The Tattered Quilt

The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club #2

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Join Emma Yoder Miller, the Amish widow-turned-newlywed, as she leads another quilting class with a new group of unlikely students, all with tattered pieces of their lives that need mending. Members of the patchwork group find friendship, faith, healing, and restoration while gathered around their quilts, under the Father’s guiding hands—for only He can take what’s ragged and shabby from the lives of His children and turn it into beauty for His glory.

 

Genres: Amish, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Amish Fiction, Christian, Romance, Audiobook

320 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2013

About the author

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author, Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to 90 books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nations most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.

Reviews

[Ronna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book built around shattered, unhappy, and needy lives. Emma Yoder Miller was a widow who found her wonderful new husband in the last quilting class. Now she continues to run six week quilting classes, with her husband, for the people that God sends her. A strange group of people have found themselves beginning classes whether they want to or not.

Anna is 18 and wants to experience life outside of her Amish community, but her mother has signed her up for this class in hope of keeping her from the Englishers. Selma was gifted with these classes by a neighbor who finds her abrasive attitudes in need of attention. Terry is a blue collar guy who sees a pretty girl in the class and decides to join in hopes of getting a date. Blain just lost a fishing bet and grudgingly goes to class as a looser. Carmen has her own secret motive, and Cheryl just wants her favorite grandmother's quilt mended and stays around for the class.

This book takes this rag muffin group into the perfect place for them to learn that God is watching out for all his people, and has a plan for everyone to find joy in his presence within their own different and varied lives. Emma is the catalyst, and quilting is the means for great lessons and conversations about life, love, family and God. I really enjoy this series and hope it continues with more books.

[Arjaye-Rose Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful story about finding family you didn’t know you had, appreciating what you do have and sticking through things during the hard times. Like the previous book the new students also are battling though their own struggles and challenges in life. The quilting group bought another unlikely bunch of people together.

[Pamela Pavkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tattered Quilt is the second fantastic story written by Wanda Brunstetter in her Return of the Half-Stitched Amish Quilting series. With the return of her loving couple, Emma and Lemar Miller, the author takes her readers on another journey filled with friendship, faith, love, and healing thru quilting. The characters the author has selected for this story are well developed and add real life to the story.

As the story opens we are introduced to another group of misfits to form a new quilting class. Carmen who is bitter and definetly hiding a secret, Terry, who enrolls in the class because of a young lady, Anna, a young Amish girl teetering on leaving her Amish community, Selma, the neighborhood busybody, and Blaine who has lost a bet and forced to take this class. This unlikely group definetly makes for an interesting quilting course but thru Emma and Lamar's guidance they may be able to help them. I found it amazing how the author found a way to connect Emma with each of her students in a personal way.

I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others. All opinions are my own.

Congratulations to Wanda Brunstetter on continuing her series with laughter, forgiveness, and faith.

[The_Sunflower_Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 !! Loved this one !!! The character development was done so well. The plot stayed interesting the entire time. My only "complaint " would be the "plot twist " felt a bit unrealistic/ rushed a bit.

[Danielle Turko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma and her new husband Lamar are teaching a new quilting class and this one may prove to be as difficult as the first. Theres anna who is a young amish woman signed up by her mom who was hoping she may take an interest in an amish when in reality all she wants to do is go on her rumspringe like all her friends but her parents strict rules prevent her from doing that. Then there's Blaine who only joined the class because he lost a bet to stuart. Selma joins because her neighbour jan paid for her classes but feels superior to everyone else there and cant see how any relationship could help with the lonely ache she feels. Carmen signs up solely to get information on the wild running around days of the amish teens fornthe newspaper she works but is learning things arent always how the media portrays them. Claire signs up after coming to emma to repair her grandmother's old quilt and decides she would like to learn to make something of her own but the anger shes nursing against her ex boyfriend and former best friend may affect her project. Terry joins solely because he and jan are at the house working on the roof and sees cheryl enter the building and decides the easiest way to make her out is to join but maybe he'll end up with more of a commitment then he bargained for.
This book had a surprise ending that i didnt see coming and dont really see how anyone else could since it involved a character you knew nothing about but it gave the characters a happy connection. My one irritation was that she described the quilting process almost exactly the same as she did in the first book. It was like she copied and pasted the instructions and since I had read that part yesterday it was like unnecessary information. I also noticed a couple of discrepancies in the characters between the 2 books but that could be me thinking of other books shes written too as I've read several of her books lately

[Leanne Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sequel to “The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club” is just a as delightful as the first installment. Emma (Yoder) Miller invites a new group of students into her home for another 6-week quilting class. The story seamlessly stitches together the stories of the past students from book 1 with the new students introduced in book 2 to create a brand new story as well as a sequel. As you come to know these students you realize that they are gaining so much more from Emma’s classes than just sewing skills. This book is a true delight that will make you fall in love with all of the characters.

[Karol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Likable characters, although the story line was a bit contrived.

[April Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tattered Quilt, an Amish fiction by Wanda E. Brunstetter, finds Emma Yoder Miller teaching yet another quilting class with a new group of individuals who are all in need of 'repair' themselves.

Selma, Jan's neighbor, is a grouchy busybody who thinks she knows it all about quilting. Terry, also Jan's friend, is a rugged roofer, who takes the class because of a pretty woman student, (Cheryl), who he sees entering Emma and Lamar's house. Blaine loses a bet with Stuart, (also from the previous book), and is forced into taking the quilting class where he has a bit of competition for Cheryl's heart with Terry. Like Blaine, young Anna is forced into taking the class by her parents. Then there is Carmen, Paul's, (from the previous book), deceased wife's sister who has a secret motive for taking the class.

Somehow, Emma and Lamar are able to break through to this crowd, and are able to provide them with their wisdom and friendship. Together, the group learn how to make wall hangings, but what they leave with is so much more. Hearts are mended, and souls are repaired. Not only the students, for Emma gets a special surprise in the end too.

I gave The Tattered Quilt 5 out of 5 Patchwork Squares because it is well written, thoughtful, and guaranteed to melt your heart!

Discussion Questions:

At the end of the book, the author provided discussion questions to her readers. I will be discussing questions 7, and 9.

Discussion Question 7: "Was it fate or God's intervention that kept Emma and Lamar from going to Florida too soon? Has a reverse decision ever opened a door to something unexpected in your life?"

I don't think it was either fate or God's intervention. Emma and Lamar had an ad out advertising their quilting class, and people slowly rolled in last minute. It wasn't a sudden decision to hold another quilting class. Emma's quilting classes were well known in the community. Most of the students were related in some way to the previous students in her class, and heard of her via word of mouth. It wasn't hard for me to believe that her class would fill up.

However, it was a nice touch that it ended up working out for the better, when a certain classmate who needed further guidance had plans to go to Florida herself. That itself was fate.

Discussion Question 9: "Lamar tried to hide from Emma the fact that his arthritis was acting up. Do you think spouses should ever keep things about their health from each other?"

In this case, it ended up working out when he hid his arthritis flare up from his wife. Emma and Lamar were able to help a group of people who needed it, and I don't mean by making a wall hanging. But no, I don't think in general that spouses should hide things from each other.

As a man, I think Lamar wanted to be strong for his wife and not let on that he was in pain. He wanted his wife to be able to continue doing what she loved, without worrying about him. While he shouldn't have hid it from her, he did it for the right reasons. He never meant any harm.

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 3 out of 5]

About this book:

“Join Emma Yoder Miller, the Amish widow-turned-newlywed, as she leads another quilting class with a new group of unlikely students, all with tattered pieces of their lives that need mending. Members of the patchwork group find friendship, faith, healing, and restoration while gathered around their quilts, under the Father’s guiding hands—for only He can take what’s ragged and shabby from the lives of His children and turn it into beauty for His glory.”


Series: Book #2 in “The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club”. {Read book #1, “The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club”, Here! Book #3’s review will be posted next week.}


Spiritual Content- 1 John 4:12 in the Dedication; Many, many Scriptures are quoted; Church going; Talks about God & Trusting Him.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘drat’, two “eat crow”s, three ‘dumb’s, twelve forms of ‘stupid’; Terry smokes a lot & tries to stop


Sexual Content- Carmen’s boss wants her to write a story about Amish teens who “go wild into drinking, drugs and s*x during their running-around” (She finds out that many Amish teens stay in the Church); Boyfriends, Girlfriends, Dating, Crushes and Exs are all part of the story.

-Emma Yoder-Miller / -Carmen Lopez / -Cheryl Halverson / -Selma Nash
-Anna Lambright / -Blaine Vickers / -Terry Cooley
P.O.V. switches between them.
311 pages (with a recipe)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Two Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
{Only because of Terry & his smoking}
Just like the first book the “big” plot twist happened about 3/4ths in, which I thought was a bit late. Other than that and Terry’s smoking, it was a fine book.


Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...



*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.

[Debora Wilder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book by Wanda E. Brunstetter!

Emma Yoder has now remarried and become Emma Miller. She is still the sweet, gentle woman that teaches lessons about getting along with others while teaching quilting classes. Now she has a wonderful complimentary partner in teaching in the form of her husband Lemar.

Their new class again has a wide variety of students in it. They have joined the class for various reasons. Selma is a belittling busybody who joined the class because it was paid for by someone else. Terry is a rugged roofer who wants the chance to meet a pretty woman who is in the class. Blaine loses a bet and has to take the class as a result. Anna’s mother signs her up in a desperate attempt to keep her from leaving the Amish faith. Carmen holds tightly to bitterness while hiding her secret motives for taking the class. And Cheryl has a broken, mistrusting heart that needs as much mending as the tattered quilt that she brings to Emma to repair.

Wanda has done a marvelous job of developing each and every one of these characters. The interactions between them are wonderful. I loved seeing how each of them developed in their personal lives and in their relationships to the other students throughout the book.

I won a free copy of this book through a Goodreads.com First Reads giveaway.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book very much! A nice clean christian book:)Wanda E. BrunstetterGreat is an awesome author :)

[Linda Rogde · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read- a feel-good story; great to read before bedtime. A gentle book with a happy ending.

[Margaret Domer · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review on the Tattered Quilt. This is the second in a series of three written by Wanda Brunsettter. Begins in Shipshewana, Indian were Emma Miller and Lamar are talking about going to Florida for a while Emma say she wish she could but she had all ready put an add for another six week quilt class. Emma ask Lamar if he would help with this class. He said he would help but so far no one has amswer the add. Ann Lambright would be one of Emma student in the quilt class. Her mother singed her up for the class. Ann didnt like to sewing or cooking. She wasnt to happy when her mother told that she had singned her up for the class. Her mother was worried that if she left home what would she to make her way. Ann felt that her parents treated her like a child. She just turned eighteen and she wasnt sure what she wanted to do. Stay and join the church are set out on her own. she wanted to see what it would be like to be english. So the next student was Camen Lopez she was Angeles, California she was a reporeterHer boss wanted her to write a story on the Amish about there rumschpringer. He had seen somthing on TV about how they left there familys and went wild. Her boss said dont you have a brother- in -law that lives in Elkhart but you said one that he knew some Amish people. Yes he dose but that was over a year ago when he toke a quilt class. Mr. Lawrence her boss said it was all set your flight live at nine. So Camen joined the class to get some more information on the Amish. The third person to join the class was Blaine he worked in a sporting good store. His dream one day would be to own his own store. His friend Stuart said that he was going fish this weekend and wanted to know if you would like to come if you dont have plans with your lady friend. Blain said that they had broken up. So the to guys made plans to go fishing at Lake Shipshewana. Stuart hay how about we have a contest who would catch the big fish. Blain said what the bet? Stuart said if you win i will have to buy you a new fishing pole if i win you have to take Emma next six week quilting class. Sorry to say Blain had lost the bet. The fourth one was.Cheryl Halverson she went to see if Emma could fix her grandmother quit for to give to her grandmother on her birthday. when she had arrive at Emma she thought it would be fun to join the quilting class. The fifth one was Terry Cooley him and is boss Jan Sweet were on there way to fix Emma and Lamar roof. Jan had told Terry that he went to Emma quilt class. Terry couldnt belive that Jan quilting. They were working on the roof of Emma when Terry went in to get clean up and . That when he saw Cheryl so he joined the class to get a date with her. The six person was Sema Nash here next door neghbor Jan Sweet sined her up becase he filt soory for be all a lone. The people in the class think she is a Know - it -all. so if you want to find out what happen these student in Emma quilt class you need to read the rest of Wanda book.

[Karina (Karina's Christian Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Number of pages: 320

Genre: Amish fiction

Series: The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club #2

Age recommendation: I think it’s an adult book, but probably 16+ would enjoy it.

Summary: Following the success of her first quilting class, Emma Yoder-Miller has decided to try a second class. Enter Selma the busybody, Terry the roofer (who joined for a chance at a date with a pretty girl), Blaine, who only comes because he lost a bet, Anna, a young Amish teen dissatisfied with her faith, Carmen, a reporter looking for a story on the Amish, and Cheryl, who’s hoping for some help to fix her grandmother’s old quilt. How will God use this class to repair these tattered lives?

My thoughts: Because I ended up reading this before the first book, it spoiled parts of the first book and was confusing because I was missing information, which was kind of annoying.
Despite my bad choice, I liked the book; it was interesting. I liked that Blaine had to join because he lost a bet, and also that Terry sees a cute girl and then decides to join for that reason. It’s just silly and dumb, and I find it funny. Blaine’s dating efforts are painful to read about though, and I’m really glad that Terry crashes most of them because he makes it funny and a lot more interesting. I feel kinda bad for Blaine though.
I really enjoyed the part of the story about Cheryl’s grandmother’s quilt. I’m glad that she brought it to Emma to be fixed.
I didn’t particularly notice anything in the writing that wasn’t good, but it also wasn’t amazing writing. Again, it was another unrealistic story, but still interesting so I didn’t care.

My personal rating: 3.5/5 stars.

Link to blog: https://karinaschristianreads.wordpre...

[Pat Trattles · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read other books by this author and enjoyed them. Unfortunately this did not measure up. I almost didn’t finish it but kept reading hoping I would become interested. And I did, but not until the very last when Emma found a long lost sister.
My main problem was instead of showing us what was happening, the author told us. And sometimes she showed us, but then told us what she’d just shown us in case we didn’t get it. For example, at one point she showed us the cat was bleeding when she “saw blood.” But just to make sure we got it, the sentence read like this; “Saw blood and realized the poor cat was bleeding.” Often the author resorted to telling with internal dialog. Again we got the idea what the character was thinking through his/her actions (or lack thereof) but just to make sure we got it the author told us through internal dialog. There was way too much of this in the book and as such I could never connect with any of the characters. Additionally the story was a bit too didactic for my tastes. The religious aspects were not woven seamlessly into the story but appeared to be a bit preachy. I am giving the story 2.5 rounded to 3 since I did finally finish and get into it a bit by the end.

[Staci Kinman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved returning to Lamar and Emma Miller’s home for another round of quilting classes! We met a new, eclectic group of students. Most of the time, Amish fiction has (at least mostly) all Amish characters. Just like the first book in the series, this book focuses on 'English' (non-Amish), as well as Amish characters. Their lives are interwoven after everyone joins a new quilting class: the Millers welcome a diverse group that doesn't appear to have much in common, much less any real reason to try getting along. But as time progresses, their mutual interest brings them all closer together, as they learn invaluable - and life-changing - lessons that just might make them realize that the most important things in life are not things at all. Friendships form, relationships blossom, and past hurts begin to heal. Each character's unique perspective gives this story wonderful depth and keeps the reader wondering how it all turns out right up to the last page. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves Amish fiction, Christian fiction, or heart-warming stories!

[Lisa Cobb Sabatini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers who enjoy warm, inspirational stories about characters overcoming obstacles, gaining insight, and making life-changing decisions will love Wanda E. Brunstetter's novel, The Tattered Quilt. Set in a community of both Amish and "English" citizens, this tale of an Amish couple who teach quilting classes keeps readers turning pages as the focus alternates among each of the students in the class and their lives beyond the classroom.
There is no doubt that the main characters, Emma and Lamar Miller, are people of deep faith who put God first in all things. Their open hearts encourage their students to share their burdens and work toward resolutions. Readers fear for the characters as they stumble and cheer for characters as they make good strides.
Heartwarming and uplifting, The Tattered Quilt by Wanda E. Brunstetter is a novel for fans of coming of age stories, sweet romances, and tales of Christian faith.

[Rosemarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A year and a half after Emma Yoder taught her first quilting class, she is now remarried to a widower named Lamar Miller - who also quilts! During Emma's classes, he displays his uniquely designed quilts and assists her in helping her students. In this story, Emma's class consists of several people that are connected to those who were in her first class. One of her students brought her an old tattered quilt that she wanted Emma to repair for her grandmother's birthday, and ended up taking the quilting class. Once again, Emma - and now Lamar - assist the students with more than just quilting. With God's love and guidance, Emma and Lamar try to reach the hurting people in their class. And in the end, Emma gets a blessing she couldn't have ever imagined.

I am enjoying this series very much, especially because it shows how one can help others in one's every day life.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tattered Quilt is the second book in Wanda Brunstetter’s Amish Quilting Club series. The book takes us to Amish woman Emma’s home for a quilting class of students, all with their own personal issues to work through. Emma has married Lamar Miller, and together they teach and try to be good listeners and advisors for those that come to learn to quilt. The students in this class include a young, frustrated Amish girl, a man that lost a bet to a friend, a woman that needs help repairing a worn quilt, and several others. The worn quilt will bring a surprise not only to the student needing help, but also to teacher Emma. Faith, family, trust, love, and friendship all play into this wonderfully satisfying read. The characters are all ones that the reader can’t help but wish the best for, and the surprise with the tattered quilt is so exciting. Really great read!

[Bonnie Clevenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma and Lamar Miller teach quilting. and seem to always mend their students lives along the way.
Lamar wants to go to Florida before it gets too cold, but Emma just posted a new 6 week class.
They make a deal, if no one starts the class, they will go, but if someone shows up they will stay.
Selma is a busy body, Terry is a rugged roofer who just wants a date with a classmate. Blaine lost a fishing bet, Anna was signed up by her parents to keep her in the Amish faith. Carmen was a reporter from LA, who is writing an expose on the Amish teenager, and Cheryl wants her grandmothers old quilt repaired.
These members find friendship, faith, healing and restoration that only our Father can mend to His glory.
A delightful story of the blend of English and Amish.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book in the series where a newly married amish widow gives a quilting class. Sheryl signs up because she wants to have her grandmothers quilt fixed. Carmen signs up because she wants to write a provocative newspaper on how amish youth rebel. Blaine makes a bet with his friend when he goes fishing so it’s up in the air for a while whether he will go. Terry signs up because he wants to date Sheryl. Jan signs an old lady from his neighborhood up to go to the classes also. All of these people learn something more than just how to sew a quilt hanging along the way. This is a simple book but it is a soothing one at least to me. I really enjoyed it.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five different people, all from different backgrounds, end up at Emma Miller's new quilting class. Some there by choice, other's, well lets say that they were in the right spot at the right time, and end up at Emma's to make a wall hanging!

We journey with these people and become involved with their lives, and how they end up touching each other.

There are some great surprises here, and one I loved, but never saw coming. That old quilt that needs repair, in the end does a lot of healing!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Conito Maruri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Muy predecible, me aburrió desde que abri el libro, el primero de la saga tambien me aburrió muchisimo pero pense que este seria un poco distinto, me equivoque.
Se puede empatizar con los personajes pero me parece una lectura mas bien infanto- juvenil porque la trama es lineal y no hay contenido sexual ni violento, ya sabia el final apenas leí unas paginas.
Tomar este review con un grano de sal, porque disfruto mucho los giros en las tramas, los personajes grises, y un cierto grado de la crudeza del mundo real en mis libros. Pero si quieres una lectura ligera Quizás sea tu libro.

[Dawn Schroeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is honestly my favorite series by Wanda Brunstetter. She draws you right into the story. She weaves new characters in while keeping readers connected to the characters in the other two books, and makes you feel like you are right there with them. You will laugh one moment and be caught by surprise the next; with a few tears along the way, you will not be ready for the story to end. Perfect read while curled up next to a fire on a snowy day❤️

[Suzanne Mundy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the trilogy of "The Half Stitched Amish Quilt Club" series. It is the story of Emma and Lamar Miller, an Amish couple, and their experiences teaching a quilting class. The students are a motley crew of beginner quilts who learn more than quilting. Each student has his/her own problems to deal with and helped along the way by the Millers. I am eager to read the third book in the series entitled "The Healing Quilt". I recommend Wanda E. Brustetter's books.

[Maggi Andersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another sweet, gentle read in the series. Brunstetter never disappoints, but I feel she could do better. Her dialogue always seems stilted and awkward in parts. It's not just with her Amish characters, either. She has a wonderful knack for storytelling; she just needs to polish her characters' words.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful and sweet story. Emma and Lamar teach a odd grouping how to quilt. The book touches on each of the members so the reader gets a full view of each of their lives and how the class helps each of them. Highly recommend this book. This is the 2nd in the series, and while I didn't read the first one, I had no trouble following the story. Good story and author.

[Mary Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story in this series. I wanted to keep reading to find out what happens to each character. Five people from different backgrounds come together in a quilting class and make new friends and help each other along with their Amish teacher. New relationships and even a lost sister was found from a tattered quilt.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delghtful

This is a follow-up story The Amish quilting trilogy. It is just as much fun to read as the other books. Emma being together again a group of people with various life prob!ems. As they learn to quit they also !earn to solve their problems. This is a delightful read which I recommend.

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fun returning to Emma Yoder's quilting class, where the students learn so much more than quilting! A mixed group of personalities and lifestyles, you never know who will show up in class, or why. And this one held a twist I didn't expect. If you enjoy Amish fiction you'll want to read this book.