Glory Days — Joyce Mandeville

Wall Street crashes in New York and the world is reeling - but all Glory is worried about is the drunken priest and why fat Aunt Flo is always upset.

But when Glory goes into the woods one day with her best friend Pammy, something happens. Something terrifying, which leaves Pammy convinced that the Virgin Mary has saved them. Glory isn't so sure, but she asks the Virgin for a miracle anyway. And gets it: a pair of much-desired 'Mary Jane' shoes.

Soon miracles are happening two-a-penny: the drunken priest dries out, Aunt Flo gets her wish and her mother develops strange powers. But the story soon gets out and, once the dead town starts to thrive again, problems emerge . . .

Curious, quirky and magical, this is a novel of childhood, belief and love set in the heart of America.