Timeless Treasures

Patchwork #4

by Cara C. Putman

Set in a historic village nestled in beautiful New England, every novel in this good, old-fashioned page-turning “Whodunit” series reveals the power of dreams and shows that faith in God always triumphs over anxiety and fear.
Whether she’s making a log cabin quilt or delving into a real log cabin to find a clue, Sarah Hart’s curiosity and faith always lead her in the right direction. Each book in the Patchwork Mysteries series will bring you an intriguing mystery, always centered around a quilt, with fascinating characters set in a place you will want to return to again and again for its rich history and beautiful landscape in all seasons. You’ll come to see that the key to solving an intricate mystery or making a fine quilt is knowing how to put all the pieces together—just what Sarah Hart does best!

Genres: Mystery, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Mystery Thriller

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Cara C. Putman lives in Indiana with her husband and four children. She is a clinical assistant professor in law and ethics at Purdue University's School of Business. She has loved reading and writing from a young age and now realizes it was all training for writing books. She loves bringing history and legal romantic suspense to life.

An honors graduate of the University of Nebraska, George Mason University School of Law, and Krannert School of Management, Cara left small town Nebraska and headed to Washington, D.C., to launch her career in public policy.

Cara is an author chasing hard after God as she lives a crazy life. She invites you to join her on that journey. She's currently writing her 41st book with more on the way. Please check out her website to learn more about her books and read first chapters.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah buys a pile of old quilts at an estate sale. She is really interested in one of them, that has a different pattern in each block. She knows something is going on when the Habers show up and try to buy back everything that had sold at the auction. Sarahs spends a long time looking for the secret hidden in the quilt blocks. She also keeps busy with her new column on quilts for the newspaper and helping her daughter-in-law with a special event at her store.

[Janeandjerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in this series and even though my life has been a roller coaster ride since last year I was glad to have finished this one...This was another quilt mystery that had a journey of its own...my reviews aren't as good as should or could be so just take my word you will like this one if you read the others...

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. Continuing with this series.. The mystery was cleverly presented and the characters well written. I cared about the main characters and in the outcome of the story. Nice cozy mystery.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is almost 5 stars. The only reason that I didn't give it that is because it just seems to be too much of a simple cozy mystery for that and the 5 stars that I give usually denote a complicated story with red herrings and a solution that you don't see coming. This series is wonderful- the cozy mysteries, with just a touch of religion, is perfect for a great read. The mystery is good and the solution satisfying- but you always know that it's going to happen and most of the time you know who the "bad guys" are. In this story you know that from the beginning, even though clues along the way build that conclusion up. What is always a surprise is how an old quilt plays into the story- or actually, it's always directly involved with the mystery. And the books, if read in sequence, follow each other in order of life. This one takes place at Thanksgiving, the one before earlier in autumn and the next one is a Christmas story. These are written by different people but the stories fit together seamlessly.

Sarah, a 60 year-old grandmother, is the protagonist of the series. She lives in Maple Hill, a small town in New England, where her passion and avocation is identifying and repairing antique quilts. This story begins at an estate sale she attends with her daughter-in-law, Maggie, who owns a fledgling antique shop. A box of 5 old quilts catches Sarah's eye. Four of them are in poor condition but one intrigues her with each square containing a different pattern. Then a couple arrive and shut down the sale, insisting that they are the heirs to the old farm and that there is a family treasure that they must find. Clues surface as Sarah solves the riddle of the quilt and answers a decades old riddle.

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book #4 in the Patchwork Mystery series published by Guideposts. They are clean, easy-to-read, faith-filled, cozy mysteries. What I especially like about this series is that each book features the same sleuth, but the series has been written by a group of well known Christian authors. Therefore each different author gives their particular book their own flavor. The second thing I like is that the main character, Sarah, is a professional quilter and quilt restorer. Therefore each book focuses on a specific quilt that becomes the source of the mystery. If you are an avid quilter or interested in quilts, you will especially like this series. I have not found any of these books at the library. Used book stores, Guidepost's website, or book swap sites have been my best source for this series. Definitely recommend to those who like cozy mysteries.

[Ramona · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to give a higher rating, because of the moral cleanness and no profanity, but the story doesn't have enough life in it, lacking descriptions of the supporting characters. Friends are mentioned but not a big enough part of the story. Life is not a "one-person-show". Scriptures are quoted as Sarah is thinking of them, but she doesn't use her faith to help others, keeping her spiritual wisdom to herself, as if her family will, by osmosis, benefit. She also puts herself in danger, without telling her "friends" or family what she is doing. Very reckless for a seemingly intelligent woman. A cozy mystery, definitely, for a quick read.

[Bess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit it - I freaking love these books. Found the first 3 by accident at a book sale and have since committed to hunting down the entire series of 27-or-so books. Look, this is not classic literature - but the stories are relatively well-written, with a little mystery thrown in for good measure, and they're incredibly sweet and calming.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this quilt mystery. Suspense mixed with community, family, faith and a quilt can't be beat. It was great to read about a man helping clear a veteran's name so close to Memorial Day.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the Patchwork Mysteries. The strong family connections and Sarah's love of quilts are inspiring. There is always a mystery to solve and with Gods help Sarah unravels again another mystery. Will keep on reading this series.

[Roberta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sarah buys five tatty quilts at an estate sale at the Haber farm before a couple shows up and demands that the sale stop as they have a claim on some sort of family keepsake or heirloom or something. They don't seem to know what this valuable thing is but they harass all of the buyers at the sale to inspect what they have already bought. They inspect the quilts and dismiss them but, as she is restoring one of the quilts, Sarah suspects that it is a big clue in their search. How about a picture of the quilt?

Sarah is also asked on a date and offered an opportunity to write a quilt column in a magazine.

The books are best read in order. They are definitely not thrillers, they are cozy and Christian but not preachy. When the mysteries involve a death at all, it is in the distant past. An old quilt is always an integral part of the story and directly involved with the mystery. I enjoy the books in this series, this one perhaps just a little less than the earlier books. A couple of characters seem to have been inserted as an afterthought. I'm not a quilter but Sarah's research and restoration of the quilts is probably the most interesting part of the books for me.

There were a couple spots in the story that bothered me. When Sarah had Curtis Haber were talking on the phone, there were a couple of very obvious questions that even the most amateur detective would have asked What surname do Louise and her husband use when they are at home. but Sarah didn't. And, on page 251, Sarah breaks the first rule that I was taught when I was a small child and that has been repeated several times as an adult by self-defense and personal safety instructors. "Do not get into their car." Sarah acknowledged that she was doing something wrong when she waved to Liam but she did it anyway. In real life, Sarah wouldn't have solved the mystery, she would have been the missing person in another mystery.

[The Hobbit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine a farm estate sale interrupted when a relative of the deceased showed up and stopped the bidding! Sarah Hart had already found a box of old quilts, one of which was especially intriguing because it was a sampler quilt. To purchase, Sarah had to let the new relative look through the box. He pulled every quilt out and felt each one. What was he looking for? She watched Curtis Haber examine each item that was ready for purchase. It was obvious to Sarah, he didn't know what he was looking for. Being a good neighbor and very curious, Sarah made muffins to take to the Habers to welcome them to the neighborhood. Curtis's wife confessed they were looking for a "treasure" that one of the original owners bought back from Europe after World War II. Curtis was tearing apart the house and barn looking for the treasure or a map - he was obsessed. Sarah suspected she had the map - the sampler quilt with a different pattern in each square, all of which had farm-related themes. Just as Sarah was puzzling over the mystery, two men come to Maple Hill. Chester Winslow was an antiques expert, who believed Curtis and his wife were imposters, not related to the Habers who owned the farm for more than 60 years. The other stranger was a Frenchman looking for a young woman in a photo taken in WWII. An intriguing mystery solved by a quilt!

[Jacquie Stricklind · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah goes to an auction and buys some old quilts that need restoring while at the auction a couple show up demanding the auction stop because they are the heirs. There is supposedly a treasure somewhere in the house. Sarah of course likes a good mystery and decides to restore the five quilts to see if they provide a clue. She finds a key while taking the quilts out of the box. What does the key unlock. Meanwhile a man named Chester from Country Cottage magazine. He wants Sarah to write a column in the magazine about restoring quilts. They meet a few times for lunch and dinner and even after Sarah agrees to write the column. Could romance be in the air? Maggie< Sarah's daughter in law is really stretching herself real thin, and Jason's law practice is real slow. Can Sarah help them? Read this really good book to find out if there is a treasure and can Sarah find it and get it to the rightful owner.

[Fawn Pender · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every auction or yard sale devotee needs a good friend who will scout around for that special item for you. In "Timeless Treasures", Sarah Hart's friend Martha found a pile of quilts at an auction, and went out of her way to explain to anyone nearby that they were "rags". The quilts were not really rags, just old and well-worn, but they opened the door to a new mystery for Sarah, along with a job offer and a potential romance.

Cara Putman weaves together a lovely story that makes sense without needing to end "happily ever after". A good read.

[Sarah A · Rating 3 out of 5]

The fourth book in the Patchwork mystery series. Sarah is attending a local estate auction that turns interesting when a couple turn up claiming to be the descendants of the deceased and refuse the auction to continue. Sarah has already purchased some ratty quilts to see what she can do with them and takes them home to try and solve their mysteries. There is romance, marital discord, loving family moments, mysterious movements, twists and lost treasure.

[Joan Arning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah finds an unusual old quilt at an auction and sets about repairing it only to decide the blocks are a map for a hidden treasure. You will enjoy joining her as she sets about solving the mystery and uncovering the treasure that was brought home from France after World War II! This is a delightful story by Cara Putman.

[Elizabeth Meadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book with an estate auction and mysterious heirs, plus a puzzling quilt which led to a treasure hunt and a love story going all the way back to WWII. This whole series is fascinating so far!

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It had a mix of history, an amateur detective who is a widow and also restores old quilts. I love the descriptions of the quilts, how she takes them apart and "reads their story" while she repairs the blanket.

[Millie Dearden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still a really good series!!

[Barbra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This mystery was about a Sampler Quilt that told a story.

[Sandy Carmichael · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy these fun mysteries---lo-key, good family input and learn more about quilting.

[Sonia With an I · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Sarah and her adventures. A nice read ❤️

[Tambra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Im loving these Patchwork mysteries by Guidepost. What great fun reads they are.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cosy sweet mystery with just a little tension near the end. Interesting the way she brought out the usage of different patterns in a quilt.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and the writers style. It bothered me at first that the "voice" of Sarah seemed a little different but as I read I got to like this author more and more. I've decided to read more of her books. I really enjoyed the mystery in this book and the idea that a quilt could contain a story or even a map. I loved the mention of Sarah's daughter and her family. I had forgotten all about them since they haven't been mentioned in the last few books. I was surprised that I really enjoyed the romantic aspect of this book even though I usually shy away from romance novels. This was well done and woven into the mystery so it didn't make it boring. I look forward to reading more about Chester.

There were a few places where I felt Sarah was being naive and out of character since I feel she is a smart woman. I think the author was just working to end the book a certain way but I felt like I do when watching a bad horror movie and the blond girl is going down to check the basement. I'm glad this book had a good ending.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book in the Patchwork Mystery series. Sarah Hart is a woman who is a quilt restoration expert. She attends an auction and buys a box of old quilts. The auction is halted when the "heirs" to the person who owned the house appears and demands that the sale be stopped. After he examines Sarah's quilts, he discards them as junk and says he is looking for a valuable family heirloom but he doesn't know what it is. Sarah begins to restore one of the quilts when she discovers that it may be the key to the missing treasure. This was a very good book and I had to know how it ended before I could put it down.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The puzzle/mystery presented was very interesting but it would have been better if a picture of the quilt was included. Instead the author spent a lot of time describing it and I spent a lot of effort trying to picture it. But if you can avoid getting bogged down in that, it is an enjoyable cozy. I will probably look for more in this series to read when I'm looking for something fairly light to read.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sarah Hart is at it again! She finds a quilt in a box at an estate sale and questions start popping up. Every question's answer starts a whole new set of questions. World War II, a family farm, a quilt, and a treasure beyond belief.

[Sherry Sharpnack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have given it 5 stars, but there were too many repetitions of "Sarah staring at the quilt. What was its meaning?"
Sorts of paragraphs. Nice character progression w/ the family, though. I have really enjoyed the Patchwork Mysteries, so far.

[Shannon Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series of books~

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Guideposts' Patchwork Mystery #4 is by Cara Putman.

Chester Winslow enters Sarah Hart's life and asks her to write a column on quilts.