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Elm Creek Quilts #10
The Quilter's Homecoming
Newly wed in a festive yet poignant ceremony at Elm Creek Manor, bride Elizabeth Nelson takes leave of her ancestral Pennsylvania home. Setting off with her husband, Henry, on the adventure of a lifetime, Elizabeth packs the couple's trunk with more than the wedding quilts she envisions them dreaming beneath every night of their married lives. They are landowners who hold the deed to Triumph Ranch, 120 acres of prime California soil located in the Arboles Valley, north of Los Angeles.
"Triumph Ranch," says Mae, a traveling companion whom Elizabeth has let in on the promise of the Nelsons' bright future. "That sounds like a sure thing." But in a cruel reversal of fortune, the Nelsons arrive to the news that they've been had, and they are left suddenly, irrevocably penniless.
They are hired as hands at the farm they thought they owned, and Henry struggles mightily with his pride. Yet clever, feisty Elizabeth -- drawing on her share of the Bergstrom women's inherent economy and resilience -- vows to defy fate through sheer force of will. As her life intertwines with Rosa Diaz Barclay, native to the Arboles Valley and a fellow quilter, their blossoming friendship sheds light on many secrets that have kept each of them and their families from their rightful homes.
In the cabin where Henry and Elizabeth are living on Triumph Ranch, Elizabeth discovers quilts belonging to Rosa's mother, and in their exquisite patterns recognizes a misplaced legacy of love, land, and family. But her newfound understanding of the burden of loss that Rosa shares with the mysterious Lars Jorgensen places her in mortal danger. Only by stitching the rift between the past and the future can the inhabitants of Triumph Ranch hope to live in peace alongside history.
"Triumph Ranch," says Mae, a traveling companion whom Elizabeth has let in on the promise of the Nelsons' bright future. "That sounds like a sure thing." But in a cruel reversal of fortune, the Nelsons arrive to the news that they've been had, and they are left suddenly, irrevocably penniless.
They are hired as hands at the farm they thought they owned, and Henry struggles mightily with his pride. Yet clever, feisty Elizabeth -- drawing on her share of the Bergstrom women's inherent economy and resilience -- vows to defy fate through sheer force of will. As her life intertwines with Rosa Diaz Barclay, native to the Arboles Valley and a fellow quilter, their blossoming friendship sheds light on many secrets that have kept each of them and their families from their rightful homes.
In the cabin where Henry and Elizabeth are living on Triumph Ranch, Elizabeth discovers quilts belonging to Rosa's mother, and in their exquisite patterns recognizes a misplaced legacy of love, land, and family. But her newfound understanding of the burden of loss that Rosa shares with the mysterious Lars Jorgensen places her in mortal danger. Only by stitching the rift between the past and the future can the inhabitants of Triumph Ranch hope to live in peace alongside history.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
About the author
Jennifer Chiaverini
78 books4,774 followersJennifer Chiaverini is the New York Times bestselling author of thirty-three novels, including acclaimed historical fiction and the beloved Elm Creek Quilts series. She has also written seven quilt pattern books inspired by her novels. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the University of Chicago, she lives with her husband and two sons in Madison, Wisconsin. About her historical fiction, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes, "In addition to simply being fascinating stories, these novels go a long way in capturing the texture of life for women, rich and poor, black and white, in those perilous years."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 350 reviews
July 3, 2011
This is a book about Sylvia Compson's cousin Elizabeth and her husband Henry. Elizabeth shows up in an earlier book in Jennifer Chiaverini's Elm Creek series and she and Henry move to California. This book is their story. At first, I was not as interested in the story because a lot of the Elm Creek characters only show up in the first chapter. I also didn't think that I'd be interested in Isabel & Rosa's story. However, as I kept on reading and the two stories started to intertwine, it became more engaging. I was really irked at Henry's attitude when their problems started but he came around in the end. There was less about quilting in this book as there has been in her earlier books. However, it was interesting to read about California in the twenties. It seems like most readers like either the present day books or the historical ones. I enjoy both timeframes and this one was different from Chiaverini's usual Elm Creek series. I hope she keeps exploring different and creative avenues in this series.
April 17, 2015
I should admit I'm already a fan of this series of books by Chiaverini. But this is one of the best in my opinion. It's about a young newlywed couple who come west in 1925 to the Conejo Valley (called something else) to take ownership of a ranch the husband purchased. A major catastrophe causes their life to be vastly changed and it's interesting to see how they make the best of their new circumstances. The fact that the book takes place where I live made it personal for me and enhanced the story considerably. It has stayed with me so much since I finished it that I would give it 4.5.
April 18, 2017
A Roaring Twenties tale of boom and bust unfolds as young bride Elizabeth Bergstrom Nelson sets off with her husband, Henry, from her family home of Elm Creek Manor in Pennsylvania to start a new life in the unfamiliar terrain of southern California.
I have always been a fan of Jennifer Chiaverini's writing, and The Quilter's Homecoming did not disappoint. There were so many things to love about this story: First, the quilt thread that connected the three families, Nelsons, Jorgensons, and Diaz-Barclay; second, the dual storyline placed in different time periods that gave the background of the Diaz-Barclay family and the Rancho Triunfo and the present day happenings of the Jorgensons, Nelsons, and Barclays; finally, the focus on the lies, deceptions, and second chances that plagued all 3 families. Although these were interwoven throughout the plot, it change back in forth during time periods was incorporated well to give necessary background information.
Rose Diaz Barclay and Elizabeth Nelson were both women of strength. Neither found their life what they expected it to be but made the best out of what they were given and developed a friendship that would help them both particularly with the quilt connection. Lars Jorgenson, Henry Nelson, and John Barclay all hid secrets that led to the problems that beset their lives. Both Lars and Henry only resolved their problems through faith and with the help of their wives. John Barclay was so bitter and angry that his problems only led him to become lost forever. The setting of Southern California during the 1920's was well researched and the descriptions and happenings of the time period were evident in Chiaverini's writing. The theme of forgiveness, dependence on faith, and second chances were obvious in the plot. Although this is the last book (#10) in the Elm Creek series I did not have any problem reading it as a standalone. I now look forward to reading the rest from beginning to learn more of the Elm Creek story.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "Bitterness and hatred can kill you as surely as cancer does."
"She had chosen a path when she chose her husband, as all brides did. It had probably seemed as smooth and as sunny as any she could have walked along. But no young wife knows what sort of man her husband will become. She only knows what he is at the moment she marries him and trusts that he will not fail her, that his love will always be true, no matter what hardships they encounter.
"When someone desperately needs your help, you don't stand around and ponder what they'll do once you help them, or philosophize about whether they deserve your help. You simply help them."
I have always been a fan of Jennifer Chiaverini's writing, and The Quilter's Homecoming did not disappoint. There were so many things to love about this story: First, the quilt thread that connected the three families, Nelsons, Jorgensons, and Diaz-Barclay; second, the dual storyline placed in different time periods that gave the background of the Diaz-Barclay family and the Rancho Triunfo and the present day happenings of the Jorgensons, Nelsons, and Barclays; finally, the focus on the lies, deceptions, and second chances that plagued all 3 families. Although these were interwoven throughout the plot, it change back in forth during time periods was incorporated well to give necessary background information.
Rose Diaz Barclay and Elizabeth Nelson were both women of strength. Neither found their life what they expected it to be but made the best out of what they were given and developed a friendship that would help them both particularly with the quilt connection. Lars Jorgenson, Henry Nelson, and John Barclay all hid secrets that led to the problems that beset their lives. Both Lars and Henry only resolved their problems through faith and with the help of their wives. John Barclay was so bitter and angry that his problems only led him to become lost forever. The setting of Southern California during the 1920's was well researched and the descriptions and happenings of the time period were evident in Chiaverini's writing. The theme of forgiveness, dependence on faith, and second chances were obvious in the plot. Although this is the last book (#10) in the Elm Creek series I did not have any problem reading it as a standalone. I now look forward to reading the rest from beginning to learn more of the Elm Creek story.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "Bitterness and hatred can kill you as surely as cancer does."
"She had chosen a path when she chose her husband, as all brides did. It had probably seemed as smooth and as sunny as any she could have walked along. But no young wife knows what sort of man her husband will become. She only knows what he is at the moment she marries him and trusts that he will not fail her, that his love will always be true, no matter what hardships they encounter.
"When someone desperately needs your help, you don't stand around and ponder what they'll do once you help them, or philosophize about whether they deserve your help. You simply help them."
November 6, 2019
I have never read a Jennifer Chiaverini book that I didn't love and this was no exception. One of those books that had me thinking of the characters long after I read the book.
June 13, 2023
Elizabeth Bergstrom loves horses and farms. So marrying Henry Nelson, a former friend and secret love, makes sense. His dream becomes hers to buy a ranch in Southern CA. Unfortunately this is the 1920's and the laws don't always coincide with expectations. Especially when they come to claim their land, and find out that it isn't exactly theirs to have.
This is a multi-layered plot filled with artistic tapestries.
There is love. Chivalry. Mean-spirited people. Mystery. Goodness. And resolution.
Good writing and able to read as a stand-alone.
This is a multi-layered plot filled with artistic tapestries.
There is love. Chivalry. Mean-spirited people. Mystery. Goodness. And resolution.
Good writing and able to read as a stand-alone.
June 1, 2013
This one is cousin Elizabeth Nelson's story. It begins just after her wedding to Henry. We are on the train West, they are so much in love and can't wait to get to California and their new Ranch.
Henry has saved and given all of his money to buy the new ranch, and he can't wait to get there. His dreams are being fulfilled. He has all the proper paper work, and knows he is going to be a success..with his Triumph Ranch! How things work out is devestating. Going from owners, to workers in a few days.
They end up at the Jorgensen Ranch, Henry and Elizabeth both get jobs. Henry helps on the rance and Elizabeth in the house. They also are given an old cabin to live in. At first when we see it through the author's eye, it looks and feels horrible. Elizabeth works wonders and does turn it into a home.
Love looking around at the country side, what a beautiful area! We also meet some sweet and loving people, and some down right nasty individuals. Like the Post Master, John Barker who beats his wife Rose. His jealousy is almost his undoing.
Enjoyed how we go back in time about the history of the Jorgensen Ranch, and them back to the present time [the 1920's and '30's]. My heart ached for poor Rosa, and her horrible life. Also loosing to death so many children. Terrible!
The ending is a dream come true. Enjoy your visit Nelson's, Jorgensen's and Barkers, a real page turner!
Henry has saved and given all of his money to buy the new ranch, and he can't wait to get there. His dreams are being fulfilled. He has all the proper paper work, and knows he is going to be a success..with his Triumph Ranch! How things work out is devestating. Going from owners, to workers in a few days.
They end up at the Jorgensen Ranch, Henry and Elizabeth both get jobs. Henry helps on the rance and Elizabeth in the house. They also are given an old cabin to live in. At first when we see it through the author's eye, it looks and feels horrible. Elizabeth works wonders and does turn it into a home.
Love looking around at the country side, what a beautiful area! We also meet some sweet and loving people, and some down right nasty individuals. Like the Post Master, John Barker who beats his wife Rose. His jealousy is almost his undoing.
Enjoyed how we go back in time about the history of the Jorgensen Ranch, and them back to the present time [the 1920's and '30's]. My heart ached for poor Rosa, and her horrible life. Also loosing to death so many children. Terrible!
The ending is a dream come true. Enjoy your visit Nelson's, Jorgensen's and Barkers, a real page turner!
January 27, 2008
This is the first (and probably the last) I have read of this group of books - The Elm Creek Quilts Novels. It started out slowly - young newlyweds starting out traveling across the country, having bought a ranch. Then they arrive and all is lost - the papers they have are forgeries and they have no money and nowhere to live.
Amazingly, instead of selling something (they brought trunks full of wedding gifts) and hopping the train back home, the husband squeals something about his pride and how he's not going back home with his tail between his legs...and effectively condemns his young wife to years of house servant labour. Adding insult to injury, they both end up as field hands at the ranch they thought they owned, so there are pages of the wife wandering around cleaning things and thinking about how if this was hers, how it would look/feel/run/work differently.
The lesson throughout this book? Be happy with what you have.
(Oh, and there's the requisite happy ending.)
Amazingly, instead of selling something (they brought trunks full of wedding gifts) and hopping the train back home, the husband squeals something about his pride and how he's not going back home with his tail between his legs...and effectively condemns his young wife to years of house servant labour. Adding insult to injury, they both end up as field hands at the ranch they thought they owned, so there are pages of the wife wandering around cleaning things and thinking about how if this was hers, how it would look/feel/run/work differently.
The lesson throughout this book? Be happy with what you have.
(Oh, and there's the requisite happy ending.)
January 26, 2021
In this book of the Elm Creek Quilters...
the story takes place mostly around 1925 and is about Sylvia's older cousin Elizabeth and her new husband Henry as they set off to southern California for a new life on Triumph Ranch, which he used all his savings to purchase "sight-unseen".
As newlyweds, they go through many disappointments, bad choices, and many losses... including trading her precious quilts stitched by her Bergstrom relatives for their daily needs. Elizabeth is troubled on whether she will ever earn them back or will other quilts fill the void? She finds answers to her own future as she makes friends with a local, Rosa Diaz, who has secrets of her own.
I am loving all of the Elm Creek books and I'm trying to read the series in chronological order, so "Sonoma Rose" is next in sequence (written as Book #19).
the story takes place mostly around 1925 and is about Sylvia's older cousin Elizabeth and her new husband Henry as they set off to southern California for a new life on Triumph Ranch, which he used all his savings to purchase "sight-unseen".
As newlyweds, they go through many disappointments, bad choices, and many losses... including trading her precious quilts stitched by her Bergstrom relatives for their daily needs. Elizabeth is troubled on whether she will ever earn them back or will other quilts fill the void? She finds answers to her own future as she makes friends with a local, Rosa Diaz, who has secrets of her own.
I am loving all of the Elm Creek books and I'm trying to read the series in chronological order, so "Sonoma Rose" is next in sequence (written as Book #19).
July 19, 2019
A wonderful story that fills in some more of the Bergstrom family history. Elizabeth and Henry have left PA for California in hopes of starting their lives as owners of a lovely ranch. We join them on the trip west and sympathize when they discover that all is not as promised.
This is Chiaverini at her best. She shines in family stories that are steeped in history. I loved learning about the early days of California, and (of course) how this story fits in the Elm Creek history. Great book for fans of the series.
This is Chiaverini at her best. She shines in family stories that are steeped in history. I loved learning about the early days of California, and (of course) how this story fits in the Elm Creek history. Great book for fans of the series.
March 15, 2008
This was a spin off from the regular series in that it dealt with Sylvia's favorite cousin, Elizabeth, who moved to California. While I wish we could have seen more have Elm Creek Manor, I still really enjoyed the story line. My only complaint is that most of it was so detailed and then all of the sudden everything "happens" at the end in much less detail.
October 4, 2015
The heroine of this book is so spoiled, selfish and self-centered I couldn't finish it. I've read many books in this series and this is the first DNF for me. I just didn't like her enough to spend any more time in her company. Henry seems like a nice guy but he doesn't have enough personality early on to keep me reading. Disappointed.
March 5, 2013
I picked this up because it was a Kindle deal of the day. The story was pretty good, but I enjoyed the setting -- the Conejo Valley in the early 1900s. It was a surprise to me, and it was fun reading about familiar landmarks.
February 11, 2018
Wow! Another great installment of this series. Every time I pick one of these books up I am pleasantly surprised. This one I couldn't put down and read it in one sitting.
June 24, 2022
I've been reading my way through this series and there are quite a few books I skip through or don't finish. This was one of them. This review is strictly based on my own reading preferences these days and so is not truly analytical and is not even fair. It is just my opinion. I don't read this series for drama and adventure. This particular book in the series started out in a way that was interesting to me. Elizabeth was touched on a prior book as a member of the family that Sylvia adored, but who went away and never came back and and even lost communication with the family. So it answers why that was. But it became too tragic and sad, elements I don't need more of in my life and so I began to skip through it. I finally just returned the book to the library and didn't finish it. That's one of the reasons that I say this review may be unfair, because it may have smoothed out later on. I will go on to read book #11.
June 28, 2022
I love the Elm Creek Quilts series, but I like the books that involve the quilt camp and Silvia Bergstrom as an old lady. This book was set in 1925 into 1933 and was about one of the Bergstrom nieces, Elizabeth. She marries Henry, the "boy next-door" who tells her he has bought a farm (sight unseen) in California and if they marry, they will be moving there. Elizabeth loves Elm Creek but she also loves Henry and she's excited to start married life on an adventure. Except things go terribly wrong when they arrive in California.
Chiaverini always tells a good story and this one was the same, but I wanted more about the quilts. Yes, Elizabeth repaired some old quilts she found in a trunk and mourned over two quilts her aunts had made her that she traded away for supplies once she and Henry arrived in California. But the story felt like the quilts were just an afterthought. I'm sure readers will enjoy the story, but I wanted modern times and quilt camp and I was disappointed.
Chiaverini always tells a good story and this one was the same, but I wanted more about the quilts. Yes, Elizabeth repaired some old quilts she found in a trunk and mourned over two quilts her aunts had made her that she traded away for supplies once she and Henry arrived in California. But the story felt like the quilts were just an afterthought. I'm sure readers will enjoy the story, but I wanted modern times and quilt camp and I was disappointed.
January 27, 2024
When Elizabeth and Henry start out their newlywed life, little did they know what the future held in store for them. Henry had spent his life savings buying a farm in California only for them to find out he had been swindled. Unwilling to go back home to Pennsylvania with nothing he and Elizabeth end up working on the farm they thought they had purchased in order to save up enough money to return home. As the days go by their marriage suffers and Elizabeth also discovers some family issues of the people they are working for and another local family.
Having bartered the wonderful quilts that were wedding gifts from her family for badly needed supplies for the cabin they lived in on the farm Elizabeth spends her evenings repairing two quilts she found in a box in the cabin.
As time passes Elizabeth gets to know the situation that Rosa Barclay is dealing with and decides she has to help.
Having bartered the wonderful quilts that were wedding gifts from her family for badly needed supplies for the cabin they lived in on the farm Elizabeth spends her evenings repairing two quilts she found in a box in the cabin.
As time passes Elizabeth gets to know the situation that Rosa Barclay is dealing with and decides she has to help.
September 28, 2018
This is the third book bound together and my least favorite. Some of the characters and/or their relatives from The Sugar Camp are included. Elizabeth Bergstrom's father is an alcoholic and runs a hotel in Harrisburg PA. Her heart is at Elm Creek Manor which she loves to visit. At the farm next door is Henry Nelson. Elizabeth has a crush on him from a young age and writes him with beau problems.
Henry tells Elizabeth he wants to move to California where he has bought sight unseen a ranch complete with cattle. Even at this point the plot is evident...it's a swindle. They are married at Elm Creek Manor and their many family heirlooms are shipped by train to this ranch. Their honeymoon on the train is is very chaste. The characters are well drawn overall.
Problems and disappointments ensue but at the end all the trauma is magically rewarded.
Henry tells Elizabeth he wants to move to California where he has bought sight unseen a ranch complete with cattle. Even at this point the plot is evident...it's a swindle. They are married at Elm Creek Manor and their many family heirlooms are shipped by train to this ranch. Their honeymoon on the train is is very chaste. The characters are well drawn overall.
Problems and disappointments ensue but at the end all the trauma is magically rewarded.
July 10, 2022
Book number 10 in the Elm Creek Quilts, this is a prequal about Elizabeth and her journey and life away from Elm Creek Manor beginning in 1925 when, as a newlywed, she travels with husband Henry to California. This story moves between 1925 and an even earlier saga about the previous family to live on El Rancho Triunfo, or Triumph Ranch. The historical drama catches up with Elizabeth's story in a well crafted narrative. As with all Elm Creek Quilts books, there are some quilts featured that are perfect for the situation. "Double Wedding Ring" and "Corners and Chimneys" plus two that Elizabeth discovers in a trunk in her log cabin home which she names herself: "Road to Trimuph Ranch" and "Arboles Valley Star." I enjoy this series and look forward to reading the rest.
August 29, 2023
The Elm Creek Quilt series continues to become more beloved to me with every new book I read.
This 10th book in the series is the best so far. It tells the tale of Elizabeth leaving Elm Creek Manor and heading to California after marrying Henry.
Henry has paid his life savings for a ranch in California, and they travel across the country by train to get there. Unfortunately, when they arrive, they find themselves swindled and destitute. Elizabeth is forced to part ways with her beautiful wedding quilts.
It is an action packed story with a lot of heart. All of Jennifer Chiaverini’s works are well-written and have wonderful settings as well as well drawn characters that you feel invested in.
Loved this! 5 stars.
This 10th book in the series is the best so far. It tells the tale of Elizabeth leaving Elm Creek Manor and heading to California after marrying Henry.
Henry has paid his life savings for a ranch in California, and they travel across the country by train to get there. Unfortunately, when they arrive, they find themselves swindled and destitute. Elizabeth is forced to part ways with her beautiful wedding quilts.
It is an action packed story with a lot of heart. All of Jennifer Chiaverini’s works are well-written and have wonderful settings as well as well drawn characters that you feel invested in.
Loved this! 5 stars.
May 29, 2019
Sweet. In the early 1920's, Henry and Elizabeth Nelson marry and head out to California from Pennsylvania to take possession of Triumph Ranch, which Henry has purchased sight unseen. Unfortunately, it is a swindle and both Henry and Elizabeth are forced to hire on at the Jorgensen farm, which, in earlier times was known as the Triumph Ranch. Because Elizabeth has befriended Rosa, the granddaughter of the owners of the land when it was known as Triumph Ranch, they are, at the end of the book, landowners themselves of a farm which they are instructed to name Triumph Ranch. Read the book to discover how they go from hands to owners.
July 25, 2022
I found this book a bit boring- I scanned several parts. A newlywed couple go across the country to take over a ranch they thought they bought - but it turns out to be a scam. The husband is too proud to go home, so they become hired hands at the ranch. Then they slowly work their way to a reasonably good life. Elizabeth, the wife, sells her quilts to an innkeeper, the person they stayed with when they thought they owned the ranch. They fix up a cabin that is in terrible shape. There is also a subplot about a woman who had children who are sick and whose husband abuses her. The book didn't grip me well, but I usually like Jennifer Chiaverine
August 28, 2019
Another Elm Creek Quilts novel. I love Jennifer Chiaverini as an author. This book takes place away from Elm Creek. It takes place in California.
Elizabeth takes her quilts from Elm Creek with her to California. They are precious to her and fulfill a new need. They help Elizabeth and her husband, Henry find a home with each other as they start a new life together so very different than they thought they would be living.
They learned to overcome loss and disappointment as they become workers rather than owners of the Triumph Ranch. A charming story with quilt lore mixed in.
Elizabeth takes her quilts from Elm Creek with her to California. They are precious to her and fulfill a new need. They help Elizabeth and her husband, Henry find a home with each other as they start a new life together so very different than they thought they would be living.
They learned to overcome loss and disappointment as they become workers rather than owners of the Triumph Ranch. A charming story with quilt lore mixed in.
April 26, 2022
Henry and Elizabeth Nelson, newlyweds, set out from their ancestral home in Pennsylvania to go west to California, making a new life on Triumph Ranch. However things were not as they appeared to be and the couple must make some new and/or difficult decisions on their change in circumstances. Their story was filled with disappointments, discouragements and unknown opportunities. However they had their love and shared goals. Their final reward was more than they could anticipate. Overall I did love reading this book and how the author using quilting throughout telling the Nelson's story.
June 26, 2024
I continue to enjoy this series an is a “go to” when I want a good audiobook. This story takes us away from Elm Creek- which I tend to not enjoy those stories in the series as much. This was good Ab I think I didn’t mind leaving Elm Creek as the reader gets to know about Aunt Elizabeth’s life, Sylvia’s favorite Aunt. I enjoyed the dual time line between early 1900’s and 1920-30’s. California is an intriguing state- so beautiful yet can be so hard with drought, Great Depression, and farming challenges highlighted in this story.
November 1, 2017
The Quilter’s Homecoming was not my favorite Elm Creek Quilt novel. Most of the story took place in California, a long way from Elm Creek. It also did not include many of the main characters in the series. While it was interesting, it didn’t quite have the same charm of the Elm Creek books. The story of Elizabeth’s marriage and move to the west was engaging. The theme of quilts was continued. It wasn’t a disappointment, just not what I expected.
November 25, 2017
I usually really enjoy the books in this series, but this book really left me feeling like there was so much more the author could have done to make this a much better story. It felt like I was getting the surface of the story and characters but if the author had chosen to dig into more character development, background and more of the history it could have evolved into a much better story.
So much potential but seriously lacking overall.
So much potential but seriously lacking overall.
February 21, 2018
A good story about families who have settled in Arboles Valley in California in the 1920's. Life was hard in those early years. Some had electricity and some did not. Some had privy's and some had real bathrooms. The ladies in this story had an interest in quilting. Some old quilts were found in a trunk in a derelict cabin. The story starts on the east coast and moves by train and wagon to the west coast. I enjoyed this story and you will too.
June 15, 2019
4.2 Stars: This was a cleaver, if not depressing book about Elizabeth. It answers the question; “What ever happened to Sylvia’s cousin.” It was nice how Jennifer wove past and present (present at the time was 1925) together till they met, exposing all in a happily ever after ending that reconciled the heartbreaks if the previous years. Not my favorite of the series, but did let me get to know Elizabeth and answered many gaps regarding her in the Bergstrom lineage.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2021
Extremely light fiction in the romance genre read for a quilting book club. Huge contrast as I’m also listening to the current Booker winner, which is at the other end of the literature spectrum.
Standard story with a few predictable twists and a lot of loose ends left in the last chapter. Not worth reading unless you really like this genre and want to read the whole series, which I presume would deal with some of the loose ends as in a soap opera.
Standard story with a few predictable twists and a lot of loose ends left in the last chapter. Not worth reading unless you really like this genre and want to read the whole series, which I presume would deal with some of the loose ends as in a soap opera.
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December 18, 2021I was a little disappointed in this book because I wanted to read more about the quilts that were referenced. A nice story, but the jacket really gave it away, so I was disappointed that I knew the plot before reading it.
Some of the characters were not really believable, but the cultural clashes are believable.
Pictures of the referenced quilts would also be nice, as I have seen that done in other books.
Some of the characters were not really believable, but the cultural clashes are believable.
Pictures of the referenced quilts would also be nice, as I have seen that done in other books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 350 reviews