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Elm Creek Quilts #24
The Patchwork Players: An Elm Creek Quilts Novel – A Heartwarming Women's Fiction Story of Friendship, Career Choices, and a Quilting Retreat
The cast of a smash TV show arrives at a quilter’s retreat for week of camaraderie and creativity that takes some surprising twists in this heartwarming new installment of Jennifer Chiaverini’s much-beloved Elm Creek Quilts series.
Acclaimed TV actress Julia Merchaud almost can’t believe her good fortune. Her beloved historical drama, A Patchwork Life, revived her career and made stars of several younger actors. But Julia’s happiness turns to dismay when she learns that the hit show will have only one more season. Can she convince everyone to stay just a little longer?
Inspiration comes after a conversation with Summer Sullivan, one of the expert quilters who helped Julia prepare for her role. When Summer confides that Elm Creek Quilt Camp is in financial trouble, Julia concocts a brilliant plan that will help the Elm Creek Quilters and herself.
Julia sets about persuading the cast and crew to join her for what she promises will be a marvelous week at a luxurious nineteenth-century mansion amid the autumnal splendor of central Pennsylvania, a creative and dynamic working vacation they’ll never forget. Secretly, she hopes the bonding experience will convince them to abandon their other plans and sign on for another few seasons. But after several joyful days of quilting and camaraderie, Julia’s scheme takes an unexpected turn. Soon she’ll have to make hard choices about which matters more—career or friendship.
Acclaimed TV actress Julia Merchaud almost can’t believe her good fortune. Her beloved historical drama, A Patchwork Life, revived her career and made stars of several younger actors. But Julia’s happiness turns to dismay when she learns that the hit show will have only one more season. Can she convince everyone to stay just a little longer?
Inspiration comes after a conversation with Summer Sullivan, one of the expert quilters who helped Julia prepare for her role. When Summer confides that Elm Creek Quilt Camp is in financial trouble, Julia concocts a brilliant plan that will help the Elm Creek Quilters and herself.
Julia sets about persuading the cast and crew to join her for what she promises will be a marvelous week at a luxurious nineteenth-century mansion amid the autumnal splendor of central Pennsylvania, a creative and dynamic working vacation they’ll never forget. Secretly, she hopes the bonding experience will convince them to abandon their other plans and sign on for another few seasons. But after several joyful days of quilting and camaraderie, Julia’s scheme takes an unexpected turn. Soon she’ll have to make hard choices about which matters more—career or friendship.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published April 14, 2026
About the author
Jennifer Chiaverini
77 books5,375 followersJennifer Chiaverini is the New York Times bestselling author of thirty-three novels, including acclaimed historical fiction and the beloved Elm Creek Quilts series. She has also written seven quilt pattern books inspired by her novels. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the University of Chicago, she lives with her husband and two sons in Madison, Wisconsin. About her historical fiction, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes, "In addition to simply being fascinating stories, these novels go a long way in capturing the texture of life for women, rich and poor, black and white, in those perilous years."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
April 12, 2026
This is an all time favorite series. Always fresh and intriguing material. New characters are introduced and previous main characters are also featured. Outstanding narration. I look forward to the next in the series. Highly recommend. A wholesome, fun and charming story, as always.
I was blessed with an audio ARC. Thank you NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
I was blessed with an audio ARC. Thank you NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
September 1, 2025
These books are just a comfort read for me at this point. It’s like settling in with old friends. Love how they keep incorporating new characters into their midst. Elm Creek Quilts camp opens its doors for a special autumn edition at the request of a famous past camper. The cast of a popular TV show needs quilting lessons to make the show authentic and Sylvia and Sarah agree to host. There is, of course, some drama when the star who doesn’t want the series to end tries to convince other cast mates to stay by helping them to fall in love with quilting. Needless to say not everything goes as planned. This was a delightful installation into this beloved series. Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC.
October 23, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the 24th book in the Elm Creek Quilters series. I've read enough of the series to have the general backstory down. I think you could read this as a stand alone book because she gives enough general information to keep readers reminded of the main characters.
I didn't enjoy this one as much as the previous book but I'd still recommend it if you've enjoyed any of the previous books and want to read about Quilt Camp from a visitor's perspective.
This is the 24th book in the Elm Creek Quilters series. I've read enough of the series to have the general backstory down. I think you could read this as a stand alone book because she gives enough general information to keep readers reminded of the main characters.
I didn't enjoy this one as much as the previous book but I'd still recommend it if you've enjoyed any of the previous books and want to read about Quilt Camp from a visitor's perspective.
August 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I love the Elm Creek Quilt series. I’ve read them all and was excited to read this new installment. But the author almost lost me in the first few chapters as it was clunky and cumbersome. I know the author had to bring the readers unfamiliar with the Elm Creek series up to speed. I was happy I stayed with it as I enjoyed this continuation of the Elm Creek Quilts. The characters of the TV show were enjoyable and believable. Julia’s storyline from previous books like how Julia actually paid for the roof repairs, the start of the apple picking and the Cross Country Quilters answered questions from previous books.
If I wasn’t a quilter, this story weaved step by step directions for creating a quilt within the TV cast’s team building week at quilt camp. Even me, an intermediate to advanced quilter, picked up a few tips from this book. I also like how Chiaverini continued the plot line from the previous books infused into this tale. Patchwork Players is a nice addition to the Elm Creek Quilt series with bonus directions for making a quilt. Thank you NetGalley and Willam Morrow for this advanced reader's copy.
felt anxiety slipping off her shoulders as easily as removing a heavy wool coat in fair weather.
“but when change is forced upon us, we honor ourselves best by adapting and moving forward with dignity and hope.”
“In this example, the green fabric reads as dark, the pink as medium, and the white is light. The eight-pointed star is crisp and clear, easily visible.”
“You used a sharp for piecing and a tapestry needle for basting. Now I’ll introduce you to a between. They’re thicker and sturdier than sharps, which makes them perfect for hand quilting.
This is a nine between. The number indicates the size. The higher the number, the smaller the needle. I usually use a twelve, but nine is a good size for a beginner.”
prefer to use a quilter’s knot for hand quilting,” she held the end of the needle and about a half inch of the thread tail between her left thumb and forefinger. With her right hand, she wrapped the thread clockwise around the needle three times to make a coil. Then, shifting her grip, she pinched the coil and the tail end with her left thumb and forefinger, grasped the needle near the point with her right, and gently pulled the needle through the coil, continuing until the entire length of thread was pulled through and only a small, neat, firm knot remained near the end of the thread. Next, with her right hand beneath the quilt and her left steadying the hoop, Maggie pushed the needle through the backing and batting and out the top, the tip of the needle piercing one of the drawn quilting lines. Grasping the needle with her right hand and slipping the left beneath the hoop, she pulled the thread all the way through, and then gave the thread a careful tug to pop the knot through the back and into the batting, guiding it along with her left hand.
“I’m right-handed, so I’ll put my thimble on the first finger of my right hand and put my left hand underneath the quilt.” First, using the finger protected by the thimble, she pushed the needle through the top of the quilt. When the tip of the needle touched her left forefinger on the other side, she pushed the tip of the needle back through the layers to the top. By rocking her right hand back and forth in this manner, she gathered a few stitches on her needle.
Then she pulled the needle and the length of thread all the way through to the top, leaving behind four small running stitches in a straight row along the penciled quilting design.
“Mine are straight and even, but they’re huge,” said Paige. Sylvia bent over for a closer look. “Oh, yes. My great-aunt would have called those ‘toenail catchers,’
“My mom uses a metal thimble for her needle-wielding hand and a leather thimble for the one beneath the quilt,”
If I wasn’t a quilter, this story weaved step by step directions for creating a quilt within the TV cast’s team building week at quilt camp. Even me, an intermediate to advanced quilter, picked up a few tips from this book. I also like how Chiaverini continued the plot line from the previous books infused into this tale. Patchwork Players is a nice addition to the Elm Creek Quilt series with bonus directions for making a quilt. Thank you NetGalley and Willam Morrow for this advanced reader's copy.
felt anxiety slipping off her shoulders as easily as removing a heavy wool coat in fair weather.
“but when change is forced upon us, we honor ourselves best by adapting and moving forward with dignity and hope.”
“In this example, the green fabric reads as dark, the pink as medium, and the white is light. The eight-pointed star is crisp and clear, easily visible.”
“You used a sharp for piecing and a tapestry needle for basting. Now I’ll introduce you to a between. They’re thicker and sturdier than sharps, which makes them perfect for hand quilting.
This is a nine between. The number indicates the size. The higher the number, the smaller the needle. I usually use a twelve, but nine is a good size for a beginner.”
prefer to use a quilter’s knot for hand quilting,” she held the end of the needle and about a half inch of the thread tail between her left thumb and forefinger. With her right hand, she wrapped the thread clockwise around the needle three times to make a coil. Then, shifting her grip, she pinched the coil and the tail end with her left thumb and forefinger, grasped the needle near the point with her right, and gently pulled the needle through the coil, continuing until the entire length of thread was pulled through and only a small, neat, firm knot remained near the end of the thread. Next, with her right hand beneath the quilt and her left steadying the hoop, Maggie pushed the needle through the backing and batting and out the top, the tip of the needle piercing one of the drawn quilting lines. Grasping the needle with her right hand and slipping the left beneath the hoop, she pulled the thread all the way through, and then gave the thread a careful tug to pop the knot through the back and into the batting, guiding it along with her left hand.
“I’m right-handed, so I’ll put my thimble on the first finger of my right hand and put my left hand underneath the quilt.” First, using the finger protected by the thimble, she pushed the needle through the top of the quilt. When the tip of the needle touched her left forefinger on the other side, she pushed the tip of the needle back through the layers to the top. By rocking her right hand back and forth in this manner, she gathered a few stitches on her needle.
Then she pulled the needle and the length of thread all the way through to the top, leaving behind four small running stitches in a straight row along the penciled quilting design.
“Mine are straight and even, but they’re huge,” said Paige. Sylvia bent over for a closer look. “Oh, yes. My great-aunt would have called those ‘toenail catchers,’
“My mom uses a metal thimble for her needle-wielding hand and a leather thimble for the one beneath the quilt,”
September 24, 2025
It felt like it took forever to finish this book. It was my very first book from the series. What I enjoyed the most were the details about quilting. I found it educational and informative. I was however quite lost on what the story was about. It seemed to go on and on talking about different characters but I didn’t find that it tied together nicely. It is possible that it would have made more sense if you have read the previous books in this series. I am grateful for the ARC but won’t be reaching for these personally.
August 23, 2025
A camp for quilting is so cool. Sometimes I wish I knew how to quilt because I would be there. Julia Merchaud is a famous actress who is one of the stars in A Patchwork Life. She finds out season six is the last for her beloved tv show. This book reminded me of a train wreck. You can’t put it down because you want to know what’s going to happen. You have to either admire Julia for what she tries or annoyed because she’s self-centered and selfish. There was a lot of reminiscing of when Julia went to quilt camp the first time. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book.
Read
April 10, 2026The Patchwork Players AUDIO and digital by Jennifer Chiaverini is part of the Elm Creek Quilts series, which Chiaverini has been writing for years. This one is a little different as the main storyline is not Elm Creek Quilters, but rather one of their converts, actress Julia Merchaud. Julia has been starring in a popular television series for the past five years which features a strong-willed pioneer woman who quilts as part of her daily life. Julia had been sent to an Elm Creek Quilting retreat several years earlier to prepare for her role. Now the show was her life. And it was looking like it would be over after season six. Julia has done everything she can do to extend its life, to no avail and has just come up with a stroke of genius: bring the cast and crew to Elm Creek for a bonding experience. Let them decide they didn’t want the show to end.
This storyline brought the addition of several new and interesting characters, some actors, some not, to an already great overall series. The plan worked much as Julia had thought it would, bonding the participants in a way nothing else could. But, her own selfishness got in the way and almost destroyed some important friendships and a young woman’s career. Her quilting friends, the same ones she had made years earlier, were onboard with her, ready with advice and support. The message of Elm Creek Quilters is the same always, and this book is no different in that. Longtime readers will love it, despite its differences. Good plot, as always. This is Chiaverini’s home series and her love for it and quilting shines through. The book is wonderful, whether read or heard.
Christina Moore is the narrator, mostly Julia’s voice, but not entirely as there is an entire cast of characters, that she handles very well. She is able to impart of of Julia’s moods and situations extremely well while voicing other characters effectively. Excellent reader.
I was invited to listen to The Patchwork Players by HarperAudio Adult and to read by William Morrow. Thank you. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #HarperAudioAdult @WilliamMorrow #Christina Moore @JenniferChiaverini #ThePatchworkPlayers
This storyline brought the addition of several new and interesting characters, some actors, some not, to an already great overall series. The plan worked much as Julia had thought it would, bonding the participants in a way nothing else could. But, her own selfishness got in the way and almost destroyed some important friendships and a young woman’s career. Her quilting friends, the same ones she had made years earlier, were onboard with her, ready with advice and support. The message of Elm Creek Quilters is the same always, and this book is no different in that. Longtime readers will love it, despite its differences. Good plot, as always. This is Chiaverini’s home series and her love for it and quilting shines through. The book is wonderful, whether read or heard.
Christina Moore is the narrator, mostly Julia’s voice, but not entirely as there is an entire cast of characters, that she handles very well. She is able to impart of of Julia’s moods and situations extremely well while voicing other characters effectively. Excellent reader.
I was invited to listen to The Patchwork Players by HarperAudio Adult and to read by William Morrow. Thank you. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #HarperAudioAdult @WilliamMorrow #Christina Moore @JenniferChiaverini #ThePatchworkPlayers
April 12, 2026
3.5 stars rounded up. Thank you to Net Galley for my Audio ARC of this book.
I have read and enjoyed all of the other books in this series and this one was a good addition to the series.
We get to see and hear from the main Elm Creek Quilters, the Cross Country Quilters, and meet another group called the Patchwork Players, the cast and crew of the popular tv show, A Patchwork Life
Sylvia is open to a trial run of fall quilt camp and Julia has an ulterior motive: she thinks a week at quilt camp will make the cast want to do more seasons of the show instead of ending after the current season.
Of course things don’t always go according to plan, but that’s the way life is sometimes. I enjoyed the quilting references and the friendships in this story.
If you haven’t read these books, do yourself a favor and start because they are great!
I have read and enjoyed all of the other books in this series and this one was a good addition to the series.
We get to see and hear from the main Elm Creek Quilters, the Cross Country Quilters, and meet another group called the Patchwork Players, the cast and crew of the popular tv show, A Patchwork Life
Sylvia is open to a trial run of fall quilt camp and Julia has an ulterior motive: she thinks a week at quilt camp will make the cast want to do more seasons of the show instead of ending after the current season.
Of course things don’t always go according to plan, but that’s the way life is sometimes. I enjoyed the quilting references and the friendships in this story.
If you haven’t read these books, do yourself a favor and start because they are great!
August 20, 2025
I recently finished "The Patchwork Players," the latest installment in the Elm Creek Quilters series. Having enjoyed many of the books in this series since 2013, I approached it with familiar enthusiasm. However, I found myself struggling to connect with the story in the way I have in the past. While I appreciate the author's skillful character development—the familiar faces from previous books added a certain comfort—I’m thinking that maybe my reading preferences have changed? My current tastes lean heavily towards mystery and thriller genres, leading me to conclude that this particular series no longer fully aligns with what I seek in a book?
The writing itself was undoubtedly well-crafted, and I recognize the author’s considerable talent in creating a beloved group of characters and sustaining their appeal across numerous novels.
Yet, I've decided to remove the remaining Elm Creek Quilters books from my to-be-read list.
My honesty isn't meant to diminish the author's considerable achievement or the enduring popularity of this series.
April 15, 2026
I hope this series continues forever. It truly is wonderful. I love the author’s gentle approach to life. And the way she patches and sews different plots together is so enjoyable-with peeks of old characters and delving into the lives of new ones. Just excellent and you really don’t need to be a quilter to enjoy but it helps!
April 18, 2026
ahhhhhh!
Such a happy ending! Thank you, Jennifer, for continuing THIS saga for our quilting community. Lots of refreshing reminders of our individual quilt journeys too!
Such a happy ending! Thank you, Jennifer, for continuing THIS saga for our quilting community. Lots of refreshing reminders of our individual quilt journeys too!
May 9, 2026
A good story. This series always makes me want to go to quilt camp.
May 20, 2026
While I enjoy getting together with the people at Elm Creek Quilt Camp I was disappointed in the choices made by the main character.
September 16, 2025
If you have read any of the Elm Creek Quilts novels, you have met Julia. Julia the actress. Well now you have her story! In a previous book of the series, we know that she brought her screen co-stars for a quilting camp. Well now we get to go behind the scenes of the story and learn all about the stars and Julia and her reconnection with quilting and learning how to let go.
I always love going back to Elm Creek. I appreciated that this book gave us Julia's whole connection with Elm Creek Quilts through a series of...well kind of flashbacks. SO you could definitely read this as a stand alone.
I felt like there wasn't as much emphasis on the...well like the quilt designs and history like some of the others. But that was okay.
Topics: There is a LGBQ character in Alastair, but it's background topic and not a focus.
It was fun to read some Hollywood nods here and there.
4 stars
*THank you to NetGAlley and the publishers for an ARC of this book. All opinions are 100% my own.
I always love going back to Elm Creek. I appreciated that this book gave us Julia's whole connection with Elm Creek Quilts through a series of...well kind of flashbacks. SO you could definitely read this as a stand alone.
I felt like there wasn't as much emphasis on the...well like the quilt designs and history like some of the others. But that was okay.
Topics: There is a LGBQ character in Alastair, but it's background topic and not a focus.
It was fun to read some Hollywood nods here and there.
4 stars
*THank you to NetGAlley and the publishers for an ARC of this book. All opinions are 100% my own.
October 27, 2025
My thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for an advance copy of this novel that tells a story about the power of crafting, the need for people to feel meaning in their life, and how one person can touch so many, in good and bad ways, and what we take from these experiences.
In the last few years I know quite a few people whose lives have been changed from the simple art of starting a craft project. One in particular had her life saved in the fact that she always planned to do something final, but didn't want to leave a sewing project unfinished. By the time she completed it, she felt a need to start another, and keep going. Something about crafting does something to people, lets them step away from life, lets the create something from where there was nothing, something that might bring joy to others, and more importantly to oneself. Crafting also shows us humans something we have a hard time accepting or admitting too. People make mistakes. People hate to make mistakes, as our current political climate shows. In crafting though, that is how one learns. One can get mad and walk away, one can start over, or one can accept it and move on, leaving the mistake as a reminder that we are only human. And humans are complicated as shown in this wonderful novel. The Patchwork Players by Jennifer Chiaverini is another entry in the Elm Creek Quilts series and continues the story of crafting club, with the addition of a little Hollywood glitz, a lot of familiar characters, and of course lots of writing about quilts.
Julia Merchaud has been an actress for quite a while, and is currently at the top of her game. The show she is a part of A Patchwork Life, is a streaming hit, a historical drama with quilts as the subject matter, something that Julia has come to enjoy. Being streaming though there is a lot of talk about the show being canceled at the end of the season, with many of the actors, mostly young with plans for other roles leaving. Julia is worried as she loves the show, and fears at her certain age finding more roles as rewarding, or even any roles. A chance conversation with one of the advisors on the show about quilting, Summer Sullivan, gives Julia an idea. Sulllivan confess that the Elm Creek Quilt camp is having financial problems. Julia wonders if having the cast and writers gather together for a week at a scenic spot might make them more determined to keep the show going, and give an infusion of cash to the Quilt Camp. Things seem to be going well, but the past gets in the way, and soon Julia has to decide what is more important, people around her, or keeping the dream of her television show alive.
This is the latest entry in Chiaverini Elm Creek Quilt series. One does not have to have read the other books in the series to understand what is going on, Chiaverini does a good job of keeping everyone in the loop. This is a sequel to an earlier books and some storylines carry over, but again this is not a problem. Chiaverini is a very good writer, with characters that are interesting and facing conflicts that seem real, and believable. The story is good and has a clear narrative, and is a perfect way to relax after well dealing with the world. Plus for the quilter there is much information on patches, colors, and design styles. Chiaverini makes all of this worth knowing and it really is a wonder to watch Chiaverini make quilting so important to the story.
Again one doesn't have to have read the earlier books, but it does help, and they are also as fun to read. Chiaverini has a very nice style, and again these are the perfect books to relax with after a rough day of being human today. Perfect for fans, and also a good start for new readers.
In the last few years I know quite a few people whose lives have been changed from the simple art of starting a craft project. One in particular had her life saved in the fact that she always planned to do something final, but didn't want to leave a sewing project unfinished. By the time she completed it, she felt a need to start another, and keep going. Something about crafting does something to people, lets them step away from life, lets the create something from where there was nothing, something that might bring joy to others, and more importantly to oneself. Crafting also shows us humans something we have a hard time accepting or admitting too. People make mistakes. People hate to make mistakes, as our current political climate shows. In crafting though, that is how one learns. One can get mad and walk away, one can start over, or one can accept it and move on, leaving the mistake as a reminder that we are only human. And humans are complicated as shown in this wonderful novel. The Patchwork Players by Jennifer Chiaverini is another entry in the Elm Creek Quilts series and continues the story of crafting club, with the addition of a little Hollywood glitz, a lot of familiar characters, and of course lots of writing about quilts.
Julia Merchaud has been an actress for quite a while, and is currently at the top of her game. The show she is a part of A Patchwork Life, is a streaming hit, a historical drama with quilts as the subject matter, something that Julia has come to enjoy. Being streaming though there is a lot of talk about the show being canceled at the end of the season, with many of the actors, mostly young with plans for other roles leaving. Julia is worried as she loves the show, and fears at her certain age finding more roles as rewarding, or even any roles. A chance conversation with one of the advisors on the show about quilting, Summer Sullivan, gives Julia an idea. Sulllivan confess that the Elm Creek Quilt camp is having financial problems. Julia wonders if having the cast and writers gather together for a week at a scenic spot might make them more determined to keep the show going, and give an infusion of cash to the Quilt Camp. Things seem to be going well, but the past gets in the way, and soon Julia has to decide what is more important, people around her, or keeping the dream of her television show alive.
This is the latest entry in Chiaverini Elm Creek Quilt series. One does not have to have read the other books in the series to understand what is going on, Chiaverini does a good job of keeping everyone in the loop. This is a sequel to an earlier books and some storylines carry over, but again this is not a problem. Chiaverini is a very good writer, with characters that are interesting and facing conflicts that seem real, and believable. The story is good and has a clear narrative, and is a perfect way to relax after well dealing with the world. Plus for the quilter there is much information on patches, colors, and design styles. Chiaverini makes all of this worth knowing and it really is a wonder to watch Chiaverini make quilting so important to the story.
Again one doesn't have to have read the earlier books, but it does help, and they are also as fun to read. Chiaverini has a very nice style, and again these are the perfect books to relax with after a rough day of being human today. Perfect for fans, and also a good start for new readers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It’s not you, it’s me.
I didn’t realize from the Description that this is Book 24 in a series or I probably would not have requested it.
There is a lot of backstory which made me feel like I would have benefited from reading the others first. Once I got into the story, yes, it can be read as a standalone.
This is a good story about friendships, old and new. It’s also about how desperately someone will try to hold on to their career and how far they will go for someone else’s.
Julie loves her show, A Patchwork Life, and can’t bear the thought of it going into its final season. She takes you back to when she first went to Elm Creek Manor for a quilter’s retreat to learn how to quilt for her part in the show. She not only learned the craft, she developed long-lasting friendships with the other quilters at the retreat, as well as the staff. She returned every year for their annual retreat. Their friendships mean a lot to her.
She discovers that not only is Season 6 slated to be the finale of the show, but the retreat location is having financial difficulties. She conjures up a plan to try to revive both. She’ll get the cast to go on a special off-season retreat to boost revenue for Elm Creek Manor as well to encourage bonding with the rest of the cast in hopes they will band together to force the show into additional seasons.
I suffered from my own expectations after reading the About Summary which starts off with “The cast of a smash TV show arrives at a quilter’s retreat".
What I expected: That the story would be the cast arriving at the retreat. A little backstory and on with the program.
What I got: At the 50% mark she was trying to convince them to go.
Once they arrived I really enjoyed their stay. The beautiful Manor, the cast embracing learning how to quilt, the descriptions of the food, the comradery of sharing their stories. I was ready to pack my bags and join them.
Favorite characters:
Nigel, her co-star. Come sit next to me.
Sylvia, the master quilter and owner of the manor. She was so dedicated to the craft, patient and helpful.
Not yet published. Expected 4-14-2026
Thank you NetGalley and HarperAudio Adult for the free ALC in exchange for my honest review.
I didn’t realize from the Description that this is Book 24 in a series or I probably would not have requested it.
There is a lot of backstory which made me feel like I would have benefited from reading the others first. Once I got into the story, yes, it can be read as a standalone.
This is a good story about friendships, old and new. It’s also about how desperately someone will try to hold on to their career and how far they will go for someone else’s.
Julie loves her show, A Patchwork Life, and can’t bear the thought of it going into its final season. She takes you back to when she first went to Elm Creek Manor for a quilter’s retreat to learn how to quilt for her part in the show. She not only learned the craft, she developed long-lasting friendships with the other quilters at the retreat, as well as the staff. She returned every year for their annual retreat. Their friendships mean a lot to her.
She discovers that not only is Season 6 slated to be the finale of the show, but the retreat location is having financial difficulties. She conjures up a plan to try to revive both. She’ll get the cast to go on a special off-season retreat to boost revenue for Elm Creek Manor as well to encourage bonding with the rest of the cast in hopes they will band together to force the show into additional seasons.
I suffered from my own expectations after reading the About Summary which starts off with “The cast of a smash TV show arrives at a quilter’s retreat".
What I expected: That the story would be the cast arriving at the retreat. A little backstory and on with the program.
What I got: At the 50% mark she was trying to convince them to go.
Once they arrived I really enjoyed their stay. The beautiful Manor, the cast embracing learning how to quilt, the descriptions of the food, the comradery of sharing their stories. I was ready to pack my bags and join them.
Favorite characters:
Nigel, her co-star. Come sit next to me.
Sylvia, the master quilter and owner of the manor. She was so dedicated to the craft, patient and helpful.
Not yet published. Expected 4-14-2026
Thank you NetGalley and HarperAudio Adult for the free ALC in exchange for my honest review.
April 17, 2026
Both new and long-time fans of Jennifer Chiavernini will no doubt enjoy the latest dispatch from the esteemed author's pen. I had read several of her earlier works, but it had been a few years since I had read something of hers. I liked that while the book incorporates some of the staple characters of the original series, it is not necessary to know all of their back stories. The Patchwork Players puts those OG characters into the background and lets a new cast take center stage.
The new characters are quite literally a cast from a popular historical television series, "A Patchwork Place." In an effort to understand quilting techniques as they existed during the show's time period, a number of the cast are spending a week learning more about quilting techniques.
The grande dame of the cast is Julia, an actress of reknown and one who cannot accept the fact that the series days are numbered. Julia is hoping that during the week she can persuade the series writer to extend the show. When her desires are at cross purposes with some future opportunities for other actors, chaos ensues. I have to admit that I really started disliking Julia at that point, but hoped all would come right in the end.
Readers who are quilters will undoubtedly enjoy all the shop talk about techniques and historical sewing practices (not being a quilter, I assume the information is accurate, but I mostly skimmed over those parts).
I think readers who are unfamiliar with previous books will have their curiosity aroused enough to go back and discover more about the origins of the stately manor where the retreat takes place and learn more about the staff that work there. I didn't feel quite the same connection with retreat attendees in this book, as it seemed the focus was on the instructional parts and not as much on the personal stories of the characters. All in all, it was a decent read--not one of my favorites in the series but one that I was happy to see come to a satisfactory conclusion.
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of The Patchwork Players from NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received; all views expressed are solely my own.
The new characters are quite literally a cast from a popular historical television series, "A Patchwork Place." In an effort to understand quilting techniques as they existed during the show's time period, a number of the cast are spending a week learning more about quilting techniques.
The grande dame of the cast is Julia, an actress of reknown and one who cannot accept the fact that the series days are numbered. Julia is hoping that during the week she can persuade the series writer to extend the show. When her desires are at cross purposes with some future opportunities for other actors, chaos ensues. I have to admit that I really started disliking Julia at that point, but hoped all would come right in the end.
Readers who are quilters will undoubtedly enjoy all the shop talk about techniques and historical sewing practices (not being a quilter, I assume the information is accurate, but I mostly skimmed over those parts).
I think readers who are unfamiliar with previous books will have their curiosity aroused enough to go back and discover more about the origins of the stately manor where the retreat takes place and learn more about the staff that work there. I didn't feel quite the same connection with retreat attendees in this book, as it seemed the focus was on the instructional parts and not as much on the personal stories of the characters. All in all, it was a decent read--not one of my favorites in the series but one that I was happy to see come to a satisfactory conclusion.
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of The Patchwork Players from NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received; all views expressed are solely my own.
September 7, 2025
*This book was received as an Advanced Reviewer's Copy from NetGalley.
I've read almost all of the Elm Creek Quilt novels over a period of years. The last three (including this one), just in the last month. And I'm not sure if it's just me or that something has changed, but they just don't hold the sparkle that they used to for me.
The series themselves follows a group of quilters and the quilt retreat that they have created. Each book sees a character struggle with an individual problem or maybe all of them are coming together to solve an issue. In this one, it's one of the campers that visits who also is a famous movie/tv star. She works for a quilting tv series (of course) and is desperately trying to how her cast together so she proposes that they all go on this quilt retreat to make the show more authentic. Mayhem occurs as her intentions may be good but not executed well.
This one spent so much time on the movie setting and cast, that by the time we got to the quilting I was already kind of out of it. And then the quilting mentioned very basic stuff, which while helpful, if you've been with this series for 24 books I'm going to gather that you're probably not a beginning quilter. While it could be read as a stand-alone (especially give that some of the text was almost lifted straight from previous books - having just read them I recognized it), I'm not sure anyone would just dive into this one for their first book. And that's not to say that all I have to write is just complaints, there are several good points to this book. I love the concept of the quilt camp itself, the comradery the whole crew has, and the attention to detail that Chiaverini writes in her books. She's developed a warm, cozy setting that is always nice to return to. I just feel like her interests have more moved on from quilting to history and other topics and it shows in the focus of the books.
While I yearn for the Elm Creek Quilt books of old, this is still a solid book and I think anyone who has enjoyed the genre before will probably enjoy it.
Review by M. Reynard 2025
I've read almost all of the Elm Creek Quilt novels over a period of years. The last three (including this one), just in the last month. And I'm not sure if it's just me or that something has changed, but they just don't hold the sparkle that they used to for me.
The series themselves follows a group of quilters and the quilt retreat that they have created. Each book sees a character struggle with an individual problem or maybe all of them are coming together to solve an issue. In this one, it's one of the campers that visits who also is a famous movie/tv star. She works for a quilting tv series (of course) and is desperately trying to how her cast together so she proposes that they all go on this quilt retreat to make the show more authentic. Mayhem occurs as her intentions may be good but not executed well.
This one spent so much time on the movie setting and cast, that by the time we got to the quilting I was already kind of out of it. And then the quilting mentioned very basic stuff, which while helpful, if you've been with this series for 24 books I'm going to gather that you're probably not a beginning quilter. While it could be read as a stand-alone (especially give that some of the text was almost lifted straight from previous books - having just read them I recognized it), I'm not sure anyone would just dive into this one for their first book. And that's not to say that all I have to write is just complaints, there are several good points to this book. I love the concept of the quilt camp itself, the comradery the whole crew has, and the attention to detail that Chiaverini writes in her books. She's developed a warm, cozy setting that is always nice to return to. I just feel like her interests have more moved on from quilting to history and other topics and it shows in the focus of the books.
While I yearn for the Elm Creek Quilt books of old, this is still a solid book and I think anyone who has enjoyed the genre before will probably enjoy it.
Review by M. Reynard 2025
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I went into this not realizing that this book was part of a series, so that threw me off when I looked more into the book. However, I do think that you can read this as a standalone and not be overly lost.
Based on the description of the book, I was really interested in the fact that a bunch of famous actors would be going to a quilt camp- it seemed so cozy and sweet! Upon actually listening to the book, I was immediately swarmed with a cast of characters and thrown into the middle of a tv series. Not a terrible place to be, but it made it really hard to follow in the beginning. Once I understood where I was, it felt like a fun insight to the behind-the-scenes of shooting a tv series. I loved the mingling of the characters and the development of the historical fiction tv series.
Yet, that is where the fun ended for me....It was frustrating to stand alongside Julia being so insufferable about the show's ending. Her denial of something being done and not accepting that everyone wanted to go their own way was so one-sided. I totally sympathize with the emotion of having something good come to an end and being sad about that, but it was like she was trying to push for something that no one else wanted and only cared about how she felt.
Also, the quilting aspect ( though I love crafting and even took a quilting course myself) was VERY drawn out. Pretty much the entire novel was a composition of monotonous, detailed descriptions of everything quilting; I am not saying this is a bad thing, but it is very niche and written for a certain audience. For others who are not apart of the quilting world, it almost feels like you are listening to a quilting lecture and not a fictional book. I appreciate the attention to detail, but I may not be the right audience for this book.
I liked where the book was intended to go, and the book gave me a similar vibe of Ann Patchett's Tom Lake, which I really enjoyed, but I just don't think this one was for me.
Thank you Netgalley and HarperAudio for the ARC!
Based on the description of the book, I was really interested in the fact that a bunch of famous actors would be going to a quilt camp- it seemed so cozy and sweet! Upon actually listening to the book, I was immediately swarmed with a cast of characters and thrown into the middle of a tv series. Not a terrible place to be, but it made it really hard to follow in the beginning. Once I understood where I was, it felt like a fun insight to the behind-the-scenes of shooting a tv series. I loved the mingling of the characters and the development of the historical fiction tv series.
Yet, that is where the fun ended for me....It was frustrating to stand alongside Julia being so insufferable about the show's ending. Her denial of something being done and not accepting that everyone wanted to go their own way was so one-sided. I totally sympathize with the emotion of having something good come to an end and being sad about that, but it was like she was trying to push for something that no one else wanted and only cared about how she felt.
Also, the quilting aspect ( though I love crafting and even took a quilting course myself) was VERY drawn out. Pretty much the entire novel was a composition of monotonous, detailed descriptions of everything quilting; I am not saying this is a bad thing, but it is very niche and written for a certain audience. For others who are not apart of the quilting world, it almost feels like you are listening to a quilting lecture and not a fictional book. I appreciate the attention to detail, but I may not be the right audience for this book.
I liked where the book was intended to go, and the book gave me a similar vibe of Ann Patchett's Tom Lake, which I really enjoyed, but I just don't think this one was for me.
Thank you Netgalley and HarperAudio for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another great Elm Creek Quilts novel that draws you right into the story and back to familiar characters. A unique storyline going from coast to coast to dive into a group of lives.
The cast of a smash TV show arrives at a quilter’s retreat for week of camaraderie and creativity that takes some surprising twists in this heartwarming new installment of Jennifer Chiaverini’s much-beloved Elm Creek Quilts series.
Acclaimed TV actress Julia Merchaud almost can’t believe her good fortune. Her beloved historical drama, A Patchwork Life, revived her career and made stars of several younger actors. But Julia’s happiness turns to dismay when she learns that the hit show will have only one more season. Can she convince everyone to stay just a little longer?
Inspiration comes after a conversation with Summer Sullivan, one of the expert quilters who helped Julia prepare for her role. When Summer confides that Elm Creek Quilt Camp is in financial trouble, Julia concocts a brilliant plan that will help the Elm Creek Quilters and herself.
Julia sets about persuading the cast and crew to join her for what she promises will be a marvelous week at a luxurious nineteenth-century mansion amid the autumnal splendor of central Pennsylvania, a creative and dynamic working vacation they’ll never forget. Secretly, she hopes the bonding experience will convince them to abandon their other plans and sign on for another few seasons. But after several joyful days of quilting and camaraderie, Julia’s scheme takes an unexpected turn. Soon she’ll have to make hard choices about which matters more—career or friendship.
The cast of a smash TV show arrives at a quilter’s retreat for week of camaraderie and creativity that takes some surprising twists in this heartwarming new installment of Jennifer Chiaverini’s much-beloved Elm Creek Quilts series.
Acclaimed TV actress Julia Merchaud almost can’t believe her good fortune. Her beloved historical drama, A Patchwork Life, revived her career and made stars of several younger actors. But Julia’s happiness turns to dismay when she learns that the hit show will have only one more season. Can she convince everyone to stay just a little longer?
Inspiration comes after a conversation with Summer Sullivan, one of the expert quilters who helped Julia prepare for her role. When Summer confides that Elm Creek Quilt Camp is in financial trouble, Julia concocts a brilliant plan that will help the Elm Creek Quilters and herself.
Julia sets about persuading the cast and crew to join her for what she promises will be a marvelous week at a luxurious nineteenth-century mansion amid the autumnal splendor of central Pennsylvania, a creative and dynamic working vacation they’ll never forget. Secretly, she hopes the bonding experience will convince them to abandon their other plans and sign on for another few seasons. But after several joyful days of quilting and camaraderie, Julia’s scheme takes an unexpected turn. Soon she’ll have to make hard choices about which matters more—career or friendship.
May 1, 2026
In the latest installment of the Elm Creek Quilt series, recurring camper and TV actress Julia invites her cast and crew to attend a private camp session with her.
I've enjoyed this series for 25+ years, and it even inspired me to organize and host my own crafting weekends for friends. We scrapbook instead of quilt, and I’m proud to say that even though some of our members have come and gone, just like the Elm Creek quilters, the group as a whole is still going strong and we continue to meet a few times a year.
As always, character recaps were included, and it was fun to catch up on their whereabouts and happenings. Unfortunately, the last few books in this series have been disappointing, and the detailed quilting lessons included in this one were dull and unnecessary. If you haven't yet read the series, however, then I would highly suggest trying some others, especially the ones listed below, because the topics (and time periods!) vary greatly.
Some of my favorites include:
• The Runaway Quilt, #4 (4 stars) and The Lost Quilter, #14 (4 stars) about the Underground Railroad
• The Aloha Quilt, #16 (4.5 stars) about Hawaiian culture
• The Union Quilters, #17 (4 stars) about the US Civil War
• The Wedding Quilt, #18 (4 stars) about well, a wedding
• Sonoma Rose, #19 (4.5 stars) about Prohibition
• The Christmas Boutique, #22 (4 stars) about a fundraising event
Location: Waterford, Pennsylvania
Audiobook
I've enjoyed this series for 25+ years, and it even inspired me to organize and host my own crafting weekends for friends. We scrapbook instead of quilt, and I’m proud to say that even though some of our members have come and gone, just like the Elm Creek quilters, the group as a whole is still going strong and we continue to meet a few times a year.
As always, character recaps were included, and it was fun to catch up on their whereabouts and happenings. Unfortunately, the last few books in this series have been disappointing, and the detailed quilting lessons included in this one were dull and unnecessary. If you haven't yet read the series, however, then I would highly suggest trying some others, especially the ones listed below, because the topics (and time periods!) vary greatly.
Some of my favorites include:
• The Runaway Quilt, #4 (4 stars) and The Lost Quilter, #14 (4 stars) about the Underground Railroad
• The Aloha Quilt, #16 (4.5 stars) about Hawaiian culture
• The Union Quilters, #17 (4 stars) about the US Civil War
• The Wedding Quilt, #18 (4 stars) about well, a wedding
• Sonoma Rose, #19 (4.5 stars) about Prohibition
• The Christmas Boutique, #22 (4 stars) about a fundraising event
Location: Waterford, Pennsylvania
Audiobook
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In Jennifer Chiaverini's 24th offering for this series she focuses on one of the Elm Creek Quilters group: the aging beautifully movie star Julia Merchaud. She has a fictional episodic drama in which quilting is featured and is soon gearing up for another season.
In time her whole crew ends out at a curated Elm Creek Quilt Retreat - men, women and all - to have a better idea of the craft during the time their drama is set. Having read so many of this series, I appreciated the move away from the usual focus on the usual place and people, and going back to basics when it comes to quilting projects. I always appreciate all the quilt tips, tricks, block names and promises of future activities in this dear community as I am a quilter and as most quilters can relate, we gather and collect our people, places, favorite fabrics, patterns and types of quilt work. Elm Creek Quilts is definitely one of mine.
Recommended for all who brighten at the sight of quilts, seductive colors, creative arrangements, thread, intentions of accidental art, the sound of needles moving, sewers clucking and the whirr of a cutter through layers. If a reader is interested but has never read this series, #1 is a great place to start - although one could start anywhere, but it is good to get the backstories - there are many.
*A sincere thank you to Jennifer Chiaverini, William Morrow, HarperAudio Adult | William Morrow and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.*
Pub Date: April 14, 2026 26|52:28d
In time her whole crew ends out at a curated Elm Creek Quilt Retreat - men, women and all - to have a better idea of the craft during the time their drama is set. Having read so many of this series, I appreciated the move away from the usual focus on the usual place and people, and going back to basics when it comes to quilting projects. I always appreciate all the quilt tips, tricks, block names and promises of future activities in this dear community as I am a quilter and as most quilters can relate, we gather and collect our people, places, favorite fabrics, patterns and types of quilt work. Elm Creek Quilts is definitely one of mine.
Recommended for all who brighten at the sight of quilts, seductive colors, creative arrangements, thread, intentions of accidental art, the sound of needles moving, sewers clucking and the whirr of a cutter through layers. If a reader is interested but has never read this series, #1 is a great place to start - although one could start anywhere, but it is good to get the backstories - there are many.
*A sincere thank you to Jennifer Chiaverini, William Morrow, HarperAudio Adult | William Morrow and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.*
Pub Date: April 14, 2026 26|52:28d
April 21, 2026
The Patchwork Players by Jennifer Chiavarini is the latest in a large series known as the Elm Creek Quilters. I've read all of the Elm Creek Quilt novels since Ms. Chiavarini started writing them in 1999. The series (which contains over 20+ books and companion pattern books) is quilting related in that it takes place where retreats for quilters are held. There is a steady return of many of the main characters.
In this story a famous movie star is in a ‘hit’ tv show where quilting becomes part of the show. She wishes to bring her co-workers to Elm Creek Manor so they can understand the art of quilting and thereby making the show more authentic as well as extending the number of seasons the show will have. Trouble ensues when the movie stars good intentions were not well thought through and misunderstandings occur.
Frankly, after sticking with the series this long, it seems to have lost it’s shine. I’m sure this could be read as a stand alone but I am certain that the people who have followed this series for years will be the ones reading this. While I look forward to ‘visiting’ with the regular characters and revisiting Elm Creek Manor, this book felt like something was missing.
The author pays attention to detail regarding what quilters do and how a retreat would be conducted. She has also developed wonderful relationships amongst the characters and a wonderful cozy setting that one is happy to return to again. Unfortunately, I am left wanting for the Elm Creek Quilt books of yesteryear. This is still a solid novel which is well written.
In this story a famous movie star is in a ‘hit’ tv show where quilting becomes part of the show. She wishes to bring her co-workers to Elm Creek Manor so they can understand the art of quilting and thereby making the show more authentic as well as extending the number of seasons the show will have. Trouble ensues when the movie stars good intentions were not well thought through and misunderstandings occur.
Frankly, after sticking with the series this long, it seems to have lost it’s shine. I’m sure this could be read as a stand alone but I am certain that the people who have followed this series for years will be the ones reading this. While I look forward to ‘visiting’ with the regular characters and revisiting Elm Creek Manor, this book felt like something was missing.
The author pays attention to detail regarding what quilters do and how a retreat would be conducted. She has also developed wonderful relationships amongst the characters and a wonderful cozy setting that one is happy to return to again. Unfortunately, I am left wanting for the Elm Creek Quilt books of yesteryear. This is still a solid novel which is well written.
August 13, 2025
This is volume 24 in the Elm Creek Quilt Camp series. Readers are introduced to the well-known television actress Julia Merchaud. She is ecstatic about landing a great part in the TV show A Patchwork Life. Julia would have to be able to quilt using the methods of the time in order to qualify for this role. So, she needed a crash course.
Julia’s agent didn't provide her with the resources needed to learn with the rest of the class, so she struggled at first. As a quilter, I was fascinated to learn how women created quilts in the past. The fact that readers joined Julia at Elm Creek Quilt Camp delighted me.
The TV show's behind-the-scenes drama piqued my interest because I have experience working in theater and films. I was unable to put this intriguing, humorous, and unique story down. Although this is the first book by the author that I have read, it will not be my last. Discussing this book with your book group will be enjoyable.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. 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.”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/
Julia’s agent didn't provide her with the resources needed to learn with the rest of the class, so she struggled at first. As a quilter, I was fascinated to learn how women created quilts in the past. The fact that readers joined Julia at Elm Creek Quilt Camp delighted me.
The TV show's behind-the-scenes drama piqued my interest because I have experience working in theater and films. I was unable to put this intriguing, humorous, and unique story down. Although this is the first book by the author that I have read, it will not be my last. Discussing this book with your book group will be enjoyable.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. 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.”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have read other books by Jennifer Chiaverini but all of them have been the historical fiction books and not the Elm Street Quilting series. I admit I found this book disappointing. As a textile artist, I expected to like the quilting references but I found the descriptions of quilting classes both slow and excessively detailed. Seriously, who wants to read several paragraphs about how to cut out a 3 inch square?
The main character, Julia, is an aging television star facing the cancellation of her signature tv series. She hopes that bringing her cast and crew to Elm Creek will renew their enthusiasm about continuing the series, and secondarily help the Elm Creek Quilt Camp overcome their financial troubles. Unfortunately, we really don’t ever get closure on either of these goals, but we do get a lot of Julia’s continuing selfishness and manipulation as she tries in various ways to bring about the conclusion she wants, ignoring the needs and desires of her coworkers. This continues through the book until the very last chapters, where she nearly derails a young actress’s chance at success.
Julia invites everyone to Elm Creek Quilt Camp because she believes that the experience will result in life changes for the participants. Unfortunately, the one who needs the most life changing is Julia herself.
Thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.
The main character, Julia, is an aging television star facing the cancellation of her signature tv series. She hopes that bringing her cast and crew to Elm Creek will renew their enthusiasm about continuing the series, and secondarily help the Elm Creek Quilt Camp overcome their financial troubles. Unfortunately, we really don’t ever get closure on either of these goals, but we do get a lot of Julia’s continuing selfishness and manipulation as she tries in various ways to bring about the conclusion she wants, ignoring the needs and desires of her coworkers. This continues through the book until the very last chapters, where she nearly derails a young actress’s chance at success.
Julia invites everyone to Elm Creek Quilt Camp because she believes that the experience will result in life changes for the participants. Unfortunately, the one who needs the most life changing is Julia herself.
Thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.
August 31, 2025
A new Elm Creek Quilts book by Jennifer Chiaverini ... Yes Please!
It seems that not long ago I read The World's Fair Quilt (#23). The Patchwork Players (#24) closely follows and partially overlaps part of The World's Fair Quilt, just from another angle.
I'm trying to decide if #24 would be better if you had read #23 first. Probably. Essential, probably not.
So Patchwork Players has Julia as the central character. They are about to film season 6 of the television series she is the lead and co-directs ... and she finds out that it is likely the last season. Her heart is crushed as she loves the series with her whole soul. She also finds out that the organization where she learned how to quilt is in desperate need of a new roof.
The book is good. Especially (I'm guessing) if you are a quilter. So many quilting sequences are described (that honestly went over my head ... but didn't bother me). Is it the best book ever? Wasn't for me. Between 3 and 4 stars, but rounding to 4. Maybe it had too much overlap to #23 for me???
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author Jennifer Chiaverini and William Morrow publishing for approving my request to read the advance read copy of Patchwork Players in exchange for an honest review. Approx 304 pages. Estimated release is April 2026.
It seems that not long ago I read The World's Fair Quilt (#23). The Patchwork Players (#24) closely follows and partially overlaps part of The World's Fair Quilt, just from another angle.
I'm trying to decide if #24 would be better if you had read #23 first. Probably. Essential, probably not.
So Patchwork Players has Julia as the central character. They are about to film season 6 of the television series she is the lead and co-directs ... and she finds out that it is likely the last season. Her heart is crushed as she loves the series with her whole soul. She also finds out that the organization where she learned how to quilt is in desperate need of a new roof.
The book is good. Especially (I'm guessing) if you are a quilter. So many quilting sequences are described (that honestly went over my head ... but didn't bother me). Is it the best book ever? Wasn't for me. Between 3 and 4 stars, but rounding to 4. Maybe it had too much overlap to #23 for me???
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author Jennifer Chiaverini and William Morrow publishing for approving my request to read the advance read copy of Patchwork Players in exchange for an honest review. Approx 304 pages. Estimated release is April 2026.
September 2, 2025
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.
“The Patchwork Players” is part of the “Elm Creek Quilts” series by Jennifer Chiaverini. This book can be read as a stand-alone as Ms. Chiaverini does a good job catching the reader up on things that happened before this book. I believe that Ms. Chiaverini did a good job explaining the quilting (both creating quilts and some quilt history). However, I wasn’t as thrilled by the actions of the main character, Julia. While Julia hopes that the popular TV program she’s on will be renewed, she acts extremely selfishly in trying to get her way. My other comment is that there were a number of minor characters ranging from the people at the quilting camp, to Julia’s coworkers, to Julia’s friends that, honestly, I had to cherry pick whose background information I wanted to retain. I’m sure that if this hadn’t been my first book in the series, I would’ve picked up things more quickly and knew backstories, but at times I felt a bit lost. Do I think this was a good book? I don’t know - it was a good idea and maybe it’s a good book in the series. I found the quilting information interesting - but quilting isn’t really my thing and at times it got a bit too detailed for general appreciation. 3.5 stars rounded down to 3.
“The Patchwork Players” is part of the “Elm Creek Quilts” series by Jennifer Chiaverini. This book can be read as a stand-alone as Ms. Chiaverini does a good job catching the reader up on things that happened before this book. I believe that Ms. Chiaverini did a good job explaining the quilting (both creating quilts and some quilt history). However, I wasn’t as thrilled by the actions of the main character, Julia. While Julia hopes that the popular TV program she’s on will be renewed, she acts extremely selfishly in trying to get her way. My other comment is that there were a number of minor characters ranging from the people at the quilting camp, to Julia’s coworkers, to Julia’s friends that, honestly, I had to cherry pick whose background information I wanted to retain. I’m sure that if this hadn’t been my first book in the series, I would’ve picked up things more quickly and knew backstories, but at times I felt a bit lost. Do I think this was a good book? I don’t know - it was a good idea and maybe it’s a good book in the series. I found the quilting information interesting - but quilting isn’t really my thing and at times it got a bit too detailed for general appreciation. 3.5 stars rounded down to 3.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
The Patchwork Players by Jennifer Chiaverini is a heartfelt addition to the Elm Creek Quilts series.
Actress Julia Merchand is shocked to learn her popular historical series A Patchwork Life will soon be ending. She comes up with an idea that she hopes convinces the other people involved with the show will agree to stay for another season or two. Having spent time at an Ohio quilt camp and found lasting friendships, Julia hopes that a week with several people from the series will bring them close together. Will her plan succeed?
Julia has a long career in show business and fears the end of her series will be the end of roles for her. Her Elm Creek Quilt Camp idea is two-fold. The camp will receive a much-needed cash infusion. But Julia’s main objective to save her show even though many cast members have accepted new projects. But her tunnel vision about the series leads her down a road she might come to regret.
The Patchwork Players is a wonderful novel of friendship and personal growth. The characters are muti-faceted and likable. The storyline is heartwarming and moves at a steady pace. The Elm Creek quilters are warmly welcoming and the camp setting is easy to visualize. Jennifer Chiaverini brings this delightful novel to a satisfying conclusion.
Actress Julia Merchand is shocked to learn her popular historical series A Patchwork Life will soon be ending. She comes up with an idea that she hopes convinces the other people involved with the show will agree to stay for another season or two. Having spent time at an Ohio quilt camp and found lasting friendships, Julia hopes that a week with several people from the series will bring them close together. Will her plan succeed?
Julia has a long career in show business and fears the end of her series will be the end of roles for her. Her Elm Creek Quilt Camp idea is two-fold. The camp will receive a much-needed cash infusion. But Julia’s main objective to save her show even though many cast members have accepted new projects. But her tunnel vision about the series leads her down a road she might come to regret.
The Patchwork Players is a wonderful novel of friendship and personal growth. The characters are muti-faceted and likable. The storyline is heartwarming and moves at a steady pace. The Elm Creek quilters are warmly welcoming and the camp setting is easy to visualize. Jennifer Chiaverini brings this delightful novel to a satisfying conclusion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another installment into the Elm Creek Series. Julia Merchaud is a famous actress who is one of the stars in A Patchwork Life. She finds out season six is the last for her beloved tv show. The cast of a popular TV show needs quilting lessons to make the show authentic and Sylvia and Sarah agree to host. ulia is worried as she loves the show, and fears at her certain age finding more roles as rewarding, or even any roles. A chance conversation with one of the advisors on the show about quilting, Summer Sullivan, gives Julia an idea. Sulllivan confess that the Elm Creek Quilt camp is having financial problems. Julia wonders if having the cast and writers gather together for a week at a scenic spot might make them more determined to keep the show going, and give an infusion of cash to the Quilt Camp. Things seem to be going well, but the past gets in the way, and soon Julia has to decide what is more important, people around her, or keeping the dream of her television show alive. I think many people miss the opportunity to be creative, have goals and create something unique through crafts let alone the ability to donate or give as gifts. This is becoming a lost art of creativity, accomplishment and development as well as stress relief. Many thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for the opportunity.
April 16, 2026
I have read a number of Jennifer Chiaverini books, and they have been 4 or 5 star reads, but this one only gets 3 stars from me.
this is the frist in the Elm Creek Quilts series that I have read, and I don't think I missed out on anything having not read the previous ones. I liked it but I think for me I would have to be a quilter in order to give it any more stars. I thought it went overboard on explaining the quilting process. If I was reading the book I would have flipped through all those pages. But with audio I never fast forward, afraid of missing something, and my mind never wanders while listening. But, during the pages of quilt making I found my mind did indeed wander. To the non quilter it really was TMI.
But that said, I did enjoy the story of Julia wanting to save her beloved series as well as her yearly quilting retreat, and I enjoyed the relationships in the book. She had her "cross country quilters" and her series family.
And as likable as Julia was, she did have the flaw of being self centered and unaware of the fact that she was.
Not sure I will read any others in the series as I worry they too may go more in depth with the quilting process than I care to read about.
The narrator was very good. She sounded a lot like Morgan Fairchild.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
this is the frist in the Elm Creek Quilts series that I have read, and I don't think I missed out on anything having not read the previous ones. I liked it but I think for me I would have to be a quilter in order to give it any more stars. I thought it went overboard on explaining the quilting process. If I was reading the book I would have flipped through all those pages. But with audio I never fast forward, afraid of missing something, and my mind never wanders while listening. But, during the pages of quilt making I found my mind did indeed wander. To the non quilter it really was TMI.
But that said, I did enjoy the story of Julia wanting to save her beloved series as well as her yearly quilting retreat, and I enjoyed the relationships in the book. She had her "cross country quilters" and her series family.
And as likable as Julia was, she did have the flaw of being self centered and unaware of the fact that she was.
Not sure I will read any others in the series as I worry they too may go more in depth with the quilting process than I care to read about.
The narrator was very good. She sounded a lot like Morgan Fairchild.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
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