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Quilts of Love #22
Quilted by Christmas
A grandmother’s last wish is to communicate God’s love through an Irish chain quilt.
Taryn McKenna believes she’s easy to forget. Abandoned by her parents and left behind when her high school sweetheart joined the army, she vows to never love again and throws herself into her love for the outdoors and the pursuit of a college degree—something no one else in her family has ever accomplished. Her goal, as a young teacher in the hills of North Carolina, is to leave a legacy in the lives of the middle-schoolers she teaches.
When Taryn’s grandmother Jemma, the only other person who ever held her close, has a heart attack that reveals a fatal medical condition, Taryn is corralled into helping Grandma work on a final project—an Irish chain quilt that tells the story of her history and the love Jemma knows is out there for Taryn. As the pieces of the quilt come together, Taryn begins to see her value. Can she learn to believe that God will never leave her behind even though others have?
Taryn McKenna believes she’s easy to forget. Abandoned by her parents and left behind when her high school sweetheart joined the army, she vows to never love again and throws herself into her love for the outdoors and the pursuit of a college degree—something no one else in her family has ever accomplished. Her goal, as a young teacher in the hills of North Carolina, is to leave a legacy in the lives of the middle-schoolers she teaches.
When Taryn’s grandmother Jemma, the only other person who ever held her close, has a heart attack that reveals a fatal medical condition, Taryn is corralled into helping Grandma work on a final project—an Irish chain quilt that tells the story of her history and the love Jemma knows is out there for Taryn. As the pieces of the quilt come together, Taryn begins to see her value. Can she learn to believe that God will never leave her behind even though others have?
240 pages, Paperback
First published October 21, 2014
14 people are currently reading
697 people want to read
About the author
Jodie Bailey
113 books192 followersJodie Bailey is the author of Quilted by Christmas, as well as two suspense novels, Freefall and Crossfire and a novella in Holiday Defenders. Her devotions have appeared in Fighting Fear: Winning the War at Home and Sweet Freedom with a Slice of Peach Cobbler. She is also a contributor to PWOC International’s e100 Bible study for military wives. Her memberships include American Christian Fiction Writers.
When not at the keyboard, Jodie is a former middle school literature teacher and yearbook adviser who is convinced a camping trip to the beach with her family, a good cup of coffee, and a great book can cure all ills. Jodie lives in North Carolina with her husband, her daughter, and two dogs.
When not at the keyboard, Jodie is a former middle school literature teacher and yearbook adviser who is convinced a camping trip to the beach with her family, a good cup of coffee, and a great book can cure all ills. Jodie lives in North Carolina with her husband, her daughter, and two dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
November 1, 2014
My Take:
5 Stars!
Reading ANY of the Quilts of Love books are like going on a new journey you've been dying to go on for forever! I LOVE these books! Of course, the Christmas books are always my favorites, but then again I'm a sucker for Christmas and all it's magic! (However ALL of these books are the perfect book to pick up no matter what season it is!) None of these books are in any order, so you can pick up any one, two, three or more and have a brand new story and be in heaven as you read!
Taryn McKenna thinks she's an easy person to forget, even now at age 30. She definitely needs more self confidence, but after losing her parents when she was a young teenager, I can see how that could happen. Taryn is an extremely lucky girl in that her Grandparents took her in and have raised her since. Her Grandmother, Jemma, wants to finish an Irish Chain quilt (one of 'my' favorite patterns! One I that is on my bucket list! I've made a lot of quilts, but I LOVE this one and I think it's the BEST for Christmas!) for New Years Day for a very special and dear niece of hers, and every second of her time has been going into finishing up this quilt, yet things have been happening that makes it seem like they are keeping her away from it - ugh!
Taryn has a secret, and only her Grandmother knows what it is, not even her old boyfriend, Justin knows it. Speaking of him, guess who's back after 12 years in the Army? Yep! Justin! They didn't leave on very good terms, in fact, it was quite a fight which they never forgave each other for, and both left feeling extremely hurt, however, they've never had a chance to forgive each other because they have never seen each other since. So yes, this book does hold some forgiveness in it, and maybe this just might be the key to happiness for Taryn, finally!
This book (and entire series) is a Christian Fiction, so Taryn and the other characters have relied upon God to be their strength all of these years, and it has worked, for the most part, but even WAY cool Grandma Jemma learns a little more about this, too, even at her age, as she goes through a lot in this story, too. See, even these characters are written rich, warm, and like real people. You can't help but to love them and leave this book with a nice warm and fuzzy afterglow!
I hope you love this book as much as I did! It is really a perfect read for any time of the year, but since this is such a christmas'y book, it will fit right into this holiday! A must-buy, must-read ASAP! I received this book for FREE from the Publisher, Abingdon Press, and NetGalley, in exchange to read and write a review about it. "Free" means I was provided with ZERO MONIES to do so, but to enjoy the pure pleasure of reading it and giving my own honest opinion no matter whether it is positive or negative. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the law set here: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa...., The Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, 16 CFR 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising Federal Acquisition Regulation.
5 Stars!
Reading ANY of the Quilts of Love books are like going on a new journey you've been dying to go on for forever! I LOVE these books! Of course, the Christmas books are always my favorites, but then again I'm a sucker for Christmas and all it's magic! (However ALL of these books are the perfect book to pick up no matter what season it is!) None of these books are in any order, so you can pick up any one, two, three or more and have a brand new story and be in heaven as you read!
Taryn McKenna thinks she's an easy person to forget, even now at age 30. She definitely needs more self confidence, but after losing her parents when she was a young teenager, I can see how that could happen. Taryn is an extremely lucky girl in that her Grandparents took her in and have raised her since. Her Grandmother, Jemma, wants to finish an Irish Chain quilt (one of 'my' favorite patterns! One I that is on my bucket list! I've made a lot of quilts, but I LOVE this one and I think it's the BEST for Christmas!) for New Years Day for a very special and dear niece of hers, and every second of her time has been going into finishing up this quilt, yet things have been happening that makes it seem like they are keeping her away from it - ugh!
Taryn has a secret, and only her Grandmother knows what it is, not even her old boyfriend, Justin knows it. Speaking of him, guess who's back after 12 years in the Army? Yep! Justin! They didn't leave on very good terms, in fact, it was quite a fight which they never forgave each other for, and both left feeling extremely hurt, however, they've never had a chance to forgive each other because they have never seen each other since. So yes, this book does hold some forgiveness in it, and maybe this just might be the key to happiness for Taryn, finally!
This book (and entire series) is a Christian Fiction, so Taryn and the other characters have relied upon God to be their strength all of these years, and it has worked, for the most part, but even WAY cool Grandma Jemma learns a little more about this, too, even at her age, as she goes through a lot in this story, too. See, even these characters are written rich, warm, and like real people. You can't help but to love them and leave this book with a nice warm and fuzzy afterglow!
I hope you love this book as much as I did! It is really a perfect read for any time of the year, but since this is such a christmas'y book, it will fit right into this holiday! A must-buy, must-read ASAP! I received this book for FREE from the Publisher, Abingdon Press, and NetGalley, in exchange to read and write a review about it. "Free" means I was provided with ZERO MONIES to do so, but to enjoy the pure pleasure of reading it and giving my own honest opinion no matter whether it is positive or negative. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the law set here: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa...., The Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, 16 CFR 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising Federal Acquisition Regulation.
December 28, 2014
Reviewed at The Power of Words: http://tinyurl.com/kdc5mku
I am so glad to have discovered the writing of Jodie Bailey because I loved everything about her newest book, Quilted by Christmas, and believe all who read it will be blessed. While I've enjoyed every book I've read in the Quilts of Love series, some stand out for various reasons, and Quilted by Christmas falls into that category for me. With its character-driven narrative, small-town setting, engaging characters, emotional romance and plot, this is a story that pulls at the heartstrings.
Each book in this series stands alone, with the making of quilts with special meaning being the unifying theme. The quilt in this story is the Irish chain, a long-standing tradition in the McKenna family as mothers make hand-sewn quilts for their children when they marry.
Quilted by Christmas opens as the small town of Hollings, nestled in a valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina, is preparing for Christmas. I've spent many family vacations in these mountains and appreciated the sense of place that Jodie vividly conveyed. And there's a realness in the characters, flaws and all - or maybe because of their flaws. Hurt by her father's uncaring attitude while growing up and made to feel she didn't matter, the 18-year-old Taryn searched for something to fill that void and latched on to Justin, even to the point of trying to manipulate him out of neediness into staying in Hollings. In Marnie's words, "Justin was your addiction and you were always afraid he'd vanish." And the result was that she kept a secret that she shouldn't have, a secret that wasn't hers to keep.
Now more than a decade later, Justin returns to Hollings in the opening pages and Taryn is faced with the guilt of a past that is no longer hidden. Jemma, Taryn's grandmother, is at the heart of this story and quickly captured my heart. Jemma is feisty, a force to be reckoned with, and she "could pretty much get anything she wanted with a well-pointed stare." And with her loving nature, a servant's heart, and a fierce protectiveness, she reminds me of my own grandmother.
One of the story's themes is about doing the right thing, even when the reasons are wrong or misguided. Spiritual elements are strong and feel like a natural part of the characters' lives, such as Taryn's crisis of faith where she comes to understand the heart of a truly loving Father.
I highly recommend Quilted by Christmas and hope many readers discover Jodie Bailey's stories. Jodie is a writer of quality and I would love to see more family relationship stories from her with the same Blue Ridge Mountain setting.
Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I am so glad to have discovered the writing of Jodie Bailey because I loved everything about her newest book, Quilted by Christmas, and believe all who read it will be blessed. While I've enjoyed every book I've read in the Quilts of Love series, some stand out for various reasons, and Quilted by Christmas falls into that category for me. With its character-driven narrative, small-town setting, engaging characters, emotional romance and plot, this is a story that pulls at the heartstrings.
Each book in this series stands alone, with the making of quilts with special meaning being the unifying theme. The quilt in this story is the Irish chain, a long-standing tradition in the McKenna family as mothers make hand-sewn quilts for their children when they marry.
Quilted by Christmas opens as the small town of Hollings, nestled in a valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina, is preparing for Christmas. I've spent many family vacations in these mountains and appreciated the sense of place that Jodie vividly conveyed. And there's a realness in the characters, flaws and all - or maybe because of their flaws. Hurt by her father's uncaring attitude while growing up and made to feel she didn't matter, the 18-year-old Taryn searched for something to fill that void and latched on to Justin, even to the point of trying to manipulate him out of neediness into staying in Hollings. In Marnie's words, "Justin was your addiction and you were always afraid he'd vanish." And the result was that she kept a secret that she shouldn't have, a secret that wasn't hers to keep.
Now more than a decade later, Justin returns to Hollings in the opening pages and Taryn is faced with the guilt of a past that is no longer hidden. Jemma, Taryn's grandmother, is at the heart of this story and quickly captured my heart. Jemma is feisty, a force to be reckoned with, and she "could pretty much get anything she wanted with a well-pointed stare." And with her loving nature, a servant's heart, and a fierce protectiveness, she reminds me of my own grandmother.
One of the story's themes is about doing the right thing, even when the reasons are wrong or misguided. Spiritual elements are strong and feel like a natural part of the characters' lives, such as Taryn's crisis of faith where she comes to understand the heart of a truly loving Father.
I highly recommend Quilted by Christmas and hope many readers discover Jodie Bailey's stories. Jodie is a writer of quality and I would love to see more family relationship stories from her with the same Blue Ridge Mountain setting.
Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 19, 2014
* I was given this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
December 26, 2014
I read this book just before Christmas because I needed an uplifting story built on Christian principles and, hopefully, would be a good Christmas read. And it was! "Quilted by Christmas" is a simply told, sweetly depicted story of love, tender care, lost and regained hope, mistakes made and being confused, and trying to walk God's path. It is about God's redemptive love for His children through forgiveness, tender mercy, and the love that only God can give.
"Quilted by Christmas" is a part of the "Quilts of Love - Every Quilt Has a Story" series. This is the first one I have read but will look for others. But I want to find more of Jodie Bailey as she writes so very well.
Tender love between a young woman, Taryn McKenna, and her grandmother, Jemma, who raised Taryn after her mother died is central to the story as is the relationship between a young man, Justin Callahan, and Taryn. The two young people have not seen one another for twelve years, but when they reconnect, they find that what they felt when they were eighteen still had a strong hold on their hearts. They also carry baggage from their earlier relationship and the years in between. Yet, if they are to share any future life, guilt, words spoken in anger, and words never spoken, and much more must be spread out before and between them. Taryn thinks she needs to stand strong and independent, yet finds that these characteristics of hers must be given to God so He can wrap His arms of caring, forgiveness, and love around her. There are pieces of Justin and Jemma's lives that must also come to the Cross. This sweet story is really about the way God has a perfect plan for each of us when we allow Him to go before us.
I highly recommend this "Quilted by Christmas," but make sure you allow yourself room to ponder.
Author
Jodie Bailey was a military spouse for fifteen years. After their military life, they settled in North Carolina. She is the author of two "Love Inspired Suspense Series" novels - Freefall and Crossfire, and co-author of Holiday Defenders, a part of that same series, but with three novellas by three authors. Jodie is a contributor to Edie Melson’s devotional for military families, Fighting Fear: Winning the War at Home. She has a new one coming in the Spring of 2015 called The Dillinger Racing Series. She teaches middle-schoolers to love writing as much as she does. Jodie is married and has a daughter. You can find her on the web at JodieBailey.com, and @jodiebailey (Twitter), and https://www.facebook.com/JodieBaileyA...
Seriously Write has an interview with Jodie as well: http://seriouslywrite.blogspot.com/20...
"Quilted by Christmas" is a part of the "Quilts of Love - Every Quilt Has a Story" series. This is the first one I have read but will look for others. But I want to find more of Jodie Bailey as she writes so very well.
Tender love between a young woman, Taryn McKenna, and her grandmother, Jemma, who raised Taryn after her mother died is central to the story as is the relationship between a young man, Justin Callahan, and Taryn. The two young people have not seen one another for twelve years, but when they reconnect, they find that what they felt when they were eighteen still had a strong hold on their hearts. They also carry baggage from their earlier relationship and the years in between. Yet, if they are to share any future life, guilt, words spoken in anger, and words never spoken, and much more must be spread out before and between them. Taryn thinks she needs to stand strong and independent, yet finds that these characteristics of hers must be given to God so He can wrap His arms of caring, forgiveness, and love around her. There are pieces of Justin and Jemma's lives that must also come to the Cross. This sweet story is really about the way God has a perfect plan for each of us when we allow Him to go before us.
I highly recommend this "Quilted by Christmas," but make sure you allow yourself room to ponder.
Author
Jodie Bailey was a military spouse for fifteen years. After their military life, they settled in North Carolina. She is the author of two "Love Inspired Suspense Series" novels - Freefall and Crossfire, and co-author of Holiday Defenders, a part of that same series, but with three novellas by three authors. Jodie is a contributor to Edie Melson’s devotional for military families, Fighting Fear: Winning the War at Home. She has a new one coming in the Spring of 2015 called The Dillinger Racing Series. She teaches middle-schoolers to love writing as much as she does. Jodie is married and has a daughter. You can find her on the web at JodieBailey.com, and @jodiebailey (Twitter), and https://www.facebook.com/JodieBaileyA...
Seriously Write has an interview with Jodie as well: http://seriouslywrite.blogspot.com/20...
November 1, 2014
Quilted By Christmas by Jodie Bailey is more than just a nice warm Christmas story, with a feel-good factor. It is a novel that deals with a whole host of topics - love, guilt, forgiveness - and a novel that will get you thinking, particularly about the love that God has for all His children.
Taryn, the main character is likeable and realistically drawn. She could be any one of us. Earlier, in what she perceived as an act of love, Taryn did something that was to consume her waking hours for the next twelve years. Taryn laid human emotions on God, and in her guilt and anger against herself, she did not believe that God could love her unconditionally.
Taryn has a beautiful relationship with her grandmother Jemma, as her mother died when Taryn was in her teens, and her father never loved her or had a relationship with her, as he felt 'trapped' by his wife and daughter. Jemma is the grandmother we would all wish for - sewing quilts, baking cakes and cookies, and protecting with love. Jemma, too, made a mistake in the name of love twelve years earlier, and like Taryn, has consequently lived with the guilt.
Justin is the boy that Taryn had grown up with, and who had loved her, but she had not seen him for twelve years, since a terrible argument where he accused her of being 'too needy', and she released him to pursue his career. Now Justin is back in town, and Taryn is bound to run into him, but what will she say to him? Can they pick up the pieces after twelve years apart? Is it possible for them to ever be 'just friends'?
I received a copy of Quilted By Christmas and have been blessed by it. It explores human relationships and family bonds, showing that even actions motivated by love can have far reaching consequences. Recognising God's unconditional love is vital. Love is the bond that ultimately binds us all together, and whilst past actions may hurt, forgiveness must be both given and accepted, so that future love is not missed.
I thoroughly enjoyed Quilted By Christmas, and whilst it is good to read it in the festive season. It can be read any time as there are life lessons for us all to learn.
Taryn, the main character is likeable and realistically drawn. She could be any one of us. Earlier, in what she perceived as an act of love, Taryn did something that was to consume her waking hours for the next twelve years. Taryn laid human emotions on God, and in her guilt and anger against herself, she did not believe that God could love her unconditionally.
Taryn has a beautiful relationship with her grandmother Jemma, as her mother died when Taryn was in her teens, and her father never loved her or had a relationship with her, as he felt 'trapped' by his wife and daughter. Jemma is the grandmother we would all wish for - sewing quilts, baking cakes and cookies, and protecting with love. Jemma, too, made a mistake in the name of love twelve years earlier, and like Taryn, has consequently lived with the guilt.
Justin is the boy that Taryn had grown up with, and who had loved her, but she had not seen him for twelve years, since a terrible argument where he accused her of being 'too needy', and she released him to pursue his career. Now Justin is back in town, and Taryn is bound to run into him, but what will she say to him? Can they pick up the pieces after twelve years apart? Is it possible for them to ever be 'just friends'?
I received a copy of Quilted By Christmas and have been blessed by it. It explores human relationships and family bonds, showing that even actions motivated by love can have far reaching consequences. Recognising God's unconditional love is vital. Love is the bond that ultimately binds us all together, and whilst past actions may hurt, forgiveness must be both given and accepted, so that future love is not missed.
I thoroughly enjoyed Quilted By Christmas, and whilst it is good to read it in the festive season. It can be read any time as there are life lessons for us all to learn.
November 16, 2014
A small mountain town in North Carolina. What a perfect setting for a North Carolina gal to read a book about and it is also a charming Christmas read. Gotta be good! So let’s see…..
High school sweethearts Taryn McKenna and Justin Callahan don’t quite make it to the altar. They go their separate ways – Taryn to college and Justin into the military. Twelve years pass. During that period of time the two have lived full lives. Taryn is a school teacher, loved, respected. Justin has returned from honorable military service to take over his father’s construction business.
Into the mix is a beloved grandmother – Jemma. Feisty, hard and robust as mountaineers go, beloved by granddaughter Taryn and Justin as well. But an accident looms and it brings down Jemma and lands her in the hospital. It brings Taryn and Justin back together again because of their love for her. And then the fun begins.
Now how in the world does a quilt come into play in a Christmas story, a story about an injured grandmother, and boy meets girl after twelve years? Well, it all comes down to tradition – mountain and family tradition.
We get a bit of romance (sweet), a bunch of anger, a heaping of secrets, and a bit of sewing by……. well, you’ll just have to read it yourself to find out.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for this review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. I received no compensation for the review.
High school sweethearts Taryn McKenna and Justin Callahan don’t quite make it to the altar. They go their separate ways – Taryn to college and Justin into the military. Twelve years pass. During that period of time the two have lived full lives. Taryn is a school teacher, loved, respected. Justin has returned from honorable military service to take over his father’s construction business.
Into the mix is a beloved grandmother – Jemma. Feisty, hard and robust as mountaineers go, beloved by granddaughter Taryn and Justin as well. But an accident looms and it brings down Jemma and lands her in the hospital. It brings Taryn and Justin back together again because of their love for her. And then the fun begins.
Now how in the world does a quilt come into play in a Christmas story, a story about an injured grandmother, and boy meets girl after twelve years? Well, it all comes down to tradition – mountain and family tradition.
We get a bit of romance (sweet), a bunch of anger, a heaping of secrets, and a bit of sewing by……. well, you’ll just have to read it yourself to find out.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for this review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. I received no compensation for the review.
July 23, 2016
This review is also posted on Book by Book.
Jodie Bailey’s Quilted by Christmas is another delightful and heartwarming Christmas story I have had the privilege of reading recently – and it definitely fits well within the Quilts of Love series. Though it is easily a quick read, Bailey’s story touches on the challenging topics of guilt from the past, offering forgiveness and accepting unconditional love. The relationships between the characters bring these issues to life realistically and I really enjoyed seeing them grow and reconcile together. It’s an emotional journey, but well-worth the read. Anyone looking for an inspirational and heartening holiday read (or naturally, those who love Quilts of Love books) should consider Quilted by Christmas.
Thanks to LitFuse Publicity Group, I received a copy of Quilted by Christmas and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
Jodie Bailey’s Quilted by Christmas is another delightful and heartwarming Christmas story I have had the privilege of reading recently – and it definitely fits well within the Quilts of Love series. Though it is easily a quick read, Bailey’s story touches on the challenging topics of guilt from the past, offering forgiveness and accepting unconditional love. The relationships between the characters bring these issues to life realistically and I really enjoyed seeing them grow and reconcile together. It’s an emotional journey, but well-worth the read. Anyone looking for an inspirational and heartening holiday read (or naturally, those who love Quilts of Love books) should consider Quilted by Christmas.
Thanks to LitFuse Publicity Group, I received a copy of Quilted by Christmas and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
November 10, 2014
A "3.5"I was a goodreads first reads winner of "Quilted by Christmas:Quilts of Love series" this is a nice story. I guess it is a part of a series by Jodie Bailey.Taryn is a 29 year old woman who lives with her grandma Jemma. she has lived with her most of her life. Jemma has been the only person in Taryn's life she could feel loved by and could count on. Around Christmas Jemma injures herself and later has a heart attack. Jemma is a devoted quilter and had been working on a quilt for another relative's wedding present. at this same time enters a man from Taryn's past. Taryn promises to finish a quilt for her grandma. There are some secrets that both Taryn and grandma both have kept. do not want to give away too much of the plot. will love heal all wounds? will prayer and faith in God help this family? A good story about family, quilting, and faith.a bit predictable but I would give this story a 3.5. total for being a likable book.
July 1, 2017
This story made me tear up a bit. I so wanted to find out what ultimately happened between Taryn and Justin. Funny how a fictional story can do that kind of thing to your psyche. This was a beautiful Christmas read.
I received an e-copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an e-copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2019
Amazing book with many stories and remarkable endings. This is the first Quilts of Love book I accidentally stumbled on.... safe to say my goal now is to read all of them. Love faith based books that carry life long lessons. Being a quilter myself was just an extra added bonus! I know how important the idea of a quilt as a gift is to the piecer and the recipient. The story line was incredible!
January 13, 2023
While this is fairly predictable, I really enjoyed it. By the end, I wanted more - especially .
This was another poorly edited trad book though. Not sure why I've read a string of them lately. Still, the story was good enough to keep going.
This was another poorly edited trad book though. Not sure why I've read a string of them lately. Still, the story was good enough to keep going.
November 24, 2025
This my second Christmas book was an ok book, I liked the plot but surprisingly I did not like the extra details she had in it. Normally I'm a "the more the better" when it comes to details to help me smell it, hear it, feel it, etc but the details she wrote about were more superficial. It took me a while to get started with it, but I'm glad I stuck it out!
December 25, 2016
I liked the plot and intertwining of a quilt with a leaky roof and a truck named Fred. Themes of forgiveness, love for family and the truth always wins out. A great Christmas read. It's in the Quilts of Love series, which I'm working my way through
May 13, 2017
Not very impressed.
January 17, 2021
The 22nd book in the Quilts of Love series. Christian fiction. Sweet romance.
March 6, 2021
Sweet story of a second chance at love for Taryn and Justin. My favorite part was the humorous scene in chapters 12 and 13. Loved that banter! Fun Christmas read.
July 16, 2022
Fabulous book! Very sweet ! A story of forgiveness and hope and Christmas love
September 2, 2014
Quilted by Christmas by Jodie Bailey
A grandmother’s last wish is to communicate God’s love through an Irish chain quilt.
Taryn McKenna believes she’s easy to forget. Abandoned by her parents and left behind when her high school sweetheart joined the army, she vows to never love again and throws herself into her love for the outdoors and the pursuit of a college degree—something no one else in her family has ever accomplished. Her goal, as a young teacher in the hills of North Carolina, is to leave a legacy in the lives of the middle-schoolers she teaches.
When Taryn’s grandmother Jemma, the only other person who ever held her close, has a heart attack that reveals a fatal medical condition, Taryn is corralled into helping Grandma work on a final project—an Irish chain quilt that tells the story of her history and the love Jemma knows is out there for Taryn. As the pieces of the quilt come together, Taryn begins to see her value. Can she learn to believe that God will never leave her behind even though others have?
Quilted by Christmas: Quilts of Love Series (Quilts of Love #22)
by Jodie Bailey
A grandmother’s last wish is to communicate God’s love through an Irish chain quilt.
Taryn McKenna believes she’s easy to forget. Abandoned by her parents and left behind when her high school sweetheart joined the army, she vows to never love again and throws herself into her love for the outdoors and the pursuit of a college degree—something no one else in her family has ever accomplished. Her goal, as a young teacher in the hills of North Carolina, is to leave a legacy in the lives of the middle-schoolers she teaches.
When Taryn’s grandmother Jemma, the only other person who ever held her close, has a heart attack that reveals a fatal medical condition, Taryn is corralled into helping Grandma work on a final project—an Irish chain quilt that tells the story of her history and the love Jemma knows is out there for Taryn. As the pieces of the quilt come together, Taryn begins to see her value. Can she learn to believe that God will never leave her behind even though others have?
will Taryn overcome the hold of her past and find forgiveness and true happiness?
What Secret has Taryn kept?
Taryn’s grandmother Jemma also has kept a Secret. what is her Secret?
Taryn is corralled into helping Grandma work on a final project—an Irish chain quilt that tells the story of who history ?
what is Justin Secret?
will Taryn and Justin be more than friends?
I was a goodreads first reads winner of "Quilted by Christmas:Quilts of Love series"
Quilted by Christmas by Jodie Bailey is a wonderful well written 5 stars book.
I am looking forward to reading more books Jodie Bailey.
Quilted by Christmas: Quilts of Love Series (Quilts of Love #22)
by Jodie Bailey
Freefall
Crossfire
A grandmother’s last wish is to communicate God’s love through an Irish chain quilt.
Taryn McKenna believes she’s easy to forget. Abandoned by her parents and left behind when her high school sweetheart joined the army, she vows to never love again and throws herself into her love for the outdoors and the pursuit of a college degree—something no one else in her family has ever accomplished. Her goal, as a young teacher in the hills of North Carolina, is to leave a legacy in the lives of the middle-schoolers she teaches.
When Taryn’s grandmother Jemma, the only other person who ever held her close, has a heart attack that reveals a fatal medical condition, Taryn is corralled into helping Grandma work on a final project—an Irish chain quilt that tells the story of her history and the love Jemma knows is out there for Taryn. As the pieces of the quilt come together, Taryn begins to see her value. Can she learn to believe that God will never leave her behind even though others have?
Quilted by Christmas: Quilts of Love Series (Quilts of Love #22)
by Jodie Bailey
A grandmother’s last wish is to communicate God’s love through an Irish chain quilt.
Taryn McKenna believes she’s easy to forget. Abandoned by her parents and left behind when her high school sweetheart joined the army, she vows to never love again and throws herself into her love for the outdoors and the pursuit of a college degree—something no one else in her family has ever accomplished. Her goal, as a young teacher in the hills of North Carolina, is to leave a legacy in the lives of the middle-schoolers she teaches.
When Taryn’s grandmother Jemma, the only other person who ever held her close, has a heart attack that reveals a fatal medical condition, Taryn is corralled into helping Grandma work on a final project—an Irish chain quilt that tells the story of her history and the love Jemma knows is out there for Taryn. As the pieces of the quilt come together, Taryn begins to see her value. Can she learn to believe that God will never leave her behind even though others have?
will Taryn overcome the hold of her past and find forgiveness and true happiness?
What Secret has Taryn kept?
Taryn’s grandmother Jemma also has kept a Secret. what is her Secret?
Taryn is corralled into helping Grandma work on a final project—an Irish chain quilt that tells the story of who history ?
what is Justin Secret?
will Taryn and Justin be more than friends?
I was a goodreads first reads winner of "Quilted by Christmas:Quilts of Love series"
Quilted by Christmas by Jodie Bailey is a wonderful well written 5 stars book.
I am looking forward to reading more books Jodie Bailey.
Quilted by Christmas: Quilts of Love Series (Quilts of Love #22)
by Jodie Bailey
Freefall
Crossfire
October 23, 2014
Each of the Quilts of Love novels are perfect for a little romance with a quilt as the setting around which the story itself revolves. Any of them can be read in any order even though they all belong in the series. Quilted by Christmas from Jodie Bailey takes an Irish Chain Quilt and weaves a story of high school romance that is given an opportunity for a second chance. After reading this one, it makes me want to break out my quilting supplies again while my daughters are still single.
Taryn McKenna and Justin Callahan grew up as best friends who fell in love before they turned eighteen. Through a series of arguments that dealt with the differences in how each of them were raised, they soon parted ways. Now that Taryn has turned 30, she is wonders if all those secrets from her past will keep them apart when she learns that Justin has come home after serving in the Army. If she can only find a way to tell him the one thing she should have 12 years ago that may or may not have changed where they find themselves today.
Jemma, Taryn's feisty grandmother is in the process of passing down a time honored tradition of hand sewing an Irish Chain quilt for Rachel, her niece since both girls have lost their mothers, Jemma is all they have left to ensure that the family tradition of handing down the quilt as a marriage gift continues on. She also knows how much Taryn has loved Justin and the circumstances that have kept them apart. In fact, she knows just how to make all the necessary arrangements to ensure they spend time together as Christmas nears and she has so much to do.
I received Quilted by Christmas by Jodie Bailey compliments of Litfuse Publicity and Abingdon Press for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. This is the story of redemption, forgiveness and second chances which I believe the author expressed beautifully in the characters of Taryn, Justin and Jemma. It outlines in a carefully constructed way the consequences of keeping some secrets that should never be kept. In the conclusion of the novel the author exemplifies the true meaning of unconditional love through Justin's actions towards not only Jemma but also in dealing with Taryn's secret. "It also exposes that love isn't something you earn. It's not something you have to be good enough for. Real love is freely given, not taken away because you don't do what someone else wants." (99). Such a perfect way to spend a cold crisp December evening, curled up by the fire and reading an exceptional romance such as this. A well deserved 5 out of 5 stars. There is a sneak peek of Swept Away by Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven and a Reader's Discussion Guide at the conclusion of this novel as well.
Taryn McKenna and Justin Callahan grew up as best friends who fell in love before they turned eighteen. Through a series of arguments that dealt with the differences in how each of them were raised, they soon parted ways. Now that Taryn has turned 30, she is wonders if all those secrets from her past will keep them apart when she learns that Justin has come home after serving in the Army. If she can only find a way to tell him the one thing she should have 12 years ago that may or may not have changed where they find themselves today.
Jemma, Taryn's feisty grandmother is in the process of passing down a time honored tradition of hand sewing an Irish Chain quilt for Rachel, her niece since both girls have lost their mothers, Jemma is all they have left to ensure that the family tradition of handing down the quilt as a marriage gift continues on. She also knows how much Taryn has loved Justin and the circumstances that have kept them apart. In fact, she knows just how to make all the necessary arrangements to ensure they spend time together as Christmas nears and she has so much to do.
I received Quilted by Christmas by Jodie Bailey compliments of Litfuse Publicity and Abingdon Press for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. This is the story of redemption, forgiveness and second chances which I believe the author expressed beautifully in the characters of Taryn, Justin and Jemma. It outlines in a carefully constructed way the consequences of keeping some secrets that should never be kept. In the conclusion of the novel the author exemplifies the true meaning of unconditional love through Justin's actions towards not only Jemma but also in dealing with Taryn's secret. "It also exposes that love isn't something you earn. It's not something you have to be good enough for. Real love is freely given, not taken away because you don't do what someone else wants." (99). Such a perfect way to spend a cold crisp December evening, curled up by the fire and reading an exceptional romance such as this. A well deserved 5 out of 5 stars. There is a sneak peek of Swept Away by Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven and a Reader's Discussion Guide at the conclusion of this novel as well.
December 19, 2014
Quilted by Christmas by Jodie Bailey is a short and sweet novel that brings the magic of the holiday alive within a family and high school romance returned from the grave. Bailey gives readers the chance to learn the meanings of forgiveness in her novel, takes place in small North Carolina mountain town. The first novel I’ve read in the Quilts of Love series, I will be sure to read more of these darling books because Bailey made a strong impression as a storyteller and writer in Quilted by Christmas.
Combinding a spunky grandmother, an army hero, and a sweet high school teacher, Quilted by Christmas is a story of a broken high school romance that is rekindled between a hero’s return, a heroine’s redemption, and a grandmother’s love demonstrated through an Irish chain quilt. Bailey intricately weaves lessons of forgiveness and love through her main characters as they come to find and demonstrate God’s love for His children within their own lives. Taryn McKenna, broken from abandonment and believing she is not worthy of love after a few disastrous mistakes, struggles to believe she will find happiness even when her longtime love returns from military duty. In Quilted by Christmas, Bailey shows readers that God’s love outweighs every move we make through the lessons Taryn learns as she forgives herself and others. Justin Callahan returns to North Carolina with hopes to reconcile with Taryn, after leaving twelve years earlier in the midst of a heated argument that ended their relationship. A hero worthy of any female reader’s admiration, Justin’s actions and words are a constant reminder that while forgiveness may not be easy, it is the only way to relieve burdens and move forward from past mistakes.
In the middle of these two characters is the feisty Jemma, Taryn’s grandmother and Bailey’s center for all things in Quilted by Christmas. Quick witted, sarcastic, and loving, Jemma provides readers with laughter in just about every scene. I particularly enjoyed her, as well, because Jemma is not perfect and her mistake that comes to light about three-quarters of the way through the book begins a denouement much different than I expected.
Quilted by Christmas has a few moments that took me by surprise—I enjoyed the book much more than I thought I would because of those scenes, and now I have higher expectations for the rest of the series that I’m confident will be fulfilled if the authors are in any way similar to Bailey. This novel was a pleasurable read that I would consider rereading if in need of a light feel-good story. The Scriptural lessons sprinkled throughout the novel are hidden enough to not be too obvious but still available for readers to analyze without complications internally and externally of the story. I recommend Quilted by Christmas for female readers who enjoy light contemporary holiday novels.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Combinding a spunky grandmother, an army hero, and a sweet high school teacher, Quilted by Christmas is a story of a broken high school romance that is rekindled between a hero’s return, a heroine’s redemption, and a grandmother’s love demonstrated through an Irish chain quilt. Bailey intricately weaves lessons of forgiveness and love through her main characters as they come to find and demonstrate God’s love for His children within their own lives. Taryn McKenna, broken from abandonment and believing she is not worthy of love after a few disastrous mistakes, struggles to believe she will find happiness even when her longtime love returns from military duty. In Quilted by Christmas, Bailey shows readers that God’s love outweighs every move we make through the lessons Taryn learns as she forgives herself and others. Justin Callahan returns to North Carolina with hopes to reconcile with Taryn, after leaving twelve years earlier in the midst of a heated argument that ended their relationship. A hero worthy of any female reader’s admiration, Justin’s actions and words are a constant reminder that while forgiveness may not be easy, it is the only way to relieve burdens and move forward from past mistakes.
In the middle of these two characters is the feisty Jemma, Taryn’s grandmother and Bailey’s center for all things in Quilted by Christmas. Quick witted, sarcastic, and loving, Jemma provides readers with laughter in just about every scene. I particularly enjoyed her, as well, because Jemma is not perfect and her mistake that comes to light about three-quarters of the way through the book begins a denouement much different than I expected.
Quilted by Christmas has a few moments that took me by surprise—I enjoyed the book much more than I thought I would because of those scenes, and now I have higher expectations for the rest of the series that I’m confident will be fulfilled if the authors are in any way similar to Bailey. This novel was a pleasurable read that I would consider rereading if in need of a light feel-good story. The Scriptural lessons sprinkled throughout the novel are hidden enough to not be too obvious but still available for readers to analyze without complications internally and externally of the story. I recommend Quilted by Christmas for female readers who enjoy light contemporary holiday novels.
Rating: 3.5 stars
November 9, 2014
Jodie Bailey in her new book, “Quilted By Christmas” Book Twenty-Two in the Quilts of Love Series published by Abingdon Press brings us into the life of Taryn McKenna.
From the back cover: Taryn is keeping a secret she never should have kept.
Taryn McKenna believes she’s easy to forget. Abandoned by her parents and left behind when her high school sweetheart joined the army, she vows to never love again and throws herself into her love for the outdoors and the pursuit of a college degree-something no one else in her family has ever accomplished. Her goal, as a young teacher in the hills of North Carolina, is to leave a legacy in the lives of the middle-schoolers she teaches.When Taryn’s grandmother Jemma, the only other person who ever held her close, has a heart attack that reveals a fatal medical condition, Taryn is corralled into helping Grandma work on a final project-an Irish chain quilt that tells the story of her history and the love Jemma knows is out there for Taryn. As the pieces of the quilt come together, Taryn begins to see her value. Can she learn to believe that God will never leave her behind even though others have?
Twelve years before Taryn and Justin had a great relationship but secrets broke them apart. Now Justin is back in town and Jemma, Taryn’s grandmother, knows exactly what to do to get them back together again. “Quilted By Christmas” is all about what happens when we are not open and honest with one another. They cause a great deal of pain and misunderstanding which, of course, gets in the way of the relationship. Ms. Bailey has given us a great deal of story that all works itself out over the creation of the Irish chain quilt. There are moments of great fun and moments of high emotion but through it all there is lots of love. This book will keep you thinking.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: Taryn is keeping a secret she never should have kept.
Taryn McKenna believes she’s easy to forget. Abandoned by her parents and left behind when her high school sweetheart joined the army, she vows to never love again and throws herself into her love for the outdoors and the pursuit of a college degree-something no one else in her family has ever accomplished. Her goal, as a young teacher in the hills of North Carolina, is to leave a legacy in the lives of the middle-schoolers she teaches.When Taryn’s grandmother Jemma, the only other person who ever held her close, has a heart attack that reveals a fatal medical condition, Taryn is corralled into helping Grandma work on a final project-an Irish chain quilt that tells the story of her history and the love Jemma knows is out there for Taryn. As the pieces of the quilt come together, Taryn begins to see her value. Can she learn to believe that God will never leave her behind even though others have?
Twelve years before Taryn and Justin had a great relationship but secrets broke them apart. Now Justin is back in town and Jemma, Taryn’s grandmother, knows exactly what to do to get them back together again. “Quilted By Christmas” is all about what happens when we are not open and honest with one another. They cause a great deal of pain and misunderstanding which, of course, gets in the way of the relationship. Ms. Bailey has given us a great deal of story that all works itself out over the creation of the Irish chain quilt. There are moments of great fun and moments of high emotion but through it all there is lots of love. This book will keep you thinking.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
December 17, 2014
It has been twelve years. Twelve years since that fateful night when Taryn McKenna pushed Justin Callahan, her high school sweetheart, to take the next step in their relationship. Taryn hasn’t seen him since. Reeling from the breakup and guarding a secret that must never come to light, Taryn went off to school, but soon found herself back home and is now a teacher in fictional Hollings, North Carolina.
Not too long before Christmas, Taryn finds her calm and quiet existence disrupted by Justin’s return from the army. But, he’s not back for a short visit; Justin has retired and come home to Hollings for good. Now, Justin’s words, “You’re needy. Manipulative. You used me,” are ringing in Taryn’s head once again. Moreover, not only does she have to face him in town, but Taryn’s Grandma Jemma has hired Justin to do some work around Jemma’s house. What is Taryn to do when her only haven has been invaded by a man she has done everything to forget?
When Grandma Jemma is rushed to the hospital, Taryn must admit that it isn’t feeling a lot like Christmas, though this new event does show Taryn exactly the kind of man that Justin has grown into. Before her stint in the hospital, Grandma Jemma was working on a hand-stitched quilt as a wedding present for Taryn’s cousin. It is a tradition for a hand-stitched quilt containing an Irish chain to be made for every new McKenna bride. With Jemma in the hospital, it is Taryn’s duty to finish the quilt. Nevertheless, fate must be working against the McKenna’s because there is no way that Taryn will finish this quilt on her own. When Justin offers to commit his quilting skills to the cause, will Taryn be able to set her feelings aside? Even more importantly, will Taryn recognize the opportunities for healing that God is placing in front of her?
Quilted by Christmas is the twenty-second title in the Quilts of Love series. This series is made up of a multitude of books written by various authors to share their stories of “love and loss, hope and faith, tradition and new beginnings.” This is much like how a quilt is made up of many tiny stiches that are assembled together to tell a story.
Not too long before Christmas, Taryn finds her calm and quiet existence disrupted by Justin’s return from the army. But, he’s not back for a short visit; Justin has retired and come home to Hollings for good. Now, Justin’s words, “You’re needy. Manipulative. You used me,” are ringing in Taryn’s head once again. Moreover, not only does she have to face him in town, but Taryn’s Grandma Jemma has hired Justin to do some work around Jemma’s house. What is Taryn to do when her only haven has been invaded by a man she has done everything to forget?
When Grandma Jemma is rushed to the hospital, Taryn must admit that it isn’t feeling a lot like Christmas, though this new event does show Taryn exactly the kind of man that Justin has grown into. Before her stint in the hospital, Grandma Jemma was working on a hand-stitched quilt as a wedding present for Taryn’s cousin. It is a tradition for a hand-stitched quilt containing an Irish chain to be made for every new McKenna bride. With Jemma in the hospital, it is Taryn’s duty to finish the quilt. Nevertheless, fate must be working against the McKenna’s because there is no way that Taryn will finish this quilt on her own. When Justin offers to commit his quilting skills to the cause, will Taryn be able to set her feelings aside? Even more importantly, will Taryn recognize the opportunities for healing that God is placing in front of her?
Quilted by Christmas is the twenty-second title in the Quilts of Love series. This series is made up of a multitude of books written by various authors to share their stories of “love and loss, hope and faith, tradition and new beginnings.” This is much like how a quilt is made up of many tiny stiches that are assembled together to tell a story.
December 14, 2015
My thanks to NetGalley and Abingdon Press for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
Ranty spoiler-fest follows, please be warned.
I got 15% of the way into this book. That was when the "Big Secret" was finally revealed to the reader. That's when this reader deleted it off of her Kindle.
It started off in the typical romance way. Young couple in love was torn apart because the female MC had a "Big Secret" and decided to break up with the male MC, rather than ruin his life by telling him the truth. He leaves for 12 years to be in the military. They were like 18 when they broke up, please note.
The book starts off the MCs are in their 30s and the male MC has just come back to the small mountain town where they were both from. Everyone in the town believes the female MC was an idiot for breaking up with the male MC, even her family. The grandmother is trying to get them back together. That's when the "Big Secret" was revealed via the female MC's thoughts.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
She was pregnant and gave the baby up for adoption WITHOUT TELLING HIM AT ALL!!!!!
SAY WHAT!?!??!
Ok, not all men are cool with having kids, but he should have had a CHOICE in the matter. I mean, that's half of his DNA. Let him have the choice to walk away or take responsibility for his actions. But to make the decision for him, that's just WRONG.
I'm assuming that she tells him the truth eventually, that he has a 12 year old child being raised by complete strangers, who he has no legal rights to whatsoever.
I would kill her.
I don't care if the kid was adopted by a family member and accessible to both of the MCs. The whole thing just rankled me.
I don't see how this is a religious book. I know, I know, for a Christmas book, you need a big bad thing that needs to be overcome by the Christmas miracle, but this was just too much for me to swallow.
I'm sure it's a good book for someone else. I was just unable to get past the "Big Secret". It was TOO much for me. One star and not one I will be recommending.
Ranty spoiler-fest follows, please be warned.
I got 15% of the way into this book. That was when the "Big Secret" was finally revealed to the reader. That's when this reader deleted it off of her Kindle.
It started off in the typical romance way. Young couple in love was torn apart because the female MC had a "Big Secret" and decided to break up with the male MC, rather than ruin his life by telling him the truth. He leaves for 12 years to be in the military. They were like 18 when they broke up, please note.
The book starts off the MCs are in their 30s and the male MC has just come back to the small mountain town where they were both from. Everyone in the town believes the female MC was an idiot for breaking up with the male MC, even her family. The grandmother is trying to get them back together. That's when the "Big Secret" was revealed via the female MC's thoughts.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
She was pregnant and gave the baby up for adoption WITHOUT TELLING HIM AT ALL!!!!!
SAY WHAT!?!??!
Ok, not all men are cool with having kids, but he should have had a CHOICE in the matter. I mean, that's half of his DNA. Let him have the choice to walk away or take responsibility for his actions. But to make the decision for him, that's just WRONG.
I'm assuming that she tells him the truth eventually, that he has a 12 year old child being raised by complete strangers, who he has no legal rights to whatsoever.
I would kill her.
I don't care if the kid was adopted by a family member and accessible to both of the MCs. The whole thing just rankled me.
I don't see how this is a religious book. I know, I know, for a Christmas book, you need a big bad thing that needs to be overcome by the Christmas miracle, but this was just too much for me to swallow.
I'm sure it's a good book for someone else. I was just unable to get past the "Big Secret". It was TOO much for me. One star and not one I will be recommending.
November 14, 2014
I’ve been enjoying the Quilts of Love series for some time now and when I saw the Christmas themed one, Quilted by Christmas I knew I had to add this one to my read pile. I’ve never had the chance to read any of Jodie Bailey’s other titles but this one has me definitely wanting to check them out, right away we are introduced to Taryn McKenna who has carried around a secret for years and the townspeople who think she let a good one get away. The book is a good example of why “words will never hurt me” is so wrong – words that are spoken in anger and spite and left to fester cause wounds that can’t be seen but must be healed as much as an seen wound. As Justin Callahan arrives on the scene again and back into Taryn’s life she can’t seem to avoid him as her Grandmother keeps hiring to do odd jobs around her house – then Taryn finds the beginning of a quilt – and the mystery begins.
Quilts tell stories, they represent love, time and care – when one finds a quilt they don’t just find a blanket but they find something much more. Family heritage, rites of passage, cultural stories retold, so when Taryn discovers the quilt her Grandma has been working on for a wedding to be given to the bride has been ruined she sets out to put the discarded, started quilt in the attic together. Little does she know what that quilt symbolizes. As she and Justin work together quilting this quilt for the upcoming Christmas time wedding, neither knows the unexpected turn their lives will take both literally and symbolically. I recommend this book if you enjoy a good Christmas time book, a good romance or just a book about Christ’s healing love as it can work through others – it’s a good quick read for this holiday season!
**I was provided a copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.
Quilts tell stories, they represent love, time and care – when one finds a quilt they don’t just find a blanket but they find something much more. Family heritage, rites of passage, cultural stories retold, so when Taryn discovers the quilt her Grandma has been working on for a wedding to be given to the bride has been ruined she sets out to put the discarded, started quilt in the attic together. Little does she know what that quilt symbolizes. As she and Justin work together quilting this quilt for the upcoming Christmas time wedding, neither knows the unexpected turn their lives will take both literally and symbolically. I recommend this book if you enjoy a good Christmas time book, a good romance or just a book about Christ’s healing love as it can work through others – it’s a good quick read for this holiday season!
**I was provided a copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.
December 31, 2014
Seasonal and Timeless
Jodie Bailey sets most of Quilted by Christmas in North Carolina, where testimonies run true, quilting is commonplace, politeness prevails, friends often become kin. In case you've read the teasers or started reading the book, I won't include spoilers in this review, so I'll simply say Quilted by Christmas is such a good love story about Taryn and Justin (from when they were late teenaged lovers, to more than a decade later when they'd grown in chronology, maturity, and self-understanding), such an accurate account of the sometime messiness of being human, and a lovely portrayal of contemporary southern Appalachian life in ways that also honors tradition, because for the most part, daily living in the American South still is about rich heritage as it necessarily looks into an uncertain, changing future.
Although author Jodie Bailey is unabashedly Christian, and Quilted by Christmas is a book in United Methodist pub house Abingdon's Quilts of Love series, the narrative is not overtly spiritual, Christian, or generically religious, and likely would offend only those actively seeking to be offended.
Unlike many books I've recently read – or tried to read – in both print and digital formats, Quilted by Christmas is well-written and well-edited, which these days is an actual bonus on top of a story that effortlessly held my attention from beginning to end! I chose this book because of "Christmas" and "Quilted" in the title, but it would be a good gift and a good read for almost anyone, almost any time during the year.
Jodie Bailey sets most of Quilted by Christmas in North Carolina, where testimonies run true, quilting is commonplace, politeness prevails, friends often become kin. In case you've read the teasers or started reading the book, I won't include spoilers in this review, so I'll simply say Quilted by Christmas is such a good love story about Taryn and Justin (from when they were late teenaged lovers, to more than a decade later when they'd grown in chronology, maturity, and self-understanding), such an accurate account of the sometime messiness of being human, and a lovely portrayal of contemporary southern Appalachian life in ways that also honors tradition, because for the most part, daily living in the American South still is about rich heritage as it necessarily looks into an uncertain, changing future.
Although author Jodie Bailey is unabashedly Christian, and Quilted by Christmas is a book in United Methodist pub house Abingdon's Quilts of Love series, the narrative is not overtly spiritual, Christian, or generically religious, and likely would offend only those actively seeking to be offended.
Unlike many books I've recently read – or tried to read – in both print and digital formats, Quilted by Christmas is well-written and well-edited, which these days is an actual bonus on top of a story that effortlessly held my attention from beginning to end! I chose this book because of "Christmas" and "Quilted" in the title, but it would be a good gift and a good read for almost anyone, almost any time during the year.
December 13, 2014
In a growing line of books, in the "Quilts of Love" series, that centers around a quilt theme, "Quilted by Christmas" is out in time for the Christmas season.
Family relations are hard and its harder when they reached out to further generations than we expect, in negative and not positive ways and its a reminder, in subtle ways of the difficulties of the holidays, particularly Christmas time.
Going through "Quilted by Christmas" was emotional wrenching as the lead character, Taryn, finds herself in difficult positions with the people around her and her solution, it felt was to try and run...to suppress...to be what she thinks is being independent.
Being use to the idea of abandonment, first her parents, than someone she loved, Jodie Bailey wrote a broken character who really tries to be strong, even in the face of trying to feel an emptiness in her life that seems to be characterized by manipulation, presumption and abandonment.
The characters of the book are strong and so is the message that while others may fail and abandon, God never does.
This is not a book that can be easily read without reaching for a box of tissues and for some...seeking God for the needed healing.
Me, personally, I wanted to know more about Taryn and about Justin , but that is also the sign of a book, that has grabbed the reader and maybe there is hopes of a sequel in the future, but in the meantime, "Quilted by Christmas" is a love story, a story of redemption and a story of healing, that will capture the readers heart and soul.
Family relations are hard and its harder when they reached out to further generations than we expect, in negative and not positive ways and its a reminder, in subtle ways of the difficulties of the holidays, particularly Christmas time.
Going through "Quilted by Christmas" was emotional wrenching as the lead character, Taryn, finds herself in difficult positions with the people around her and her solution, it felt was to try and run...to suppress...to be what she thinks is being independent.
Being use to the idea of abandonment, first her parents, than someone she loved, Jodie Bailey wrote a broken character who really tries to be strong, even in the face of trying to feel an emptiness in her life that seems to be characterized by manipulation, presumption and abandonment.
The characters of the book are strong and so is the message that while others may fail and abandon, God never does.
This is not a book that can be easily read without reaching for a box of tissues and for some...seeking God for the needed healing.
Me, personally, I wanted to know more about Taryn and about Justin , but that is also the sign of a book, that has grabbed the reader and maybe there is hopes of a sequel in the future, but in the meantime, "Quilted by Christmas" is a love story, a story of redemption and a story of healing, that will capture the readers heart and soul.
October 28, 2014
My Review:
Sometimes after deep heartache, you feel the tears dry and you think maybe I have moved on. Just to find out that years later there is so much emotion, hurt, and pure love that you still hold on to, for that individual. Time doesn't heal all wounds, it just puts a band aid on the situation. Taryn soon realizes this after her first love returns to their town after an extended stay abroad after serving in the Army. But soon her past and her reality will face each other when Justin returns to help his father.
Taryn has survived all these years without Justin holding on to a secret that only Jemma--her grandmother knows. Taryn has been so busy taking care of her grandmother expecting it not to go badly but at last fate has reared its ugly head and Jemma's illness has taken a turn for the worse. Jemma has made a request that Taryn may have to see through on her own. So now not only is Taryn faced with the reality of her first love's return, but also the secret that once again will have to come to the surface, but her grandmother's health also weighs in the balance of it all. Taryn will have to rely on God for such an endeavor as this, will she trust Him enough to carry the weight of the load?
If you are interested in learning more, you can at this link.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from CFBA.
Sometimes after deep heartache, you feel the tears dry and you think maybe I have moved on. Just to find out that years later there is so much emotion, hurt, and pure love that you still hold on to, for that individual. Time doesn't heal all wounds, it just puts a band aid on the situation. Taryn soon realizes this after her first love returns to their town after an extended stay abroad after serving in the Army. But soon her past and her reality will face each other when Justin returns to help his father.
Taryn has survived all these years without Justin holding on to a secret that only Jemma--her grandmother knows. Taryn has been so busy taking care of her grandmother expecting it not to go badly but at last fate has reared its ugly head and Jemma's illness has taken a turn for the worse. Jemma has made a request that Taryn may have to see through on her own. So now not only is Taryn faced with the reality of her first love's return, but also the secret that once again will have to come to the surface, but her grandmother's health also weighs in the balance of it all. Taryn will have to rely on God for such an endeavor as this, will she trust Him enough to carry the weight of the load?
If you are interested in learning more, you can at this link.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from CFBA.
October 29, 2014
There's nothing like a feel good Christmas quilt story to get you in the holiday spirit! Quilted by Christmas is a great reminder about all the good things in life in times when it seems only bad things happen.
Taryn has some issues stemming from her childhood and past and then the past comes knocking on her door! She basically has a "nobody loves me, everybody hates me" complex and has isolated her heart to protect it from any more damage. When one of the sources of her pain suddenly reappears in her life just as quickly as he disappeared, everything gets turned upside down.
Things go from bad to worse when the one person who she can rely on's health is in question. Taryn has to learn some hard lessons and let go of her painful past so that she doesn't miss out on the future.
As with all the books in the Quilts of Love Series, there is a quilt involved! Taryn's Grandma is making one and she needs to help her get it finished.
I liked Taryn and could relate to some of her issues and I think that a lot of people will. This is an easy, quick read which I always love during this busy time of year. Sometimes you just want a book that makes your feel good without thinking too hard and gets you lost in someone else's life.
Quilted by Christmas is a great reminder of the importance of family, love, hope, joy, forgiveness and redemption.
Taryn has some issues stemming from her childhood and past and then the past comes knocking on her door! She basically has a "nobody loves me, everybody hates me" complex and has isolated her heart to protect it from any more damage. When one of the sources of her pain suddenly reappears in her life just as quickly as he disappeared, everything gets turned upside down.
Things go from bad to worse when the one person who she can rely on's health is in question. Taryn has to learn some hard lessons and let go of her painful past so that she doesn't miss out on the future.
As with all the books in the Quilts of Love Series, there is a quilt involved! Taryn's Grandma is making one and she needs to help her get it finished.
I liked Taryn and could relate to some of her issues and I think that a lot of people will. This is an easy, quick read which I always love during this busy time of year. Sometimes you just want a book that makes your feel good without thinking too hard and gets you lost in someone else's life.
Quilted by Christmas is a great reminder of the importance of family, love, hope, joy, forgiveness and redemption.
December 5, 2014
Quilted By Christmas is one of those books I just LOVE to read at this time of year.
It always makes – those of us who have struggled with a difficult past – feel better to know that we are NOT alone.
It holds a particularly strong attraction for me since I have been right where Taryn was… OH SO MANY TIMES…
There are very few people in this world who had a “perfect” childhood and even less who don’t at leasy know someone who had a rough time as some point in their life – so I believe almost everyone who reads this book will be able to identify with Taryn in one way or another.
I have also had some experience with the main conflict in this story – when your past comes back and tries to drag you back down.
Jodie handles this extremely well, giving you a look at the emotions and turmoil that go along with the experience.
And if Jodie is not drawing from personal experience in this very same matter, I certainly can’t tell!
One way or another, she is a FANTASTIC author and she has written a stellar book – not one I would have thought of as a Christmas story – but it really fits!
And I believe it will give readers an unexpected lift this Holiday season!
It always makes – those of us who have struggled with a difficult past – feel better to know that we are NOT alone.
It holds a particularly strong attraction for me since I have been right where Taryn was… OH SO MANY TIMES…
There are very few people in this world who had a “perfect” childhood and even less who don’t at leasy know someone who had a rough time as some point in their life – so I believe almost everyone who reads this book will be able to identify with Taryn in one way or another.
I have also had some experience with the main conflict in this story – when your past comes back and tries to drag you back down.
Jodie handles this extremely well, giving you a look at the emotions and turmoil that go along with the experience.
And if Jodie is not drawing from personal experience in this very same matter, I certainly can’t tell!
One way or another, she is a FANTASTIC author and she has written a stellar book – not one I would have thought of as a Christmas story – but it really fits!
And I believe it will give readers an unexpected lift this Holiday season!
November 1, 2014
QUILTED BY CHRISTMAS is the first book I've read by Ms Bailey. Taryn deals with a lot of issues, fed by lies, and even though her grandma loves her, she has fed the lies, keeping them alive. The story is well-written, engaging, even though I never fully connected with the characters.
When the quilt planned for Taryn’s cousin is destroyed, Taryn finds another quilt started and unfinished in the attic. Taryn starts it, helped by her ex-boyfriend, Justin, who is getting acquainted with his feminine side. I could see the end coming full speed right at the broadside of the barn, and sure enough, it hit. Head on. The issues are not resolved to this reader’s satisfaction by the end of the book, leaving me sad. However, there is a hint, that maybe, with some time, tender-loving care, and God’s grace things might work out.
If you are looking for a Christmas romance with a quilt in the story line, pick up QUILTED BY CHRISTMAS. It was a good, quick read. There were some laugh out loud moments, lots of humor. Available in ebook and in paperback. 240 pages.
When the quilt planned for Taryn’s cousin is destroyed, Taryn finds another quilt started and unfinished in the attic. Taryn starts it, helped by her ex-boyfriend, Justin, who is getting acquainted with his feminine side. I could see the end coming full speed right at the broadside of the barn, and sure enough, it hit. Head on. The issues are not resolved to this reader’s satisfaction by the end of the book, leaving me sad. However, there is a hint, that maybe, with some time, tender-loving care, and God’s grace things might work out.
If you are looking for a Christmas romance with a quilt in the story line, pick up QUILTED BY CHRISTMAS. It was a good, quick read. There were some laugh out loud moments, lots of humor. Available in ebook and in paperback. 240 pages.
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