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Keepsake Legacies #1
Sarah's Patchwork
The Triumphant Story of a Woman Who Succeeded Against All Odds
"Sarah’s Patchwork" is the first book in the Keepsake Legacies Series.
Abandoned by her destitute father, Sarah Biddle and her younger brother, Tom, are sent west on an orphan train. But no one wants to adopt a girl with a crippled brother to take care of. Until she’s reach Lincoln, Nebraska — and comes face-to-face with Jesse King and Augusta Hathaway.
"Sarah’s Patchwork" is the absorbing story of quiet, unassuming Sarah Biddle — and the hopes, dreams, tragedies, and romance that she stitches into an heirloom quilt. Each scrap of fabric tells of Sarah’s transformation from a frightened orphan girl into a courageous woman of strength and resourcefulness as she stitches… “the tears of the past into a treasure for tomorrow.” Opportunity and disappointment, hardship and loss teach Sarah how the power of true love can heal the broken heart.
"Sarah’s Patchwork" is the first book in the Keepsake Legacies Series.
Abandoned by her destitute father, Sarah Biddle and her younger brother, Tom, are sent west on an orphan train. But no one wants to adopt a girl with a crippled brother to take care of. Until she’s reach Lincoln, Nebraska — and comes face-to-face with Jesse King and Augusta Hathaway.
"Sarah’s Patchwork" is the absorbing story of quiet, unassuming Sarah Biddle — and the hopes, dreams, tragedies, and romance that she stitches into an heirloom quilt. Each scrap of fabric tells of Sarah’s transformation from a frightened orphan girl into a courageous woman of strength and resourcefulness as she stitches… “the tears of the past into a treasure for tomorrow.” Opportunity and disappointment, hardship and loss teach Sarah how the power of true love can heal the broken heart.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1998
118 people are currently reading
273 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Grace Whitson
54 books341 followersA native of southern Illinois, Stephanie Grace Whitson has lived in Nebraska since 1975. She began what she calls "playing with imaginary friends" (writing fiction) when, as a result of teaching her four homeschooled children Nebraska history, she was personally encouraged and challenged by the lives of pioneer women in the West. Since her first book, Walks the Fire, was published in 1995, Stephanie's fiction titles have appeared on the ECPA bestseller list numerous times and been finalists for the Christy Award, the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year. Her first nonfiction work, How to Help a Grieving Friend, was released in 2005. In addition to serving in her local church and keeping up with two married children, two college students, and a high school senior, Stephanie enjoys motorcycle trips with her family and church friends. Her passionate interests in pioneer women's history, antique quilts, and French, Italian, and Hawaiian language and culture provide endless story-telling possibilities.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
June 24, 2017
I have yet to read a Stephanie Grace Whitson book yet that I didn't thoroughly enjoy, and Sarah's Patchwork meets that standard again. What I love most about Whitson's writing is that there is always a strong faith thread throughout her storyline. But she also brings her characters to life and invites her reader right into the events taking place.
There were so many things I liked about this book:
1) The chapter headings that referred to a type of fabric that would be mentioned or a focus in that chapter.
2) Sarah's indomitable spirit and her caring concern for her brother and others.
3) All of the people who played such important roles in Sarah and Tom's orphaned lives especially Abigail and David Braddock.
4) Loula's part in leading Sarah to true salvation. This was probably the most poignant scene in the book.
This is the first book in the Keepsake Legacy series. I liked it so much that I have already begun reading Book 2, Karyn's Memory Box. Recommended to readers who like historical fiction with just a light touch of romance and a very strong faith element.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "Nothing is a waste of time when it is done with love and gratitude."
"But this is how I remember it. There's three P's We're saved from the PENALTY of sin because Jesus died for each one of us. We're saved from the POWER of sin because we can choose to praise the Lord no matter what happens. And when we're in heaven we'll be saved from the PRESENCE of sin."
"You got to remember....God's got His plan--and He only gives the general outline in the Bible."
There were so many things I liked about this book:
1) The chapter headings that referred to a type of fabric that would be mentioned or a focus in that chapter.
2) Sarah's indomitable spirit and her caring concern for her brother and others.
3) All of the people who played such important roles in Sarah and Tom's orphaned lives especially Abigail and David Braddock.
4) Loula's part in leading Sarah to true salvation. This was probably the most poignant scene in the book.
This is the first book in the Keepsake Legacy series. I liked it so much that I have already begun reading Book 2, Karyn's Memory Box. Recommended to readers who like historical fiction with just a light touch of romance and a very strong faith element.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "Nothing is a waste of time when it is done with love and gratitude."
"But this is how I remember it. There's three P's We're saved from the PENALTY of sin because Jesus died for each one of us. We're saved from the POWER of sin because we can choose to praise the Lord no matter what happens. And when we're in heaven we'll be saved from the PRESENCE of sin."
"You got to remember....God's got His plan--and He only gives the general outline in the Bible."
August 29, 2009
I enjoyed this book. The only thing that is a little deceiving about this book is that it is the first book in the Keepsake Legacies series but the main character, Sarah was introduced in another book in another series. I find that a pain in the butt, now I need to go read the other series and I am a person that likes to read my series in order.
However this was a really good story. Several parts were real tear-jerkers. The end was wrapped up rather too quickly. I felt that there was enough for another book (book two of the Keepsake Legacies). Apparently not. It seems each book will be about different people. The last 2 pages take you through 20 or more years. Don't like books that end like that. That is why I only gave this a 4 stars.
However this was a really good story. Several parts were real tear-jerkers. The end was wrapped up rather too quickly. I felt that there was enough for another book (book two of the Keepsake Legacies). Apparently not. It seems each book will be about different people. The last 2 pages take you through 20 or more years. Don't like books that end like that. That is why I only gave this a 4 stars.
September 9, 2025
This is such a good book! I read it a while ago, but it happened to be so long ago that I felt like I was reading it for the first time! lol (I love that feeling!)
Anyway, it's really pure and wholesome. There are a few parts that might be hard for younger audience to hear (deaths, doctor things, ect., ect.,) but overall I think it's good for ages 10+.
There is a bit of romance, but not too much, and the romance is not inappropriate or over-the-top.
It was just a really good and enjoyable book with quite a few little lessons hidden in there.
I would definitely recommend to girls ages 10+ who enjoy old fashioned doctors, romance, and Christian stories.
Anyway, it's really pure and wholesome. There are a few parts that might be hard for younger audience to hear (deaths, doctor things, ect., ect.,) but overall I think it's good for ages 10+.
There is a bit of romance, but not too much, and the romance is not inappropriate or over-the-top.
It was just a really good and enjoyable book with quite a few little lessons hidden in there.
I would definitely recommend to girls ages 10+ who enjoy old fashioned doctors, romance, and Christian stories.
August 12, 2017
This was an enjoyable story, and I am glad I read it. It took me a while to get into the way the chapters told a story about an event tied to a quilt fabric, but that idea grew on me. Sarah was an admirable young lady who showed strength and faith through both the good and bad times in her life. Her courage and love for her brother were inspiring. Orphan trains were real, and are fascinating to read about.
January 4, 2021
That was a generally sweet book.
Setting: The prologue was set in 1947, presumably in Lincoln, Nebraska, although it was never stated. The book proper began in New York City, sometime in the 1870's. The exact date is sketchy, but there were enough details--for example, the Children's Aid Society and its founder--for me to narrow it down. The story ended in June of 1887, and the epilogue, which basically described the rest of the characters' lives in short paragraphs, mentioned an event in 1890, and also World War I. Doing mental calculations and such, I was somewhat suspicious of the timing of all of it, but I decided none of it was impossible. Most of the location was set in Lincoln, Nebraska, although there was a brief spell in Philadelphia--which wasn't developed very well at all. The Nebraskan setting, however, was established well. The emerging city in the West, the heat in Summer, the neighboring city of Omaha, the still-primitive circumstances many of the residents faced, the contemporaneous role of women, and more contributed to a believable story.
Characters: Sarah Biddle was thirteen at the beginning of the book, and she developed well throughout the story. She was the sweetest girl, and I'm glad the author did not shy away from the salvation issue, even though Sarah was an angel in many people's eyes. Sarah had her weaknesses, but generally she was a sweet, good-natured girl, which created a nicely balanced character.
Tom was a good character as well, and I really liked the development of his relationship with Sarah. David Braddock was one of my favorite characters, and though it's easy to question historical accuracy with characters like him, it's also easy for characters like him to be the best kinds. His mother was also very good. Dr. Gilbert was also a fine character, but for some reason he rubbed me the wrong way. Somehow I got the impression he wasn't a Christian, even though it was stated that he was. So all related dislike of the book on my part wasn't really fair. Dr. Maude Allbright was an interesting character; she was written very believably (one of the characters I researched, thinking she must have been a real person), and she really couldn't be placed in a "good" or "bad" character category.
There were a few other characters, such as the Kemps, Aunt Jesse and Augusta Hathaway, LisBeth, Nellie Spomer, and George McCann. They were all written fairly well, (with the possible exception of Nellie, whose character arc I thought was really rushed) but no one stood out spectacularly.
Plot: There were certainly major conflicts and problems in this book, but the story-to-story jumps between chapters gave the book a mellow feel. The patchwork theme contributed to that feel, as if the separate stories of Sarah's life were connected by the fabric of the crazy quilt. Don't get me wrong, there were plenty of stronger plot connections; but the structure followed a pattern of day-to-day life (which I like).
Faith content: A major part of the plot, which was nice, considering the life-story pattern the book followed. The Christian behavior seemed a bit too perfect in a couple of the characters, but that was fine as their role--since that was basically their role. The faith journey of Sarah herself I thought was done well. In fact, many of the minor characters had good Christian hearts, and I hope the employees for the Children's Aid Society were historically accurate. Accurate or not, though, it was heartwarming to read about people who care for children.
Recommended for readers who enjoy gentle books, but not without its heartache. This would be a good choice for a young adult just getting started in reading romance.
Setting: The prologue was set in 1947, presumably in Lincoln, Nebraska, although it was never stated. The book proper began in New York City, sometime in the 1870's. The exact date is sketchy, but there were enough details--for example, the Children's Aid Society and its founder--for me to narrow it down. The story ended in June of 1887, and the epilogue, which basically described the rest of the characters' lives in short paragraphs, mentioned an event in 1890, and also World War I. Doing mental calculations and such, I was somewhat suspicious of the timing of all of it, but I decided none of it was impossible. Most of the location was set in Lincoln, Nebraska, although there was a brief spell in Philadelphia--which wasn't developed very well at all. The Nebraskan setting, however, was established well. The emerging city in the West, the heat in Summer, the neighboring city of Omaha, the still-primitive circumstances many of the residents faced, the contemporaneous role of women, and more contributed to a believable story.
Characters: Sarah Biddle was thirteen at the beginning of the book, and she developed well throughout the story. She was the sweetest girl, and I'm glad the author did not shy away from the salvation issue, even though Sarah was an angel in many people's eyes. Sarah had her weaknesses, but generally she was a sweet, good-natured girl, which created a nicely balanced character.
Tom was a good character as well, and I really liked the development of his relationship with Sarah. David Braddock was one of my favorite characters, and though it's easy to question historical accuracy with characters like him, it's also easy for characters like him to be the best kinds. His mother was also very good. Dr. Gilbert was also a fine character, but for some reason he rubbed me the wrong way. Somehow I got the impression he wasn't a Christian, even though it was stated that he was. So all related dislike of the book on my part wasn't really fair. Dr. Maude Allbright was an interesting character; she was written very believably (one of the characters I researched, thinking she must have been a real person), and she really couldn't be placed in a "good" or "bad" character category.
There were a few other characters, such as the Kemps, Aunt Jesse and Augusta Hathaway, LisBeth, Nellie Spomer, and George McCann. They were all written fairly well, (with the possible exception of Nellie, whose character arc I thought was really rushed) but no one stood out spectacularly.
Plot: There were certainly major conflicts and problems in this book, but the story-to-story jumps between chapters gave the book a mellow feel. The patchwork theme contributed to that feel, as if the separate stories of Sarah's life were connected by the fabric of the crazy quilt. Don't get me wrong, there were plenty of stronger plot connections; but the structure followed a pattern of day-to-day life (which I like).
Faith content: A major part of the plot, which was nice, considering the life-story pattern the book followed. The Christian behavior seemed a bit too perfect in a couple of the characters, but that was fine as their role--since that was basically their role. The faith journey of Sarah herself I thought was done well. In fact, many of the minor characters had good Christian hearts, and I hope the employees for the Children's Aid Society were historically accurate. Accurate or not, though, it was heartwarming to read about people who care for children.
Recommended for readers who enjoy gentle books, but not without its heartache. This would be a good choice for a young adult just getting started in reading romance.
September 5, 2008
The series is based on an auction find. one item leads to a homesteading family's history and other small keepsakes. IN their search for lost family members they ran into obstacles.
Some helpful geneological resources were mentioned (especially in the last of the series. some interesting historical facts were also mentioned.
Some helpful geneological resources were mentioned (especially in the last of the series. some interesting historical facts were also mentioned.
January 30, 2015
This book is wonderful, and I am debating on taking it with me when we move back to England from Nebraska!
January 22, 2024
This book was just OK for me. I frequently enjoy historical fiction, but this one didn't really feel like other historical fiction I have enjoyed. The references to quilting, and how many women worked on quilts, was a throwback to a past time for sure. But when I read historical fiction, I want to LEARN something I didn't know about a time and place in history. This was basically just a somewhat sappy novel about wonderful, kind people helping other wonderful, kind people. I was given this to read by someone who is a devout Christian, so I wasn't surprised that it turned out to be somewhat preachy (the bible quotes should have been a clue). Not my cup of tea, but it kept me mildly entertained. I likely won't read more by this author.
July 10, 2020
This is a beautiful, heart-tugging, faith-filled story. I "met" Sarah Biddle earlier this year when I read the Prairie Winds series. It was a delight to get to know her even more, through her very own story. I've fallen in love with Ms. Whitson's Lincoln, Nebraska, and several of the folks there, so it has been such fun that many of them, who I got to know in Prairie Winds---Augusta, Joseph, LizBeth---also show up in Sarah's Patchwork. Sarah's faith journey is tender and touching. And I love how all of Ms. Whitson's books have a Scripture passage introducing each chapter. She has become my favorite Christian author.
April 12, 2019
Loved this book!! Really well written with a good sense of the dramatic. *Spoiler* Noted with particular pleasure that the one particularly handsome man was NOT a thoroughly perfect ken doll love interest. After reading so many romances you really do start to get tired of hearing about their perfectly toned tanned rippling muscles, and kinda wish maybe they would be a little chubby or have a big nose or SOMETHING, You know, like actual real men. Anyways, very good read and I was very impressed.
May 14, 2019
This book and I came together under mysterious and unsolved circumstances... One day, there it was on my TBR shelf. It was not here on my To Be Read list on GoodReads, which is the first thing I do with new books. No one close to me knows where it came from.
The prologue had me on the fence about whether this read would be enjoyable.
But by the end of the first chapter, I was fully immersed in the world of Sarah Biddle.
This book was a lovely journey.
The prologue had me on the fence about whether this read would be enjoyable.
But by the end of the first chapter, I was fully immersed in the world of Sarah Biddle.
This book was a lovely journey.
September 29, 2021
Enjoyed this book. There were several lines that left me thinking a bit before I continued to read. Twas a story that reminded me that as we live our lives it is God guiding us in all circumstances when we let go and trust him. Sarah was totally dedicated to her brother. She knew how to put people at ease in many situations. This is the first book I have read from this author. It won't be the last.
September 12, 2022
Only ended up with this one because I had nothing else and my wacky homeless friend picked it out for me. It was sort of okay at parts, but every time the poor protagonist started to get ahead and something good in life, some other depressing crap happened to her. It was all about Jesus and stuff, because we got it from a Baptist outreach church. The poor girl could barely catch a break but at least she was saved and stuff.
May 11, 2023
3.5 stars
After reading the previous books, I was looking forward to this one. Whilst I did enjoy it, it wasn't really a page turner for me tbh. Part of it overlapped with the previous books, but did move on. This is mainly Sarah's story. I liked seeing some of the characters back in this book and being introduced to new characters. I did think Sarah was a bit naive on times.
I read this via Kindle Unlimited.
After reading the previous books, I was looking forward to this one. Whilst I did enjoy it, it wasn't really a page turner for me tbh. Part of it overlapped with the previous books, but did move on. This is mainly Sarah's story. I liked seeing some of the characters back in this book and being introduced to new characters. I did think Sarah was a bit naive on times.
I read this via Kindle Unlimited.
March 1, 2023
Life's trials
Sarah was such a strong character. She made do.with whatever she needed to do. The story was filled with great history, of whay that time period was filled with. Strong people of that time, never giving up. I really enjoyed the book. I look forward to reading your other books. Thank you for a great read.
Sarah was such a strong character. She made do.with whatever she needed to do. The story was filled with great history, of whay that time period was filled with. Strong people of that time, never giving up. I really enjoyed the book. I look forward to reading your other books. Thank you for a great read.
September 26, 2017
Cute story
May 10, 2019
A pleasant book to read. Flows smoothly from chapter to chapter. I'd recommend to my friends.
May 23, 2020
Lorna tells the story of Aunt Sarah from the quilt. Great book, but very religious
March 14, 2021
Sarah's Patchwork
This was a very good story with really good characters to get to know. I enjoyed reading it and getting to know the characters.
This was a very good story with really good characters to get to know. I enjoyed reading it and getting to know the characters.
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May 20, 2023Loved, loved, loved this book and the following series.
November 27, 2023
It's a perfectly sweet story....
July 19, 2017
So touching and amazing. It really brought out the life of the main character and made it very interesting and relatable.
February 17, 2017
When I first started reading this book, I wasn't quite sure it was what I wanted to read...however, once I got into it, I couldn't put it down. It wasn't at all what I was expecting, but it was a wonderful story. I was kind of sad when it ended. Luckily, there's a book 2 (even though it's not dependent on book 1).
April 28, 2016
BACK OF THE BOOK BLURB
(taken from Amazon.com)
When Aunt Sarah begins to tell Lorna stories based on the fabric in a treasured crazy quilt, Lorna has no idea she is hearing true stories--the story of Aunt Sarah's life.
Abandoned by their destitute father, Sarah Biddle and her younger brother, Tom, are sent west on an orphan train. But no one wants to adopt a girl with a crippled brother in tow. Facing the unthinkable--being returned to a New York orphanage--Sarah and Tom run away when the eastbound train pauses in Lincoln, Nebraska. Not until the two come face to face with Jesse King and Augusta Hathaway (introduced to readers in the Prairie Winds Series), do Sarah and Tom begin to hope for better things.
When Sarah learns the power of true love to heal the broken heart, she is transformed. Each scrap of fabric in Sarah's patchwork quilt bears silent witness to the rich life experienced by a strong, resourceful woman who stitched "the tears of the past into a treasure for tomorrow".
MY REVIEW
I love Stephanie's books, this one included! She has weaved a very touching tale about Sarah's life, so many twists and turns. Each twist makes her stronger for the next turn. This is an older book, from 2000, and I have just 'found' as it was recently re-released in paperback and e-book format. I can recommend this as a good read. Also, I like that it takes place in Nebraska.
(taken from Amazon.com)
When Aunt Sarah begins to tell Lorna stories based on the fabric in a treasured crazy quilt, Lorna has no idea she is hearing true stories--the story of Aunt Sarah's life.
Abandoned by their destitute father, Sarah Biddle and her younger brother, Tom, are sent west on an orphan train. But no one wants to adopt a girl with a crippled brother in tow. Facing the unthinkable--being returned to a New York orphanage--Sarah and Tom run away when the eastbound train pauses in Lincoln, Nebraska. Not until the two come face to face with Jesse King and Augusta Hathaway (introduced to readers in the Prairie Winds Series), do Sarah and Tom begin to hope for better things.
When Sarah learns the power of true love to heal the broken heart, she is transformed. Each scrap of fabric in Sarah's patchwork quilt bears silent witness to the rich life experienced by a strong, resourceful woman who stitched "the tears of the past into a treasure for tomorrow".
MY REVIEW
I love Stephanie's books, this one included! She has weaved a very touching tale about Sarah's life, so many twists and turns. Each twist makes her stronger for the next turn. This is an older book, from 2000, and I have just 'found' as it was recently re-released in paperback and e-book format. I can recommend this as a good read. Also, I like that it takes place in Nebraska.
January 18, 2016
Setting: 1875 Nebraska
Characters: Sarah and her brother Tom
The story started out with Sarah and Tom on an orphan train. That is what attracted me to the book, but most of the story happens after that. I was about a third of the way into the book and thinking that nothing was happening in the story. Then things really picked up and a lot happened. The romance was never very good in my opinion. The story was still pretty good though. I would have liked to find out what happened to the baby sister Emma, but she was not mentioned again.
Characters: Sarah and her brother Tom
The story started out with Sarah and Tom on an orphan train. That is what attracted me to the book, but most of the story happens after that. I was about a third of the way into the book and thinking that nothing was happening in the story. Then things really picked up and a lot happened. The romance was never very good in my opinion. The story was still pretty good though. I would have liked to find out what happened to the baby sister Emma, but she was not mentioned again.
September 9, 2016
Good clean christian historical story
This book was so good on so many levels. The characters were easy for me to connect with. The plan of salvation was clearly stated. I didn't realize how historic the story was till the end. The author is very knowledgeable and a very good story teller. The negative I have to say is the cost thru kindle is too high for people such as I who read a lot of books, this book was reasonably priced so I purchased it and met a new author to me and I am glad I did.
This book was so good on so many levels. The characters were easy for me to connect with. The plan of salvation was clearly stated. I didn't realize how historic the story was till the end. The author is very knowledgeable and a very good story teller. The negative I have to say is the cost thru kindle is too high for people such as I who read a lot of books, this book was reasonably priced so I purchased it and met a new author to me and I am glad I did.
July 9, 2012
A quilting romance story. It was a fun quick read. The plot revolves around two children who are forced to take the orphan trains out west after being abandoned by their destitute father. Of course the main female character finds a wealthy man to love and the male becomes a doctor.
January 11, 2013
This was my first novel by this author, and her writing was impressive. A niece is given a trunk filled with memories, and recounts the life of her Aunt's many loves, careers, and tragedies, using the idea of quilting to weave the events together. A good read.
January 23, 2016
This book is really book#4 in the Prairie Winds series and is a 'MUST READ'! I have no idea why it isn't listed with that series, fortunately I saw where a reviewer at Amazon mentioned this book being more of Sarah and Tom's story.Don't miss it, it's wonderful!
April 29, 2016
Sarah's Patchwork
Outstanding book! This one is a keeper that I will read again. Sarah has faced many trials in her life and overcome many obstacles through God's grace and direction.
Outstanding book! This one is a keeper that I will read again. Sarah has faced many trials in her life and overcome many obstacles through God's grace and direction.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews