Apart at the Seams

Cobbled Court Quilts #6

by Marie Bostwick

New York Times bestselling author Marie Bostwick welcomes listeners back to picturesque New Bern, Connecticut―a perfect place for a woman whose marriage is in turmoil to discover a new pattern for living.…

Twice in her life, college counselor Gayla Oliver fell in love at first sight. The first time was with Brian―a lean, longhaired, British bass player. Marriage followed quickly, then twins, and gradually their bohemian lifestyle gave way to busy careers in New York. Gayla's second love affair is with New Bern, Connecticut. Like Brian, the laid back town is charming without trying too hard. It's the ideal place to buy a second home and reignite the spark in their twenty-six year marriage. Not that Gayla is worried. At least, not until she finds a discarded memo in which Brian admits to a past affair and suggests an amicable divorce.

Devastated, Gayla flees to New Bern. Though Brian insists he's since recommitted to his family, Gayla's feelings of betrayal may go too deep for forgiveness. Besides, her solo sabbatical is a chance to explore the creative impulses she sidelined long ago―quilting, gardening, and striking up new friendships with the women of the Cobbled Court circle―particularly Ivy, a single mother confronting fresh starts and past hurts of her own. With all of their support, Gayla just might find the courage to look ahead, decide which fragments of her old life she wants to keep, which are beyond repair―and how to knot the fraying ends until a bold new design reveals itself.…

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Womens Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Quilting, Christian Fiction

324 pages, Paperback

First published April 29, 2014

About the author

Marie Bostwick is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of uplifting historical and contemporary fiction. She lives in the state of Washington and travels frequently to sign books, speak to reading groups, and meet her readers. Keep up with Marie, her travels, new releases and lifestyle blog, Fiercely Marie, at www.mariebostwick.com.

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read the other books in the Cobbled Court Quilt series, I look forward to a return visit to New Bern, Connecticut. I so want to be a part of their quilt circle. The story focuses on Ivy and Gayla. Ivy, abused by her husband, has found refuge, work and a place for her and her two children to call home. She's settled nicely, working at the quilt shop and is slowly working on her degree, one class at a time. But she is feeling overwrought and a bit jealous of the happy couples she is surrounded by. Can she let go of her fears and find happiness?
Gayla has fled to her cottage in New Bern after a revelation of her husband's infidelity. She takes out her frustrations throwing dishes against the wall. But she begins to focus her pain into trying new things. She tells others that she is taking a sabbatical. Gayla tries a disastrous attempt at Zumba, tills up a large spot for a garden, is embraced by the quilt circle and tackles a crazy quilt project. With the help and guidance of her new quilting friends, Gayla is able to begin healing and find hope for her future.
Filled with love, humor and warmth, one of my favorites in the series.

[Nancy Narma · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Wishing We Could Patch Hearts as Well as Quilts”

Wife, Mother of grown twins, and Educational Consultant, Gayla Oliver is up to her armpits coping with the Mothers of high school seniors who have unrealistic expectations. Being a multi-tasking “Stealth Typist”, she decides to open her computer’s word processing program and edit some essays while she is discussing possible colleges for a client’s daughter. Somehow, she opens her Husband, Brian’s files instead of her own and discovers a memo he has written to her. Sickeningly, it reveals unhappiness among other revelations. Gayla’s world starts spinning out of control with a combination of sadness, anger, fear and loathing. Gayla escapes to the cottage in New Bern, Ct. that they had purchased 3 yrs. prior, but never really enjoyed. With a release of a portion of her anger—she meets her neighbor, landscaper and single Father, Dan Kelleher, who helps her find other ways to let off some steam. Dan’s son Drew has been the “Watchdog” of the Oliver’s cottage, but also baby-sits for Ivy Peterman’s children, saving his earnings for college. It is through both Dan and Drew, that Gayla meets Ivy, who invites her to join the infamous and caring “Cobbled Court Quilt Circle”. We are re-introduced to talented quilters, Evelyn, Virginia, Margot, Tessa, Philippa, Madelyn and Abigail. Single Mom, Ivy Peterman’s world is a fast-paced one—what with caring for her two children, taking a college course, working at the Quilt Shop, mentoring abused women, and is coordinator of the Internship Program at the Women’s Shelter. Life may be chaotic, but is manageable—that is, until she receives the gut-wrenching news that her abusive ex-husband, Hodge is being released from prison and has demanded to spend time with the children. Bethany is old enough to remember the boiling anger, rages, inflicted bruises and terror. Bobby, on the other hand, is too young and has concocted the figure of a “Superhero”. Ivy has her hands full! Has Hodge really changed his ways? Can anyone totally re-create themselves? Will Ivy hold on to her hopes and dreams? And in doing so, perhaps, let romance pass her by? Will Gayla and Brian find renewed happiness in each other—or is it too late?
Ms. Bostwick has an unbelievable talent for pulling the reader in and making us feel like we’re another welcomed soul either stitching with the Quilt Circle, or listening, as someone pours their heart out in pain or passion. We feel a strong “Belonging” to New Bern and are saddened to leave when the last page is read and we close the cover. This time, one thing is for certain—the story characters as well as readers everywhere will learn not to jump to conclusions—as well as to never relinquish your hopes and dreams. Make room on your shelf for this heart-warmer—you won’t be disappointed!
Nancy Narma

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

It felt so good to take a trip back to our friends in quaint New Bern, CT. This installment shares further of the story of Ivy, who left her abusive husband to land in New Bern and also introduces us to Gayla who discovers that her husband has had an extra marital affair.

Bostwick is such a great relational writer. Pulling you into the lives of her characters and helping you feel a part of their life and story. Rooting for them, frustrated with them, crying with them, and celebrating with them.

[Glenda L · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm sorry there isn't a #7 to this series ... I have really enjoyed reading them. Bostwick intertwines relationships around the local quilt shop and makes this wonderful, relaxing reading. I would recommend these to all who like this type of reading.

[Carole at From My Carolina Home · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novel of hope and friendship, with depth and good character development. The men in this novel are somewhat unrealistic and a bit of fantasy, but the overall book is charming nevertheless. The stories of two women overcoming the difficulties in life and marriage is ultimately uplifting, particularly in the lesson on forgiveness near the end. Enjoyable reading with a good message.

[Elizabeth Meadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story about women's friendships, and a bit of romance. Written from two perspectives. One woman finds out that her husband strayed and not she must decide what direction to take. Another woman is faced with her abusive exhusband's impending release from prison.

[Sherri Thacker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great Marie Bostwick book!!

[Nancy H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent entry in the Cobbled Court Quilt series, this story alternates between Ivy, who finally has her life back on track, she thinks, and Gayla, whose life has just jumped the tracks and is careening out of control. The love, friendship, and support that these two feel from the other members of their quilting club as they encounter many troubles is just the kind of thing most of us want in our lives. This is a great series about how love and kindness make a difference in lives and in the world, and these books are definitely good reads!

[Joyce Ziebell · Rating 5 out of 5]

 I've enjoyed Marie Bostwick's entire Cobbled Court series, though I think Apart at the Seams, the last one is my favorite.

New Yorker Gayla flees to her New Bern vacation cottage so she can figure out how to handle the newfound knowledge that her wonderful, loyal husband has had an affair and wrote her an (unsent) memo that he wanted a divorce. After bouts of dish smashing and chain-smoking to vent her frustrations she finds a friend in Tessa and is introduced to the town's quilt shop and its circle.

The women she meets become inspired by Gayla's declaration deciding to take a summer sabbatical and to try new things. All follow suit, even Virginia, whose 85th birthday is approaching, says she's got some new things that she wants to try. I laughed out loud with Ivy's experience of the 6-minute dating event. The circle is a blend of unique and wonderful women, each sharing a part of themselves; their struggles, feelings of hurt and frustrations and dreams.

It's heartwarming, inspirational and a lesson in forgiveness. A reminder that forgiving is not about the other person but about yourself and the freedom it gives.

[Michelle Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is definitely not Kristen Hannah and it gets rather cliche and predictable in places, but what's not to love about a group of women supporting each other through life's trials? They are all part of a quilting circle and their exchanges over crafts remind me of the precious moments I've spent crocheting with my best friend and with my sisters. This book is actually part of a series, with each book telling the story of one of the women. I'm not interested enough in any of them, except for maybe one, to read any of the other books. This book failed to engage me very deeply in the lives of the women but it was still entertaining and I enjoyed it.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received as a GoodReads giveaway. A pleasant read, similar in feel to Debbie Macomber's books. It focuses on two women - Gayla, struggling with marital issues, and Ivy, an overloaded single mom - with a flock of friends from the quilt shop and town weighing in. Pretty predictable story lines, but the journey was enjoyable. I haven't read any of the Cobbled Court Quilts series before, so the cast of characters was a little jumbled for me, and I even bookmarked a page that introduced a number of them for reference.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Gayla finds out her husband has cheated on her, and wants a divorce, she runs from their New York home to the cottage they own in New Bern, Connecticut. There she meets the rest of the gang from Cobbled Court Quilts and joins the quilt circle, a circle of friends that quilt. As the summer progresses, she and the other members of the quilt circle take a "sabbatical" to learn and do new things. By the end of summer, everyone has done something they'd always wanted to, and several of them have learned more about themselves than ever. Highly recommended.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series by Marie Bostwick has been one of the best I have read. The ladies at Cobbled Quilt really help each other and have a good time doing it. My grandmother was a quilter and can associate a lot with it, only she did it all by hand. I really like Ivy and Gayla was very interesting, I believe she had quite a temper, just glad she got all of the things she destroyed at the Goodwill at least they weren't heirlooms. Please continue with this series...................

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book introduces Gala to the New Bern quilters. Gala has discovered a memo on her husbands computer to be sent to her about the reasons he wants a divorce. She runs off to their summer house in New Bern determined to start a new life. Meanwhile Ivy is threatened by her abusive husband who has been released from jail but ends up finding a new love.

[Bonnie Eldridge-labaff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sixth book in the Cobbled Quilt series. It was just as good as the previous 5 books. Cobbled Quilts just like our lives they can be torn apart but made stronger with a little love and friendship. Like the thread of a quilt, friendships are the threads of our lives. We may be different like the fabric of a quilt but pulled together we make beautiful quilts.

[Avid Series Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

Apart at the Seams by Marie Bostwick is the sixth and final book of the Cobbled Court Quilts cozy mystery series set in contemporary New Bern, Connecticut. Chapters alternate between Gayla and Ivy, each facing a major life crisis.

Gayla accidentally reads a memo written by her husband, that sends her world topsy-turvy. She flees their apartment in NYC to their vacation cottage in New Bern, to recover, regroup, review options.

Ivy learns her abusive ex-husband will be released from prison soon, and is demanding to visit his children. She had fled to New Bern to save them; now "the system" insists she must allow him visits. What can she do to ensure their safety (and hers)?

As in all previous Cobbled Court Quilts books, the women find comfort and support from the quilters; practical coping strategies and referrals, too.

Gayla: Have you ever thrown a pity party? It's easy and requires no advance planning whatsoever. No need to call a caterer or send out invitations; pity parties generally have a guest list of one. And if conditions are right, they can last for days. Or even weeks. Mine did.

Gayla: Brian wrote the memo last July. And as of May, when I found it, he hadn't sent it. Obviously, I wasn't supposed to know about it. But I did know. And now that I did, what was I supposed to do? I couldn't quite wrap my head around it. How could this be happening?

Lanie: "I think I'd make a terrific Countess of Something or Other. Or even better, Dowager Countess--like Maggie Smith in Downtown Abbey. So old and opinionated and rich that nobody can dare tell me off." Gayla: "But aren't you all that now?" "You are hilarious," Lanie replied flatly.

Gayla: In case you're not aware, stealth typing is the ability to hold a telephone conversation while simultaneously shopping online, answering email, or editing a personal essay so quietly that the speaker on the other end of the line has no idea what the listener is doing or that they don't have her complete attention. I am a virtuoso stealth typist. And I should be; I get a lot of practice.

Ivy: It's kind of humiliating that I have to call on my eleven-year-old for tech support.

Ivy: Even though I skipped lunch, I spent the rest of the day playing catch-up--and losing.

Gayla: Continuing to smash family heirlooms against the wall didn't seem like a good idea, so I drove to Goodwill and bought a whole crateful of mismatched china plates, cups, bowls, and saucers for six dollars. For the next several days, night or day, whenever I felt the lava beginning to bubble, I would go outside and hurl dishes against a stone wall until the threat of eruption had passed. Better there than in the kitchen. It wasn't dignified, but it kept me together, sort of. And it was a great sleeping pill, better than Ambien.

Gayla: Rototilling, it turns out, is extremely satisfying. I had no idea. I was focused and determined, gratified by the sensation of actually accomplishing something besides smoking, drinking, cursing, and smashing dishes. I might not have planned to take up gardening. I'd have gone through with it only to keep Dan Kelleher from thinking I was a complete nut job, which he probably did anyway. But now that I was out here, I was really getting into it.

Gayla: For the first time in my life, I didn't have to please or answer to anyone but myself. I was empty. I was alone. I didn't belong to anyone. What a relief.

Ivy: Tell a man about a problem, and he automatically assumes you're asking him for advice. He'll think you're asking him to fix it, when, really, you're just looking for a listening ear. Men just don't get it.

Gayla: Old money. I could tell by the diamonds in her ears--modestly sized, but perfectly matched and flawless. New money likes bigger stones, more bling.

Gayla: Lack of time isn't the only reason we don't follow through with some of the things we dream of doing. Sometimes fear gets in the way too.

Gayla: Women, I have found, can often be their own worst enemies--gossiping and snarking behind one another's backs. Who needs it?

Bethany: "He heard you. But that doesn't mean he's going to listen to you," she said matter-of-factly, like the miniature adult she was.

Ivy: I'd have to help her understand that making mistakes is just part of being human. I needed to teach that girl to quilt. Nothing on earth will help you bring that lesson home more quickly.

Ivy: After all, I was already registered to go on five speed dates. Surely that was enough embarrassment and humiliation for one summer.

Gayla: "Being in a marriage isn't like being on your honeymoon, Brian. Or having an affair. Marriage is what happens in the real world. Marriage is for grown-ups, and it's hard. You have to work at it."

Gayla: If you want to drive, then drive. If you want to backseat drive, then ride with somebody else.

Gayla: The road took a final twisting S and the rock-faced cliffs gave way to a wider and lusher valley, with rolling, painted hills, and trees ablaze with yellow, orange, umber, sienna, cinnamon, and crimson.

Gayla: People say they're sorry all the time, even when what they really mean is that they're sorry they got caught, or sorry that they're being put in a situation where they've been forced to apologize.

Brian: "Have you noticed that people who bring down seven-figure annual bonuses doing nothing terribly useful are the first to whinge about the exorbitant salaries of the lesser mortals?"

Ivy: If you're trying to make a list of the top ten most useless job interview tips, "relax and be yourself" would definitely make the top five.

Virginia: "I really don't feel a lot different than I did when I was forty. My thoughts are just as disorganized as they were when I was twenty. Where is this wisdom that's supposed to come with age?"

Philippa: "Every debt we choose to hold on to actually has a hold on us."

[Tmstprc · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ultimately, I was disappointed by this. Two stories entwined in one book. Great concept, but there was too much focus on the friendships, and not enough focus on their personal relationships. I get this isn’t a romance, but we get two HEA with not enough focus on page.

[Marnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Marie Bostwick is a fantastic author always coming up with great story lines. This book was even better as I won it on Goodreads. Thanks to all

[Scooter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice little summer read about a town and people a bit too good to believe, but still a nice break from real life!

[Dona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like connecting again with great characters from previous books

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

these novels have like... more than one twist!
thought provoking bucket list ideas included =)

[Ann Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

A full-bodied, well-rounded tale, chock full of strong characters and passion. A solid women's fiction read. 3.7 stars

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5 stars) This is the sixth book in the series. The novel alternates between Ivy, a character familiar to those who have read the series, and a new character, Gayla. She is a college admissions counselor who found an email that her husband never sent, owning up to adultery and wanting a divorce. Although he never sent it, the letter sends her into a tailspin and she retreats to their vacation cottage in New Bern, CT. There she must find a way to deal with her anger and grief and figure out if she wants to move forward with her marriage or end it. On the other side, Ivy is still working towards her degree while working and taking care of her two children. She is shocked to find out that her ex-husband is getting out of prison and is demanding visitation rights. Ivy struggles with her worries and the differing views of her two children; her young son longs for his father, but her daughter, who was witness to and a victim of his abusive behavior, wants nothing to do with him. Ivy is also balancing her relationship with a man that she truly cares about. With the help of all of the women associated with the Cobbled Court Quilt Shop, these two women deal with their challenges and make some difficult decisions.

[Diane Ferbrache · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gayla accidently opens a memo on her family computer and finds a note from her husband saying he cheated and wants a divorce. She packs her things and leaves NYC for their cottage in New Bern, CT. After a few sleepless nights and a few episodes of broken china, she decides to take some time to re-evaluate her life and marriage. In the meantime, Ivy's husband is being released from prison and wants to see the children.

Gayla is a new character to the series and she finds friendship and comfort in the women of the quilt guild and her garden (with the help of a neighbor). Ivy has been in the series from the start, so readers will find the return of the abusive Hodge very stressful. I like the way Bostwick incorporates new characters into the group so easily. Her strength is in creating relatable characters who can elicit compassion and emotion from her readers. There are plenty of twists and turns and (as usual) the story ends well with the help of all the women ( and men) of New Bern. Great addition to the series. This is the last one, as far as I can tell, but I hope there will be a couple more in the future.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy Marie Bostwick's books. They are about ordinary people, often married couples, with usual problems and none of the people are perfect, just as in real life. They're feel-good books, usually with a happy ending, and optimism abounds. This book is from the Cobbled Court series and the two main characters are Ivy, who has been in New Bern, CT, for about five years, and Gayla, a newcomer. Ivy has problems with her ex-husband, a wife abuser who is now being released from prison for good behavior, and her daughter, who remembers being hit by her father, does not want to visit with him, but the younger son is eagerly anticipating having a father, altho he doesn't remember him, and has built up his expectations of a really great father-figure, which Ivy knows he is not. Gayla, who lives in New York City, has found out that her husband of many years has had an affair and wanted a divorce, and she comes to New Bern to change her life. It's an interesting story line that most people can relate to, in one way or another, and I really enjoyed it.

[Ro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gayla discovers her husband Brian had a very brief affair with a co-worker. Rather than facing him with what she found, she runs off to New Bern to stay in a "cottage" they rarely go to. She's throwing plates, tea cups, teapots (family heirlooms) and then goes to Goodwill to buy a box of cheap dishes so she has more to throw. Then she starts digging up her backyard...and throwing more dishes. Their story eventually gets solved and they move to New Bern. Finally Ivy Peterman gets a good man in Gayla's neighbor, Dan. Ex-husband Hodge gets out of prison early for "good behavior" but is still a man with anger issues. Somehow that gets solved. I liked this book but rather than new characters being introduced, a whole book could have centered on Margot and Paul, and Ivy and Dan. This is the last book in the series; I wish there were more - ones that would revisit the other couples. One of the things I didn't like about this one: no mention of Reverend Phillippa's baby. In the previous book she was pregnant, and no mention of it this time.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book from the Cobbled Court Quilt series was every bit as satisfying as the previous reads. I like how main characters from earlier books become bit players in future books. It gives immediate depth to all the characters, because I have met them before. Gayla, the main character in this book, is one of the summer cottage owners who had a very marginal stake in New Bern. As the book unfolds, it is interesting to see the little town from her perspective. This part of the book reminded me of the first novel in this series, where Evelyn ends up in New Bern on a whim and we discover the village through her journey. It was pleasing to end the series with a similar journey of discovery. I highly recommend this entire series, each book being great as a stand-alone, but something quite special when taken as a whole.

[Gwendolyn Broadmore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Apart at the Seams, by Marie Bostwick, is in the top 10 of good summer reads. In my opinion, it's 'chick-lit' at its finest. Apart at the Seams offers insight to the essential and enduring pieces of life. While enjoying this so readable novel, you find yourself immersed in the intimate lives of its enchanting heroines. Suddenly you are sharing their experiences: of loss, friendship, of family- connections, the importance they assign to 'giving back,' including individual challenges with marriage, the heart-ache of divorce, as well as the horror of abuse. Throughout (without the groan factor) there exists the healing power of love. You may uncover a release in forgiveness, and the promise of hope available in 'second-chances.' Gwendolyn Broadmore, author of Life Came to a Standstill.

[Ann Boytim · Rating 4 out of 5]

New Bern CT and the quilting group back in action. Gayla Oliver has just found out that her husband of many years has had an affair and she flees New York to go to the cottage they have in New Bern to get her thoughts together. Gayla is angry and decides she will make a garden at the cottage and puts her anger to work, first she smashes tea cups and then she tackles the garden. Gayla meets some of the ladies in the quilting shop and the women of the Cobbled Court circle welcome her to their group. Another woman Ivy finds out that her ex husband is being released from prison and has asked to see their two children. Ivy is trying to make a new life for herself and is afraid. Strong women in a group setting pull together in friendship and hardship.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another page turner, one of my favorite in the series. This is the last listed book in the Cobbled Court Quilts series, and pretty much ties up all the loose ends involving Ivy and new interesting character. However, there's one more book that follows Mary Deans quilting show TV career, From Here to Home. Marie Bostwick wrote more PG sultry scenes in this book than any in this series. I felt they detracted more than added to the story. Less is more in a quilting series like these. That aside, I sure did enjoy this book series, I'd finish one book and even with no cliff hangers, I couldn't wait to start the next book.