January, I've decided, is not a month for deep, heavy reading. I got a much-anticipated mystery for Christmas and found it slow going (though ultimately satisfying) and I began A Coffin for Dimitrios| and have put it aside till February 1st. Instead, I'm picking up various works of lighter fiction and non-fiction -- mostly what's called "Domestic Fiction," with female protagonists. I'm also on a Library Fast in order to get some of my already-acquired books read. I'd picked up Suzanne Strempek Shea's novel because I enjoyed her memoir of visiting a different church each week for a year, and I wasn't disappointed. Shea writes fiction as well as she does non-fiction. The eponymous Lily Wilk, resident of one of the small, heavily Polish-American towns in western Massachusetts, is 39, recently divorced (she seems to miss her stepson more than her husband), and has known since her tenth birthday that she is an artist. She indeed makes her living with her art -- chiefly by painting signs, a mural for the funeral home, store decorations -- anything wanted. Occasionally she sells one of her real paintings. Lily's life begins to change when the local grocery magnate and philanthropist commissions a very special painting. Surprises are in store, and Lily looks into both her past and the philanthropist's, learning much along the way. This is a novel rich with characters, with an ending neither too tidy nor too inconclusive. I liked it a lot and will be seeking out Shea's other writing. ( )