Patchwork Christmas: An Heirloom Quilt / Addressee Unknown

by Colleen L. Reece, Renee DeMarco

Hearts are in tatters when a frayed patchwork quilt arrives on the doorstep in these poignant Christmas novellas. One woman's treasured blanket brings comfort to a homeless family and then to a man with shattered dreams. Will these broken hearts be healed and lives pieced back together during this Patchwork Christmas?

Genres: Christmas, Christian Fiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2005

About the author

COLLEEN L. REECE writes under the pen name Connie Loraine and is one of Heartsong's most popular authors. Colleen learned to read beneath the rays of a kerosene lamp. The kitchen, dining room, and her bedroom in her home near the small logging town of Darrington, Washington, were once a one-room schoolhouse where her mother taught all eight grades! An abundance of love for God outweighed the lack of electricity or running water and provided the basis for many of Colleen's 140+ books.

Her rigid "refuse to compromise" stance has helped sell more than 6 million copies that help spread the good news of repentance, forgiveness, and salvation through Christ. Colleen helped launch Barbour Publishing's Romance Reader flip books, the American Adventure series, and her own Juli Scott Super Sleuth Christian teen mystery series. In 1998 Colleen was inducted into the HeartSong Hall of Fame in recognition for her contribution to Heartsong's success.

Reviews

[Iva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Patchwork Christmas was actually two short stories that centered around the same quilt. The first one, about a small family that was homeless on Christmas, really struck a cord with me. The second one, an Air Force pilot who was suddenly grounded after an unfortunate event was good, but not really one in which I could identify. Actually, I felt like the central theme (the quilt) wasn't so central in the second story. The quilt actually came to the main character at the end, after his life was getting back on track. In contrast, the quilt was a central character of sorts in the first story, providing comfort to the main character and her two daughters in times of need.

The book is a quick read (although it took me awhile to read it over the holidays). It's a good, feel good story with strong God-led themes. Some readers, particularly military wives, might identify more with the second story than the first, but all might benefit from this feel-good holiday story.

[Deane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two short stories involving the same heirloom quilt although the first story about the family out on the streets because of job downsizing, is more about the quilt than the second story. During the first story, I felt such pain for that family whose trust in God never wavered despite such hardships. Didn't feel such emotion in the second story about a USAF pilot who was successfully rescued, no remaining damage except he can't fly again for the air force. With so many other really desperate needs in one's life, this setback seems too minor for all the anguish and despair he felt. Two stories that were re-affirming in God's faithfulness, in between books where faith in God has no relevance.

[Linda Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminds me of the " Sisterhood of Traveling Pants " by Ann Brashears. An Heirloom quilt owned by a retired school teacher finds it's way to two of her former students, at a time each recipient is in need of comfort and God's love.
I love how each character leads their lives with courage, optimism, hope and follow God's lead in their lives.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was given to me by my Mom. It isn't something I would typically read on my own, but I did enjoy it. It has two stories in it, and they are both Christian romance stories. They were both quick reads, and had happy endings.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The idea of two authors writing a story to continue a theme was very interesting. I did find the second author could have been more detailed in her half of the story. It was a nice December book to read with a Christian theme.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two absolutely wonderful stories where God plays a big part in what happens
You need to read these two stories
God bless you
I was given a pdf of this book for my honest review

[Angel Shears · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read overall. Liked the first story best.

[Cathya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice short , very much a faith based Christmas story

[Leila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the second half first, not realizing the two stories were co-dependent.[br/]I read Colleen's story first, as she's a member of my denomination and I enjoy her writing.[br/]Good read, nonetheless.