A Quilt for Christmas

by Sandra Dallas

In Sandra Dallas' novel A Quilt for Christmas , it is 1864 and Eliza Spooner's husband Will has joined the Kansas volunteers to fight the Confederates, leaving her with their two children and in charge of their home and land. Eliza is confident that he will return home, and she helps pass the months making a special quilt to keep Will warm during his winter in the army. When the unthinkable happens, she takes in a woman and child who have been left alone and made vulnerable by the war, and she finds solace and camaraderie amongst the women of her quilting group. And when she is asked to help hide an escaped slave, she must decide for herself what is right, and who can she can count on to help her.

Genres: Christmas, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Civil War, Historical, Book Club, Holiday

256 pages, Hardcover

First published October 14, 2014

About the author

Award-winning author SANDRA DALLAS was dubbed “a quintessential American voice” by Jane Smiley, in Vogue Magazine. Sandra’s novels with their themes of loyalty, friendship, and human dignity have been translated into a dozen foreign languages and have been optioned for films.

A journalism graduate of the University of Denver, Sandra began her writing career as a reporter with Business Week. A staff member for twenty-five years (and the magazine’s first female bureau chief,) she covered the Rocky Mountain region, writing about everything from penny-stock scandals to hard-rock mining, western energy development to contemporary polygamy. Many of her experiences have been incorporated into her novels.

While a reporter, she began writing the first of ten nonfiction books. They include Sacred Paint, which won the National Cowboy Hall of Fame Western Heritage Wrangler Award, and The Quilt That Walked to Golden, recipient of the Independent Publishers Assn. Benjamin Franklin Award.

Turning to fiction in 1990, Sandra has published eight novels, including Prayers For Sale. Sandra is the recipient of the Women Writing the West Willa Award for New Mercies, and two-time winner of the Western Writers of America Spur Award, for The Chili Queen and Tallgrass. In addition, she was a finalist for the Colorado Book Award, the Mountain and Plains Booksellers Assn. Award, and a four-time finalist for the Women Writing the West Willa Award.

The mother of two daughters—Dana is an attorney in New Orleans and Povy is a photographer in Golden, Colorado—Sandra lives in Denver with her husband, Bob.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/sandra...

Reviews

[Taury · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Quilt for Christmas by Sandra Dallas. WoW what a book! i am sitting here on my lunch break thinking just that. I never liked the rebels either. I am solid against racism, slavery, anything that has to do with such. But some were Confederates because of the area in which they lived. They just were not given a choice. As brought out in this wonderful book some were part of the Union because of where they lived. I do believe a lot of Union Soldiers were against slavery but not racism, which I have found by reading other books. A Quilt for Christmas brings out how labels do not define us. Underneath a label we are still just a person. What defines us is our true character, our integrity....

Happy Holidays...

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

"There is indeed an awfulness to being alone."

I must admit I was not really looking forward to reading another bookclub pick with the dreaded word QUILT in the title (sorry girls), but Sandra Dallas' A QUILT FOR CHRISTMAS was a pleasant surprise.

It is a story of courageous women left behind to fend for themselves, their children and each other during the horrendous Civil War of 1864 when hiding slaves and survival was commonplace. And, yes, there is a touching tale of a small Christmas quilt that kept one man warm and comforted for a time, and saved another's life during a dangerous time.

What made this "quilt" novel stand out from the rest was the descriptive setting of the time, the war widows and the reading of the precious letters sent home from the battlefield that, in the end, had such special meaning. Enjoyed my first SD read!

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartwarming Christmas story set in civil war times. I liked Eliza and the circle of friends she quilted with. She took in a widow, Missouri Ann Stark, and the women ran the farm while the men were away in battle. I enjoy reading books set back in time when attitudes and thinking we're so proper, and ways were much simpler.
Recommended for reading after a busy day of Christmas preparations!

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sandra Dallas is a fine storyteller, that is a high compliment. Her books are well researched and extremely well written.

Her stories tend to be too "woman-y" in storyline for me, at least usually, but the writing is so fine I have to read them. A Quilt for Christmas is no exception.

Not fodder for the Hallmark Channel at all, I enjoyed this book no less than others by Dallas. It is not a Christmas story, nor a story about quilts. Those are devices to tell a story about Kansas during the Civil War and those left behind. I learn something new, usually a bit obscure, when I read her books: "Mister, here's your mule..."

If you read Dallas, start with New Mercies and then Tall Grass (both my favorites). Then go back and start at the beginning with Buster Midnight's Cafe and work forward...

[Connie G · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was in the mood for a book with a quilting theme after visiting a quilt exhibit at the New Britain Museum of American Art recently. A Quilt for Christmas is a book about strong women during the Civil War era. Their husbands were soldiers with the Kansas Volunteers, and some were killed in the battlefield. The women treasured their monthly quilting meetings because their friendships with other women helped keep their spirits up. A Stars and Stripes quilt made by Eliza for her husband Will for Christmas is a unifying element throughout the story. Although this is a short simple book, it showed how much disagreement there was in the border states during the Civil War, especially concerning slavery. Family, friendship, charity, forgiveness, and tolerance were important themes running through the book.

[Fran · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a quick fun read. It was perfect for the holiday season, as that the story begins during the final year of the Civil War with the making of a quilt, and ends with that same quilt coming home with an unexpected stranger the following year. The story's final chapter is set Christmas the year following. I really enjoyed it, and recommend it as a holiday read for anyone who enjoys either romance and/or historical fiction.

[LemonLinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this via Goodreads First reads in exchange for an honest review.

I won this several months but saved it to read at Christmas and although not a Christmas read per SE, it did have a good Christmas message of home, family, forgiveness and tolerance. It was not a deep book, but one with a simple, straightforward moral lesson where enemies become friends and deep-seated vengeance and hatred gives way to kindness and understanding.

Set in the last year of the Civil War and the first year afterwards when families on both sides are struggling to make ends meet and to salvage their homes, their lives, and their livelihoods, Eliza is a young mother who faces keeping a farm afloat without her husband. Her individual and family struggles are representative of the times and even though somewhat removed from the heat of the battlefields, she and her closest quilting buddy friends band together to do their best to keep the families afloat no matter what they must face be it loneliness, financial stress, or even widowhood.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was undecided if I should give this book three or four stars, most likely it is a 3.5 for me. The story was very interesting though I do question the use of down for stuffing the quilt sent to her husband. Reason being is that down when wet, is useless (for warmth) and I am sure if a quilt is sent to a soldier in the Civil War, it would encounter some rain. That part made me really question the author's research, but again perhaps I am wrong on this point. I have made several quilts and I have some understanding about quilt making. The end seemed a bit rushed but I can over-look that as it was a very entertaining and sweet story. Aside from these two problems (in my opinion), the book is well worth the effort of reading.

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC. I have to say this was not my favorite of Sandra Dallas' books. Her characters are usually SO well-drawn, but Eliza fell a little flat for me. The supporting characters felt a bit more vibrant. I would have liked to know more about the story of Clara, and even Missouri Ann. I did enjoy it and it was a quick read, I just still think it wasn't as good as The Bride's House or True Sisters. Now I do have to read The Persian Pickle Club, however!

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story in Civil War era. I finished it in three days, so I’d say it was a page turner.

[Betty Welch · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. The author included a lot of history about the American civil war, but-perhaps because of its brevity-it seemed to lack much depth. In spite of it’s title, it had only a brief Christmas element to it. I did appreciate the anti-hate, pro-forgiveness message.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

All one would have to do is take a trip through my Goodreads shelves to know without a doubt Sandra Dallas is one of my most favorite authors. Her writing and word choice flows so easily and I find myself reading her work very quickly. This book was no exception. It was a fast paced historical fiction account of a Kansas family dealing with the realities of the Civil War. There were several quilt references as one might expect in a book named "A Quilt for Christmas". However, it was not so overbearing that if you do not enjoy the art of sewing and piecing that your eyes will gloss over and you'll swear if this woman writes "quilt" one more time you'll throw the book out the window. (ok, maybe only I do that!) Anyway, the quilt and quilting had a place in the story. It all makes sense and was used primarily as a literary tool. This would have been an easy 5 star book but there was just "something" that held it back from perfection. In retrospect, I think I was missing a bit of a conclusion. It seems it simply ended, but there was not an "ending". If that makes sense.

[Carole at From My Carolina Home · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall disappointing, this story is not about quilting really, although there are a few women that quilt around a frame from time to time. Mostly it is about a war widow and her trials trying to run a farm by herself in the 1800s. I was hoping for a holiday story, but Christmas hardly comes into the story at all. The quilt of the title is sent off early in the story, and shows up near the end, but that's about it. If you enjoy historic fiction, you might like this better than I did.

[TL *Humaning the Best She Can* · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this via Goodreads First reads in exchange for an honest review
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enjoyed this one:) It's a quick read with wonderful characters. I also liked the setting during the civil war...

I admired Eliza's and Missouri Ann's courage and strength throughout thr book. They never backed down and stood up for themselves and others (especially against a certain despicable family.)


Loved the other ladies in the quilting group, I would not have the patience for it haha. It was fun reading about them, it felt like I was sitting on the sidelines with a group of friends. Their affection and loyalty to each other really shows and made me smile

This book isn't about Christmas per say but the quilt does play a big role in the story.

Kudis to Sandra Dallas for not shying away from the effects of the war... she does a fine job writing the uncertainty and fear that the people were dealing with.

Davy acted like a brat sometimes but you can tell he did it from a place of love and protecting his family.

Missouri Ann husband's family. .. good riddance! Those Starks did not deserve her.

There's a couple twists and turns and surprises... and moments that make you smile :).

Would recommend:) Not just for Christmas but any time of the year... crappy review but my computer ate my first one so your stuck with this one ;-) haha

Gonna pass this on to others as well, happy reading!

[Ronna · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me, this is one of Sandra Dallas' best books. The interaction between those in need, forgiveness between enemies, and the companionship between women in war times was especially well done.

During the last year of the USA Civil War, Eliza Spooner and her two children are waiting out the war times missing their husband and father. Will is a loving and compassionate man who has joined the Union Army. At home, Eliza takes in a war widow and her baby daughter, a run away slave woman, and a soldier at the end of the war. Letters from Will help keep his family going.

Excellent combined story lines and characterizations. Dallas handles many of the consequences of war times in 1864 very realistically. I've read many books in this time period and this is one of my very favorite!! I listened to this on Audible and enjoyed it very much.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title is about a quilt for Christmas, which the story is about. The story, though, is more so about what the Civil War did to those left behind while the husbands went to fight in the war, North versus South. The feelings, how the women coped left alone to farm and take care of their families, the hardships they went through during the course of the war.

In 1864 Eliza Spooner’s husband, Will, joined the Kansas Volunteers to fight the Confederates, leaving her with their two children and in charge of their home and land. Eliza makes a special quilt to keep Will warm during his winter in the army. The quilt is always in her thoughts along with her husband. Others enter into the story: a woman and child who are left alone, Eliza's quilting friends, an escaped slave, men wandering after the war.

Good story and one that gives us a piece of history from long ago.

[Barb Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

As always, Sandra Dallas crafted a sweet little story that passed quickly. This tale, about a woman whose husband has left their farm to fight for the Union in the Civil War, has her classic touches: good women friends who bond over quilts, troubles from folks who mean them harm and a chance to show their character and level of friendship. There were a couple of surprising twists and an ending that seemed appropriate, although perhaps a tad unlikely. Gentle, sweet and thoughtful. That is typical Sandra Dallas.

[Sharon Huether · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1864 William Spooner left his home in Kansas with the Kansas Volunteers to fight the confederates.

While will is away his wife Eliza starts making him a patriotic Christmas Quilt, with down batting.

Eliza takes in Missouri Ann and her daughter when she escapes from her abusive in-laws.

Eliza also helps a negro slave woman from getting caught and sent back to her master. Eliza had such a gift for helping others.

After Eliza's husband Will, die in battle others help Eliza more than expected.

Good story.

[BookishStitcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Christmas story set during the American civil war that deals with families, love, and forgiveness. The writing was okay and the plot was good. It's probably not a story that will stick in my mind for long.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I look forward to reading more by this author. A good historical read.
5 stars.

[Carlissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for an A-Z challenge I'm doing for one of the groups I'm in here at Goodreads. I enjoyed reading this story about a group of quilters during the Civil War.

[Mana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sandra Dallas doesn't write your typical cozy holiday story; A Quilt for Christmas is a lean, often stark look at life in 1864 Kansas. Eliza Spooner is left to manage a farm and two children alone while her husband, Will, fights for the Union. To bridge the distance, she starts a quilt intended to keep him warm during the winter campaign. The conflict shifts when the predictable horrors of the Civil War arrive, forcing Eliza to pivot from waiting for her old life to building a new, more dangerous one. She ends up sheltering a vulnerable mother and child and eventually faces a choice about aiding an escaped slave, testing the limits of her community and her own conscience.

Eliza is a character built on resilience rather than flair. Her growth is a slow hardening; she moves from a woman defined by her marriage to one defined by her own moral backbone. The women in her quilting circle provide a necessary look at how communal survival worked before we all retreated into our own screens. These supporting characters aren't just background noise; they represent the different ways grief and duty can twist a person. There is a refreshing lack of sentimentality in how they interact, reflecting the harshness of the era where there was no time for delicate sensibilities.

The story highlights the reality that war is mostly felt by those left behind in the quiet. It maps out how a community fractures or welds together under political pressure, which feels pointedly relevant to our current divided climate. Eliza’s decision to hide a fugitive isn't framed as a grand heroic gesture but as a logical extension of human decency in a system that lacks it. It makes you consider what you would actually risk for a stranger when your own house is already on fire. The "quilt" here isn't just a prop; it represents the piecing together of a life that has been torn apart, a concept most of us can relate to in our own chaotic times.

Dallas writes with a minimalism that I respect. Her prose is direct and unadorned, which matches the Kansas landscape and the stoicism of the period. She avoids the flowery "historical" language that usually makes me put a book down after twenty pages. The tone is somber but persistent, avoiding the frantic pacing of modern thrillers in favor of a steady, rhythmic progression. It fits well within the American frontier genre, reminiscent of Willa Cather but with a more focused, domestic lens. The pacing reflects the actual labor of the time; things take as long as they take.

The book stands out by sidestepping the typical Christmas miracle arc. It carries a quiet weight, and the ending doesn't claim a quilt can mend a fractured nation. A few secondary characters lean into clear viewpoints at times, but Eliza's inner path holds it steady. It's an honest, measured take on sacrifice that lingers past the holidays. If seasonal stories feel too light, this offers a thoughtful, grounded option.

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of 5 strong women whose husbands have left Kansas to serve in the Union Army during the Civil War. They support one another as they raise their children, birth new babies, sow the fields, and harvest the crops. They take a break once a month to meet together and quilt, but they continue to quilt at home as well. Eliza Spooner's husband, Will, has gone off to fight. The first Christmas he is gone, she sends a special quilt that she has made for him with one of the men who has been home on leave and is going back to serve again. Little does Eliza know that this quilt will return to her telling another story she never expected.

I love the support and caring that the women showed for one another as they tried to maintain normalcy for their families while their husbands were gone. Taking on chores that they never were trained to do and filling roles normally carried by their husbands, these ladies were amazing women. A very warm read that certainly filled me with admiration for what these women had to endure.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am on a roll with the Christmas books this year!
This one I picked up three years ago, autographed personally by Sandra Dallas when I met her at a Women Writing the West conference. Set in Kansas during the Civil War, Eliza is a strong farmers wife who loses her husband to the War, soon after he receives the Christmas quilt she made for him. This story is a story of survival and perseverance on the plains; friendship and family.

[Cece · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first Sandra Dallas book although I do have several more of hers in my to-read stack. This was set toward the end of the civil war and involves with themes regarding family hardships, war and its trauma, love and hate. This was a mostly quick read and was somewhat different than my expectations(wasn’t a true Christmas time book- only briefly). With that being said I still enjoyed the story and do look forward to Dallas’ other works. 3.5 rounded down. Would recommend this short read.

[Elizabeth Meadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this Civil War era drama. The book was set in Kansas and featured people left on the home front during the civil war with all of the difficulties of the time period. I have read 4 other books by the author and this one just became my favorite.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this interesting work of historical fiction. (I've come to expect no less that that from this author. It wasn't as Christmas themed as I had hoped, but was a great story, and there were SOME references and tie-ins to Christmas.

[writer... · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rigors of war, for family left to survive farming alone at home and for husband fighting on the battlefield, descriptively expressed by husband , Will's letters home.

Narrated by Pilar Witherspoon, authenticity and anxieties carried admirably for this Civil War story set in Kansas.

#CSReadathon 2018

[Deedee · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 STARS....

[Sam Toombs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another stellar book from Sandra Dallas. I particularly enjoyed the fact that this book, like “The Persian Pickle Club” is set in Wabaunsee County, Kansas.