The Giving Quilt

Elm Creek Quilts #20

by Jennifer Chiaverini

“Why do you give?” asks Master Quilter Sylvia Bergstrom Compson Cooper in The Giving Quilt , the New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Chiaverini’s artful, inspiring novel that imagines what good would come from practicing the holiday spirit each and every day of the year.

At Elm Creek Manor, the week after Thanksgiving is “Quiltsgiving,” a time to commence a season of generosity. From near and far, quilters and aspiring quilters—a librarian, a teacher, a college student, and a quilt-shop clerk among them—gather for a special winter session of quilt camp, to make quilts for Project Linus. (In real life, Chiaverini has long been active in this charitable organization, dedicated to providing handmade quilts and blankets to children in need.)

Each quilter, ever mindful that many of her neighbors, friends, and family members are struggling through difficult times, uses her creative gifts to alleviate their collective burden. As the week unfolds, the quilters respond to Sylvia’s provocative question in ways as varied as the life experiences that drew them to Elm Creek Manor. Love and comfort are sewn into the warm, bright, beautiful quilts they stitch, and their stories collectively consider the strength of human connection and its rich rewards.

Featuring not only well-loved characters but also intriguing newcomers, The Giving Quilt will remind us Giving from the heart blesses the giver as much as the recipient, and while giving may not always be easy, it is always worthwhile.

Genres: Fiction, Quilting, Chick Lit, Audiobook, Historical Fiction, Contemporary, Holiday

368 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Jennifer 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."

Reviews

[Cindye Baily · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was torture to read, on more than one level. For whatever reason, the author has decided to lecture her long time readers about her left wing politics. This was supposed to be a Quilt Novel!!! There was nothing in the book description to indicate the divisive tone of politics throught the book!

To add insult to injury, she went on FOR-EV-ER about a middle school science project?

This is the last book I will ever purchase from this author. Luckily, Amazon was able to refund the book due to "offensive content" and I will choose another.

She has the right to her belief's, but a quilt novel is not the place to lecture people believing they are purchasing a book about quilting when it has strong politics throughout.

[Nathalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This particular book hit some tender spots in my psyche. First of all is the story of Lynnea, a librarian from California. Due to the economy, the town has fallen on hard times and is looking for cutbacks, one of them being the library. Adding fuel to the fire is a misguided uninformed book-burning group and a local DJ looking to score some increased ratings. This hit home as our town and library are facing some of those same issues, being also plagued by people who think that libraries are obsolete in the days of the internet and e-books, not thinking that not EVERYONE is as fortunate as themselves to afford the internet, kindles, nooks and the like. Also, there are, incredibly to them it seems, many people who enjoy going to the library and check out ACTUAL books and love the library as a true community center where people enjoy sharing cultural, musical, literary events not to mention the beloved children's story time hour. Many of our patrons also enjoy talking with our librarians about new books or seeking help with their research or even just having someone who shares their love of books and having some one-on-one conversation. Incredibly, there was also the "I-never-go-to-the-library-so-I-don't-think-we-should-have-one." Well, I don't use many services either but that doesn't mean they shouldn't exist. The other tender story was of Jocelyn whose husband died in a freak accident, cut in the prime of his life, leaving behind his family and the children he taught and coached at the local middle school. This made me think of our son-in-law's father who died unexpectedly of a massive heart at the age of 55, having shown no symptoms, leaving behind a wife and children and grandchildren. My (and his) granddaughter is only 9 months old and will never know this loving grandfather and has been cheated of this wonderful opportunity. Fortunately, this being an Elm Creek novel, the women find ways to cope or resolve or work around or compromise in order find life worth living again to the fullest. It's not easy, as real life is, and things don't always work out the way we think but the important thing is that we DO move forward to the best of our ability.

[Violet · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel guilty giving only 2 stars, because I do love this series, but "It was okay" really sums up how I feel. It was...okay. Chiaverini does a great job of creating likable characters, but she has introduced so many over the course of these 20 books that 1) I have a hard time keeping them straight, and 2) I have a hard time caring about all the new characters. I'd love to read more about the Elm Creek Quilters, not about some lady who attended quilt camp once. The characters warrant 3 or 4 stars, but the plot was...not good. Grueling in parts, even. I want to read about quilts, and in this case, giving, NOT about a middle school science competition or pages upon pages of cheerleading jargon. It was seriously grueling and didn't move the book forward. Sure, I was interested in the characters' back stories, but not to the point that I needed to know the rules of the science competition in mind numbing detail. Where was the quilting? Where was the giving?! I thought it would be much more inspirational in terms "craftivism" but the theme just wasn't there. It honestly was more about "some nice ladies get through some rough times" and basically had nothing to do with using crafts to help the community.

Again, I do like the series, but each new book feels like it's leaning further and further away from the things I enjoyed in the beginning (specifically, the original characters and quilt related content.)

[Malia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed all the characters. Honestly, I get a little Sylvia'd out, so new characters or other Elm Creek quilters perspectives are great.

I did not like that the book seemed to single out conservatives as the reason that every character (who all happened to be employed by the government)was losing their job. Um, could this be because the private sector is losing their jobs? Yeah, so all of the government employees are going to be put at risk too.

And the book burning guy... pretty sure he was supposed to be conservative even though it was Tipper Gore who led the charge to keep bad language away from kids. Oh, and socialist Hitler led book burnings.

And the Christian who singled out Michaela as being "too young to quilt"? come on.

Just when I really think "wow, this is a great series with no politics behind it" I'm awakened to the sad truth.

This is the first Chiaverini book where I felt put down as a Christian conservative. Boo.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Similar to some of Chiaverini's earlier Elm Creek Quilts novels, The Giving Quilt tells the stories of several different women by using the framework of a quilting camp week. We learn how the women became interested in quilting, a major event in their life, and why they came to the camp at this point in their lives.

Although there are continuing characters from the other books, they play more of a background role. The focus is on the attendees' stories rather than on the official Elm Creek Quilters:
- Pauline is a member of another quilting society, but comes to Elm Creek's Quiltsgiving instead of her own group's retreat due to conflicts within that group
- Linnea is a librarian whose job is threatened by budget cuts and a local group who thinks libraries are unnecessary
- Michaela is a college student, currently on crutches, with a dream of being a cheerleader
- Jocelyn is a recently widowed middle-school teacher
- Karen, who previously applied to work at Elm Creek, works and teaches in a local quilt shop which is threatened by the Internet

Very easy, enjoyable read.

While I have read the earlier Elm Creek Quilts books, I don't think that would be necessary in order to appreciate this one.

[Martha · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have read many of Chiaverini's books. This book will be my last. I had to slog through the tortuous first pages and felt I was reading something my former elementary students would have written. Then we go to the political posturing. The last page I read had the librarian savoring a picture with Bill Clinton, not exactly a great role model. I have read many of her books and have purchased quilting books and material fromn Elk Creek. Never again. What attracted me to the stories originally were the stories of people united through quilts or quilting.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

After 20+ something books, Ms. Chiaverini has established herself as an author. Having read the vast majority of her books, I kind of felt like I knew exactly what to expect from her writing. But I was a tad "off the mark" when I picked up this book with those expectations.

I actually thought this book was more like a collection of short stories, with a wrap-up at the end. And while that isn't necessarily a bad thing, it felt like there really wasn't a central plot. More of a narrative of personal challenges loosely held together by the individuals' attendance at Quiltsgiving. And though I certainly enjoyed reading about those personal challenges (and those were definitely individuals with personalities) somehow the overall experience didn't carry the weight that it might have with a more traditional plot driven book.

That said, I am a huge proponent of happy endings and it was quite pleasant to have everything nicely wrapped up and tied with a bow at the end.

I also feel a strong code of moral behavior peeking through the characters - with a sense of a religious nature that is often lacking in the characters of many of today's books. I enjoy that. I also relish knowing that whenever I pick up one of Ms. Chiaverini's books I won't be cringing at the language or the possibility of being embarrassed at anything written on the pages. Thank you for your higher, more civilized standards, Ms. Chiaverini.

I thought this passage aptly described the needs of women, whether around the quilting frame or any other activity shared by females:

"Quilters had always shared conversation and confidences around the quilting frame, and regardless of the changes in tools and technology, the desire to share, to be heard, and to listen endured."

[Julie Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Giving Quilt by Jennifer Chilvalli
Quiltsgiving get together annually for a winter session of camp to provide quilts to children in need, Project Linus.
Sylvia is the owner of the manor and she has many tasks to complete before the guests arrive for camp.
The twins live there along with their mother who helps run the place.
Love how the membership will be gathering the fabrics to distribute to those who will be sewing. They will camp in rooms at the manor and meet to not only talk but give each other tips and the room comes with home made meals and food is grown on the estate.
Opening day, after a meal, everybody introduces themselves and tells why they are there to quilt and what charity means to them.
Other activities are scheduled: historical quilts from the estate are discussed. There are chapters of those attending and how they interact with the others.
Loved all the stories and especially the quilting instructions.
Hated hearing of the fabric and how it's stolen from a shop that doesn't have a store.

I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

[Christine Rebbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

You pretty much always know what you're getting with this series. This one centers around the event of Quiltsgiving, an annual event at Elm Creek Manor the week after Thanksgiving, where folks get together to make quilts for the Linus Project. The back stories of several of the participants are featured, some very timely (economic down-turn, right-wing radio, etc.). I believe this is the first Elm Creek book, though, where a class was taught as part of the story and I actually felt like I could probably make the quilt myself from those directions! And I might even try to do that... I am wondering about one particular young-woman character, about whose mother many hints were dropped -- as if we'd seen her in prior books -- but whose identity was never actually revealed. I don't know if that was intentional or meant to be leading up to the next book somehow, or what. Anyway, reading this series is always a pleasant way to spend some time, and always makes me wish I could go to this quilt camp!

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, I enjoy the Elm Creek series. Several chapters are devoted to an individual character, some new to Elm Creek or with previous ties. Delightful series. Smiled, chuckled and actually shed a tear here and there!

[Megowen · Rating 2 out of 5]

A political diatribe disguised as a quilt novel...pro-union, anti-fox news, leftist garbage held together by weak threads and poor fabric.

[Wendy Burks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books have a way of finding us when we need them, and this book is no different. It gave me needed perspective by spotlighting the various struggles each character faced, and how they each met their challenges with patience, grace, creativity, and perseverance. It also gave me friendship and camaraderie, with the creative Elm Creek Quilters and the guests who attended Quiltsgiving at the Elm Creek Manor. We all have our own burdens to bear, struggles to overcome and sadness that comes along with it all, but we don’t have to be alone. We can reach out, engage (or reengage) with others, and get on with life. This book felt like I was right there alongside the other characters, a little damaged and wounded, but ready to pick myself back up, try something new, help others where I can, and enjoy the beauty that is around us.

Although this book is one in a series of Elm Creek Quilt novels, I read it on its own, not needing to remember any prior character history, etc. to get the full benefit of the story. In fact, I enjoyed not needing to remember details from other books in a series that I may have already since forgotten.

I connected with The Giving Quilt on many different levels: I love sewing and crafting, and would love to learn to quilt and one day be a part of a creative group like a quilting guild; I love baking and appreciate the love and care that go into preparing a delicious meal; I enjoyed reading about the beautiful natural setting of Elm Creek Manor, along with the beautiful details inside the home; I enjoyed reading about the characters’ struggles and how they handled them, like how Jocelyn, the teacher who loses her beloved husband to his carelessness in running around a bus without first checking for traffic, heads up an Imagination Quest science competition group her husband had expertly led, despite feeling inadequate or unable to – instead she does it because no one else will, and it had been so important to the students and her husband – then she too becomes an amazing coach and mentor with her own style and strengths; Michaela, a cheerleader who was purposely dropped during her college mascot audition, prohibiting her from further competition – but leading her to a different, but equally rewarding path to her dream of coaching cheer; Linnea the librarian whose city library is under attack by a group insistent upon burning banned books, who along with her unemployed husband’s marketing experience and the friends of the library, find new and imaginative ways to reengage the community with the library and show how vital it still is; Karen who is still hurt from an unsuccessful interview to become an Elm Creek Quilter, but who takes the advice to gain quilting instruction experience and in turn finds her own special place in the world at a local quilt shop, String Theory, where she is instrumental in rallying neighboring Summit Pass businesses to save their quaint, out-of-the-way shopping district from diminished sales and increased internet competition; and Pauline who feels pushed out of her own community quilting group by one mean-spirited member, but how she gains insight into the bully’s own struggles, gaining compassion and understanding.

So there are many different layers in this book, from which to glean insight, understanding and enjoyment! There was not any area I was not interested in hearing about, thanks to Chiaverini’s interesting writing style.

Quiltsgiving, by the way, is a free, one-week retreat at Elm Creek Manor where quilters enjoy the beauty, camaraderie and delicious food and accommodation of the Manor, while quilting for Project Linus – a group that donates handmade quilts and blankets to provide comfort to children who may have lost their home to a fire, or be hospitalized, etc. This kind of event sounds like heaven on earth to me… 

Reading The Giving Quilt is like sitting with the best of friends (both new and old), sharing, creating and supporting. It was like hot chocolate and a warm blanket for the soul. And making it even more special, I finished it by reading aloud to my 14-year-old daughter (who by this time, I had already filled in on all the characters) in our kitchen while she made chocolate chip cookies. Then we would each comment with each new development. It was the perfect way to finish.

Here are a few of my favorite passages:

Jocelyn’s throat constricted with grief when she thought of the great many things they would have no choice but to do without him in the years to come. “We can do anything we put our minds to,” she reminded them firmly. “Sometimes it all comes down to deciding to begin.” pg. 238

“The damage is done. I won’t be a mascot or a cheerleader now, and without that experience on my resume, I’ll never get to be a cheerleading coach,” said Michaela.
“You don’t know that for sure,” protested Karen. “Don’t rule it out. Granted, this is a setback, but your chances can’t be completely ruined. Another opportunity will come along, unless you give up. If this is your dream, you’ll just have to find another path toward it.”
Karen fell silent, struck by the echoes of the encouraging speeches Nate had given her when she was stuck in the doldrums after her rejection from Elm Creek Quilts. She had listened, and she had believed him, but five years had passed and she wasn’t any closer to joining the faculty. Was she wrong to give Michaela what could turn out to be false hope?”
“I know. I get it,” said Michaela plaintively, oblivious to Karen’s sudden uncertainty. “I don’t want this to be the end of my dream. I don’t want to give up, but I don’t know what to do next. What am I supposed to do – wander around aimlessly until I trip over this other path?”
“Not aimlessly, but otherwise, yes,” said Karen. That’s essentially what you have to do.”
Michaela looks dubious, but when she declared that she intended to give it her best try, Karen didn’t have the heart to caution her that she might stumble around lost for a while before a new path appeared. Nor did she warn her that sometimes even a clear route led to an unanticipated destination rather than to the threshold of a long-cherished dream.”

Jocelyn hesitated, emotions warring in her expression. “Noah left big shoes to fill.”
“Who said you had to fill his shoes?” said Karen. “Wear your own shoes. They’re bound to fit better. Walk your own path your own way and you’ll be more likely to get to where you need to be.”

She couldn’t fix everything wrong in the world -- for that matter, she could barely keep her own life sorted out – but she would help where she could, knowing that every stitch made a difference. Karen, pg. 319

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are a quilter, this book would hold some interest for you. It is a “cozy” story of a quilters’ retreat in a beautiful old mansion in rural Pa. and the stories of the participants who attend. Enjoyable read.

[Virginia'dele Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jumping into this month's Book Belles of Green Hills bookclub selection, and I'll be honest...all I wanna do is quilt!! And go to a quilt retreat. And tackle my works-in-progress sewing pile - LOL I rate this visit to the Elm Street quilters as good but not great. It’s very narrative, and I enjoy more plot arc presented through scenes and dialogue. Again, good but not my favorite.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chiaverini is one of my recent favorite authors. Quilting is a part of my family and friends' lives -- I've enjoyed making quilts for my three grandchildren. Each of her books show the character stories of the people who come to Elm Creek Manor for quilt retreats.

The Quiltsgiving retreat after Thanksgiving brings four new people to Elm Creek Manor. Pg. 215 The ECQ’s loss was surely the String Theory Quilt Shop’s gain. Karen wasn’t hired because she had college business teaching experience but not quilt teaching. Sylvia urged her to teach in a quilt shop. Pg. 238 Imagination Quest program gave Jocelyn the experience to continue what her husband had done. She found it worth her life’s work (and students and parents gave her the airfare to go to the Quiltsgiving so she could add quilting to her history & Imag. Quest teaching). Pauline had been asked to join the prestigious Cherokee Rose Quilters. She had organized their finances. But she had run into Brenda -- who was chronically late with her dues and payments; she made Pauliine’s life miserable. P had stopped going to the CRQ -- she went to Quiltsgiving instead. Linnea was a California librarian whose job was on the line due to proposed tax cuts; she was targeted by book burners! Her husband had been unemployed a year.

[Jean · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I read the previous book in the Elm Creek Quilt series, 'The Wedding Quilt' - I was content with the way the beloved series was wrapped up and we had a nice glimpse into the future of Elm Creek Manor and the quilters. I absolutely thought that was the end of the series, that Ms Chiaverini was now moving into writing her (wonderful) historical fiction and that was fine with me.
So, I was surprised when yet another Elm Creek Quilt novel appeared. It starts out promising enough - reintroducing us to Sylvia and the core of the group - then quickly diverges from there into several lengthy biographies of people I simply can't bring myself to care about. Several are very self-centered, nothing sympathetic about them. It is tedious getting thru the highly detailed stories, and with about 1/4 of the book left I decided to check reviews to see if I was crazy or missing the point - and see that my reaction isn't unique. I'm not grossly offended by any perceived political agenda, just simply not interested. The writing is also clumsy and unimaginative in many places (how many times can you use the word 'had'?)
I love Ms Chiaverini's books and I just wish she'd have left the Elm Creek Quilters alone after 'The Wedding Quilt'.

[Carole at From My Carolina Home · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished this book in just a couple of days. I was surprised to read some of the other reviews and went into it thinking I might not like it. But, for the most part, it is an enjoyable read. Jennifer Chiaverini writes character studies, not action novels. The backstory for the quilters who came together with one common purpose was the story. Normally I would take longer to read, savoring each short story withing the larger convergent novel, but I just got interested. I liked that it was set at a quilt retreat, and as I make Project Linus quilts myself, I was also happy to see that real life charity depicted. In some ways it was difficult to read about the economic struggles and the loss of loved ones, but that is real life. In the past this author has been criticized for not being real enough. I didn't take the points of view as attacks on anyone in particular or of any political view. But then, I don't typically go looking for a fight in the pages of a novel. Having said that, this author is able to write whatever she wants, and if her point of view differs from mine, I hope I will heed the advice of the librarian and engage in dialogue, not just dismiss what I might not agree with. And I hope she keeps writing.

[Denise · Rating 2 out of 5]

Normally I love Jennifer Chiaverini's books, especially the ones set in the past, but I didn't care for this one. She inserted her left-wing politics in this book. Also the stories of these quilters I thought were absurd. I especially didn't like the endless pages about the science experiment.

[Gail Mackensen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was enjoying the book until it culminated into a pro union control/pro gun control rant near the end. I bailed at that point.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many wonderful ideas and topics covered. Second Chances, loss of a spouse and how she felt to "carry on", When someone treats you unkindly - what's happening in her life to make her so unpleasant to be around, Libraries - what can and does a library do in your community, book burning and many more. I loved the thought of quilt giving for a community project or just my family. I also loved the idea of a giving journal - each day write 5 ways you have given of yourself to others that day. Also write 5 people whom you are especially grateful for. Your life will be more abundant - you will live differently, more conscience and aware of others.

[Rita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy the parts of J C’s books about the quilting camps, and this one especially touched me for the Giving aspect. The back stories of the characters were too long and drawn out - too preachy. Except for Pauline’s story (about a quilt guild) and Karen’s (about teaching quilting) they just weren’t relevant. I’ve read most of the Elm Creek Quilters stories and, sadly, this one ranks low.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good holiday read

[Melanie Zitzman · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. It was a great easy read the week of Thanksgiving for me. But I was surprised to ponder the question “why do I give?”

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I received this book on a Goodreads Book Giveaway from Dutton. That in no way influenced my review.

I had never read a Jennifer Chiaverini Elm Creek Quilts novel though I had wanted to do so. This was a great book which I read in 2 days (sorry I had to sleep, etc.) Even though I tried quilting and found I couldn't measure accurately or cut a straight line, this did not affect my enjoyment of the book.

Quiltsgiving is a week in which quilters come to Elm Creek Manor to make quilts for Project Linus. Pauline, Linnea, Michaela, Jocelyn, and Karen become friends during this week. Pauline has run from her quilting group's annual get together because of a conflict with another member. Linnea is there to be with her sister. Linnea works as a librarian and her library is facing a possible closure. Michaela is a college student who tried to become a female mascot which was not favored by her college. She is on crutches due to an injury suffered during tryouts. Jocelyn is a history teacher at a middle school who became a widow 2 years ago. Karen is a quilter who had applied for a job with the Elm Creek Quilters and was rejected. She now works in a quilt shop.

Each of their stories resonates with current happenings, such as Linnea's husband has been out of work for a couple years. Pauline learns how to realize things should not always be personal, etc.

This book should be on everyone's list.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is.... OMG! How fantastic is this entire series?!

I have quite literally bought all of their hard back books, twice. I gave my fist set away to my son’s school. I also bought every single item they have in kindle format.

I have read through this entire series at least four times, and am on my way through the fifth time right now.

I have my own fully equipped sewing studio with all the toys, even the professional grade longarm, all to support my hobby. I will still do quilts by hand with needle, thread, pencil, and scissors, just to enjoy the quilt making like I find in the Elm Creek Quilt series. What can I say. I am an over 60 male fabric crafting fan who has been obsessed with quilting, sewing, and knitting, for my entire life.

This book is fantastic, and so are all the others! I really recommend them all.

...and yes, I have made several of the quilts from this series.

I also enjoy and recommend the Mrs. Lincoln’s dressmaker series and all of her oth books too.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I support charities that help children (especially non-fictional ones) and I support public libraries, but this book was a long political message framed around a quilting club. If I want to read about bad economic times, I will read the newspaper (yeah, I said it, newspaper, call me old fashioned) or read sob stories on the internet about home foreclosures, or bookstores closing in large towns or misguided dj stunts... but I will not read it in my fluffy quilted chick-fic.

I appreciate the giveaway, but I will pass it on to my local quilting store ad hope someone else will love it more than me.

[Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I've enjoyed past books in the series, especially in the beginning, the same formula has just grown more and more depressing. The author writes well, I just don't enjoy the agony of women over and over again, book after book. This one touches on real things happening in our world that are depressing enough to have to actually live through without having to read more made up stories about them.

[Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the most depressing Elm Creek book I've ever read. Closing libraries, dead husbands, etc. All of the backstories were a downer. Everything ended happily, but I just didn't enjoy it as much as the others. The 4 1/2 year time jump was a bit off-putting to me as well. I was just getting used to Anna, but nope-now she's gone. Bonnie is gone also because now she's apparently getting married. And I'm not sure they mentioned Diane and Gwen at all.

[Amy S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second Elm Creek Quilts novel I have read and I enjoy them. I don't quilt but I do admire the art form. These books are not extremely complicated but on the other hand, they are not boring. I like getting to know the characters and I often identify with some of the issues and problems that are discussed in the novels.

[Janet]

Quilts, they provide warmth, a book about quilts provides warmth to the heart as well. Would love to win this book!