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A Bride Sews with Love in Needles, California
When her brother is injured fighting in France, Meghan enlists her fellow Harvey Girl waitresses to sew a Red Cross signature quilt to raise money for wounded doughboys. Local horse breeder Caleb McBride longs to join the battle, but the army won’t take him. Because he has kept his shameful infirmity a secret, the townsfolk have labeled him a coward and war profiteer. When Meghan uncovers his malady, her poor opinion of Caleb unravels. Can this beautiful seamstress find a way to mend his heart?
320 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2012
1 person is currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
Erica Vetsch
67 books1,386 followersBest-selling, award-winning author of The Debutante’s Code, first in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series, Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum. You can connect with her at her website, www.ericavetsch.com where you can learn about her books and sign up for her newsletter, and you can find her online at https://www.facebook.com/groups/inspi... where she spends way too much time!
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 9, 2016
Oh mercy -- funny and touching and historically fascinating. The whole Harvey Girls backdrop is amazing. I'd never heard of them before and funnily enough read a book a while ago featuring them as well. Vetsch does an incredible job with her historical detail. Rich descriptions created images in my mind so that I felt like I was living the story rather than just reading it.
Strong, engaging characters though annoying enough to make me want to smack them upside the head a time or two. Argh! But I do love getting in the boxing ring with a hero and heroine. Makes the read that much more thrilling.
I felt for Caleb right from the very beginning -- even before I knew his whole story. I could just tell he was an upstanding guy who'd been handed a raw deal and was making the best of it. The only thing standing in his way is his pride. It's kept him living on the outside -- a true loner who has convinced himself that he doesn't care what people think about him. And, for the most part, he doesn't -- as long as they don't know the whole truth. So pride raises its ugly head and keeps him isolated.
Until Meghan shows up. She's considered a bit of a flibbertigibbet by her family and she aims to prove them wrong by serving out her full-six month contract as a Harvey Girl. She aspires to be the best Harvey Girl ever. She struggles with a different kind of pride. Unlike Caleb she does care what other people think about her and sometimes she allows that desire for approval to dictate her actions. Lots of lovely, gnarly bits to work through before this hero and heroine can find their hope for a future.
Fans of Mary Connealy and Margaret Brownley will be thrilled to become acquainted with Erica Vetsch through A Bride Sews With Love in Needles, California.
Strong, engaging characters though annoying enough to make me want to smack them upside the head a time or two. Argh! But I do love getting in the boxing ring with a hero and heroine. Makes the read that much more thrilling.
I felt for Caleb right from the very beginning -- even before I knew his whole story. I could just tell he was an upstanding guy who'd been handed a raw deal and was making the best of it. The only thing standing in his way is his pride. It's kept him living on the outside -- a true loner who has convinced himself that he doesn't care what people think about him. And, for the most part, he doesn't -- as long as they don't know the whole truth. So pride raises its ugly head and keeps him isolated.
Until Meghan shows up. She's considered a bit of a flibbertigibbet by her family and she aims to prove them wrong by serving out her full-six month contract as a Harvey Girl. She aspires to be the best Harvey Girl ever. She struggles with a different kind of pride. Unlike Caleb she does care what other people think about her and sometimes she allows that desire for approval to dictate her actions. Lots of lovely, gnarly bits to work through before this hero and heroine can find their hope for a future.
Fans of Mary Connealy and Margaret Brownley will be thrilled to become acquainted with Erica Vetsch through A Bride Sews With Love in Needles, California.
May 24, 2019
This is a mini ‘Books For Christian Girls’ review. It is not a full content review and will not receive one. These mini-reviews are years old and just for clarity on the rating the book received on Goodreads.
2/24/2015-
“I did enjoy the plot of this book, but it did have a lot of medical parts. The sickness, war mentions, and kisses were all too detailed for me personally.”
*Main Content-
Sickness (up to semi-detailed); Prejudice against Indians; Mentions of the War (semi-detailed); A mention of putting a horse down; a form of 'biddy' and eight 'stupid's.
A semi-detailed kiss, an almost detailed kiss, and a detailed kiss; Staring & Noticing; Blushes; Mentions of undressing; Love, falling in love, & the emotions.
2/24/2015-
“I did enjoy the plot of this book, but it did have a lot of medical parts. The sickness, war mentions, and kisses were all too detailed for me personally.”
*Main Content-
Sickness (up to semi-detailed); Prejudice against Indians; Mentions of the War (semi-detailed); A mention of putting a horse down; a form of 'biddy' and eight 'stupid's.
A semi-detailed kiss, an almost detailed kiss, and a detailed kiss; Staring & Noticing; Blushes; Mentions of undressing; Love, falling in love, & the emotions.
November 19, 2012
Oh sweet romance, what a pleasure you are to indulge in.
Yes, I am emotionally passionate reader. I liked the romance of Julie Lessman and Laura Frantz, but a sweet romance such as this title makes me just as happy and satisfied. A compelling time period matched with equally as compelling characters and I found a sweet, enjoyable story that warmed my heart to read.
One thing I loved: Meghan’s spunk. I wish I had just a little dose of her spirit in dealing with difficult situations. Caleb is a complex (and frustrating) character, one that I wished would simply share what was wrong with his situation and why he hadn’t enlisted in the war. But then, as I so often like to instruct my dad in these kind of novel situations: then you wouldn’t have a story.
And what a fun story it is! Needles must be one *hot* place, because I felt the oven baking heat through the entire book. I enjoyed the glimpse into the life of a Harvey girl and the devastating calamity of an influenza outbreak.
Truly? A wonderful book to add to my collection. It’s charming and sweet of course, but lively and spunky. The romance is a forbidden one that drives the characters all the further toward resolution until it seems quite impossible.
Heartwarming story telling from page one.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the author and publisher for my copy to review.
Yes, I am emotionally passionate reader. I liked the romance of Julie Lessman and Laura Frantz, but a sweet romance such as this title makes me just as happy and satisfied. A compelling time period matched with equally as compelling characters and I found a sweet, enjoyable story that warmed my heart to read.
One thing I loved: Meghan’s spunk. I wish I had just a little dose of her spirit in dealing with difficult situations. Caleb is a complex (and frustrating) character, one that I wished would simply share what was wrong with his situation and why he hadn’t enlisted in the war. But then, as I so often like to instruct my dad in these kind of novel situations: then you wouldn’t have a story.
And what a fun story it is! Needles must be one *hot* place, because I felt the oven baking heat through the entire book. I enjoyed the glimpse into the life of a Harvey girl and the devastating calamity of an influenza outbreak.
Truly? A wonderful book to add to my collection. It’s charming and sweet of course, but lively and spunky. The romance is a forbidden one that drives the characters all the further toward resolution until it seems quite impossible.
Heartwarming story telling from page one.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the author and publisher for my copy to review.
December 17, 2012
I loved this story. The bride is fiery, and reminds me of Maureen O'Hara in some of her movies. Hero was a Caleb to admire. The story was engaging and fun. A very enjoyable read.
April 16, 2023
I am always keen to read another Harvey House Girl story. This particular book features Ford Harvey who took over the Harvey House chain after his father, Fred, passed away. It is also set in Needles, CA and since I am a Cali girl, & have an aunt who went to church there, that was a little bit of fun for me. There is a lot going on in this book; faith moments, The Great War, a Signature quilt (highly recommend you look those up on Pinterest), The Great Influenza Epidemic aka The Spanish Flu of 1918, and of course a Harvey House Restaurant and Hotel, plus a building romance between a firey redhead (Meghan) and strong, secretive horse trainer (Caleb) who suffers from the ill effects of childhood polio.
Interesting to me were the details of the Spanish flu and the fact the author wrote this in 2012, but I read it in 2023, after our own pandemic.
This story really held my attention. I began it Saturday afternoon and stayed up until 2 am Sunday morning to finish it. I enjoyed it and find myself a fan, certainly of Erica Vetsch's older works as that is what I have mainly read thus far.
I purchased this book from ThriftBooks. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
Released 2012
𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴 21 𝓖𝓸𝓸𝓭𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓼 𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮 📚 2023
Interesting to me were the details of the Spanish flu and the fact the author wrote this in 2012, but I read it in 2023, after our own pandemic.
This story really held my attention. I began it Saturday afternoon and stayed up until 2 am Sunday morning to finish it. I enjoyed it and find myself a fan, certainly of Erica Vetsch's older works as that is what I have mainly read thus far.
I purchased this book from ThriftBooks. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
Released 2012
𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴 21 𝓖𝓸𝓸𝓭𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓼 𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮 📚 2023
January 18, 2025
I am new to Erica’s books and loving them! A bride Sew’s with love was so enjoyable. I am drawn to anything with a redhead, since that describes me. The Harvey Girls have always fascinated me as well. It Started with the old movie that starred Judy Garland.
Meghan’s spitfire personality and determination fit her character so well. She was just what the hotel and Harvey girls needed.
Ms. Vetch pens her characters and stories so well that they seem to come to life in my mind. From the very start you fall in love with them. Especially Doc and his ability to help not just the physical needs but emotional ones too.
I was rooting for all the characters, a few I wanted to slap lol. I enjoyed it all from the first page to the last. Especially the encouragement from the Lord. One character’s spiritual life was dusty from neglect. We all need the reminder and encouragement to daily walk and talk with the Lord.
Erica’s books are easy to read, make you laugh and keep you entertained. They always leave me
Wanting to read more! I highly recommend this book
Meghan’s spitfire personality and determination fit her character so well. She was just what the hotel and Harvey girls needed.
Ms. Vetch pens her characters and stories so well that they seem to come to life in my mind. From the very start you fall in love with them. Especially Doc and his ability to help not just the physical needs but emotional ones too.
I was rooting for all the characters, a few I wanted to slap lol. I enjoyed it all from the first page to the last. Especially the encouragement from the Lord. One character’s spiritual life was dusty from neglect. We all need the reminder and encouragement to daily walk and talk with the Lord.
Erica’s books are easy to read, make you laugh and keep you entertained. They always leave me
Wanting to read more! I highly recommend this book
September 26, 2017
Mehgan becomes a Harvey Girl in California. With her brother off in the war, she learns to serve countless soldiers before they ship over to fight. New to the position, she has a lot to learn. Can she hold her tongue and stand up to the job? Caleb saves her life at the start. He trains horses for the cavalry to send over to the war. Mehgan's superior questions why Caleb doesn't enlist to serve his country. All the other men, in the area, have. Caleb has a well kept secret for not joining the ranks. Mehgan does her part, in helping the American Red Cross, by making a quilt to raise money. Can she follow her heart and good feelings about Caleb or will she fall to the majority? I loved this book!
November 15, 2019
It's a Christian romance without too much preaching..or any actually. I loved the main characters who seemed very real, like people you could meet in your life. And the secondary characters too.
Nice read all in all :)
Nice read all in all :)
October 1, 2019
Very good book - don't judge someone if you don't know their whole story.
September 12, 2025
Sweet Story - Harvey Girls and Cowboys
December 27, 2012
I really enjoyed this story. It was a nice quiet read, perfect for relaxing on an afternoon or before bed.
I had to enjoy Meghan's enthusiasm and her ability to actually finish what she started, though, at times I agreed with Caleb and wanted to shake some sense into her when she kept leaping before she looked.
I wish we could still find doctors who cared half as much as Doc. You really had to admire his patience, love, and hard work on behalf of his patients. I was very impressed with his devotion!
Another character we should all try to be more like was Natalie. Her love and determination to help and take care of her husband's family was very admirable. Her loyalty and friendship to Meghan were a very precious thing. I would love to someday read a book of Natalie's own.
Ms. Vetsch did a wonderful job in engaging the reader's emotions. I felt disappointed, angry, and excited with Meghan and Caleb. At times I just wanted to slap Mrs. Gregory, she was just SO unfair!
While reading about the El Garces (Harvey) Hotel and all the wonderful girls being trained into their jobs, I kept having scenes from the 1946 movie The Harvey Girls starring Judy Garland. Ms. Vetsch has captured that nostalgic quality that seems to have disappeared from books and movies these days.
One of the highlights for me was the matter-of-fact descriptions of the influenza epidemic. Many authors will skirt over the illness they are writing about so it was nice to have, not only the emotional response, but a description of the physical cause for those emotions.
By the way, you will want to read this one with a tall glass of cold lemonade. Needles is hot and Ms. Vetsch has done a good job making her readers feel the desert heat!
All in all this was a great read and I will be looking for more books by Erica Vetsch.
Tell Tale Book Reviews (my blog) gives A Bride Sews With Love In Needles California a 4 Bark Rating (Excellent! or 4 Stars)
You just can't beat a book with a quilt!
I had to enjoy Meghan's enthusiasm and her ability to actually finish what she started, though, at times I agreed with Caleb and wanted to shake some sense into her when she kept leaping before she looked.
I wish we could still find doctors who cared half as much as Doc. You really had to admire his patience, love, and hard work on behalf of his patients. I was very impressed with his devotion!
Another character we should all try to be more like was Natalie. Her love and determination to help and take care of her husband's family was very admirable. Her loyalty and friendship to Meghan were a very precious thing. I would love to someday read a book of Natalie's own.
Ms. Vetsch did a wonderful job in engaging the reader's emotions. I felt disappointed, angry, and excited with Meghan and Caleb. At times I just wanted to slap Mrs. Gregory, she was just SO unfair!
While reading about the El Garces (Harvey) Hotel and all the wonderful girls being trained into their jobs, I kept having scenes from the 1946 movie The Harvey Girls starring Judy Garland. Ms. Vetsch has captured that nostalgic quality that seems to have disappeared from books and movies these days.
One of the highlights for me was the matter-of-fact descriptions of the influenza epidemic. Many authors will skirt over the illness they are writing about so it was nice to have, not only the emotional response, but a description of the physical cause for those emotions.
By the way, you will want to read this one with a tall glass of cold lemonade. Needles is hot and Ms. Vetsch has done a good job making her readers feel the desert heat!
All in all this was a great read and I will be looking for more books by Erica Vetsch.
Tell Tale Book Reviews (my blog) gives A Bride Sews With Love In Needles California a 4 Bark Rating (Excellent! or 4 Stars)
You just can't beat a book with a quilt!
November 8, 2012
A BRIDE SEWS WITH LOVE
In Needles, California by Erica Vetsch
I like compelling stories that make me feel uplifted when I come to the end.
This book was like that. Only thing, while Meghan Thorson works the intense challenging life of a Harvey girl serving the Harvey hotels along the railroad west, I couldn’t figure out how sewing had anything to do with it.
Although she’s had trouble with achievement, she is compelled to make her father proud. Meghan rises to the demanding job that requires near perfection, but she has more ambitions. Her dreams go to World War II’s front lines in France where her brother serves in the military. An upcoming auction to benefit soldiers causes her to make an almost unreasonable pledge to contribute $1,000 toward an ambulance. She hopes to raise the money through a signature quilt. She plans to sell quilt pieces donors sign and then she embroiders the signatures. The pieces make the beautiful quilt.
A major distraction, however, is handsome Caleb McBride who is accused of being a coward because he raises horses for the Army instead of volunteering. Meghan’s boss refuses to serve Caleb in the Harvey restaurant and others in the town ridicule him. But still there is an invisible connection between Caleb and Meghan.
A roommate hiding her marriage and pregnancy, plus a dangerous epidemic further challenge Meghan’s job, her success and her confused heart.
The book is full of suspense, a little humor, and satisfaction for the reader. I recommend it.
Note: The publisher provided a copy of this book, but in no way does that influence my opinion.
In Needles, California by Erica Vetsch
I like compelling stories that make me feel uplifted when I come to the end.
This book was like that. Only thing, while Meghan Thorson works the intense challenging life of a Harvey girl serving the Harvey hotels along the railroad west, I couldn’t figure out how sewing had anything to do with it.
Although she’s had trouble with achievement, she is compelled to make her father proud. Meghan rises to the demanding job that requires near perfection, but she has more ambitions. Her dreams go to World War II’s front lines in France where her brother serves in the military. An upcoming auction to benefit soldiers causes her to make an almost unreasonable pledge to contribute $1,000 toward an ambulance. She hopes to raise the money through a signature quilt. She plans to sell quilt pieces donors sign and then she embroiders the signatures. The pieces make the beautiful quilt.
A major distraction, however, is handsome Caleb McBride who is accused of being a coward because he raises horses for the Army instead of volunteering. Meghan’s boss refuses to serve Caleb in the Harvey restaurant and others in the town ridicule him. But still there is an invisible connection between Caleb and Meghan.
A roommate hiding her marriage and pregnancy, plus a dangerous epidemic further challenge Meghan’s job, her success and her confused heart.
The book is full of suspense, a little humor, and satisfaction for the reader. I recommend it.
Note: The publisher provided a copy of this book, but in no way does that influence my opinion.
May 15, 2013
A fresh, well-researched story about learning to trust and letting go of pride set in the early 19th century Harvey House, El Garces.
Follow Harvey Girl Meghan Thorson and rancher Caleb McBride as they struggle through the disapproval of war-torn Needles, California. World War I is raging and the community does its best, collecting peach pits and scrap metal for the beloved dough-boys "over there," and plans to host an auction to raise funds for the Red Cross. Meghan pledges a $1000 donation by way of a signature quilt, but her association with Caleb, who the townsfolk believe is a coward and profiteer, hinders her fund-raising efforts.
When the Harvey Hotel is turned into a hospital during the 1918 Spanish Lady Influenza Pandemic, will their own choices and mutual attraction bring them together or will they choose to let prejudices tear them apart?
Looking forward to more stories from Erica Vetch!
Follow Harvey Girl Meghan Thorson and rancher Caleb McBride as they struggle through the disapproval of war-torn Needles, California. World War I is raging and the community does its best, collecting peach pits and scrap metal for the beloved dough-boys "over there," and plans to host an auction to raise funds for the Red Cross. Meghan pledges a $1000 donation by way of a signature quilt, but her association with Caleb, who the townsfolk believe is a coward and profiteer, hinders her fund-raising efforts.
When the Harvey Hotel is turned into a hospital during the 1918 Spanish Lady Influenza Pandemic, will their own choices and mutual attraction bring them together or will they choose to let prejudices tear them apart?
Looking forward to more stories from Erica Vetch!
October 5, 2015
Meghan Thornson is ecstatic when she secures employment as a Harvey Girl in Needles, California. A good job, earning her own money, greeting and encouraging World War I recruits, gaining her independence; the perfect combination for success . . . .right?
Caleb McBride keeps to himself, rarely visiting town unless he is required to pick up horses or deliver trained horses to the railroad station for transport. His contributions to the war effort are not appreciated by the residents of Needles, many think he is profiting off the war , rather than volunteering his services; in other words they consider him a coward. And Caleb has done nothing to overtly change those opinions.
When beautiful, outspoken Meghan meets handsome, introverted Caleb, the town of Needles, California may never be the same. Enjoy this light, entertaining look at the brave men and women on the home front during this period of American history.
Caleb McBride keeps to himself, rarely visiting town unless he is required to pick up horses or deliver trained horses to the railroad station for transport. His contributions to the war effort are not appreciated by the residents of Needles, many think he is profiting off the war , rather than volunteering his services; in other words they consider him a coward. And Caleb has done nothing to overtly change those opinions.
When beautiful, outspoken Meghan meets handsome, introverted Caleb, the town of Needles, California may never be the same. Enjoy this light, entertaining look at the brave men and women on the home front during this period of American history.
November 2, 2012
I must admit that I've loved every Harvey Girl novel I've read and this one is no exception. I have had the feeling of never measuring up to someone else's expectation, no matter how hard I tried. I commiserated with Meghan. On the other hand, I also understand what it's like to have a secret that you don't want anyone to know about because of how it will change their perspective, just like Caleb. Ms. Vetsch's writing touched me in several different ways with this novel and I'm sure it'll touch you too.
***I received this book from the author/publisher for the purposes of review. The above is my honest opinion.***
***I received this book from the author/publisher for the purposes of review. The above is my honest opinion.***
November 2, 2015
A Bride Sees with Love in Needles, CA
This is a great story with historical facts. I loved all the characters and how this group came together at Needles, CA.
I recommend this book for everyone who loves a good romance and those who are interested in history.
Great book. Enjoy!
This is a great story with historical facts. I loved all the characters and how this group came together at Needles, CA.
I recommend this book for everyone who loves a good romance and those who are interested in history.
Great book. Enjoy!
hardcopy-review-to-read
July 23, 2015chapter preview: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...
December 22, 2012
A Bride Sews with Love in Needles, California is a really good read. One of the top books I've read in 2012. Highly recommended.
February 12, 2015
Really well done story!
Love the characters, the plot, and Caleb. A wonderfully strong hero. Start to finish, a quick and easy read, but full of tenderness and warmth...
Love the characters, the plot, and Caleb. A wonderfully strong hero. Start to finish, a quick and easy read, but full of tenderness and warmth...
July 31, 2022
Fun story and interesting history of the Harvey Girls.
March 28, 2013
I enjoyed the book. But it also annoyed me since there were too many typos.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews