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Shenandoah Album #1
Wedding Ring
" Richards pieces together each woman's story as artfully as a quilter creates a quilt... Transcendent, endowed with warmth and compassion."— Booklist
Three generations of women discover the healing gift of family, memories and love
Needing time to contemplate her troubled marriage, Tessa MacRae agrees to spend the summer helping her mother and grandmother clean out the family home in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. But the three women have never been close. Helen, the family matriarch, is domineering and sharp-tongued. Nancy, Tessa's mother, appears to be little more than a social climber. And Tessa herself is in turmoil following a family tragedy that has affected them all.
Now, with the gift of time, Tessa's eyes are opened, and she begins to see her mother and grandmother for the flawed but courageous women they are. As she restores a vintage wedding ring quilt pieced by her grandmother and quilted by her mother, the secrets that have shadowed their lives unfold at last. And each woman discovers that sometimes you have to clean house to find the things you thought were lost forever.
Previously published
Three generations of women discover the healing gift of family, memories and love
Needing time to contemplate her troubled marriage, Tessa MacRae agrees to spend the summer helping her mother and grandmother clean out the family home in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. But the three women have never been close. Helen, the family matriarch, is domineering and sharp-tongued. Nancy, Tessa's mother, appears to be little more than a social climber. And Tessa herself is in turmoil following a family tragedy that has affected them all.
Now, with the gift of time, Tessa's eyes are opened, and she begins to see her mother and grandmother for the flawed but courageous women they are. As she restores a vintage wedding ring quilt pieced by her grandmother and quilted by her mother, the secrets that have shadowed their lives unfold at last. And each woman discovers that sometimes you have to clean house to find the things you thought were lost forever.
Previously published
540 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2004
155 people are currently reading
2904 people want to read
About the author
Emilie Richards
189 books947 followersI'm the author of seventy-something novels, including romance, women's fiction and mystery. When We Were Sisters debuted in June 2016, a stand alone novel about two foster sisters traveling back into their past together. I loved writing it and love the cover my publisher chose.
I'm also excited about my recent series, Goddesses Anonymous, which started with One Mountain Away and was followed by Somewhere Between Luck and Trust. The third book in the series, A River Too Wide, came out in July 2014. The Color of Light debuted in August 2015. Will there be more? We'll see.
I'm also putting up my newly edited romance backlist and love re-reading and updating them a bit.
Last year my husband and I moved from Virginia, to Osprey, Florida, the state where both of us were raised, met, and married. In the summer we live in Chautauqua, New York. I'm a quilter, knitter, kayaker, and the mother of four children, whom I regard as my greatest creative endeavors. And now there are four wonderful grandchildren to spoil.
Visit me at my web site, emilierichards.com, and my blog, www.emilierichards.com/blog. You can also find me at Twitter and on my Facebook reader page.
I'm also excited about my recent series, Goddesses Anonymous, which started with One Mountain Away and was followed by Somewhere Between Luck and Trust. The third book in the series, A River Too Wide, came out in July 2014. The Color of Light debuted in August 2015. Will there be more? We'll see.
I'm also putting up my newly edited romance backlist and love re-reading and updating them a bit.
Last year my husband and I moved from Virginia, to Osprey, Florida, the state where both of us were raised, met, and married. In the summer we live in Chautauqua, New York. I'm a quilter, knitter, kayaker, and the mother of four children, whom I regard as my greatest creative endeavors. And now there are four wonderful grandchildren to spoil.
Visit me at my web site, emilierichards.com, and my blog, www.emilierichards.com/blog. You can also find me at Twitter and on my Facebook reader page.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
December 31, 2022
A little bit sweeter and a lot deeper than I expected.
January 18, 2010
I started reading this book several months ago but had to put it down -- it was bringing up feelings in me that weren't conducive to going to sleep. I decided to try again because I'd survived reading about the intergenerational conflict in Prospect Street -- if I could enjoy that book (and get enough sleep) maybe I was ready for this one, too. I'm glad to say I was.
Wedding Ring is centered around three generations of women who are reunited when the Nancy, the daughter and mother, gets a call telling her that her mother's home is a health hazard. Both Nancy and her daughter, Tessa, respond and show up at Helen's house, uninvited and unwelcome. As the summer unfolds so do their lives, and so do the quilts that Helen has been making since her childhood.
I'm once again in awe of Richards' ability to capture the personalities of so many characters, so many lives, in one story. It's my impression that this is the first in a series of books involving quilts; I'm very much looking forward to the rest!
Wedding Ring is centered around three generations of women who are reunited when the Nancy, the daughter and mother, gets a call telling her that her mother's home is a health hazard. Both Nancy and her daughter, Tessa, respond and show up at Helen's house, uninvited and unwelcome. As the summer unfolds so do their lives, and so do the quilts that Helen has been making since her childhood.
I'm once again in awe of Richards' ability to capture the personalities of so many characters, so many lives, in one story. It's my impression that this is the first in a series of books involving quilts; I'm very much looking forward to the rest!
November 5, 2011
I liked the story about the 3 generations. Actually, there were 4 generations but you have to read it to get the picture.
The Grandma, Helen was raised in the country and very poor. They made the most of everything. I was , yes, I think I can say this honestly, speechless when I read that Helen knew of someone who took the thread out of the flour sacks and saved it and crochet doilies with it. My Mom is like the Grandma. She used to save nearly everything. Reading this book made me think sadly, of how wasteful we are, and how much we could learn to take more care of our resources. And also to use our imaginations more.However I also have the bad habit, inherited from Mom that I also keep way too many things, thinking of using them, someday.
Nancy, Helen's daughter, had married well but never felt worthy of the things she had or the abilities she possessed. She never felt "good enough". Despite her adjustment to her well ordered life, she always appears to feel as if she was still trying but would never be as good as she wanted to be. I think it is interesting that the author makes the point of how many people deep down still, in spite of their accomplishments never feel it is good enough.How sad. How much is enough?
The book has many lessons and I did enjoy the story of how the three women bonded over a summer. I loved the stories about all the quilts. I was happy that all the women found something to be happy about in each of their lives.
The Granddaughter, Tessa, lost a child and she became so obsessed and bitter it was almost hard to not feel frustrated with her. However, I do not know how I would have responded had I faced the same situation. And that is really a huge part of the story. It made me think that there is definitely a time when some people just are so much in need of someone who can professionally counsel. Before it becomes obsessive. I find I too, want to be "a fixer" myself.
Each woman faced their own trials, tribulations and ghosts. They each also came to understand why the others were like they were, and why. in the end,they all grew. Yes, all in all, I suppose I did like the book. Didn't love it, but did like it. We all must face our fears , I suppose and there really isn't any time line that fits everything, for everybody.
The Grandma, Helen was raised in the country and very poor. They made the most of everything. I was , yes, I think I can say this honestly, speechless when I read that Helen knew of someone who took the thread out of the flour sacks and saved it and crochet doilies with it. My Mom is like the Grandma. She used to save nearly everything. Reading this book made me think sadly, of how wasteful we are, and how much we could learn to take more care of our resources. And also to use our imaginations more.However I also have the bad habit, inherited from Mom that I also keep way too many things, thinking of using them, someday.
Nancy, Helen's daughter, had married well but never felt worthy of the things she had or the abilities she possessed. She never felt "good enough". Despite her adjustment to her well ordered life, she always appears to feel as if she was still trying but would never be as good as she wanted to be. I think it is interesting that the author makes the point of how many people deep down still, in spite of their accomplishments never feel it is good enough.How sad. How much is enough?
The book has many lessons and I did enjoy the story of how the three women bonded over a summer. I loved the stories about all the quilts. I was happy that all the women found something to be happy about in each of their lives.
The Granddaughter, Tessa, lost a child and she became so obsessed and bitter it was almost hard to not feel frustrated with her. However, I do not know how I would have responded had I faced the same situation. And that is really a huge part of the story. It made me think that there is definitely a time when some people just are so much in need of someone who can professionally counsel. Before it becomes obsessive. I find I too, want to be "a fixer" myself.
Each woman faced their own trials, tribulations and ghosts. They each also came to understand why the others were like they were, and why. in the end,they all grew. Yes, all in all, I suppose I did like the book. Didn't love it, but did like it. We all must face our fears , I suppose and there really isn't any time line that fits everything, for everybody.
April 8, 2016
Wedding Ring was a reread for me, and I am so pleased I chose to do so by the audiobook version. I loved it the first time I read it, and totally fell in love with the characters and story line all over again as I listened to it. To be honest I had forgotten many details of the story - I just carried the general feel of the story with me. Now I have a refreshed memory of it!
Isabel Keating does a fabulous job in the narration. I loved her Helen voice and the way she just totally brought her to life for me. Whenever I thought of this book I remembered the opening scene when Helen was holed up in her house and her daughter Nancy and grand daughter Tessa were trying to get in. Wonderful scene.
The story follows the lives of these three remarkable women. We are taken back in time to Helen's early life and see where she came from and her joys and sorrows. We are also taken back in time to Nancy's earlier times too.
As the story develops changes happen for all three women, and they are bonded together in ways they would not have thought of earlier. In the beginning they are not that close. Tessa has had heartbreak in her life and she is estranged from her husband. Nancy seems to be a bit of a socialite and Nancy - well she is a bit crotchety! I loved her anyway. There is Cissy Mowrey as well who lives nearby, she is pregnant and unmarried and Tessa and Helen reach out to her.
It is with this series I began my obsession with quilting, Helen is an expert quilter and I just wish she was a real live actual person and I'd love to go see her quilts. I loved the way her daughter Nancy, helped her see the value in what she had done. I must say the Quilt Along With Emilie Richards that goes with this book is also a favourite and I hope to try out a few of the Sunbonnet Sue examples. I have plans!
In short - love, love, loved it all. Guess who will be revisiting the whole series via audiobook!
Isabel Keating does a fabulous job in the narration. I loved her Helen voice and the way she just totally brought her to life for me. Whenever I thought of this book I remembered the opening scene when Helen was holed up in her house and her daughter Nancy and grand daughter Tessa were trying to get in. Wonderful scene.
The story follows the lives of these three remarkable women. We are taken back in time to Helen's early life and see where she came from and her joys and sorrows. We are also taken back in time to Nancy's earlier times too.
As the story develops changes happen for all three women, and they are bonded together in ways they would not have thought of earlier. In the beginning they are not that close. Tessa has had heartbreak in her life and she is estranged from her husband. Nancy seems to be a bit of a socialite and Nancy - well she is a bit crotchety! I loved her anyway. There is Cissy Mowrey as well who lives nearby, she is pregnant and unmarried and Tessa and Helen reach out to her.
It is with this series I began my obsession with quilting, Helen is an expert quilter and I just wish she was a real live actual person and I'd love to go see her quilts. I loved the way her daughter Nancy, helped her see the value in what she had done. I must say the Quilt Along With Emilie Richards that goes with this book is also a favourite and I hope to try out a few of the Sunbonnet Sue examples. I have plans!
In short - love, love, loved it all. Guess who will be revisiting the whole series via audiobook!
December 10, 2016
Currently rereading: By listening to the audiobook.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was my second by ER. I loved the way she explored the relationship of the women (Helen, Nancy and Tessa)who ranged three generations. Helen is a wonderful character and I enjoyed meeting up with her in Endless Chain as well. I also loved the way ER explored the relationships of Tessa and Nancy with their husbands. And what the death of a small child had done to Tessa and Mack. I also loved the setting in Shenandoah. In some ways this setting reminded my of Robyn Carr's Virgin River series. They both bring a sense of love and community.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was my second by ER. I loved the way she explored the relationship of the women (Helen, Nancy and Tessa)who ranged three generations. Helen is a wonderful character and I enjoyed meeting up with her in Endless Chain as well. I also loved the way ER explored the relationships of Tessa and Nancy with their husbands. And what the death of a small child had done to Tessa and Mack. I also loved the setting in Shenandoah. In some ways this setting reminded my of Robyn Carr's Virgin River series. They both bring a sense of love and community.
July 25, 2013
After chapter 1 I was not sure I wanted to carry on, as it didn't immediately grip me. However, not being a quitter with books, I decided to press on. By the end of Chapter 2 I had fallen into this book with a resounding thump and had to ask myself why on earth I had thought I would not enjoy it. This is about Helen, Nancy and Tessa. Three generations of women, bound by blood, but with little else in common - or so they thought. Nancy and Tessa, mother and daughter, find themselves thrown together when they spend the summer with Helen, Nancy's mother and Tessa's grandmother, in order to help clean up her old farmhouse home. They start off tentatively - just tolerating each other, but as the story unravels, the relationships between them are explored and they slowly become more accepting of each other and realise that they do actually have a lot in common. The side relationships between Nancy and Billy, and Tessa and Mack, are interesting and thought provoking - particularly Tessa, who lost a child and is trying to come to terms with it. Of course, the 'thread' holding this story together, is the art of quilting. Helen is a master at her craft and reading about American Quilting certainly got my interest, and almost made me want to take up quilting myself! Highly recommended, and if you have not read Emilie Richards before I urge you to start doing so.
May 29, 2016
First in the Shenandoah Album stories, it revolves around three generations of women: Helen, crotchety quilter and hoarder, Nancy, the social climber, and Tessa, griever of the loss of her 5-year-old daughter.
When Helen needs help, her daughter (Nancy) and granddaughter (Tessa) move in with her, determined to set things right, which includes moving Helen out of the messy house and cleaning it up in order to sell it. Those goals gradually change when Tessa discovers all manner of secrets in the house, including beautiful quilts made by Helen, some deemed "rejects," others beautiful works of art that Helen doesn't really recognize.
Each of these women come to learn about themselves and their relatives, but mostly about their intertwining relationships with one another and their respective spouses: Helen's died on the Arizona after getting her pregnant. Nancy seems to have lost touch, though she still loves her successful husband from a prominent Richmond family. Tessa's grief places her at odds with her attorney husband, who also suffers the loss of their daughter, but also his marriage to Tessa. Will they ultimately divorce, as she seems to want to do? Or does she?
An affecting, beautifully written tale of redemption and forgiveness amidst a greater awareness of family togetherness.
When Helen needs help, her daughter (Nancy) and granddaughter (Tessa) move in with her, determined to set things right, which includes moving Helen out of the messy house and cleaning it up in order to sell it. Those goals gradually change when Tessa discovers all manner of secrets in the house, including beautiful quilts made by Helen, some deemed "rejects," others beautiful works of art that Helen doesn't really recognize.
Each of these women come to learn about themselves and their relatives, but mostly about their intertwining relationships with one another and their respective spouses: Helen's died on the Arizona after getting her pregnant. Nancy seems to have lost touch, though she still loves her successful husband from a prominent Richmond family. Tessa's grief places her at odds with her attorney husband, who also suffers the loss of their daughter, but also his marriage to Tessa. Will they ultimately divorce, as she seems to want to do? Or does she?
An affecting, beautifully written tale of redemption and forgiveness amidst a greater awareness of family togetherness.
April 22, 2023
Pateko į rankas, nes tai buvo vienintelė lietuviška, matyt, turistų palikta knyga Koh Chang viešbučio bibliotekoje. Galvojau bus puiki knyga skaityti prie baseino. Bet sukėlė apmąstymų apie meilės svarbą, atrandant save. Patiko gražiai atkuriami trijų šeimos moterų kartų santykiai, nes man pačiai šeima yra stiprybė. Knygoje daug kartų akcentuojama, kad laikas bėga ir pykčio laikymas yra blogiausias dalykas, kurį gali sau daryti. Išsirašiau citatą apie santuoką: “Pusmėnulus turėtų priminti, kad netgi gera santuoka nudyla ir vėl papilnėja kaip mėnulis.” Einu ieškoti elektroninių kitų trilogijos knygų.
December 12, 2024
Slow to start. All in all I agree with Gram it was V.G.
December 11, 2019
Favorite Quotes:
- Nancy smiled, and Tessa was unexpectedly warmed by it.
- Nancy smiled too often, and her smiles usually hung on too long – as if she was pleading to be noticed and appreciated. This smile was not trying to accomplish anything. It was released, and it ended quickly.
- Tessa, who had struggled not to feel anything since she arrived, felt sympathy streak right past her defenses.
- There were enough sharp edges in the question to shred them both.
- Not only making due, but making art as they did.
- “We had more fun than you can ever guess at. Nobody ever said you can’t work and have fun at the same time.” -Helen
- Delilah’s workload had gotten heaver in the past years, but her step had only gotten quick to make up for it.
- Rewards were unusual in the Stoneburner home, and always treasured more for it.
- These days Nancy had all the answers. Only maybe she didn’t really. -Helen RE daughter
- As far as she could tell, growing old didn’t have one thing in it’s favor.
- “God doesn’t make mistakes,” Helen said. “But sometimes He mixes things up just to see what happens. Keeps things interesting.”
- If she opened that door, Sandy would charge right though it, and Tessa knew she’d have to tell the whole wedding ring story.
- “We both know that being careful doesn’t keep you from dying, don’t we?”
Tess sank to the sofa beside her bags. “Do you ever think that dying isn’t the worst thing that happens to us. That being left behind is the real blow?”
“It’s not dying, and it’s not being left behind. Maybe someday I’ll tell you what it is.”
“Tell me now.”
“You’re not ready to hear it.” -Tess and Helen
- “Anything on television?”
“The answer to that is always no.”
- “And another thing,” Sissy continued before Tessa could answer. “I don’t think God punishes girls for the things men do to them.” She sat forward. “I don’t believe in that kind of God, even if Hardy did. God is good, even if men aren’t. God doesn’t make bad things happen. Nobody will ever make me believe he does.”
- She knew this was his way of making her face the truth, but gently, with kindness.
- Nancy had never seen into her own mother’s heart. Tessa wondered if she had fallen into the same trap. Had she taken Nancy at face value and been blind to her strengths?
- Tessa already knew their stories, and Jodi’s too. But something had to be said again and again.
- She had asked for nothing but listening ears and they had given her so much more. They had given her a solution, a place to put her anger and concern.
- She didn’t look hurt. “That’s what happens when you put a hillbilly in Richmond society – overcompensation.”
“You were never a hillbilly, that word had no meaning anyway.”
She put her fist to her chest. “It means something if you feel it inside.” -Mac and Nancy
- Then she smiled. Not the tremulous love me smile he was used to, nor the manipulative, ‘if you do it my way I’ll smile bigger’ smile that was a close second in her repertoire. This was simply a warm, embracing smile that sat well on her face and eased the lines of strain around her eyes.
- She didn’t move closer so much as lean more heavily against him as if she no longer wanted to carry her own weight.
- “Are there others as spectacular as this one?” Nancy asked as nonchalantly as she could.
“Spectacular’s a ten dollar word, and it don’t mean a thing!”
“Mama!”
“I got a few more I’m not ashamed of. Nothing special in the scheme of things, but they please me enough.” Nancy and her mother Helen
- “There’s nothing very exciting to tell.”
“It doesn’t have to be exciting. The truth would be nice though. Or whatever part of it you feel like telling me.” (Tess and her mother Nancy)
- Tom’s Brook was a place to receive mail and maybe go to church, but there wasn’t much more to it. Just that and some old houses with wide front porches where you could sit and stare at the people across the road who were staring at you.
- She had missed him the way a gray sky misses sunshine.
- …wished she could be a rose on the wallpaper.
- She didn’t know what to say. She was too honest to insist he was wrong. But was he right?
- “So many of the things we try to do for the right reasons are wrong. That’s about the saddest thing in life.” -Helen
- She had awakened with a headache and a lump in her throat that might be unshed tears. Aspirin was not the cure.
- The words weren’t out of her mouth before she regretted them. And the tone as well.
- She had stored that memory in her mental attic, along with all the others.
- “Nobody ever treated me this good. I feel right, like everything’s working the way it’s supposed to when he walks into a room.”
It wasn’t the most romantic definition of love that Tessa had ever heard, but at its core, it was as good as any. -Sissy to Tessa
- Tessa’s favorite kind of writing student: an astute and quirky observer, able to express her observations in a meaningful way.
- “…because there weren’t any villains, and definitely no saints. Just people, caught up in a situation” -Nancy
- “There’s a lot you don’t understand about marriage.” Nancy sat forward and her eyes sparkled with anger. “Marriage is about working toward common goals. Love isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. It plays a part, sure, but common goals and ideals are what hold a marriage together.”
“Come on! I share a million goals and ideals with a million different people, and I wouldn’t want to be married to any of them. You gave up on love and settled for security, isn’t that incredibly shallow?”
“And isn’t that what you’ve always thought about me anyway? That I’m shallow and silly and useless? That I always settle for less than your own lofty goals. That I wouldn’t know love and loyalty from a Kate Spade handbag?”
Tessa knew her anger was out of control, and she even knew she was aiming it at her mother because she was a safe target, but she couldn’t stop herself.
- “Sometimes the hardest thing you can do when you love somebody is to stand by and watch them make mistakes.” -Helen to Tessa
- Her breath hovered uncertainly in her lungs as if she no longer remember how to expel it.
- “Here’s what I learned Tessa. There’s only one thing worse than dying or being left behind. And that’s wasting the life God gives ya.” -Helen to Tessa
“Is that what I’m doing?”
“Only you can answer that.”
- I never did anything, you know, to deserve that kind of help.”
“You don’t have to do a thing. It’s not about deserving anything. It never is. We care about you, it’s that simple.”
- Sissy leaned forward earnestly. “I think if you do something that makes the world a beautiful place, well, you’re supposed to show it to people. It’s a talent! God gave you that talent, and now you have to give it back in the form of pleasure to the eyes.”
“Pleasure to the eyes?”
Sissy flushed. “I don’t know how else to say it, but it’s your job now to show off what you go.”
“My job!”
“Yes ma’am.”
“And what if I don’t want to.”
“Well, I kinda think that’s out of your hands now.” – Sissy and Helen
- Something died inside her, and she knew it was the need for revenge. Because what could she do to this young man that he hadn’t done to himself? What punishment was worse than the one he would undergo for the rest of his life? In this they were companions. Neither of them would ever forget that terrible morning. In some vitally important way they would never move beyond it. But both of them could pick up the pieces of their lives, even as they dragged the burden of Kaile’s death behind them. If they chose to. - Tessa
- Love had been moving through her life all summer – nudging and prompting. Forgiving her shortcomings. - Tessa
- She was learning that she had no right to hold onto her own pain to insulate herself against more. -Tessa
- She would never have this moment with Kaile, but that no longer spoiled every good moment that she was able to experience. This moment was special in a different way, very special. -Tessa
- Nancy smiled, and Tessa was unexpectedly warmed by it.
- Nancy smiled too often, and her smiles usually hung on too long – as if she was pleading to be noticed and appreciated. This smile was not trying to accomplish anything. It was released, and it ended quickly.
- Tessa, who had struggled not to feel anything since she arrived, felt sympathy streak right past her defenses.
- There were enough sharp edges in the question to shred them both.
- Not only making due, but making art as they did.
- “We had more fun than you can ever guess at. Nobody ever said you can’t work and have fun at the same time.” -Helen
- Delilah’s workload had gotten heaver in the past years, but her step had only gotten quick to make up for it.
- Rewards were unusual in the Stoneburner home, and always treasured more for it.
- These days Nancy had all the answers. Only maybe she didn’t really. -Helen RE daughter
- As far as she could tell, growing old didn’t have one thing in it’s favor.
- “God doesn’t make mistakes,” Helen said. “But sometimes He mixes things up just to see what happens. Keeps things interesting.”
- If she opened that door, Sandy would charge right though it, and Tessa knew she’d have to tell the whole wedding ring story.
- “We both know that being careful doesn’t keep you from dying, don’t we?”
Tess sank to the sofa beside her bags. “Do you ever think that dying isn’t the worst thing that happens to us. That being left behind is the real blow?”
“It’s not dying, and it’s not being left behind. Maybe someday I’ll tell you what it is.”
“Tell me now.”
“You’re not ready to hear it.” -Tess and Helen
- “Anything on television?”
“The answer to that is always no.”
- “And another thing,” Sissy continued before Tessa could answer. “I don’t think God punishes girls for the things men do to them.” She sat forward. “I don’t believe in that kind of God, even if Hardy did. God is good, even if men aren’t. God doesn’t make bad things happen. Nobody will ever make me believe he does.”
- She knew this was his way of making her face the truth, but gently, with kindness.
- Nancy had never seen into her own mother’s heart. Tessa wondered if she had fallen into the same trap. Had she taken Nancy at face value and been blind to her strengths?
- Tessa already knew their stories, and Jodi’s too. But something had to be said again and again.
- She had asked for nothing but listening ears and they had given her so much more. They had given her a solution, a place to put her anger and concern.
- She didn’t look hurt. “That’s what happens when you put a hillbilly in Richmond society – overcompensation.”
“You were never a hillbilly, that word had no meaning anyway.”
She put her fist to her chest. “It means something if you feel it inside.” -Mac and Nancy
- Then she smiled. Not the tremulous love me smile he was used to, nor the manipulative, ‘if you do it my way I’ll smile bigger’ smile that was a close second in her repertoire. This was simply a warm, embracing smile that sat well on her face and eased the lines of strain around her eyes.
- She didn’t move closer so much as lean more heavily against him as if she no longer wanted to carry her own weight.
- “Are there others as spectacular as this one?” Nancy asked as nonchalantly as she could.
“Spectacular’s a ten dollar word, and it don’t mean a thing!”
“Mama!”
“I got a few more I’m not ashamed of. Nothing special in the scheme of things, but they please me enough.” Nancy and her mother Helen
- “There’s nothing very exciting to tell.”
“It doesn’t have to be exciting. The truth would be nice though. Or whatever part of it you feel like telling me.” (Tess and her mother Nancy)
- Tom’s Brook was a place to receive mail and maybe go to church, but there wasn’t much more to it. Just that and some old houses with wide front porches where you could sit and stare at the people across the road who were staring at you.
- She had missed him the way a gray sky misses sunshine.
- …wished she could be a rose on the wallpaper.
- She didn’t know what to say. She was too honest to insist he was wrong. But was he right?
- “So many of the things we try to do for the right reasons are wrong. That’s about the saddest thing in life.” -Helen
- She had awakened with a headache and a lump in her throat that might be unshed tears. Aspirin was not the cure.
- The words weren’t out of her mouth before she regretted them. And the tone as well.
- She had stored that memory in her mental attic, along with all the others.
- “Nobody ever treated me this good. I feel right, like everything’s working the way it’s supposed to when he walks into a room.”
It wasn’t the most romantic definition of love that Tessa had ever heard, but at its core, it was as good as any. -Sissy to Tessa
- Tessa’s favorite kind of writing student: an astute and quirky observer, able to express her observations in a meaningful way.
- “…because there weren’t any villains, and definitely no saints. Just people, caught up in a situation” -Nancy
- “There’s a lot you don’t understand about marriage.” Nancy sat forward and her eyes sparkled with anger. “Marriage is about working toward common goals. Love isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. It plays a part, sure, but common goals and ideals are what hold a marriage together.”
“Come on! I share a million goals and ideals with a million different people, and I wouldn’t want to be married to any of them. You gave up on love and settled for security, isn’t that incredibly shallow?”
“And isn’t that what you’ve always thought about me anyway? That I’m shallow and silly and useless? That I always settle for less than your own lofty goals. That I wouldn’t know love and loyalty from a Kate Spade handbag?”
Tessa knew her anger was out of control, and she even knew she was aiming it at her mother because she was a safe target, but she couldn’t stop herself.
- “Sometimes the hardest thing you can do when you love somebody is to stand by and watch them make mistakes.” -Helen to Tessa
- Her breath hovered uncertainly in her lungs as if she no longer remember how to expel it.
- “Here’s what I learned Tessa. There’s only one thing worse than dying or being left behind. And that’s wasting the life God gives ya.” -Helen to Tessa
“Is that what I’m doing?”
“Only you can answer that.”
- I never did anything, you know, to deserve that kind of help.”
“You don’t have to do a thing. It’s not about deserving anything. It never is. We care about you, it’s that simple.”
- Sissy leaned forward earnestly. “I think if you do something that makes the world a beautiful place, well, you’re supposed to show it to people. It’s a talent! God gave you that talent, and now you have to give it back in the form of pleasure to the eyes.”
“Pleasure to the eyes?”
Sissy flushed. “I don’t know how else to say it, but it’s your job now to show off what you go.”
“My job!”
“Yes ma’am.”
“And what if I don’t want to.”
“Well, I kinda think that’s out of your hands now.” – Sissy and Helen
- Something died inside her, and she knew it was the need for revenge. Because what could she do to this young man that he hadn’t done to himself? What punishment was worse than the one he would undergo for the rest of his life? In this they were companions. Neither of them would ever forget that terrible morning. In some vitally important way they would never move beyond it. But both of them could pick up the pieces of their lives, even as they dragged the burden of Kaile’s death behind them. If they chose to. - Tessa
- Love had been moving through her life all summer – nudging and prompting. Forgiving her shortcomings. - Tessa
- She was learning that she had no right to hold onto her own pain to insulate herself against more. -Tessa
- She would never have this moment with Kaile, but that no longer spoiled every good moment that she was able to experience. This moment was special in a different way, very special. -Tessa
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2014
I picked up Wedding Ring by Emilie Richards because, as a quilter, I can’t resist books with a quilt-related theme. Wedding Ring is the story of 3 generations of women, and how they each struggle to work through the difficulties of life. The youngest, Tessa, lost her daughter to a drunk driver. Her mother, Nancy, struggles to find true meaning in her life and marriage, and Helen, the grandmother, has withdrawn from her life, and become a pack-rat. As the three women spend the summer together, they share the stories of their lives, and grow in their understanding of themselves and each other.
As with all of Emilie Richards’s books, this was a lovely story, full of complex characters, difficult emotional problems, and seemingly real relationships. We experience the emotions of Tessa as she struggles to carry on with her life and her marriage after a drunk driver killed her five year old daughter. We also experience the relationship of Nancy and Helen, and learn how WWII redefined the lives of many families, as the men left to fight with few returning home, and the women were left to carry on alone. This is a book that is worth reading!
As with all of Emilie Richards’s books, this was a lovely story, full of complex characters, difficult emotional problems, and seemingly real relationships. We experience the emotions of Tessa as she struggles to carry on with her life and her marriage after a drunk driver killed her five year old daughter. We also experience the relationship of Nancy and Helen, and learn how WWII redefined the lives of many families, as the men left to fight with few returning home, and the women were left to carry on alone. This is a book that is worth reading!
June 10, 2022
At the start, three generations of women came together to help the grandmother for the summer. Helen had become a hoarder, which was what had brought the other two to the house. These women truly did not get along. It was funny at times to watch these ladies bicker with each other.
I’m surprised the author didn’t give us any information on when/why Helen became a hoarder in the first place. It sounded like it started around the time of Kayley’s death, but we should have learned more about this considering it is what finally brought these three women back together.
I loved the flashbacks of Helen growing up and the story behind Nancy’s marriage with Billy. Since Helen had never told Nancy about her childhood before, opening up about some of that helped to bring them closer together; and learning about Nancy and Billy’s relationship was an interesting backstory. It was nice seeing Helen, Nancy, and Tessa growing closer as a family unit during those months of cleaning up the house.
It was really sweet of the women to give Cissy their family’s Wedding Ring quilt. It was a great way to end the book.
I’m surprised the author didn’t give us any information on when/why Helen became a hoarder in the first place. It sounded like it started around the time of Kayley’s death, but we should have learned more about this considering it is what finally brought these three women back together.
I loved the flashbacks of Helen growing up and the story behind Nancy’s marriage with Billy. Since Helen had never told Nancy about her childhood before, opening up about some of that helped to bring them closer together; and learning about Nancy and Billy’s relationship was an interesting backstory. It was nice seeing Helen, Nancy, and Tessa growing closer as a family unit during those months of cleaning up the house.
It was really sweet of the women to give Cissy their family’s Wedding Ring quilt. It was a great way to end the book.
January 19, 2016
A great story that encompasses 3 generations of women. They come together one summer to clean up the farmhouse where the 87 year old matriarch of the family lives. They all 3 have suffered a great deal of pain in their lives for different reasons. The granddaughter, and daughter find out truths they never knew. Heartwarming and healing.
February 23, 2009
I'm so surprised at what a great story this is. I picked it up at the local quilt shop because I ran out of books.
Its very good.
Finished it and it was so good.
Its very good.
Finished it and it was so good.
July 7, 2009
First time I ever read this author.Diane Chamberlain recommended Millie Richards on her blog. So far it's good. Excited because it's first in a series and if I like it I can binge on her all summer.
October 6, 2015
For when you need an easy read...
November 6, 2020
I enjoy when a story line can include multi-generations, and this one including "quilting" as well--which is a favorite hobby of mine. I think all families have their own troubles and this one reminded me of my family in some places-- how different generations of mothers and daughters have different expectations about life and love; how they can be so alike yet so different. All 3 women experienced pain involving love and loss, different lifestyles, yet they discovered how special each of them were and how important they each were to one another.
July 21, 2017
A lovely reasonable light drama about 3 women, a grandmother, a daughter, and a great granddaughter, finding themselves again. I don't usually like the drama genre, but this was very entertaining, heart warming, and left me feeling lighter and uplifted. It encourages love, understanding, listening, and moving forward. The story takes place in the Shenandoah River Valley of northwestern Va so of course revolves around quilting.
May 7, 2019
Wow! What more can I say. I loved this book. Three generations under one roof. The author draws you in to the lives of three women. Each one with a different heartache but all connected. I can see this book being made into a movie. I have never read anything by Emilie Richards before and just happened to see this on a reading list so I thought I would give it a try. I am so glad I did. I cannot wait to read the 2 book in the Shenandoah Series.
June 8, 2020
Advanced reader's copy from 2004. I loved this story of three generations of southern women learning to cope with life's adversities and coming into their own no matter their age. The grandma is an amazing quilter who has created many works of art over the years and her daughter and grandaughter organize a quilt show to display her work. Troubled marriages, war, death, a little girl killed by a drunk driver, MADD, teenage pregnancy, forgiveness, and love, it's all here in this tender book.
July 13, 2020
Truly a wonderful book! The author, Emilie Richards, has a skill to develop loveable characters - the kind you want to call your friend and beautiful plots. This story is a multi-leveled journey through several generations. The highs and lows of life and the importance of communication and forgiveness.
A beautiful takeaway quote - “There’s only one thing worse than dying or being left behind, and that’s wasting the life God gives you.”
A beautiful takeaway quote - “There’s only one thing worse than dying or being left behind, and that’s wasting the life God gives you.”
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September 13, 2021A very useful book, I recommend you to read it too. After all, wedding rings are one of the main attributes of any wedding! When I was holding my wedding, I found a very beautiful engagement rings vancouver. Which made the wedding moment even more memorable and beautiful! And in this book it is told about how these rings are made and it is very interesting and exciting!
November 24, 2021
This was a good multigenerational story of three women. Nancy and Tess have come to Helen’s house for the summer to help get it cleaned out and fixed up for her to move to assisted living. Helen has other ideas and plans to stay in her home. As the story progresses marital problems surface for both Nancy and Tess, and it appears they are using the summer to escape. All three are forced to take a good look at their lives and what they really want.
June 11, 2017
I went back and forth about how I felt about the book. There were parts that I really enjoyed, specifically the tales of the three women and then Cissy. I wasn't so fond of the Robert Owens parts and how a lot revolved around that. I know it had to do with forgiveness, but I felt that it could have been done in a different way.
July 4, 2017
I took forever to read this book because I had so much other stuff going on. It's not a hard read at all. It's actually very enjoyable. The characters are colorful and fully developed. The plots are well developed & believable. The ending was predictable but it still had me wondering if it was going to end well or with a tragic twist. This is worth picking up.
July 4, 2018
It took me awhile to get thru' this book. It was about a Mother, her grown daughter and a grown granddaughter. The three were in the Mothers home trying to rid her of stuff. A good portion of it centered around the wedding ring quilt. The setting was in Shenandoah Valley in Virginia so all the towns she used I was familiar with. They all learned things from their time together.
November 22, 2020
I didn’t anticipate finding this so fulfilling. Excellent writing. Plus the heart strings are all bring tugged. Three generations of women the right age to be my grandma, my aunts, and I. Grief. Forgiveness. Marriage. Quilting. I want to learn. I’ve always loved a good blanket. I’m happy to have discovered Mrs Richards.
January 23, 2021
Loved the characters, development, quilting connection- really well done. I'm a quilter and have to say, the connection to quilting, heritage quilts, the history and the story developed from that was superb. The element of overcoming,, hope and reality was outstanding.. Really looking forward to the next one.
October 7, 2021
Helen, Tessa, and Nancy with different takes on life are together for the summer to clean out Hoarding Helen's house. Helen, the grandmother had lost her husband of one day and want to "keep" everything she has been hanging on to for decades. Nancy, the social climber finds a new love of her husband, Tessa, who lost her baby girl no longer wants to avoid her estranged husband.
April 10, 2022
I really enjoyed this story about 3 generations of women. Each had withdrawn for different reasons and each had a back story to be told. As time goes by, one summer, each of them learns about their individual experiences and figures out how to handle them.
All is well in the end....as a good story should go.
All is well in the end....as a good story should go.
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