The story of a widow who was left to cope with an unfinished farmhouse and a load of grief and her incredible faith in love and God which helped her get through it all.

The uplifting story of a widow who, after the sudden death of her husband on the first day of their retirement, had to cope with an unfinished farmhouse that lacked amenities such as electricity and running water.

In the midst of her sorrow and adjustments, Joan decided to pursue her plan to build a chapel in the woods dedicated to Mary, the Mother of Jesus. The support of family and friends who helped her to fulfill this dream is a story of love and perseverance.   

She saw the “arrival of the poles,” putting her home on “the grid”; the installment of running water; and, finally, an indoor washroom. Then, by the grace of God, she received the surprise gift of a new life--a future that began with a simple meeting on a train.

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Biography

Joan Levy Earle is an author and artist who helped her husband, Jack Earle, operate a historic stationery/bookstore called The Sanctuary in Cornwall, Ontario, for fifteen years.

Prior to this business venture, Joan's first career involved teaching her unique style of baton twirling in Scarborough, Alexandria, and Cornwall.  Over the years, she helped hundreds of young ladies to develop their poise and confidence through these majorette schools that she founded.

Joan has been painting in oils for over forty years, with subject matter ranging from landscapes to spiritual pieces.  She has exhibited in over twenty solo exhibitions, and is currently represented in Kingston, Ontario, at the Agnes Etherington Sales & Rental Gallery, and in Toronto at The Gallery Wall on Bloor St. West.

This book was written as a follow-up to Jack's Farm, in response to many requests that the "rest of the story" be told.  Jack's Farm was the most poignant of Joan's eight other books; it is a personal memoir of life on a country property without amenities.  It was published in 2006 by Creative Bound Inc.

Joan is presently employed as associate editor of the Canadian Messenger of the Sacred Heart magazine.  She also writes a weekly column called "Hopelines" for the Standard-Freeholder newspaper in Cornwall, Ontario.