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Quilts of Love #8
Pattern for Romance
Honour Metcalf s quilting needlework is admired by a wealthy customer of the Boston Mantua-maker for whom she works. In need of increasing her earnings, she agrees to create an elaborate white work bridal quilt for the dowager s niece. A beautiful design emerges as she carefully stitches the intricate patterns and she begins to dream of fashioning a wedding quilt of her own. When Honour is falsely accused of thievery and finds herself in a perilous position, merchant tailor Joshua Sutton comes to her aid. As he risks his relationships, reputation, and livelihood to prove her innocence, the two discover a grander plan a design for love.
272 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2013
9 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
Carla Olson Gade
10 books42 followersNative New Englander Carla Olson Gade writes adventures of the heart with historical roots from her home amid the rustic landscapes of Maine. With ten books in print, she is always imaging more stories and enjoys bringing her tales to life with historically authentic settings and characters. An avid reader, amateur genealogist, photographer, and house plan hobbyist, Carla’s great love (next to her family) is historical research. Though you might find her tromping around an abandoned homestead, an old fort, or interviewing a docent at a historical museum, it’s easier to connect with her online at http://carlagade.blogspot.com
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 3, 2022
I enjoyed the history that filled this story. The romance was a little rushed but I know love was looked at differently then.
I found myself looking up quite a few things that I didn’t know about or had forgotten from history class. The quilt history was very interesting. How I wish my mamaw was still here so we could discuss.
I found myself looking up quite a few things that I didn’t know about or had forgotten from history class. The quilt history was very interesting. How I wish my mamaw was still here so we could discuss.
August 31, 2016
Title: Pattern for Romance
Author: Carla Olson Gade
Publisher: Abingdon Press
August 2013
ISBN: 978-1426752711
Genre: Historical
Sometimes God’s pattern for our lives can lean us somewhere unexpected.
Honour Metcalf's quilting needlework is admired by a wealthy customer of the Boston Mantua-maker for whom she works. In need of increasing her earnings, she agrees to create an elaborate white work bridal quilt for the dowager's niece. A beautiful design emerges as she carefully stitches the intricate patterns and she begins to dream of fashioning a wedding quilt of her own.
When Honour is falsely accused of thievery and finds herself in a perilous position, merchant tailor Joshua Sutton comes to her aid. As he risks his relationships, reputation, and livelihood to prove her innocence, the two discover a grander plan.
PATTERN FOR ROMANCE is a tightly written story set before the Revolutionary War when things in the colonies were just beginning to get tight. Starting out with a damaging hailstorm, Honour is rescued by the bachelor of the colonies--a man who has recently been jilted by his former fiancee.
The dialogue is rather stiff and the characters rather flat, but the story is impeccably told. Fans of pre-Revolutionary war historical romances and of Ms. Gade might find the story enchanting. A letter from the author documenting the history of the times textiles and discussion questions are included.
PATTERN FOR ROMANCE is book eight in the Quilts of Love series. Fans of this series will want to read it as well. $12.99. 272 pages.
Author: Carla Olson Gade
Publisher: Abingdon Press
August 2013
ISBN: 978-1426752711
Genre: Historical
Sometimes God’s pattern for our lives can lean us somewhere unexpected.
Honour Metcalf's quilting needlework is admired by a wealthy customer of the Boston Mantua-maker for whom she works. In need of increasing her earnings, she agrees to create an elaborate white work bridal quilt for the dowager's niece. A beautiful design emerges as she carefully stitches the intricate patterns and she begins to dream of fashioning a wedding quilt of her own.
When Honour is falsely accused of thievery and finds herself in a perilous position, merchant tailor Joshua Sutton comes to her aid. As he risks his relationships, reputation, and livelihood to prove her innocence, the two discover a grander plan.
PATTERN FOR ROMANCE is a tightly written story set before the Revolutionary War when things in the colonies were just beginning to get tight. Starting out with a damaging hailstorm, Honour is rescued by the bachelor of the colonies--a man who has recently been jilted by his former fiancee.
The dialogue is rather stiff and the characters rather flat, but the story is impeccably told. Fans of pre-Revolutionary war historical romances and of Ms. Gade might find the story enchanting. A letter from the author documenting the history of the times textiles and discussion questions are included.
PATTERN FOR ROMANCE is book eight in the Quilts of Love series. Fans of this series will want to read it as well. $12.99. 272 pages.
January 24, 2013
The writing of Pattern for Romance is rich in historical authenticity, which made the story feel very real. I so wanted to love this story, as it held so much promise, but a lot of things were too unbelievable. How many times can one woman be injured or get sick? It seemed like for almost the whole book Honour was weak from injury or infection. How can everyone instantly take such a dislike to Honour and accuse her of thievery?
I also didn't care for the way things happened. I would be reading about something and wondering how it would be resolved, then turn the page and it would be days later in the story with the issue being resolved but not happening with the reader in the moment with the characters. This happened over and over again.
The characters were weak, in my opinion, I never felt any connection with them. The only character that was okay was Temperance, Honour's younger sister, and even she wasn't that great.
This book also had quite a few errors in it. Words would be missing from sentences, making them hard to read. Also the incorrect word was used a few times, such as "is" instead of "on".
I have enjoyed other books in this series, but this one was a disappointment. I don't recommend it.
***I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.***
I also didn't care for the way things happened. I would be reading about something and wondering how it would be resolved, then turn the page and it would be days later in the story with the issue being resolved but not happening with the reader in the moment with the characters. This happened over and over again.
The characters were weak, in my opinion, I never felt any connection with them. The only character that was okay was Temperance, Honour's younger sister, and even she wasn't that great.
This book also had quite a few errors in it. Words would be missing from sentences, making them hard to read. Also the incorrect word was used a few times, such as "is" instead of "on".
I have enjoyed other books in this series, but this one was a disappointment. I don't recommend it.
***I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.***
July 10, 2021
I’ve been working my way through this series, and so far it’s been hit or miss. This would be a miss for me. I think my biggest issue with this book was the narration. I listened to it through Audible because it’s “Included” in my membership as a free listen. The narrator did a good job voicing the romantic leads’ voices. However, all the other voices were over-dramatized. Near the end of the book, it dawned on me that her exaggerated narration was reminiscent of what I’d expect to hear if she were reading to a classroom full of third graders (or younger). (Hopefully, she narrates a lot of grade schooler’s books).
It might not all be on the narrator, as the writing was a little lopsided. What do I mean by that? Well, the romantic leads were written as calm, level-headed, charming people full of every Christian virtue. Most of the other characters (with the exception of the Reverend) were overly pious, judgmental, unforgiving, gossipy—or worse. Since most of the story was advanced by the characters’ conversations, these imbalances got pretty old, fast.
It might not all be on the narrator, as the writing was a little lopsided. What do I mean by that? Well, the romantic leads were written as calm, level-headed, charming people full of every Christian virtue. Most of the other characters (with the exception of the Reverend) were overly pious, judgmental, unforgiving, gossipy—or worse. Since most of the story was advanced by the characters’ conversations, these imbalances got pretty old, fast.
September 27, 2022
Christian Historical Romance
I enjoyed this colonial story very much. I thought the narration actually detracted from it a bit, but the story line was quite wonderful. A few instances I had a hard time comprehending, but I attributed to my lack of knowledge to this time period.
I enjoyed this colonial story very much. I thought the narration actually detracted from it a bit, but the story line was quite wonderful. A few instances I had a hard time comprehending, but I attributed to my lack of knowledge to this time period.
July 12, 2017
awesome book ... sorry i don't do spoilers!!
June 10, 2019
Wasn't my cup of tea
February 14, 2021
The 8th book in the Quilts of Love series. Christian fiction. Historical fiction and romance. Light read.
November 23, 2022
I enjoyed this one a lot.
March 23, 2022
Story of a woman's sacrifice to provide a better life for her younger sister. The challenges the colonists faced in their efforts to become independent from England. Patriotism in the years prior to the American Revolution.
February 13, 2015
I love love LOVE period stories. Pattern for Romance by Carla Olson Gade is set in post-Townshend Acts, colonial Boston. Honour is a quilter who has come to the United Sates by way of England and has taken up residence with the local Mantua-maker who she also works for. Her voyage to Boston had included, at first, her parents, brothers, sister, and herself... but only she and her sister remain, the result of being attacked by pirates and unable to find help soon enough.
All they have left of their mother is the indigo quilt they sleep with, and the bag that Honour carries all her quilting supplies in. But she loses it during a hailstorm at the beginning of the book. Handsome, honorable Joshua Sutton comes to her rescue though... in more than one way. The two set out to find Honour's possessions and along the way encounter quite a few obstacles that would deter most people. Luckily, Joshua is not easily deterred.
He's kind and he's caring, and even though he's told himself he's not ready to fall in love, he does. As does Honour. He's the perfect gentleman. Ok, maybe not perfect, but he's pretty darn close if you ask me. He's kind to her and to her sister. He goes out of his way to help her when (at one point) she doesn't really deserve it. He never seeks to compromise her beliefs and does what he can to help her retain (or in some cases regain) her reputation.
Like I said, I love period stories. On top of being so much fun to read, you actually learn things. Who'da thunk it. I love the language in this story and the setting. I love the details that make it seem like something that could have actually happened a couple hundred years ago. And I love being able to picture the story in my head because everything is described so wonderfully.
With that being said... Honour has some of THE WORST luck I have ever seen. The worst. I don't know how many concussions a person can have or how many times a person can hurt themselves before they decide that maaaaaybe it's not safe for them to leave bed. Ever. She definitely had that kind of "damsel in distress" thing going on.
Joshua did not disappoint. He was the colonial equivalent of a chivalrous knight in shining armor and I thought he was wonderful. He was quite noble in his task to protect Honour and restore to her things that were rightfully hers, along with helping her out in other areas as well. If he were a real person, and alive today, you'd be hard pressed to find a better man I'd wager. Family oriented, professional, kind, sensitive, persistent.... ::sigh::
It was a pretty quick read once I really had a chance to sit down and focus on the story. It actually turned out to be perfect timing, too... my oldest is studying a lot of what the colonial settlers in the book were going through as far as the Townshend Acts and taxation without representation and things of that nature are concerned.
The story was a fun one, albeit riddled with misfortune, mostly on Honour's part, but she has a lot of people around her who love her and care for her when she needs it most. When I read things like this it always makes me wish I could travel back in time and see it all first hand.
If you like colonial stories or period stories I definitely recommend this. It's easy to read and it's incredibly interesting in its history. It's suitable for any age, although it would probably be best understood by late teens and up.
All they have left of their mother is the indigo quilt they sleep with, and the bag that Honour carries all her quilting supplies in. But she loses it during a hailstorm at the beginning of the book. Handsome, honorable Joshua Sutton comes to her rescue though... in more than one way. The two set out to find Honour's possessions and along the way encounter quite a few obstacles that would deter most people. Luckily, Joshua is not easily deterred.
He's kind and he's caring, and even though he's told himself he's not ready to fall in love, he does. As does Honour. He's the perfect gentleman. Ok, maybe not perfect, but he's pretty darn close if you ask me. He's kind to her and to her sister. He goes out of his way to help her when (at one point) she doesn't really deserve it. He never seeks to compromise her beliefs and does what he can to help her retain (or in some cases regain) her reputation.
Like I said, I love period stories. On top of being so much fun to read, you actually learn things. Who'da thunk it. I love the language in this story and the setting. I love the details that make it seem like something that could have actually happened a couple hundred years ago. And I love being able to picture the story in my head because everything is described so wonderfully.
With that being said... Honour has some of THE WORST luck I have ever seen. The worst. I don't know how many concussions a person can have or how many times a person can hurt themselves before they decide that maaaaaybe it's not safe for them to leave bed. Ever. She definitely had that kind of "damsel in distress" thing going on.
Joshua did not disappoint. He was the colonial equivalent of a chivalrous knight in shining armor and I thought he was wonderful. He was quite noble in his task to protect Honour and restore to her things that were rightfully hers, along with helping her out in other areas as well. If he were a real person, and alive today, you'd be hard pressed to find a better man I'd wager. Family oriented, professional, kind, sensitive, persistent.... ::sigh::
It was a pretty quick read once I really had a chance to sit down and focus on the story. It actually turned out to be perfect timing, too... my oldest is studying a lot of what the colonial settlers in the book were going through as far as the Townshend Acts and taxation without representation and things of that nature are concerned.
The story was a fun one, albeit riddled with misfortune, mostly on Honour's part, but she has a lot of people around her who love her and care for her when she needs it most. When I read things like this it always makes me wish I could travel back in time and see it all first hand.
If you like colonial stories or period stories I definitely recommend this. It's easy to read and it's incredibly interesting in its history. It's suitable for any age, although it would probably be best understood by late teens and up.
August 21, 2013
Not everything in life can be as simple as we want it. Enter the world of Honour Metcalf as she finds a way to make ends meet for her and her sister, Temperance who were orphaned when the ship they were traveling on was attacked by Pirates, killing her parents and brothers. She has a few things remaining from that fateful night, one a quilted workbag that her mother made, and a one piece quilt that protected them both from that night on the ship. All their other belongings were lost or never recovered. She makes her living as a quilter for Mrs. Wadsworth along with her sister in Boston, Massachusetts in 1769.
During a violent hail storm, Honour finds herself transported back to the cannon fire that erupted that night that robbed her of the only family she had known and now is struggling with the noise of the storm. She runs into the street and is immediately pelted by hailstones that threaten her life. Her only savior is that of Joshua Sutton who finds her falling apart in the storm and not knowing quite where she is anymore, When she recovers in the small town church, she learns that Joshua saved her life and is indebted to him in more ways than she'd life to admit. Has this kind gentlemen found his way into her fragile heart?
In the latest novel to find its way into the Quilts of Love Series, Pattern for Romance by author Carla Olson Gade takes a different spin on the pieces and bits that usually make up the novels in their compelling and heartwarming series. She takes the rare look into what is called a whole-cloth quilt that were popularized in France and Italy in the fourteenth-century. These were also the basis for the whole-cloth quilting that was found in early America in the form of bed coverings and quilted clothing such as petticoats, jackets, waistcoats, and robes, and is this such type of quilting that Honour is skilled at doing for Mrs. Wadsworth. However it seems that while love is brewing between Honour and Joshua, both of them are also dealing with their own pain of lost love and wonder if it's truly worth the risk of falling in love all over again.
I received Pattern for Romance by Carla Olson Gade compliments of Abingdon Press and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed in this review are strictly mine alone. For those that love romance added to a wonderful historical backdrop, you will LOVE this one. I personally rate it a 4.5 out of 5 stars and this is my first introduction to author Carla Olson Gade. The rich details that are embedded in this story make it all the more vibrant and give a genuine feel to the story that takes you back into the late 1700's from the way business are managed to the merger way a single woman must find her way to make a living without a family to support her. I will be looking for more books from this author in the future. This is the 8th book in the Quilts of Love Series!
During a violent hail storm, Honour finds herself transported back to the cannon fire that erupted that night that robbed her of the only family she had known and now is struggling with the noise of the storm. She runs into the street and is immediately pelted by hailstones that threaten her life. Her only savior is that of Joshua Sutton who finds her falling apart in the storm and not knowing quite where she is anymore, When she recovers in the small town church, she learns that Joshua saved her life and is indebted to him in more ways than she'd life to admit. Has this kind gentlemen found his way into her fragile heart?
In the latest novel to find its way into the Quilts of Love Series, Pattern for Romance by author Carla Olson Gade takes a different spin on the pieces and bits that usually make up the novels in their compelling and heartwarming series. She takes the rare look into what is called a whole-cloth quilt that were popularized in France and Italy in the fourteenth-century. These were also the basis for the whole-cloth quilting that was found in early America in the form of bed coverings and quilted clothing such as petticoats, jackets, waistcoats, and robes, and is this such type of quilting that Honour is skilled at doing for Mrs. Wadsworth. However it seems that while love is brewing between Honour and Joshua, both of them are also dealing with their own pain of lost love and wonder if it's truly worth the risk of falling in love all over again.
I received Pattern for Romance by Carla Olson Gade compliments of Abingdon Press and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed in this review are strictly mine alone. For those that love romance added to a wonderful historical backdrop, you will LOVE this one. I personally rate it a 4.5 out of 5 stars and this is my first introduction to author Carla Olson Gade. The rich details that are embedded in this story make it all the more vibrant and give a genuine feel to the story that takes you back into the late 1700's from the way business are managed to the merger way a single woman must find her way to make a living without a family to support her. I will be looking for more books from this author in the future. This is the 8th book in the Quilts of Love Series!
June 24, 2013
My Review
4 stars
Pattern For Romance was entertaining. It drew my attention right off and kept it going. It showed lots of trials facing the people of Boston, Massachusetts in July, 1769. It is full of Drama that befalls Honour Metcalf. It is a Christian romance, but it fits really well into the story line. It shows some really good characters and their are soso characters and bad characters.
Honour is the main character. She is a hard worker. A year ago she lost all of her family to pirates and their goods except a few and her little sister Tempe. She came from a upper middle class in England. Now she is earning their keep by sewing quilts.
Tempe is 8 years old. She is bright fun little girl. She loves and worries about her sister.
Joshua almost fiancé broke it off and got married to someone else. He saw Honour out in the Hail storm on the ground and brought her into the church for safety.
Reverend Cooper was able to help Honour and Joshua at different times and be a witness for them. He also cancelled and gave encouragement.
Mrs. Wadsworth had her own shop and gave Honour and Tempe job and home when they first landed in Boston with nothing.
She took care of them when they needed her. Gave them love and respect.
Honour kept having one thing after another that kept her from working. It all started with getting a concussion from the hail storm. Then she fell down the stairs because she was dizzy and got a worse concussion and more. While Honour kept having troubles their were good friends and even strangers who took her in and helped nurse her better. They also made Tempe feel at home and helped take care of her when Honour could not.
Their were also people who were willing to accuse her of stealing when she did not want to pay for her own belongings. They wanted to profit from her belongings. Even try and destroy her reputation so she could not get her possessions back.
There at that time a boycott of England goods because of high taxes. Some were for England and others for the colonies. It was a period of unrest.
I enjoyed reading a Pattern for Romance and look forward to reading more from that series. Also would like to read more books by Carla Olson Glade in the future.
I was given this ebook to read and asked in exchange to give honest review of it by NetGalley and Abingdon Press.
08/20/2013 PUB Abingdon Press Abingdon Fiction 240 pages ISBN 9781426752711
October 3, 2013
The writing of Pattern for Romance: Quilts of Love Series is rich in historical authenticity, which made this story feel very real. The amount of fact-finding and investigation the author, Carla Gade Olson, put into this book shines through on every page and in every conversation. While reading, I felt as if I had stepped back in time and into a different era. This is a classic historical fiction story with the language of the time and setting in colonial Boston. This well-researched book is one a history lover will surely enjoy, and fans of the Colonial era will not be disappointed.
The plot starts rolling right away and I didn’t get bored or hit any lulls in this story. From the first page, I was rooting for the two main characters. Rescued by Joshua Sutton during a hailstorm, Honour Metcalf finds herself attracted and indebted to him. Chivalrous, kind, loving and protective, Joshua is a hero in every way, and Temperance Metcalf, Honour’s precocious little sister, is captivated by him as well. Joshua finds Honour to be endearing, pure and innocent, and is amazed at the beautiful quilting and handwork she does.
A variety of situations and personalities are developed throughout the story, and heartache, disappointment and mistrust evolve toward faith through prayer and hope in the Almighty. The attraction between Honour and Joshua build, yet they find themselves facing one obstacle after another in their rocky journey toward love. Attention to detail and rich descriptive qualities make this an outstanding book of inspirational Colonial fiction. In addition, this book contains a spiritual message of faith and hope in God and the importance of relying on His ways.
This was a fun, enjoyable read that fits the bill for a relaxing afternoon or evening of reading. With endearing characters and vivid scenes, a sweet love story between Honour and Joshua, false accusations, and a little bit of mystery along with a surprise villain, there is never a dull moment. This book is filled with twists and turns and is sure to have you wishing for a happy ending for everyone involved.
Please note I was given a free copy of Pattern for Romance: Quilts of Love Series in exchange for my honest review.
The plot starts rolling right away and I didn’t get bored or hit any lulls in this story. From the first page, I was rooting for the two main characters. Rescued by Joshua Sutton during a hailstorm, Honour Metcalf finds herself attracted and indebted to him. Chivalrous, kind, loving and protective, Joshua is a hero in every way, and Temperance Metcalf, Honour’s precocious little sister, is captivated by him as well. Joshua finds Honour to be endearing, pure and innocent, and is amazed at the beautiful quilting and handwork she does.
A variety of situations and personalities are developed throughout the story, and heartache, disappointment and mistrust evolve toward faith through prayer and hope in the Almighty. The attraction between Honour and Joshua build, yet they find themselves facing one obstacle after another in their rocky journey toward love. Attention to detail and rich descriptive qualities make this an outstanding book of inspirational Colonial fiction. In addition, this book contains a spiritual message of faith and hope in God and the importance of relying on His ways.
This was a fun, enjoyable read that fits the bill for a relaxing afternoon or evening of reading. With endearing characters and vivid scenes, a sweet love story between Honour and Joshua, false accusations, and a little bit of mystery along with a surprise villain, there is never a dull moment. This book is filled with twists and turns and is sure to have you wishing for a happy ending for everyone involved.
Please note I was given a free copy of Pattern for Romance: Quilts of Love Series in exchange for my honest review.
July 11, 2013
Pattern for Romance Quilts of Love Series by Carla Olson Gade
I had just last week finished one of the other books in this series by a different author and know I'm going to enjoy reading the rest. I have already been approved to read them via NetGalley-this will make the hot summer days go by faster for me.
Loved hearing all about the piecework quilts as I've watched my mom work on them. They are quite the process.
This one is set in colonial Boston 1769. Joshua Sutton, whose family owns the clothiers has rescued from the hailstorm a woman who has fainted. Honour Metcalf has also lost her workbag with her keepsake embroidery items in the process. Love how the book got it's title.
Politics and taxes effect everything coming from England and France...
'be faithful to trust His handiwork, even when the pattern isn't clear' is a good quote in this book that sets the story line.
Misunderstandings at the birthday party cause a lot of upheaval...and provide a wealth of knowledge that explains things.
She becomes sick from infections and fainting and others take her in along with her sister but she really wants to locate her quilt from her mother-it's all she would have left. As she gets better she finds peace in reading the Bible scriptures and verses. She is threatened and her sister as well.
Joshua won't cross the line to retrieve her quilt=it's against everything he believes in.
Raw Edges excerpt-the next in the Quilt of Love series, by Angela Breidenbrach is included.
I received this book from Net Galley via Abingdon Press in exchange for my honest review.
I had just last week finished one of the other books in this series by a different author and know I'm going to enjoy reading the rest. I have already been approved to read them via NetGalley-this will make the hot summer days go by faster for me.
Loved hearing all about the piecework quilts as I've watched my mom work on them. They are quite the process.
This one is set in colonial Boston 1769. Joshua Sutton, whose family owns the clothiers has rescued from the hailstorm a woman who has fainted. Honour Metcalf has also lost her workbag with her keepsake embroidery items in the process. Love how the book got it's title.
Politics and taxes effect everything coming from England and France...
'be faithful to trust His handiwork, even when the pattern isn't clear' is a good quote in this book that sets the story line.
Misunderstandings at the birthday party cause a lot of upheaval...and provide a wealth of knowledge that explains things.
She becomes sick from infections and fainting and others take her in along with her sister but she really wants to locate her quilt from her mother-it's all she would have left. As she gets better she finds peace in reading the Bible scriptures and verses. She is threatened and her sister as well.
Joshua won't cross the line to retrieve her quilt=it's against everything he believes in.
Raw Edges excerpt-the next in the Quilt of Love series, by Angela Breidenbrach is included.
I received this book from Net Galley via Abingdon Press in exchange for my honest review.
August 26, 2013
The Quilts of Love Series has become one of my new favorites to read so I always look forward to new books like Pattern for Romance. It’s such an eclectic collection of books with every genre out there, all with the central theme of quilts.
This is a classic historical fiction complete with the language of the time and setting in a New England town. It wasn’t what I would call an easy read, mainly because of the dialogue that I sometimes had to think about to decipher it’s meaning. It’s only because of it’s true authenticity which history lovers will enjoy.
Honour Metcalf’s life of privilege has really morphed into a life of tragedy following the lost of almost her entire family, save her little sister Temperance.
With the new life she’s managed to secure for them a sea away from home, she becomes the bread winner, mother, teacher and friend to her sister.
Honour earns a living making quilts and while her manner of dress is clearly from someone of stature, her job and living arrangements are not. This draws suspicions to her. An unlikely hero in the town’s most eligible bachelor endears himself to her and the potential for romance lingers. However, is
Honour really true to her name or are the rumors that have begun true.
Pattern for Romance is a classic historical romance that was a bit of a challenge for me to read but one I enjoyed nonetheless.
This is a classic historical fiction complete with the language of the time and setting in a New England town. It wasn’t what I would call an easy read, mainly because of the dialogue that I sometimes had to think about to decipher it’s meaning. It’s only because of it’s true authenticity which history lovers will enjoy.
Honour Metcalf’s life of privilege has really morphed into a life of tragedy following the lost of almost her entire family, save her little sister Temperance.
With the new life she’s managed to secure for them a sea away from home, she becomes the bread winner, mother, teacher and friend to her sister.
Honour earns a living making quilts and while her manner of dress is clearly from someone of stature, her job and living arrangements are not. This draws suspicions to her. An unlikely hero in the town’s most eligible bachelor endears himself to her and the potential for romance lingers. However, is
Honour really true to her name or are the rumors that have begun true.
Pattern for Romance is a classic historical romance that was a bit of a challenge for me to read but one I enjoyed nonetheless.
September 20, 2016
Pattern for Romance by Carla Olson Gade is the first of the Quilts of Love series I've read or listened to. I enjoyed the tie-in with quilts in the story, especially when this one takes place during the Revolutionary War period. There's just something about quilts and family heirlooms that adds richness to a story, and that's how Pattern for Romance plays out. The story captivated me from the beginning, which was quite dramatic with a hailstorm and danger that lands our heroine, Honor injured or in need of rescue more than once. In come our hero with a little baggage when it comes to women. And in a comical tease, I guess the number of obstacles that comes to Honor can also be relative in terms of the title. (Did you get that?!)
The narrator did a great job in relaying the events. However, the dialogue throughout was rather stiff and abrupt in many areas, creating several rather dull and underdeveloped characters. Despite so, the story line carries Pattern for Romance through, holding onto listeners' (and I assume readers') attention until the end.
NOTE: I won an audible copy of this audiobook in a giveaway. A review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own. For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page.
The narrator did a great job in relaying the events. However, the dialogue throughout was rather stiff and abrupt in many areas, creating several rather dull and underdeveloped characters. Despite so, the story line carries Pattern for Romance through, holding onto listeners' (and I assume readers') attention until the end.
NOTE: I won an audible copy of this audiobook in a giveaway. A review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own. For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page.
August 21, 2013
This is a sweet but complex romance, and if you like romances I think you'll love it.
Honour Metcalf, a young woman who is the sole supporter of her young sister, is caught in a vicious hailstorm with ice the size of goose eggs pelting her. Joshua Sutton, son of a wealthy tailor in 1879 Boston, Massachusetts, carries her into a church for shelter.
Honor had been the older daughter of a wealthy family, but as they traveled to America their ship had been set upon by pirates. Her mother and father had been killed, and she and her young sister Temperance were all that was left of her family. In her innocence, she had signed away her father's investments to a man who cheated her of her inheritance. As a result, she now quilted for Mrs. Wadsworth, a mantua maker, saving every farthing she could for her sister's schooling.
Joshua's mother took an instant liking to Honour and to her son's seeming interest in her, but his father felt she was beneath him.
That romance is on Joshua's mind is obvious, but Honour isn't sure his intentions and actions are honorable. It appears he is still enamoured of his former fiance'.
Honour Metcalf, a young woman who is the sole supporter of her young sister, is caught in a vicious hailstorm with ice the size of goose eggs pelting her. Joshua Sutton, son of a wealthy tailor in 1879 Boston, Massachusetts, carries her into a church for shelter.
Honor had been the older daughter of a wealthy family, but as they traveled to America their ship had been set upon by pirates. Her mother and father had been killed, and she and her young sister Temperance were all that was left of her family. In her innocence, she had signed away her father's investments to a man who cheated her of her inheritance. As a result, she now quilted for Mrs. Wadsworth, a mantua maker, saving every farthing she could for her sister's schooling.
Joshua's mother took an instant liking to Honour and to her son's seeming interest in her, but his father felt she was beneath him.
That romance is on Joshua's mind is obvious, but Honour isn't sure his intentions and actions are honorable. It appears he is still enamoured of his former fiance'.
August 11, 2013
Inviting historical novel #8 in the Quilts of Love series. A quick read, closer to a novella at 240 pages. Author, Carla Olson Gade, benefits readers of the novel by providing great background info on quilts, fashion, and fabrics of the era, defining terminology used in the story.
The story begins dramatically, with a rescue of our pleasing young protagonist, setting the stage for romance to follow. The characters are well described resulting in emotional responses connecting me to their stories. A good number of known historical characters and information integrated into the story added to the fun of reading. Plot twists disrupted any expectancy of a smooth road to romance. Good intensity of situations, which, being more of a novella, necessitated quick solutions and resolutions.
Great reading for when you need a break from heavy topics or complicated plots.
*Appreciation to Abingdon Press for providing me an ecopy for reading and review.
The story begins dramatically, with a rescue of our pleasing young protagonist, setting the stage for romance to follow. The characters are well described resulting in emotional responses connecting me to their stories. A good number of known historical characters and information integrated into the story added to the fun of reading. Plot twists disrupted any expectancy of a smooth road to romance. Good intensity of situations, which, being more of a novella, necessitated quick solutions and resolutions.
Great reading for when you need a break from heavy topics or complicated plots.
*Appreciation to Abingdon Press for providing me an ecopy for reading and review.
October 3, 2013
Honour Metcalf was an English woman living in America in 1879. She's also a quilter working for a wealthy woman. She is falsely accused of stealing and one Joshua Sutton comes to her rescue. The only thing in Honour's family now is her sister, Temperance, as her parents and brother were killed on their trip to America.
I'm finding that I'm not really into historical romance and that hurts my opinion of this book. It is nicely written and does tell a great story. If you like historical and Christian romance you will probably enjoy this book. I had a hard time with it as historical romance is becoming not my thing.
I read this as a review request from netgalley.com using Adobe Digital on my laptop. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review in any way.
I'm finding that I'm not really into historical romance and that hurts my opinion of this book. It is nicely written and does tell a great story. If you like historical and Christian romance you will probably enjoy this book. I had a hard time with it as historical romance is becoming not my thing.
I read this as a review request from netgalley.com using Adobe Digital on my laptop. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review in any way.
October 14, 2013
The information on quilters/quilting in colonial times is interesting, along with the mounting tensions about the taxes and boycotts that led up to the revolutionary war, but the story itself is very fast-paced without much plot and character development - a lot happens, but without a lot of details or explanation. There is no good explanation for why everyone assumes Honour is a thief, or details regarding the questionable history between the two Sutton brothers, or how and why Mr. Leach suddenly becomes the villain, or even more about why Honour and Joshua fall in love other than a strong, sudden attraction. It's a bit shallow, and rather on the cheesy side. Just okay.
August 10, 2015
What a charming book. I enjoyed Honour and Joshua's story, especially the time period vocabulary. I don't recall reading a work with such an extensive use of period vocabulary. I truly enjoyed that part of this book. I also liked the vivid descriptions. I could envision the quilt, the hailstorm, the scene at the wharf...fantastic details! I do believe this is the first I have read from Mrs. Grade...and would gladly, and quickly , read another. Lovely story!
November 18, 2015
Another interesting romantic story it's a pleasure to read a novel of romance that is captivating with uplifting events. The details such as quilting patterns allow your mind to see the beauty
Of traditional art. Looking forward to hours of additional writings. The novel is well named. Try the sample and see.
Of traditional art. Looking forward to hours of additional writings. The novel is well named. Try the sample and see.
September 17, 2013
This was a good light read. I read it in a day, and really enjoyed that the plot never dragged. The conflict was always resolved quickly. Cute story, happy ending!
October 29, 2013
Very pleasant read. I highly recommend.
February 5, 2014
I absolutely loved this book set in Pre-Revolutionary times. I loved learning about whole-cloth quilting. Just loved the whole thing!
July 7, 2014
See the review on my blog: http://catscrossing-laura.blogspot.ca...
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January 11, 2015I wrote it! :)
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