Swept Away

Quilts of Love #23

by Laura V. Hilton, Cindy Loven

Sara Jane Morgan is trying to balance teaching with caring for her ailing, stubborn grandmother. When school lets out for the summer, the plans are for Grandma to teach Sara Jane to quilt as they finish up the Appalachian Ballad quilt Grandma started as a teenager. But things don't always go as planned. Andrew Stevenson is hiding from his past - and his future. He works as a handyman to pay the bills, but his heart is as an artisan, designing homemade brooms. When Sara Jane's grandmother hires him to renovate her home, sparks fly between Drew and his new employer's granddaughter. Still, it doesn't take Sara Jane long to see Drew isn't what he seems. Questions arise, and she starts researching him online. What she discovers could change her life - and her heart - forever.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Christian Romance, Amish Fiction, Historical Fiction, Adult

205 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2014

About the author

Award winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and their five children make their home in Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom and home-schools. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor.

Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (winner of the 2012 Clash of the Titles Award in two categories), and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love (finalist for the 2013 Christian Retail Awards). Surrendered Love and Awakened Love followed by her first Christmas novel, A White Christmas in Webster County, as well as the Amish of Jamesport series, The Snow Globe, The Postcard, and The Birdhouse. Other credits include Swept Away from Abingdon Press’ Quilts of Love series. Laura is contracted for another three book Amish series set in the Jamesport area, with the first book, The Amish Firefighter, planned for April 2016.

She has self-published a Christmas novella, Christmas Mittens.

Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer and blogs for Putting on the New and Seriously Write.

Reviews

[Crissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swept Away by Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven immediately caught my attention as I recognized the setting as very near where I grew up. Sari, Grandma, depicted all of my many grandma figures I had helping me. While Sara was any of us granddaughters who wanted acceptance but no meddling from family. Grandma wants what she knows is best for Sara, and that includes Drew. Poor Drew like most unsuspecting males gets pulled into Grandma's plans. I suggest you take Sari, Sara and Drew home to meet your family, even Grandma will approve.

[Kay Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

SWEPT AWAY by Laura V. Hilton & Cindy Loven is the 23RD book in the Quilts of Love series. It’s the touching story of Sara Jane Morgan, a school teacher, Drew Stevenson, handyman and maker of artisan brooms and Sari Morgan, Sara Jane’s grandmother, a spunky woman fighting early stages Alzheimer and part time matchmaker.

While hiring Drew to do repairs on her home under the guise of the possibility of selling it, Grandma hopes to bring her granddaughter and the handyman together as the fitting couple she sees them to be.

Sara Jane worries about her Grandma hiring someone she nicknamed “wanna be John the Baptist” from his appearance that they don’t know anything about while also being very sad at the prospect of her selling the only home she’s known since the death of her parents. Although she’s attended church regularly with her Grandma, Sara Jane has a problem with faith and at time even the existence of God. Where was he all those years ago when her prayers went unanswered?

Drew accepts Sari’s request to do repairs needing the money for some upcoming out of state events where he sells his brooms. He feels protective of the woman that asks him to call her Grandma, but when she tells him that he’s going to marry her granddaughter, he is more than a little bit taken aback. Drew has his own events from the past to deal with as well as once having a lack of faith. His path took him to hiking the Appalachian Trail where he found his way back to God. Sharing his faith, sometimes through the weaving of his witnessing brooms, is something Drew does openly and frequently now. He witnessed to Sara Jane and again unknowingly through his online trail journeys.

When not doing house maintenance jobs for Grandma, Drew is drawn in to helping Grandma and Sara Jane finish the ballad quilt Grandma started years ago that tells the story of Sari and her husband, Caleb. The quilting process and the telling of the stories of each block add greatly to the story.
Can Drew and Sara Jane get past their first impressions? Can Grandma’s matchmaking bring these two together? Is it true that opposites attract? How will the diagnosis of Alzheimer affect all of the lives? Will Sara Jane learn to quilt and will they get the ballad quilt finished?

I loved how this book shows that some things are to be forgotten after turning them over to God and sweet memories are wonderful to be remembered. Loved the stories behind the quilt blocks and the way they deal with the Alzheimer diagnosis. Having dealt with that dreaded disease with my Mom, I love how patient and loving Sara Jane and Drew were to Sari. I enjoy the way it has a biblical message woven within the pages of the story. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Swept Away by Laura V. Hilton & Cindy Loven is a lovely novel of faith, healing and love. It is an charming romance with a diverse cast of characters and a unique storyline. Although it is part of the Quilts of Love series, it can be read as a standalone.

Sari Morgan has decided to find her granddaughter Sara Jane a husband and she has picked out the perfect match-her new handyman Drew Stevenson. However, her matchmaking efforts are met with a great deal of resistance from both Sara Jane and Drew, but Grandma remains undeterred. Grandma conspires to frequently throw the young couple together and surprisingly, Sara Jane becomes more receptive to the idea but Drew takes a little longer to convince. A troubling health diagnosis, Sara Jane's crisis of faith and a few misunderstandings are a few obstacles Drew and Sara Jane must overcome before they find their happily ever after.

While all of the characters are well-developed, Drew is the most likable. Grandma Sari's behavior is a little unpredictable and her relationship with Sara Jane is a bit contentious. Sara Jane is judgmental and rather immature. She blames herself for a childhood tragedy that also caused her to lose her faith in God. Drew has also suffered a tragic loss and while he is a devoted Christian, he needs to repair his fractured relationship with his family.

Swept Away by Laura V. Hilton & Cindy Loven is an engaging novel that is well written but a little slow paced. The characters are three dimensional with easy to relate to flaws and imperfections. Once Drew and Sara Jane take time to get to know one another, their relationship gradually transforms from uneasy friendship to a sweet, believable romance. Sara Jane undergoes the most growth, both personally and spiritually and when it becomes necessary, she willingly makes a sacrifice out of love. All in all, it is a heartwarming story with a gentle undercurrent of faith that I recommend to fans of Christian fiction.

[Mary Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do with a match-making grandma? That is the question in Sara Jane Morgan’s mind when her grandmother does her best to match her up with a broom-making, local handyman. Raised by her grandmother, she does her best to please the elderly woman, but she has to draw the line at some things. A man with long shaggy hair, and a beard to match is definitely not her type. Until she begins to see beneath the surface. Even then, it does not matter. Sara Jane blames herself for a past event and has separated herself from God. Can she let go of that pain and live the life that God wants for her?

Drew is a man that is hiding from himself and past hurts in his life. The last thing he wants is for his employer to be pushing a romance on him. Not that he not impressed with Sara Jane. She’s beautiful, if a bit conceited. He could not possibly be her type. He knows for a fact that he is nobody’s type. Despite a deep hurt in his past, Drew has made his peace with God. Can he help Sara Jane do the same? And what about love---is that still in his future?

Sari Morgan is aware that she is losing her memory. Her only hope is to see that her granddaughter finds her one true love to take care of her once Sari is gone. And she is sure that the one true love for Sara Jane is Andrew Stevenson. The only way Sari can think to draw Sarah Jane closer is to convince her to help finish the ballad quit that Sari started so many years before. While the two of them are working on the quilt, Andrew will be there doing her house repairs. It’s a perfect plan. But with her memory waning and playing tricks on her, she is in a race to see her granddaughter happy.

Set in Appalachia, this five star romance is sure to draw you in, from Grandma’s log cabin to the ballad quilt that Sari and Sara are working on. So get your copy, find a cozy corner, and enjoy Swept Away!

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Will Be Swept Away!

What happens when you throw two people unwilling to trust anyone together? How do you deal with a Grandma that has her nose into other peoples business? How do you get faith in God restored in your life when you know that God doesn’t care about you at all?

This is a story about two people who have been hurt by something or someone in their lives. Sara Jane Morgan blames herself and God for the death of her parents. Andrew Stevenson ran away from his family because he couldn’t deal with a devastation in his life.

Throw in a critical Grandma and a health issue she is having into the mix and you have a great read. Grandma’s story hit all too close to home for me. I found myself very emotional while reading this book.

The authors did a fantastic job with this storyline. When a book has me laughing, shaking my head, praying for the characters, and crying, it is a winner!

Swept Away is a book I will be thinking about for weeks to come. Toward the end of this story I could actually see and feel the Holy Spirit working and that is when the tears just flowed. I love a book that draws me in and becomes real to me.

I highly recommend this book. It was very hard to put down.

My thanks to both authors, Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven for allowing me to read and review this book. I simply loved it! The opinions expressed are mine alone.

[Dali Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

She calls him a John the Baptist wannabe. A grizzly mountain man. He looks familiar. She's pretty sure she may have seen him on a recent episode of America's Most Wanted. And yet, she finds him intriguing and he makes her heart race.

He calls her Miss Priss. High maintenance. Drama queen. Rude. Bossy. Control freak. Beautiful, with a friendlier side to her. But oh, so not his type........yeah, he could go for her.

Add to this mix a meddling, match making, Alzheimer affected grandmother, and you will find yourself laughing, crying, praying, holding your breath, and so much more as you read Swept Away.

What more can I say other than I loved, loved, loved this book. It has all of my favorite elements: romance, humor, unexpected happenings, forgiveness, and faith. It also hits home the message of judging others. A winning combination that make this a great read. As you read it you'll find yourself swept away by Swept Away.

**Thank you so much to authors Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven for providing me with a copy to review. All opinions are my own, unbiased, and honest.**

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author review:


I loved writing Andrew and his trail journals and getting to know his secrets.

If you like contemporary romance, humor, unexpected twists, and a strong faith message, you’ll want to pick up Swept Away.

Set in the mountainous region of West Virginia and Pennsylvania. I was there once on a candidating trip to Pennsylvania. Who knew that such a trip would provide research for a future book! I was at the Fort mentioned in the story. Peeked in the window of the tavern...

I especially loved writing the trail journals. Who knew how Andrew's story would come to light? He even kept me guessing.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and Abingdon Press for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.

I have enjoyed this series and was saving this one for when I was heading into a book slump and needed to be lifted out of it. Unfortunately, the book slump was stronger than this book for me and the book slump continues.

My issues with this book are as follows.

1) The characterization is all over the place. The internal dialogues don't match the outward actions of the characters or how the characters are first shown to the reader. The relationship between the grandmom and h is strangely depicted. At first, they seem devoted to each other, but then it seems that the grandmom acted like she was reluctant to take in her orphaned granddaughter, even though she searched high and low for her?

2) This is a Christian book and God doesn't really come into it until about the last 10% or so of the book. That is also when the book starts to pick up, leading me into...

3) The pacing is ALL off. Drags, repeats, then drags some more until the last 10% or so. Then it just ENDS. Too abrupt, it needs more to really make it feel complete and satisfying. I think rather than being told that the H and h spent months talking on the phone and seeing each other, getting to know one another, we should have been shown their relationship deepening and the h's meetings with the minister as she grew in her faith. The ending seemed to come out of nowhere.

4) God doesn't always speak to us in a life-or-death situation. People can and do come to Jesus without having their life flash before their eyes. They also have the life threatening situation conversions as well, but to have both the H and the h have the life threatening conversion is a bit much.

5) We NEVER get the H or h's backstory fully. We get hints of it here and there, but we never get the full story of why his and her eyes tear up when certain things happen and it's just weird and incomplete.

6) For a section of the book, the h was trying to pursue the H and he kept basically rejecting her advances, but she didn't give up. She always got what she wanted! Not a healthy attitude to have imho. She dropped it, eventually, but it was painful to read.

Not a horrible book, but not the right one to bring me up out of my slump. There is some kissing, no bad language and God is sprinkled throughout until the end when He makes a bigger appearance. The grandmom has dementia, so that could be sad for those who have experienced a loved one going through it.

Recommended for romance readers who like Christian themes in their reading material. 2, not a great book but ok, stars.

[Raechel Lenore · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had never read any of the Quilt’s of Love books, and when one came available through Litfuse, I thought I’d give it a try. And while I’m glad I did, I think I would’ve enjoyed a different one more so.

Though I don’t think it is the series’ fault, I did not care for this book at all. I was actually very disappointed, and disgusted, even, in a few areas. The story itself could’ve been good, and one I wouldn’t have thought twice about, but there was much that I found just inappropriate to be in a “Christian” book.

The main two things that I was disgusted with were:

The main female character was doing the chasing, and dressing provocatively on purpose – causing Drew to stumble, but this was all shown in a ‘good light’. I will not go into details, but please believe me when I say those sections were very inappropriate, and I would not recommend this book to any young readers, especially. I don’t actually recommend this book at all, because I do not feel it was God-honouring, but it is especially not for young readers. If this were just a ‘secular’ book with no claims on Christianity, fine (sad, but fine). But to have the idea that a Christian person can read this and be uplifted and possibly even learn, is not going to happen. Instead, I’m afraid it’s teaching unChristian behaviour (causing anyone who reads it to stumble). people that read it might believe it is perfectly okay to seduce men by unbuttoning buttons, etc. It’s not! Or think it’s okay to be with a man before marriage, which is exactly what Christian books should be training others not to do. We are to be set apart -not to look and act or behave as the world behaves. I see little to no difference in the way these characters behave than any other ‘worldly’ person. And to me, personally, that is not a “Christian” book.

Second was how the women were ‘strong-headed’ and bossy, and even said that, in the grandma’s case, the husband let her run the house and didn’t stand up to her – this is not godly. God does not ask the woman to run the house – instead, He instructs the wives to be submissive. This does not mean the man should walk upon her, but it means equal respect, and letting the man be the head of the house as God designed.

I was disappointed with the lack of faith displayed among the characters. It seems like it was just thrown in at the end. Drew’s testimony, given on page 167, was great, but the book was not centered around that fact, nor gave much evidence that he was much changed because of Christ. “You will know them by their fruits” – in this book, I did not see this from either, even after they were both saved.

I do realize that many people reading this review will disagree because these are the standards that the world accepts. However, I do believe that Christians should hold quite different standards and their books should reflect that.

I don’t want this to be a completely negative review; the writing style was fine, and were it not for the inappropriateness, and lack of faith, it would’ve been an enjoyable read. And by this one book, I am not turned away from the Quilt’s of Love series – I would still consider reading more in this series, as they are all different and by different authors. Also, one thing I did like about this book was the quilt aspect – I’ve never been a quilter, but reading about the story behind the quilt being made was neat, and I enjoyed that.



Litfuse and the publishers sent me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest, unbiased opinion, which I have given. All thoughts are strictly my own.

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say that Sara Jane Morgan's grandmother has lost her mind is an understatement.She just doesn't want to be the one to admit that the diagnosis she received from her doctor reveals that she is in the early stages of Alzheimer's. The fact that she can't remember the most basic things like where she parked the car, to what she wanted on her to do list, or even what she had for dinner, isn't something she is ready to admit.

All she knows is that time is running out to find a suitable man for her grand daughter Sara and while she is at it, she is hoping to finish what is known as a Ballad Quilt. Quilt blocks designed around the lyrics of a song that impart the memories from her own past, the one where she fell in love. She can know hope she can figure out a way to get the handy man she hired at the local crafter's fair to see a future in Sara.

Sara knows that her grandmother is up to something, she just didn't figure it would come out so bold in her words to a man she can hardly find attractive. Looking more like Grizzly Adams, Andrew Stevenson, an artisan who makes handmade brooms, isn't like to sweep her off her feet or anything else for that matter. She just has to figure out a way to let her grandmother know she isn't interested. She can't imagine how her grandmother can hire a man she doesn't know to spend time fixing up her cabin. For all she knows he could be a serial killer. But once grandmother Sari has it in her mind, there is no changing it. She can only hope she simply forget him like she has been forgetting everything else lately. She just isn't ready to deal with losing her grandmother and all the wonderful memories she has of the parents she feels responsible for their deaths.

But Sara isn't the only one hiding things in their past memories. It appears that Andrew or Drew does as well. But like everyone else he has ever met, so many people judge based on appearances and with the way Sara deals with him, just goes to prove his point. If only he didn't feel attracted to her. However he knows once his work with her grandmother as a hired hand is finished, he would be out of their lives forever. But will her grandmother's to do list ever be finished?

I received Swept Away from Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven compliments of Abingdon Press and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. In exchange for my free complimentary copy of the book, I am not asked to provide a favorable but honest review and have not received any monetary compensation. This is the 23rd novel in the Quilts of Love Series and each is a stand alone novel that centers around a quilt. These can be read in any order and are written by various authors. Swept Away engages readers to examine their internal feelings and how we often times feel that to hid our pasts is the best way to move forward in life hoping to leave our pain behind us. Too often however, that fails to work well and will rise to the surface when we least expect it. Sometimes when things go wrong in our lives the first person we often blame is God. We wonder why He didn't alter the event the way we like and fail to understand the reasons behind it until much later if we understand it at all this side of heaven. Sometimes the only way we can deal with that pain is to let it go and hand it over to God. In the end, healing can be found. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars. It includes a sneak peek at Masterpiece Marriage and a Reader's Discussion Guide at the conclusion.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was truly blessed to receive a copy of Swept Away by Laura Hilton and Cindy Loven. It was just one of those books that I just could not put down, with totally charming characters that had me enchanted from the start.
Sara Jane was orphaned at twelve, and her grandmother Sari fought to get her out of foster care and into her home. Now aged twenty four Sara Jane rents a flat, but still has a strong bond with her Grandma.
Grandma hires Drew, who she met at a craft fair, to do odd jobs for her. She insists that he calls her Grandma, and tells everyone, including him, that he is going to marry Sara Jane! Drew and Sara Jane, though embarrassed, do not contradict Grandma, as they both fear she is ill with Alzheimer's, as her behaviour can be unpredictable.
The relationship between the characters, and their dialogue, is a pure joy to read. The reader becomes totally engrossed, and they cease to be characters in a book, and feel more like personal friends.
Drew makes brooms in all shapes, sizes and colours. They are his witness brooms, and provide him with an opening to share the gospel with anyone who asks.
Drew had not seen his family for four years due to a tragic event, but one day he sees his brother Joey at a craft fair, and later joins his whole family for a meal. Why has Drew stayed away? What will happen when they meet up again?
Sara Jane is angry at God for taking away her parents, believing that had He really loved her, He would have prevented their accident. She believes in God, and she believes that He loves everyone but her. Sara Jane only goes to church with Grandma, because Grandma wants her to. Sara Jane would like to believe that God loves her, and she is interested to know Drew's journey to faith. Will she go on her own journey? Or will she remain detached from God?
Swept Away is one of those unique books that could make the reader laugh - particularly over the antics of Grandma - but it can also make the reader think deeply about their own relationship with God. If I died tonight, where would I spend eternity?
I thoroughly enjoyed Swept Away, it has a wonderful story line as well as delving deeply into what makes us a Christian - and it is not just going to church. I can really recommend you to buy a book or download a copy - you will be entertained, and you will also examine your walk with God, as Sara Jane examines hers.

[Victor Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura V. Hilton & Cindy Loven in their new book, “Swept Away” Book Twenty-Three in the Quilts of Love Series published by Abingdon Press brings us into the life of Sara Jane Morgan.

From the back cover: Sara doesn’t think she wants love. But her grandmother has other plans.

Sara Jane Morgan is trying to balance teaching with caring for her ailing, stubborn grandmother. When school lets out for the summer, the plans are for Grandma to teach Sara Jane to quilt as they finish up the Appalachian Ballad quilt Grandma started as a teenager. But things don’t always go as planned.

Andrew Stevenson is hiding from his past—and his future. He works as a handyman to pay the bills, but his heart is as an artisan, designing homemade brooms. When Sara Jane’s grandmother hires him to renovate her home, sparks fly between Drew and his new employer’s granddaughter.

Still, it doesn’t take Sara Jane long to see Drew isn’t what he seems. Questions arise, and she starts researching him online. What she discovers could change her life—and her heart—forever

Sari Morgan is Sara Jane’s Grandmother who is in in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Her one big desire is to see Sara Jane married to a wonderful man and Sari picks Andrew as that man. There are some things in life that we should remember and others that we need to forget and heal from. “Swept Away” explores both these memories in a very clever manner. Sari, because of the disease, is forgetting things and both Sara Jane and Andrew have things in their past that they need to forget but have a hard time letting go. And then there is the Ballad Quilt which Sari and Sara Jane are trying to finish together to remember pieces of Sari’s life. Ms. Hilton and Ms. Loven have given us a great deal of story that all works itself out with a great deal of help from God. There are moments of great fun and moments of high emotion but through it all there is lots of love. This book will keep you thinking.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Nana · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Grandma" Morgan's mission is to find a husband for her granddaughter, Sara Jane. Under the guise of readying her home to be sold she hires a hairy handyman to make home repairs and do yard work. Grandma's motives are out of love, but her approach to the situation is unpredictable at best. Sara Jane is clueless to her grandmother's motives, particularly in hiring a mountain man named Drew to make home improvements to her grandfather's house. Grandma's sudden interest in finishing a ballad quilt begun many years ago also has Sara Jane questioning her grandmother's bizarre activities.

The three main characters in "Swept Away" are diverse. Tragic events from the past have created different responses in each of the main characters, from denying God's love to finding peace in God's very existence. The plot moves along with ups and downs and unpredictability. Relationships are strained and unconventional, with unexpected events occurring randomly. Sara Jane was a bit annoying and immature, but I thoroughly enjoyed Drew throughout this book. Drew's strong faith and sense of peace kept this story going. This is a tale of a developing relationship, and the hidden story that lay within the pieces of the quilt. A cozy read, one to enjoy with a cup of hot tea or cocoa.

This is not a "Laura V. Hilton" novel, but a "Quilts of Love" story by Cindy Loven with the assistance of Laura V. Hilton. Both Drew Stevenson and X-Amish are the creations of Laura V. Hilton.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Swept Away was a fun romance, while still dealing with some difficult issues. I liked Sara Jane Morgan, although at first she was pretty judgmental about the outward appearance of Drew Stevenson. However, I did enjoy the growth of her character throughout the book. She had a lot on her plate, dealing with a grandmother who was starting to show signs of Alzheimer’s. I thought she dealt with the situations involving her grandmother in a loving way. Her character had some pretty big issues from childhood and a definite grudge against God, who she wasn’t even sure she believed existed.

Drew was a great character. I did think it was fabulous that he began the story as a man with a very overgrown, bearded appearance. It gave Sara Jane, her grandmother, and the reader a chance to get to know him for the person he is inside. Drew also has issues from the past. Although he had a great witness and testimony, he still had family issues to work through in the book and it was fun seeing him restore relationships that had fallen apart. I was very impressed with the way he treated Sari (the grandmother).

I really thought the tension between Sara Jane and Drew was good. There was quite a bit of one step forward, many steps back, which helped build the anticipation of these two finally getting together. The ending resolved a little quickly for me and I would have liked it to have had another chapter. But, I did enjoy this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Swept Away is a quick and easy read with a rather adolescent feel to it. Sara and her grandmother are quite immature and irritated me often, but the redeeming factor in the book for me was Andrew. He is a great character with depth and sincerity. If it wasn’t for him, I would have put the book down and not read further. But like Sara, I wanted to learn more about him and what happened in his past to bring him where he was in the present.

After I finished the book, I contacted another reviewer that I knew had read the book and she told me that this actually is not a Laura V Hilton book, but in fact a 'Quilts of Love' book by Cindy Loven, with the assistance of Laura V Hilton. Also, Drew Stevenson (my favorite character) and X-Amish are characters created by Laura V Hilton. Well, that explained a lot, because I always enjoy Laura’s books.

I do think most fans of Inspirational fiction will like the book just because quilt stories usually go over well with readers. I know I enjoyed learning the history behind the quilt Sara and her grandmother were working on. The quilt and Drew are the two reasons it gets four stars instead of three.

I appreciate the publisher sending me an electronic copy for review purposes. No monetary compensation has been received. I was under no obligation to write a favorable review, just my opinion of the book, which I have done.

[Hallie (Hallie Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is also posted on Book by Book.

Having now read several Quilts of Love novels, I realize that no story would be complete without the critical role of a grandmother - so naturally, Swept Away by Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven includes an endearing grandmother. But she is also quite meddlesome and eager to match-make, which makes the novel thoroughly entertaining and definitely fun to read. As Sara Jane’s grandmother tries to connect her with Drew, these two characters must first learn how to move beyond the hurts of the past in order to embrace their future. It’s a sweet romance and fits nicely with the other Quilts of Love novels I have read, though it can easily stand alone. I think anyone looking for a quick contemporary romance will enjoy Swept Away. I recommend it.

Thanks to LitFuse Publicity Group, I received a copy of Swept Away and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. To read other opinions, be sure to check out what other reviewers think here.

[Unsolved ☕︎ Mystery · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you! =)

Well, it started out good and engaging.

I lost interest only because the "love" between Sara Jane and Drew was forced.
They were not compatible.

I'm not a believer in enemies-to-lovers or opposites attract love stories.

If you're enemies; why ever become lovers? I'm not going to start a romantic relationship with someone I don't like.

As far as opposites attract; you have to have things in common with your significant other for the relationship to work. If nothing in common; you're polar opposites.

Sara Jane and Drew didn't have much in common. Sara Jane even admitted it.
The whole thing was forced. The whole book was about people trying to get them to hook up.
I'm not buying it.

Another thing. Why was Grandma Sari so mean to Sara Jane? It couldn't have had to do with her mental decline because she had been like that through-out Sara Jane's life.

I'm donating this book to my local library. Yay for the circle of reading. =))
Hopefully others will enjoy it more.

I do have to say; the book cover is pretty. 💜

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quilts can warm our bodies and our hearts and this book about a special quilt certainly warmed my heart. Who doesn't adore a sweet, matchmaking grandma too? Sari is determined to have her granddaughter, Sara Jane, and her handyman, Andrew, marry. But they are not quite so cooperative in her efforts, even though they are falling for each other. Both are having a bit of trouble with the whole marriage idea. You will want to read this one to find out if Grandma Sari is successful in matchmaking. Grandma Sari has Alzheimer's and many who are caretakers of their own relatives with this awful disease will be able to relate to the painful moments of forgetfulness. The Appalachian Ballad quilt has an integral part through out the entire story and sounds absolutely beautiful. I would love to see pictures of one. I rate this book 5 stars and highly recommend it to readers.
I received a free pdf version of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swept Away by Author Laura V. Hilton is well-written and fun to read. Feisty Grandma Sari has memory losses or is it selective memory? Andrew ‘Drew’ Stevenson is attracted to granddaughter, Sara Jane Morgan but what is holding him back from letting her know? He just knows ‘it will never be’. Sara Jane is attracted to Drew but sometimes she comes on just a little too strong! Drew, the handyman is also Drew, the broom maker and has a special message attached to each broom. Sara notices the thread colors on the brooms and learns their significance. Will that help to change her beliefs that God doesn’t care about her? As she and Grandma Sari work on the ballad quilt, they are making memories as the quilt tells a story. Loveable characters and a clear message of God’s love make this a must-read. Great gift for anyone or for yourself!

[Kav · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh mercy, what a mess of a first meet! So awkward -- the hero and heroine make snap judgements about each other and that creates a gnarly mess to untangle as their relationship progresses. Sara Jane in particular struggles with Drew's presence in her grandmother's life. She has good reason, based on past experiences and her grandmother's circumstances but poor Drew doesn't know that at the beginning.

I loved Drew. Solid, patient and so kind. Tragedy has forced him to grow in his faith and it shows. He is a steadying influence for Sara Jane. More insightful when it comes to Grandma's increasingly odd behaviour. He becomes an anchor of dependability for Sara Jane has she faces an uncertain future.

A strong faith-filled thread adds an extra dimension to this tale of finding love and acceptance.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

good read

Slow start but hung in there and the story sparked. As with most of these they are written well and give attention to detail. Characters are eloquently described. However, the endings are abrupt and leave you with wanting to know a little more.maybe a year later or something like that would provide more closure. Overall a great love story and linked by a quilt.

[Suzanne Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Quilt stories

Fun read. Really like books about quilting and adventure at the same story. Thanks for writing this book I enjoyed it.

[Darinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 23rd book in the Quilts of Love series. Christian fiction. Sweet and charming.

[Jalynn Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book:

Sara doesn’t think she wants love. But her grandmother has other plans.

Sara Jane Morgan is trying to balance teaching with caring for her ailing, stubborn grandmother. When school lets out for the summer, the plans are for Grandma to teach Sara Jane to quilt as they finish up the Appalachian Ballad quilt Grandma started as a teenager. But things don’t always go as planned.

Andrew Stevenson is hiding from his past—and his future. He works as a handyman to pay the bills, but his heart is as an artisan, designing homemade brooms. When Sara Jane’s grandmother hires him to renovate her home, sparks fly between Drew and his new employer’s granddaughter.

Still, it doesn’t take Sara Jane long to see Drew isn’t what he seems. Questions arise, and she starts researching him online. What she discovers could change her life—and her heart—forever.



About the Authors:

Award winning author Laura V. Hilton has penned many novels, including the Amish of Seymour series, the Amish of Webster County series, and the forthcoming Amish of Jamesport series. A member of ACFW, Laura is also a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, with over a thousand book reviews published at various online review sites. A pastor’s wife, stay-at-home mom, and home school teacher, Laura and her family make their home in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas.


A lifelong reader, Cindy Loven is an active church wife of a minister and mother to one son who is a home school graduate. Cindy and her family reside in Conway, Arkansas.



My Review:

Sara Jane Morgan, lost sight of her dear grandmother for a split second and as a result they have a scruffy handyman at their home. Andrew Stevenson, a professional broom maker has found himself working for a little old lady and her snooty granddaughter, fixing odd and end things for them around their home.

As Andrew starts his work there, he starts to notice that he and Sara are put together a lot. It seems that this pairing is done by Sara's grandmother. This grandmother has definitely got a plan in place for the two of them, it seems.

While learning to quilt her thoughts drift back to Andrew and before long she is wanting to learn more and more about this man. Finding an old online journal, she starts to dig deep into his past. But what she finds isn't exactly something he was willing to share. What Sara finds will change everything between the two of them, maybe for good.

The authors of Swept Away, give you a cozy read with down home appeal. It's not long before you are transported there, right along side, Sari, Sara, and Drew.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Litfuse Publicity.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was actually "swept away" with the characters while reading Swept Away (Quilts of Love) by Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven. This team of authors created a wonderful story filled with humor, love, heartbreak, broken families, determination, faith and romance.

Swept away is filled with loveable characters that have each experience traumatic events in their lives. Grandma Sari and her granddaughter, Sara Jane Morgan, are the only two members left in their family. Grandma Sari is getting a little senile but is determined that Sara Jane should be married before she would pass away. Plus, Sari wants to finish a ballad quilt that she had started at one time before her life ends. Sari meets young Andrew (Drew) Stevenson at a market fair with his brooms that he creates. Thus, Sari hires him as her handyman since his business card said "Starving artist/pay the bills handyman". Sari cannot always remember the jobs she wants Drew to do at her home but one thing for sure---Sari devises ways to bring Drew and Sara Jane together.

However, Drew does not want to be close to anyone including his own family after the loss in his own life. Drew and Sara Jane are both strong with their own personalities and their different beliefs. Sara Jane is bothered by her grandmother’s behavior and insisting that Drew is going to marry her.
Will their discovery of one another's past influence their behavior toward each other?

Will Sara Jane be able to accept the values that Drew has with his belief in God since she believes God doesn't love and care for her after what she has been through? What unforeseen event will transpire to change the lives of these two characters?

Grab a copy of Swept Away and be prepared for some good laughs along with tears as you read this adventurous and touching story. This story is definitely believable that readers will connect with and discover the true plan of salvation along with His healing power for broken lives.

I rated this book 5 stars and look forward to reading more books by Laura and Cindy. Swept Away is part of the Quilts of Love series but can be read on its own. Laura V. Hilton has a way of bringing the Word of God into her books that will touch the lives of her readers.

[Sunflower · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful reading for a rainy day or vacation, "Swept Away" is a book that will sweep you away with unconventional characters that captures realist emotions. In what I felt, was a stronger male lead in the "Quilts of Love" series, Andrew is someone whose trying to build a different life, while hiding from the people around him, a more tragic life that through the curiosity of Sarah Jane, gets brought to life.

Sarah Jane felt to me, someone who, use to living a hurried life and one shown in the impatience with her grandmother, is forced to come to terms to how life can really be versus how one wants it to be.

In the middle of all that, a grandmother, loving and concern for her grand-daughter, hoping to be a matchmaker.

This love story is one that will bring tears to ones eyes as the author, really confronts how our lives aren't always as ordered as we may sometimes try to bring it to how we would like it versus how God intervenes.

Grandmother brought needed levity at well timed moments and bridge for Andrew and Sarah Jane as they face obstacles as well as a growing love for each other that makes this more than just a "quick love story", but one with depth and insight that will both lift up the reader as well entertain.

The characters are quuickly introduced and slowly rounded out and makes this a book that will leave the reader, feeling completed by the end of the book, versus books that sometimes may leave one feeling as if the author hasn't completed the story.

With "Swept Away", I really felt transported and "swept away" as I got caught up with Andrew and Sarah Jane and finding myself caught up with the trials that they initially faced.

This is what makes the "Quilts of Love" series so wonderful. Not only are they centered around quilts that will give the hobbyist a small glee in reading pattern insights that is like a special language, but each story is both unique and inspiring as it touches people on different lives and experiences.

[DJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last thing I expected when I began reading Swept Away… was a match-making grandma (which reminded me a bit of my favorite series – come back next month to read all about it)… and bless her heart, she’s got a load of problems -– and a big solution!

Unfortunately, she also has two very uncooperative individuals -- who balk at every suggestion. Does she give up? Would any self-respecting grandma? No way! She has seem the way they look at each other and she’s determined to see her plans work out for everyone involved.

Sarah Jane started out as someone I didn’t know if I’d like or not… but her grandma is determined to match her with the local handyman, Andrew. Andrew is a bit rough at the beginning, too… but he quickly becomes my favorite character!

As Sarah Jane begins reading his trail journals and learns how he begins to let go of his past hurts, she discovers that he found God in an unexpected place, and how his whole life changed. As Sarah Jane gets more involved in her grandma’s life – and Drew’s – she wants the peace Drew found, but she doesn’t think it’s possible.

With God, all things are possible…

I honestly had no idea when I began reading Swept Away that I would end up with a book that spoke volumes to me. It has all my favorite elements: faith, love, humor, romance, and forgiveness.


If you’ve read Laura’s books, then you know that her books are blessed by God. I don’t think this is the norm for many authors. Laura says she prays – a lot – over her books.

I haven't read anything else by Cindy Loven, but I look forward to reading more from her... and I can’t wait to see what’s next from Laura!

Get your copy today and prepare to be swept away!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great and fast read and I love the teaming of the authors, both who write great books on their own but together it brings a whole new dimension to their story telling. I do admit the idea of a match making Grandma seems a little far fetched to me, as neither of my Grandma’s ever tried to get involved in my romantic life but I think it would have been nice at the same time. As I’ve experienced recently, life doesn’t always go in the way you want it to and that is something Sara and Drew both come to realize – while each are sure they don’t want to become romantically involved life and God intervenes and shows them that maybe, just maybe they really do belong together.

As always I make sure to give my readers any warnings that I think they’d want to know about before they begin reading this book, in Chapter 17 a fairly heated physical scene threatens to undermine what they each believe – I will admit I was uncomfortable reading about “she made a moaning sound” and so on. Overall, I enjoyed this book and the story of Sara and Drew’s blooming love – although I could have done without that scene above the rest of the book was right up my alley and gave me a good way to unwind before I fell off to sleep.

**I was provided a copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute romance with a strong faith message. I really liked Sara Jane and Drew, though I did find Sara Jane too forward and a little desperate. She wasn't a Christian, but Drew was, which always makes for an interesting conflict to resolve. I felt that once Drew found out, he probably should have backed off more than he did, though I did admire his resistance overall. Drew had a fear of rejection and assumed Sara Jane doesn't really like him, so he acted very reserved. The authors do a good job of showing the attraction between the two. The grandma is starting to having memory problems and it was frustrating how she would sometimes treat her granddaughter. I found the idea of a quilt representing a song to be pretty cool and was a new concept for me. It was interesting that Sara Jane was able to read journal entries from when Drew hiked the Appalachian Trail. I didn't know that people did that. There weren't a lot of entries, but those parts bored me a little. His salvation story was great and I liked how it impacted Sara Jane. I also liked that he explained the wordless book and the Scripture verses for each color. This was one of the more enjoyable stories I've read in the Quilts of Love series and I would recommend it if you like romance.

I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of Swept Away from the publisher via Netgalley*

I requested this book because of quilting. And romance! And quilting! The best of both worlds, right?
This is the first book I've read by this author so I didn't know what to expect.

My first impression was that I hated Sara. She was incredibly rude and judged people before really getting to know them and she was a bit of a control freak. I didn't like her at all until about halfway through the book when she really started to grow as a character. Until then: Meh.

I liked Andrew a lot. He was mellow and he had some inner pain that was very intriguing.
One issue I had with the book is that there was something that the author seemed to be working toward Andrew's belief that any woman he desires will think he's ugly or unworthy and will laugh in his face if he asks her on a date that was never addressed later in the book. It was implied several times throughout the book but never explained or even mentioned by the end. Very strange. And disappointing because I thought it was an interesting take on his character.

At times the book was very preachy and that affected how I liked it, but since it is technically a Christian fiction I think most readers will be looking for that.