Review of "A Patchwork Christmas Collection"

Rating: 3.5 Stars

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Summary: Join three of today’s bestselling inspirational fiction authors in a collection of Christmas stories from Victorian-era America that are full of second-chance romances. Jilted by her fiancé, Karla packs away her wedding quilts and her plans for marriage. Widow Jane travels to marry a prosperous man she barely knows in order to give her daughter a better life—then is stranded in a winter storm. Ada, a wealthy ingénue, inadvertently causes grave injury to a poor man she once considered quite a catch. Each must search her heart, change her plans. . .and patch together a tender, unexpected life filled with love. 
~ Barbour Publishing  

Review: Christmas is in the air with this collection of holiday-themed novels, accompanied by quilt-making and baking.  Judith Miller, Nancy Moser, and Stephanie Grace Whitson bring three unique stories to readers in "A Patchwork Christmas." Despite their differences, all three novellas felt melancholy until concluding with a happy ending. It is often difficult for me to develop connections to the characters in short stories, which proved to be the case in this collection. 

"The Bridal Quilt" by Nancy Moser is my favorite among the three. It contains its share of loss and heartbreak, but the plot has dimension and the characters feel more fully developed. The messages of unselfish sacrifice and love for even the lowest on the social ladder are prominent in Moser's story, and especially relevant at Christmas. 

Judith Miller takes readers to the Amana Colonies in "Seams of Love."  I enjoyed revisiting the colonies in Miller's novella, after reading about them in one of her novels.  Karla Stuke, though not an unlikable main character, suffers from insecurity and a broken heart.  While such struggles are relatable, she dwells on them throughout the story.  As a result, the overall tone of the novel becomes a bit heavy.  

"A Patchwork Love" by Stephanie Grace Whitson is a story of hope. Jane and her daughter, Molly, find themselves sick, injured, and stranded when their train hits a wall of snow.  A local farmer, Peter, offers them shelter in the home he shares with his mother. Peter is scarred visibly and emotionally from his time in the Civil War. The beginning of the novel centers around Molly overcoming her illness while Jane and Peter deal with their injuries. Peter's mother adds some charm to the novella, and the tone lightens as Molly improves.  Love blossoms in the snug little home as once strangers become an inseparable family. 

Although "A Patchwork Christmas" was not my ideal holiday collection, the stories convey good year-round messages.  


I received a complimentary e-copy of this novel from NetGalley, courtesy of Barbour Publishing.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review of The Key on the Quilt by Stephanie Grace Whitson

Rating: 3.5 Stars

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Synopsis from Barbour Books: Enter a historic Nebraskan prison where three women find betrayal, love, and ultimate truth. Jane Prescott is serving a ten-year sentence for murder. Can a broken spirit be healed behind bars? Matron Mamie Dawson feels called to help the wounded women in her charge. Will a guard’s attentions keep her from her mission? Warden’s wife Ellen Sullivan has changed her preconceptions about these female prisoners. Will it be enough to save her from a life-or-death situation? Will the cryptic quilt connecting their lives expose the truth of one woman’s past and ensure a better future for them all?

Review:  The Key on the Quilt is the first novel in Stephanie Grace Whitson's new series The Quilt Chronicles.  As the debut book, we are introduced to a range of characters who will likely make appearances in the upcoming novels.  The primary focus of The Key On the Quilt is Jane Prescott, an imprisoned mother with a tragic past.  Her acquaintances in prison (inmates and free women) offer additional plots, particularly Mamie Dawson and Ellen Sullivan.  The story is told from several different perspectives, which allows us to see 19th century prison life from a variety of angles.  Interestingly, the second half of the novel suddenly introduces Jane's daughter Rose as a main character.  The glimpse into Rose's emotions and life added extra depth to the novel, and I would have enjoyed more opportunities to read the story from her perspective. 

The setting of The Key on the Quilt is the most notable element of the novel.  Whitson demonstrates skill in relaying historical details through her description of the women's ward and the depiction of prison life.The backdrop of a prison sounds reminiscent of Dickens, but the plot is much more heartwarming and ultimately uplifting.  Whitson introduces some difficult topics, but illustrates the power of faith and love in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles.  Jane Prescott is truly an inspiring character from the beginning of the novel to the end.  Hopefully future novels will feature Jane's continuing story.  I would have been more satisfied with the ending if it had featured a short epilogue or at least a few more pages. 

I also enjoyed Mamie's character and her story, which was like a charming novella integrated into the pages of a full novel.  Ellen Sullivan is an integral part of the novel, but I did not feel impacted by reading her point-of-view.  Some of her interactions with her husband were a bit "mushy" for my taste; there were some scenes that I feel were unnecessary. Despite feeling distracted by multiple perspectives, I would recommend this novel to fans of historical fiction. The Key on the Quilt is an enjoyable and worthwhile read with a memorable plot.

The Key on the Quilt will be released on March 1, 2012.  For now, you can read a chapter Here.

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from NetGalley, courtesy of Barbour Publishing.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”