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Stitches #1
Stitches
A boomer couple steps out of the corporate mainstream and right into a world of magic after going to an estate sale. Life will never look the same.
Jean and Spence Collins are ready for a little magic in their life after thirty-two years. But they never dream they’ll find it at an estate sale. Hidden beneath a false bottom in an old chest, Jean finds an ancient length of fabric. The three colorful birds on it are vivid and life-like — and they start acting strange with their maine coon cat.
Jean’s obsessive nature kicks into full force when she tracks down the chest’s former owner, Mary Coulter. At eighty-six, Mary is full of memories and ready for some magic of her own, but she wants that fabric back. It’s the key to her immortality. Her son, Raleigh, wants to get his hands on it too. The FBI is closing in on him for insider trading. Raleigh needs money fast.
With Raleigh and the FBI on their heels, the Collinses set off on an international quest to London, and finally to Cairo, to unlock the fabric’s secrets of life…and death. But when they realize that immortality can be a choice, it ignites in them the courage to take risks, take down society's fiends, and grab the swinging ring of possibilities in this life.
STITCHES is the debut novel of a series that follows the scintillating trail Jean and Spence leave in their wake as they sleuth their way toward retirement - with a little immortal help. It celebrates a new coming-of-age story: the adventurous spirit of Boomers who want to put away the remote and run to the next phase of life.
Jean and Spence Collins are ready for a little magic in their life after thirty-two years. But they never dream they’ll find it at an estate sale. Hidden beneath a false bottom in an old chest, Jean finds an ancient length of fabric. The three colorful birds on it are vivid and life-like — and they start acting strange with their maine coon cat.
Jean’s obsessive nature kicks into full force when she tracks down the chest’s former owner, Mary Coulter. At eighty-six, Mary is full of memories and ready for some magic of her own, but she wants that fabric back. It’s the key to her immortality. Her son, Raleigh, wants to get his hands on it too. The FBI is closing in on him for insider trading. Raleigh needs money fast.
With Raleigh and the FBI on their heels, the Collinses set off on an international quest to London, and finally to Cairo, to unlock the fabric’s secrets of life…and death. But when they realize that immortality can be a choice, it ignites in them the courage to take risks, take down society's fiends, and grab the swinging ring of possibilities in this life.
STITCHES is the debut novel of a series that follows the scintillating trail Jean and Spence leave in their wake as they sleuth their way toward retirement - with a little immortal help. It celebrates a new coming-of-age story: the adventurous spirit of Boomers who want to put away the remote and run to the next phase of life.
Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2013
1 person is currently reading
369 people want to read
About the author
Courtney Pierce
21 books26 followersAuthor Website: http://www.courtney-pierce.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/courtneypier...
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Courtney-Pierce...
Courtney Pierce lives in Milwaukie, Oregon, with her bossy cat. By day, she an executive in the Broadway entertainment industry. Inspiration for her witty novels comes from a theater seat, observing what makes audiences laugh, cry, or walk out the door. Courtney has also published five novels, two short stories, and is a regular contributor to the blog Romancing the Genres. Courtney is a member of Willamette Writers, Pacific Northwest Writers Association, and is a board member of the Northwest Independent Writers Association.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/courtneypier...
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Courtney-Pierce...
Courtney Pierce lives in Milwaukie, Oregon, with her bossy cat. By day, she an executive in the Broadway entertainment industry. Inspiration for her witty novels comes from a theater seat, observing what makes audiences laugh, cry, or walk out the door. Courtney has also published five novels, two short stories, and is a regular contributor to the blog Romancing the Genres. Courtney is a member of Willamette Writers, Pacific Northwest Writers Association, and is a board member of the Northwest Independent Writers Association.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 4, 2013
I won this book off of Goodreads' First Read Giveaway. Thank you to Goodreads and the author, Courtney Pierce.
Stitches is a touching and beautiful story about a special piece of fabric. The piece of fabric contains three color birds that seem to come to life and fly right off the fabric. The reader discovers the history of the fabric through memories and stories of older generations and flashbacks. It also continues in the present with Jean and Spence, which takes them on adventure they never dreamed of.
This book is unlike most paranormal books I have read. I would not blush handing this book to my mother to read as I would with some other paranormal books I have read. The paranormal aspects of the book are contained in the magical ability of the fabric itself (and its connection with death.) The story focuses on new beginnings and being free with yourself. For example, Spence and Jean move from their home in Texas to Oregon. Once there, they try to figure out what they should do with this new stage in their life.
There is a sweet relationship with the characters. They are heartfelt and loving. It is easy to feel connected to them and feel the sadness, happiness, or fear that they do. The "bad" guy in the book is pretty much one-dimensional but the other characters make up for that.
The beginning was a little slow for me as I tried to figure out what exactly the fabric does and how it will be connected to the main characters, Spence and Jean. As the book progressed, I enjoyed it much more; there was more action and adventure.
In short:
The good parts? The character relationships were amazing. I really liked the characters, especially Jean, Spence, Mary, and Mycroft. The plot really grew on me as I progressed with the book. Finally, the writing was mature and easy to read.
The bad parts? The bird theme was really heavy—not to say this is bad, but it really stood out as I read. It would sometimes make me stop while reading to say "another bird reference." As I have said, the beginning was a little slow for, but again I am used to different paranormal reads where things just take off right away.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. It will be interesting to see where the next book will take things.
Stitches is a touching and beautiful story about a special piece of fabric. The piece of fabric contains three color birds that seem to come to life and fly right off the fabric. The reader discovers the history of the fabric through memories and stories of older generations and flashbacks. It also continues in the present with Jean and Spence, which takes them on adventure they never dreamed of.
This book is unlike most paranormal books I have read. I would not blush handing this book to my mother to read as I would with some other paranormal books I have read. The paranormal aspects of the book are contained in the magical ability of the fabric itself (and its connection with death.) The story focuses on new beginnings and being free with yourself. For example, Spence and Jean move from their home in Texas to Oregon. Once there, they try to figure out what they should do with this new stage in their life.
There is a sweet relationship with the characters. They are heartfelt and loving. It is easy to feel connected to them and feel the sadness, happiness, or fear that they do. The "bad" guy in the book is pretty much one-dimensional but the other characters make up for that.
The beginning was a little slow for me as I tried to figure out what exactly the fabric does and how it will be connected to the main characters, Spence and Jean. As the book progressed, I enjoyed it much more; there was more action and adventure.
In short:
The good parts? The character relationships were amazing. I really liked the characters, especially Jean, Spence, Mary, and Mycroft. The plot really grew on me as I progressed with the book. Finally, the writing was mature and easy to read.
The bad parts? The bird theme was really heavy—not to say this is bad, but it really stood out as I read. It would sometimes make me stop while reading to say "another bird reference." As I have said, the beginning was a little slow for, but again I am used to different paranormal reads where things just take off right away.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. It will be interesting to see where the next book will take things.
May 27, 2013
Magical... that's the first word that comes to mind after reading "Stitches".
And not just in the tapestry, but also in the way the author wove the layers of the story and pulled me into the excitement. I found myself believing in the abilities of the cloth, wanting the powers to actually exist. Through the wonderful descriptions, I could see the birds come to life and feel the magic that the characters in the book felt.
I am so glad I had the opportunity to read this book, having received it for free through Goodreads.
And not just in the tapestry, but also in the way the author wove the layers of the story and pulled me into the excitement. I found myself believing in the abilities of the cloth, wanting the powers to actually exist. Through the wonderful descriptions, I could see the birds come to life and feel the magic that the characters in the book felt.
I am so glad I had the opportunity to read this book, having received it for free through Goodreads.
March 4, 2013
STITCHES inspires readers to re-discover their child-like spirit. The main characters, Jean and Spence Collins, are like a more modern and mature Nick and Nora Charles of Dashiell Hammett’s The Thin Man series—but with a paranormal twist. Jean and Spence help the FBI solve crimes, but they also solve life’s mysteries through uncovering the power of history, art and music from magical heirlooms. STITCHES is full of tears, unexpected surprises, and laughs.
April 22, 2013
Thank you Goodreads! I received this book from Goodreads First Reads giveaway. Stitches is such a wonderful book. I was hooked from the very first chapter. Courtney Pierce is an amazing writer. The flow of her words is smooth and seems effortless. She has now been placed on my short list of favorite authors. She pulled me in and kept me reading at every opportunity. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
May 16, 2013
Stitches is an enchanting story, of dreams and magic, adventure and courage. Jean and Spence are such likeable characters, and when they retire and stumble upon an ancient heirloom, it places them square in the middle of a world-hopping adventure. Thanks to the wonderful descriptions in the book, I have a clear picture in my mind of the incredible fabric, as well as the engaging characters of the story, past and present. I highly recommend this book.
February 26, 2013
I loved this book! It's so refreshing to read about people who do something important (and fun) with their lives over the age of 50. It's part thoughtful,funny,and tender. I loved the magical aspect to it without being cliche' and stilted. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
April 23, 2013
A delightful read and look forward to more books by Courtney!
September 22, 2015
Stitches is the first in a trilogy of books by author Courtney Pierce. It is the story of a couple who discover a magical artifact at an estate sale that leads them on an international adventure. Filled with mystery and intrigue, this novel is the perfect read for lovers of Egyptian artifacts, ancient textiles and trips to the museum.
I picked this book up for my mother after meeting Pierce at a book signing (she is a very charismatic lady, and if you ever see a signing or talk by her in your area I highly recommend you attend). My mother devoured the book and passed it back to me to read.
This novel isn't in my normal genre of reading, but I did find the story interesting and enjoyed each of the characters. It reminded me very much of my mother and grandmother who are both rabid crafters. If you have a woman in your life who loves to sew, it is highly likely that she will love this book!
My mom also gave me the next book in the series (Riffs) to read and I look forward to seeing what kind of shenanigans the characters get into in the next one.
I picked this book up for my mother after meeting Pierce at a book signing (she is a very charismatic lady, and if you ever see a signing or talk by her in your area I highly recommend you attend). My mother devoured the book and passed it back to me to read.
This novel isn't in my normal genre of reading, but I did find the story interesting and enjoyed each of the characters. It reminded me very much of my mother and grandmother who are both rabid crafters. If you have a woman in your life who loves to sew, it is highly likely that she will love this book!
My mom also gave me the next book in the series (Riffs) to read and I look forward to seeing what kind of shenanigans the characters get into in the next one.
January 29, 2014
Beautiful descriptions, interesting characters, overall a good read.
Stitches is the story of a too-young-too retire couple making the move back to Portland. Here they hope to start their lives anew, but they find a little bit of magic and a lot of adventure instead.
The beginning of the book beautifully written though a little confusing - flipping in time and place, and between characters, explaining the roots of what's going on. However, once the story comes together, it's a speeding train you just can't get off.
A great concept, hints of things to come. I think this author really has something here and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Stitches is the story of a too-young-too retire couple making the move back to Portland. Here they hope to start their lives anew, but they find a little bit of magic and a lot of adventure instead.
The beginning of the book beautifully written though a little confusing - flipping in time and place, and between characters, explaining the roots of what's going on. However, once the story comes together, it's a speeding train you just can't get off.
A great concept, hints of things to come. I think this author really has something here and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
July 31, 2013
I won this book on a Goodreads giveaway. It is a magical tale about love and connections. The relationships in this novel are touching, whether between Jean and Spence, Mary and Jean or the couple and their cat. While not all of the characters are very nice, it is refreshing to read a story where so many of the characters have good intentions. And having a few meanies thrown in makes it a little more realistic. There were times where you must suspend disbelief, but so what? Overall a very enjoyable read.
July 4, 2013
I wasn't sure if I would like Stitches when I started, but I was pleasantly surprised. The storyline moves easily from place to place, carrying the reader on the adventures shared by Spence and Jean Collins.
Courtney seamlessly (yes, I can use puns at my leisure), brings magic into the modern world with the ancient fabric piece and the lives it touches along the way.
I look forward to reading more from Courtney and I hope her passion for writing carries her into a wonderful career filled more amazing stories.
Courtney seamlessly (yes, I can use puns at my leisure), brings magic into the modern world with the ancient fabric piece and the lives it touches along the way.
I look forward to reading more from Courtney and I hope her passion for writing carries her into a wonderful career filled more amazing stories.
September 12, 2013
Very cute book. It was well-written and had some nice magical elements. I'd give it 3.5 stars if I could. I probably wasn't the target audience as I believe this is written more for the boomer generation but it was still a sweet and worth while read.
April 24, 2015
A quick read for those times when you want a little adventure but nothing so heavy that you won't be able to go to sleep. There's even a little magic and egyptian mythology in this series. First book in a series of three. I'm looking forward to reading the next two books in this series.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews