The Giving Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini

Here is another in the Elm Creek Quilts novel series.  I enjoy Ms. Chiaverini's writing style and homey stories, so I was glad to get a copy of this book for review.

Dutton Books and Edelweiss gave me access to this book for review (thank you).  It will be published October 30th, so check with your local bookstore to pick up a copy.

Elm Creek Manor holds weeklong quilting classes several times a year.  This class is held the week after Thanksgiving and is named "Quiltsgiving."  The attendees make small quilts, learn a new design, and then donate the quilts to the Linus project.  

The Linus project is real.  Quilts are made and donated to those who need them the most:  ill, grieving, or underprivileged children.  Here is a quote directly from their website:  Provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.”

The author always offers you characters that are very believable.  None of us is without some baggage, and when you work closely with people for a week you develop a bond.  Everyone helps each other and not just on the quilt project.  This was an opportunity for them to learn about themselves, too.

This was a very good mellow read that leaves you filled with hope and goodwill at the end of the story.  If you've been reading this series, you'll want to add this book to your collection.

If you would like my copy of this ARC print copy I have, leave a comment here on my blog and email me at info at bookfaerie.com with your name and address and why you'd like to read it.  I'll pick a winner in about a week.

Happy reading!

The Union Quilters by Jennifer Chiaverini

The Civil War was a time of great conflict and war between family and friends.  While there are many stories about the soldiers and the battles fought, this novel focuses on the women and families left behind...


Dutton, part of the Penguin Group, sent me an ARC of this book for review.  The book will be published next week.  Check with your local bookstore to get a copy.


This book is part of a series but it's the first time I've had opportunity to read Ms. Chiaverini's work.  She writes in a fluid prose, with a well-thought-out plot.  Her male characters were almost secondary to her female characters.  The majority of the men were at war; the women were home trying to keep the farms going and occupy their minds with other duties so they didn't brood about the danger their loved ones were facing on the battlefields.  Her characters are astute, anguished and often at odds with each other.  


The women quilter's group decides to raise money and sew goods and bandages that can be sent to the front for the men.  It's a good idea, but they need more room.  Women can't own property, so they ask one of the remaining to purchase it for them.  However, there are other ownership issues to deal with.  There is also good and bad news coming back from the troops.


The author does a good job of depicting the time period and the issues of those who fought the war, whether they were on the line or waiting at home.


If you have an interest in the Civil War, quilting or the dynamics of female relationships, this book will talk to you.  Add this one to your TBR list.  It's well worth a read.


I'm giving away this ARC.  Leave a comment here on my blog and then email me at info @ bookfaerie.com (take the spaces out) and give your name and ADDRESS and tell me why you'd like to win it.  I'll pick a winner in about a week.