change her life. This entertaining story demonstrated what a life of faith looks like.
July 12, 2017
My absolute favorite of Robin’s books! A poignant reminder that God is truly with us every step of the way in life’s journey, and if we trust in Him, we can experience joy even in the midst of extremely challenging circumstances.
“Yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength…” - Habakkuk 3: 18-19a
“...For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” - Hebrews 13:5b
“Yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength…” - Habakkuk 3: 18-19a
“...For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” - Hebrews 13:5b
December 23, 2018
I don't think there is anything wrong with this book but it left me feeling depressed so not for me. This was not because the book was depressing but I tend to find anything that looks at someone's whole life to be sad. It is good to remember that our time in life is fleeting and I do not think old age or even death are depressing in themselves but a whole life condensed to moments in a book or even a treasure box is sad. I hope many others find it inspiring.
January 8, 2019
Ribbon of Years by Robin Lee Hatcher
Enjoyed this book as it is two stories in one. Starts out with the life of Miriam and how she grew up and even into adulthood and family of her own.
Also follows Julianna and she's on her own but stumbles into an estate that holds the events of Miriams' life in the remains of the house.
Enjoyed the read, a lot of scripture and praying at the end-almost too much for me. Loved the story and how it eveolved over the years from all angles.
Enjoyed this book as it is two stories in one. Starts out with the life of Miriam and how she grew up and even into adulthood and family of her own.
Also follows Julianna and she's on her own but stumbles into an estate that holds the events of Miriams' life in the remains of the house.
Enjoyed the read, a lot of scripture and praying at the end-almost too much for me. Loved the story and how it eveolved over the years from all angles.
January 12, 2019
ebook 2018 version. original book 2001. Just as relevant today is this story. Even to Robin's recent book to me the theme is legacy. What am I leaving for those after me. The legacy is a faith in God and his goodness towards us. His faithfulness is his reward. The story was a reflection of Miriam's life through the town she lived in, parents n brother, church family, friends, husband, praying mother. tissues needed.
January 25, 2019
Two stories--one set in Boise, Idaho, in a house for sale, with a box of keepsakes--just an old poster, a small tray, a soldier's cap, a Nixon button, a black and white photo, and a soda fountain glass. But the keepsakes lead to a ribbon of stories of one woman, who had influenced the people connected to those mementos. It's a many-layered narration of the misdeeds humans are prone to, but also of God-centered redemption.
January 21, 2021
This story covers a span of 7 decades and is the story of Miriam and her life; it picks up when she is 15. Her story is told from her friend after her death to a younger woman (Joanna) at an estate sale so the story goes back and forth from "memories and the past" to present day. Hearing the changes in Miriam's life has an effect on Joanna. It was interesting to think about the stories that would be told of my life and the things I would put in a box to remember my life by.
September 2, 2024
For the most part, I loved this story. It was a touching concept of having each decade of Miriam's life showcased as the book progressed. I was disappointed in the chapters regarding Miriam's son, as I hope that we have made progress in understanding human sexuality as it relates to the Christian faith since this book was written. But aside from that part of the story, I found the overall plot of the book very moving, and enjoyed it immensely.
February 20, 2025
A love story for the soul
Wow! This story was so well written. Miriam's life was laced with human love and the love of God. She shared it with everyone who crossed her path as an adult. Life was exciting to the young girl seeking adventure and to be lived to the fullness. The characters were well written and so real. So was the story. I got so caught up in it that it encouraged me in my own faith walk with Jesus.
Wow! This story was so well written. Miriam's life was laced with human love and the love of God. She shared it with everyone who crossed her path as an adult. Life was exciting to the young girl seeking adventure and to be lived to the fullness. The characters were well written and so real. So was the story. I got so caught up in it that it encouraged me in my own faith walk with Jesus.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews