Ties That Bind

Cobbled Court Quilts #5

by Marie Bostwick

“A truly wonderful tale of spirit, faith and true friendship” in the quilting series from the New York Times bestselling author of Threading the Needle (Fresh Fiction).   Christmas is fast approaching, and New Bern, Connecticut, is about to receive the gift of a new pastor, hired sight unseen to fill in while Reverend Tucker is on sabbatical. Meanwhile, Margot Matthews’ friend, Abigail, is trying to match-make even though Margot has all but given up on romance. She loves her job at the Cobbled Court Quilt Shop and the life and friendships she’s made in New Bern; she just never thought she’d still be single on her fortieth birthday.   It’s a shock to the entire town when Phillip A. Clarkson turns out to be Philippa. Truth be told, not everyone is happy about having a female pastor. Yet despite a rocky start, Philippa begins to settle in—finding ways to ease the townspeople’s burdens, joining the quilting circle, and forging a fast friendship with Margot. When tragedy threatens to tear Margot’s family apart, that bond—and the help of her quilting sisterhood—will prove a saving grace. And as she untangles her feelings for another new arrival in town, Margot begins to realize that it is the surprising detours woven into life’s fabric that provide its richest hues and deepest meaning . . .  Praise for the Cobbled Court Quilts series   “A big-hearted novel filled with wit and wisdom.” —Susan Wiggs, New York Times bestselling author   “Bostwick’s warmly nourishing, emotionally compelling novel is quiet yet powerful.” —Chicago Tribune   “Heartwarming . . . an unbreakable thread of friendship and faith.” —Publishers Weekly

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

370 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

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

[Jeanne Adamek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have bumped this up from 4 stars to 5. I have found the connection to the story that just wasn't quite there the first time I read this. Binge reading the Cobbled Court Quilts series at this time is probably the best decision that I could make for me and I recommend this series to everyone who is going through a tough time...

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's been several years since I've read anything by Ms. Bostwick - and I know there are several books in this series between the first one I read and this one. I'm not sure why I haven't picked up the other Cobbled Court Quilt books - perhaps I just didn't run across them.

I enjoyed reading this one. Often, I find the genre of "Christian Books" quite simplistic and shallow. They can be preachy and pious. I don't find that to be the case with the books I've read by Ms. Bostwick. They are enjoyable, clean (free from wanton behavior and offensive language) and the main characters seem to usually be pretty much someone I'd like to know. It's refreshing to find contemporary literature of this bent. Thanks, Ms. Bostwick for keeping your standards high.

Perhaps I'll go back and read the other books in the series.

A favorite passage:

"I'm a peacemaker by nature, but I've come to learn that to attain real and lasting peace, you sometimes need to endure temporary disharmony, and that speaking your mind isn't disloyal or sinful. In fact, if you think about it, NOT speaking your mind can be the greater sin. After all, it's just another kind of deception, isn't it?"

"A three-strand thread of love, honesty, and forgiveness goes a long way in easing mismatched seams and quilting out the bumps."

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome back to New Bern, Connecticut, home of the Cobbled Court Quilt Shop. Margot, a friend and employee of Evelyn, is celebrating her fortieth birthday, and has resigned herself to life as a single woman. She is planning a reunion of her family for Christmas and hopes to mend some wounds between her parents and her sister Mari. She is also looking forward to getting to better know her young niece Olivia. But when tragedy strikes, the anticipated healing becomes that of heartache and sorrow. For the first time Margot finds herself at odds with her imposing father. Having always acquiesced to his demands, Margot must find the courage and strength to do what she feels is right. But can she find forgiveness for the wounds of the words and actions taken against her?
Paralleling Margot's story is that of Philippa, an interim pastor filling in after Reverend Tucker had a heart attack. Her father is famous for his thought provoking sermons and Philippa is uneasy about preaching. She too is suffering from her own grief over the death of her husband. Soon though she is embraced by many of the townspeople, and develops a close friendship with Margot. So when newcomer Paul Collier expresses an interest in Margot, she lends a hand at matchmaking between the two. With some misunderstandings occurring, can love win out?
Another wonderful installment in the series, with beloved familiar characters, and an introduction to new friends.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I like this one better than #4, mainly because I was prepared for the author to veer off and focus on different characters than the original book again. At least this time, it was about Margot, with the addition of a new interim pastor at the church.

Generally speaking, it was a nice story, with a lot of backstory on Margot and her family. The biggest problem I had with the story was the romance part. I just hate reading about two people who have these huge relationship misunderstandings that could all be resolved if they would just TALK to each other instead of being all coy and making assumptions based on gossip. It's so juvenile, and even more so when the characters are 40 years old. Ugh.

I can tell when an author is running out of ideas when they resort to such tactics to create and draw out a plot.

Generally speaking, though, I enjoy the way the author writes, and I appreciate a story that is clean.

[Suzy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much God, church, and heteronormativity for my taste.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back to Cobblestone Quilts in New Bern, CT and the wonderful ladies that we met in the previous four books in the series. Margot has decided that her relationship with Arnie isn't going to work and they no longer are seeing each other. Her 40th birthday is approaching and she is feeling a little down. That starts to fall by the wayside as the committee that she is on is charged with finding an interim pastor for their church while their pastor is on sabbatical. They hire Rev. Clarkson, the son of a pastor they love, who is an outstanding preacher, only to discover that he is a she. The congregants are not sure that they are thrilled to have a female pastor. Margot has a growing friendship with the new pastor which is a Godsend as her family is torn apart by a tragedy.

This was an excellent read and I am looking forward to another book in the series. Or should I say I hope there will be one! You love the characters that Bostwick has created and you want to hear more about what is happening in their lives. I love that they are Christians and that they are bonded together through their love of quilting. I hope Evelyn's store becomes more profitable!

[Robyn Blaber · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well what did I learn here? I guess that quilting is a metaphor... a near perfect metaphor for all things in life. I also learned that men have but a single unchanging characteristic. I also learned that the perfect man will not only embrace the crafting of the women in his life, but will decorate his house with said crafts.

There are those who can stop reading a book part way through and never look back. I'm not one of those people. I read to the end. Fittingly, the story was wrapped up by a simple homily. Everyone in the story was happy... quilting.

I cried; not because of the story's bittersweet ending, but because the story was over and so was my pain. My pain was finally over. I wept.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice read & finally a character of color in the series-yay!

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many layers to this series from Bostwick. I was really glad to finally hear Margot's story. There are so many good lines and quotes. What a great series!

[Nancy H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another exceptional novel from Marie Bostwick's Cobbled Court Quilts series, this book is just too good to put down. When a new minister arrives in New Bern, Connecticut, she has to try to fit in and do her job, which is hampered at times by a truculent member of her church board, while at the same time she is dealing with a deep secret. At the same time Margot, a woman who works at the quilt shop, has a massive fight on her hands that will change her life forever. As the story continues, the two women, and other who are their support systems, find their paths crossing and find a lot of sisterly and wonderful support as they determine the course their lives need to take. Help comes from some unexpected places in this wonderfully wise and warm novel.

[Barbara Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

As much as I wished it was more about Abigail, because I love her, I enjoyed this one about Margot and her family as well as the new minister in town, Phillipa. There were lots of emotions and cute parts to the story. Glad that mRgot is finally getting a happy ending. It’s been a long time coming :)

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book centered on Margot one of the characters from the cobblestone quilt series. I like the way the author writes about the group of quilters then writes a book about one particular character.

[Lisa Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better than the others

Loved the new characters and the plot. Marie Bostwick's writing keeps you wanting more. Light hearted and full of surprises!

[Nancy Narma · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Wonderful, Heartwarming, “Quilt-alicious” Tale Not to be Missed!

Ms. Bostwick has done it again! She has enticed me to New Bern, Connecticut to spend time with all of the beloved personalities of the Cobbled Court Quilt Shop. We are re-introduced to “The Lovebirds”; Evelyn and Charlie, the “Queen of Quilting”; Virginia, Madelyn, Tessa, Ivy, Wendy, and Dana just to name a few. It takes a little while to get reacquainted with Margot, but once you do, you will follow her as she attempts to mend family discord by inviting her estranged Sister; Mari (Mariposa) and Niece; Olivia, to join in Christmas Dinner with their Parents and some of Margot’s friends from the quilt shop. Sadly, this meets with heart-wrenching disaster and the start of a journey of self discovery that Margot had never anticipated. Many paths appear, including those of heartache and sorrow, frustrations with family, love found in the most unexpected places and a new sense of courage and self-esteem Margot never thought possible in this, her fortieth year. Along the way, she is reunited with ex-beau, commitment-shy; Arnie Kinsella , and is introduced to the “New guy in town”, the handsome and down-to-earth, divorced attorney; Paul Collier, who is also the father of introverted 11 yr. old son, James. Where does suave and too charming Geoff Bench figure into all of this? Or does Margot really want him to?? When Rev. Tucker suffers from a heart attack and has to be on sabbatical during his recovery, The New Bern Community Church Board chooses a temporary replacement for Rev.Tucker with the well-known and respected Pastor Philip Clarkson’s offspring, counting on awe-inspiring sermons when little do they know this will be the newbie’s first pulpit and, as the parishioners find out, is a person full of surprises! You will meet the wise Elder of the Church and Patriarch of his Family of Daughters; Waldo Smitherton, who dispenses love and advice as a physician would medicine—with kindness and caring. I was brought to tears several times throughout this tale as well as experiencing the frustration and hurt Margot endures. Oh, you’ll want to grab her by the shoulders and shake some sense into her as well as her stubborn, caustic Father and quiet-as-a-mouse Mother but many life lessons are learned along the rocky way. Try as I might, I could not postpone the inevitable—reaching the conclusion of this terrific story. I tried to make my journey to New Bern last as long as possible. As sad as I am as I close the cover on another unforgettable “quilt-alicious” experience, I am anxiously awaiting Marie’s next volume. Make room on your bookshelf for this is one you do not want to miss! Kensington ARC Nancy Narma

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margot Matthews thought she would be married and have children by the time she turned forty,but now that the birthday has come she realizes that she may always be single. Overall her life is actually pretty good, she has a job at the Cobbled Court Quilt Shop in the tiny town of New Bern,does plenty of volunteer work at church and has plenty of friends that she can count on, but figures that she might never meet Mr. Right, and wonders if she should settle for Mr.So So.When the church needs to hire a temporary pastor they think they have hired a man, but instead get Phillippa, who is fresh out of seminary school. While some of the church members aren't happy, Phillippa hopes to win them over with hard work. When Phillippa needs some help with the teen group she decides to do a bit of matchmaking and pairs Margot together with the Paul, who recently moved to town with his son James. Meanwhile tragedy strikes Margot's family threatening to tear them apart at the seams.

"Ties That Bind" is actually the fifth book in the Cobbled Court Quilts series,which initially had me wondering if I would feel lost because I hadn't read any of the other books in the series,but I had no problems jumping right into the story. By the time I finished the book I felt like the characters had become friends. As the story unfolds the author writes the complications of life very realistically. From Margot dealing with a family tragedy,one that should pull her and her parents together,but does the opposite, to Phillippa who questions her abilities, but ultimately finds that God has a plan in store for her. As the story unfolded I couldn't help but wonder about Margot's sister Mare, but by the end of the story learned how her life had changed. A story about life, love,friends, relationships with a small town setting. The inspirational messages woven into the story are well done and certainly remind us of "The Ties That Bind." Overall while this is my first foray into The Cobbled Court Quilt series it certainly won't be my last, I plan on going back and reading the first four books in the series. Highly recommended!

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Charmaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good story by Marie Bostwick in the Cobbled Quilt Series. This 5th book has less to do with quilting and more to do with the everyday trials of the characters. I enjoyed the story line of this book as well as the new characters. The author introduced a couple of mildly controversial social issues that made the book thought provoking. I especially related to and appreciated all of the insight the author has about church life and the challenges of a pastor of a small congregation (since my husband is a pastor).

Clean readers: I'd say this is 98% clean. There are a couple of PG rated romantic scenes and maybe one or two curse words (didn't count them).

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read all five books in this series but this one for me was the hardest to get through. I shed tears in different parts of the book. It didn't come "close to home" for me, but I did feel sorrow for those written about. No I'm not giving specifics as that annoys the heck out of me when someone tells me in detail all about a book.
It was a great.....no make that.....a fabulous holiday read and I'll be passing the book on to a friend.

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

The more books I read in this series the more I fall in love with these books. This book especially made me cry a few times. On passage spoke to me. Families are like quilts they have layers. The first layer is the family of choice,the people you pick out of the crowd and stitch together, as different in outlook as patches in a quilt. I love their circle of friends, how they lift each other up and step in and help whenever necessary. Can't wait to read the next book

[Dianna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I do find this series interesting because I love anything sewing and quilt related in terms of a fictional story or mystery. I have been listening to each of the books in the series on my daily commute because they are entertaining and easy to follow. And the religious aspect can be a bit annoying but I like the characters and I love the story line.

[Linda Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't care for romance novels, and I really don't like it when two people about to be involved in a romance keep incorrectly deciding what is going on in the other person's mind, and taking backward steps. That said, this isn't just about a romance and I enjoyed the rest of the story.

[Kristin K. Sampson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite of the this series. There were a few too many story lines to follow. Also, I listened to the audio version -I'm not a fan of Xe Sands as a reader and she definitely wasn't the voice I envisioned for Margot. I did enjoy the Philipa character though.

[Glenda L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series ... I think this was one of the best. The relationships between Bostwick's characters are wonderful. Now on to the next one.

[Marti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listening length 11 hr 38 min

[Ally Mackenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Families, I've decided, are a lot like quilts-they've got layers." When I reached this statement, nearly at the end of Bostwick's story, the puzzle that was the book Ties That Bind pieced itself together. I was not sure that the book would be any good; from first glance it looked like a book someone elderly might read. But the plot was actually quite inticing. Having written a few stories myself, I couldn't help but admire the twists and turns that Bostwick navigated in her book. I also loved the way she integrated her real life experiences into the story. She quilts in reality, and her knowledge of quilting brought the book to life. The life of a quilter and their acquaintances was in no way clouded by her imagination. Although she reads in her spare time, Ties That Bind was genuinely hers. Even though it was not the first in her series of writings, and probably not the last, I quite enjoyed Ties That Bind. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to cozy up and discover what surprises a small town, its church, and its inhabitants can bring. This book was just as colorful as the quilts Marie Bostwick probably makes herself.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 5th book in the Cobbled Court series. The town is expecting a new preacher to fill in while their regular pastor is on a health sabbatical. As Christmas is approaching, they have little time to make their selection and choose from the paper submissions without an interview. The town is surprised by the fact that instead of a Phillip, they are getting a Phillipa. Despite some of the town’s misgivings, she works hard to fit in and reinvigorate some of the town’s spiritual programs. As a widow, she is surprised by a gift from her deceased spouse. In the meantime, Margot is feeling depressed about her life and the fact that she remains single while her 40th birthday is on the way. A terrible accident may unexpectedly bring her something she has always wished for, yet also may end up tearing her family apart. Margot is also dealing with three men; her former boyfriend, a court appointed representative, and a new man in town who becomes involved with the church. The two women are supported by their quilting friends.

[Diane Ferbrache · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with previous books, the ensemble cast of the Cobbled Court Quilt guild are all present, but the focus is on Margot and a new character -- the new minister. Each has a huge life changing issue to confront and they will help each other (with the help of the other guild women). This book focuses on custody issues, anxiety, relationships with parents, loss of family members. There are a couple of surprises, some religious/faith references, a little romance, and (as usual) an acceptably happy ending.

This may be my favorite book of the series. The issues raised are serious and there are no easy answers. Although it would have been easy to descend into melodrama or oppressively religious, the emotions are realistic and relatable and any references to faith and belief are natural and appropriate. Every one of these books adds to the stories of these women and there is always some new information. After 5 books, I'm really attached to these characters. New Bern would be a great place to live.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book thinking it was a cozy murder-mystery but I was so wrong. I have to say I thought briefly about not finishing the book after the first chapter but something prompted me to keep reading. The book turned out to be quite enjoyable. I guess I needed a little break from my usual genres and this did the trick. This is christian fiction with a bit of romance thrown in. It speaks of family conflict, tragedy, grief, and community. Told from the view of two protagonists, Margo and Phillipa, one a single woman about to turn 40 and the other a widowed female minister in her 40's. The characters are well written and the story is plausible. It was not without a few boring spots but they were tolerable. If you like good christian fiction then I highly recommend this book. Now that I know this book was part of a series, I will be going back to read the previous four books and any others that came after this one

[Ann Boytim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas is coming to New Bern and the town is looking for an interim pastor. The pastor they hire actually is a woman but they think they have hired a man the son of a well known preacher. Reverend Phillipa Tucker is on her first assignment and needs to fit in. The ladies of the Cobbled Court Quit group make the preacher welcome and Phillipa a widower makes friends with Margot a single gal who is approaching her 40th birthday. Tragedy attacks Margot's family when her sister on her way to spend Christmas with the family rolls her car down an embankment and is dies but her little girl survives the accident. Margot's grandparents fight for custody even though there is a note found from Margot's sister making her the little girls guardian. Once again the sisterhood of quilters come together. Romance is in the air and Phillipa finally finds her way.

[Cassie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still not the light fluffy holiday book I wanted, but at least this one was well written and had a satisfying arc (predictable but cathartic ending). Starting off on a heavy note is kinda on me bc the blurp did say there's a tragedy and I read it anyway, but I really, REALLY wish sexual harrassment/assault was not part of the story bc this somehow keeps popping up in books I expect to be cozy. And churchier than I expected but not too in-your-face about it, and the new pastor ended up being one of my favorite characters.

Margot's father is infuriating; her lament over being single making her life worthless was trite and cliche and annoying; she's super oblivious and disbelieving about any romantic overtures, I did not like Margot's narrator in the audiobook, and christmas is barely a blip in the story.

TW: sexual assault, car accident, death

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ties That Bind (Cobbled Quilt #5)
by Marie Bostwick
from the library
text and audio edition of ?cd's

p 209 a vivid description of self sabotage of a woman who has found a man who has good potential to be a fulfilling boyfriend who decides to give him up because she doesn't want to share him with his friends.

pp_____
a vivid description of sexual assault against a woman who wants to adopt a child by the lawyer the court appointed to represent the child....if she doesn't give in she doesn't get the child....then the boyfriend (also a lawyer) talks to another lawyer (his boss)about why the creep lawyer keeps getting chances to exploit women in his official duties.