Walking Across Egypt by Clyde Edgerton

Good-hearted elderly Mattie Rigsbee admits she is slowing down yet she is busy in her little home and garden and will feed any stray who comes to her door. Her children Robert and Elaine have never married and Mattie would like to see some grandchildren but things don't look too promising. When dog-catcher Lamar arrives to pick up the latest stray, he has to rescue Mattie, too, and of course she has him stay for "a bite to eat" launching her into the life of Wesley Benfield, juvenile delinquent. Refreshing, heart-warming and truly a good story. Sandy Penton.