The Christmas Quilt

by Judy Leslie

She wasn’t looking for love. He wasn’t ready to feel again. But this Christmas, their second chance might be the greatest gift of all.
After a painful divorce, Laura Saunders is desperate for a fresh start. With her two children in tow, she leaves the city behind and settles in the snowy mountain town of Leavenworth, Washington. A fixer-upper house, a café job, and new neighbors offer the promise of belonging—but also challenges Laura isn’t sure she can face alone.

Widower Dan Holloway has spent years guarding his heart, raising his teenage daughter, and throwing himself into his real estate business. He’s not looking for romance, especially at Christmas. Yet Laura’s determination—and the warmth of her children—begin to stir something he thought he’d buried forever.

When Laura is invited to join a group of local women sewing a Christmas quilt for a family in need, she discovers more than fabric is being stitched together. Friendships grow, hope is restored, and love begins to bloom in unexpected places.
Filled with small-town charm, heartfelt emotion, and the magic of the holiday season, The Christmas Quilt is a cozy, uplifting romance perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber, RaeAnne Thayne, and anyone who believes in second chances.

Genres: Christmas

164 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2025

About the author

Who doesn’t love a good story? Judy Leslie's story starts in the vibrant city of Pasadena, California, where she grew up in a family as unique as they come. Her mother, a farm girl drawn to the allure of Hollywood, and her father, a charismatic Texan with talents in dance, art, and photography, provided a childhood filled with diverse influences. Her extended family was no less interesting, featuring a successful aunt who broke barriers as a gay interior designer and an uncle who worked as a chauffeur for Hollywood stars, among others. This colorful family backdrop offered Judy endless material for her future stories.

By the age of 20, Judy had moved to Bellingham, Washington, a cozy coastal town that seemed to whisper stories from its every nook. Running Yesteryear Antiques, her days began with the crackle of logs in the woodstove and the brewing of morning coffee, a routine that grounded her in simplicity and sparked her creative mind.

Her next chapter unfolded in a quaint beach cottage on the Lummi Indian reservation. This tranquil spot, where night mysteries seemed to merge with the ocean's rhythm, inspired the Cook’s Cove collection. Here, Judy's real-life experiences blended with her imagination, creating tales where mystery and romance seamlessly intertwined.

Judy's life also included dating a successful musician and living abroad, adding layers to her personal narrative. She has traveled extensively across the United States, exploring numerous small towns while riding on the back of her husband's Harley motorcycle.

Now, Judy splits her time between a home near Seattle and a cabin in Leavenworth, Washington, a place buzzing with Bavarian charm and outdoor activities. This contrast of settings continues to fuel her writing, inspiring her to explore stories about a family's search not for adventure or riches, but for a deep, enduring love – as timeless and profound as the mountains that surround her mountain retreat.

Reviews

[Denise Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Judy’s story telling!!! I was wrapped up in the story right from the beginning with Laura’s struggles of trying to support her 2 children while navigating the murky water of an ex husband and father who decided he didn’t want to be a father. The telling of the struggles the young children went through felt pretty accurate. It took a lot of courage to up and move to a new place with no set plan in place. I felt Dan’s and Abby’s struggles as well dealing with loss and how to navigate and move on without a loved one. Being a teenage girl without her mom to help her felt hard. I was invested in the characters and felt what they felt. Thanks Judy for doing such a great job!!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet short story with Hallmark vibes. The author did a great job to keep the reader engaged!

[Sandy Goguen-Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great holiday, small town romance novel. Told from 2 POVs it is an easy read and a feel good story.

Thanks to Book Sirens for this ARC book. I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Raeann Heisner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute hallmark movie like book. Makes you feel all the emotions and ends so tenderly!

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Christmas Quilt is a holiday novel by Judy Leslie. I found this Christmas story to be sweet, emotional and so enjoyable. Laura is having a hard holiday… divorced, fired, 2 childern, and moving to a new town to start over. Dan is A widower who th a teenager and not looking for romance. I believe that the author has written a wonderful story that looks at rediscovery of romance and how a new romance effects a teenage daughter. All of the highs and low occurs while the ladies make a Christmas Quilt. Get some hot chocolate and gingerbread and start Christmas early. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Kira K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughts:
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book says in the introduction that if you like Hallmark movies you will enjoy this story and it more than lived up to that. In general, I’m not the biggest fan of Hallmark movies but I absolutely love to get my seasonal hallmark fill in books and this was a good one. Leslie really takes the time to develop the characters as people and their relationships before even bringing out the quilt which adds a feel good touch to the story and leads to some sweet moments towards the end. I enjoyed how much effort Leslie put into the children and their feelings which added to the feelgood cozy vibes, and Laura’s children are class adding some laughter in too. The relationship between Laura and Dan developed in a manner that felt realistic to me and their characters were both likeable and somewhat relatable.

Favourite Quote:
“We're all broken in our own ways, trying to stitch ourselves back together.”

[Linda J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recent divorcee Laura moved to Leavenworth, Washington with her two young children after she is fired from her job. Her ex-husband has nothing to do with their kids, so she buys a run-down house in a new town to get on with her life. Dan, who is raising a teenage daughter after being widowed, is the realtor who shows her the house. Though neither is looking for a relationship, there is something that sparks between them the first time they meet.

When Laura joins a group of friendly quilters to help out a family in need, she learns that friendship and community are important to her and her children.

Can Laura and Dan find a way to be together? Will Dan’s teenager daughter and Laura’s young children be okay with their budding relationship?

I enjoyed this sweet story. I always love a good Christmas romance.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shilo Goodson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute, sweet quick read. I feel like the author did a good job of presenting a quick romance without the romance feeling too rushed. Laura and Dan were super cute together. They both fight the attraction for a while, though.

The book takes place in Leavenworth, Washington. I do wish that the author had taken advantage of the setting a bit more, including more descriptions of the town. I also felt like the book could have used an epilogue. I want to know what happened to them a year or two later.

This is a clean novel overall. There's no graphic sexual content. There's mild kissing, but that's as far as things go. There's no violence. Some people won't consider this swearing, but there are several instances of characters using the Lord's name in vain. Other than that, there weren't other swear words.

I got a free ARC, and I provided a voluntary review.

[Adpa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trying to escape the city and her recent divorce, Laura moves to Leavenworth, WA, with her two children. She buys a fixer-upper and tries to be self sufficient in repairs and dealing with finances even though her ex has not paid child support for a few months. The citizens of Leavenworth are friendly and caring and they have discovered Laura's plight and help to bring a brighter prospect of Christmas to her little family.
This is a sweet, clean story depicting life starting over in a new location with lots of friendships and love. I really loved this book, the close knit, caring community, the second chance at love.
I was provided with an ARC of this book; this review is freely and honestly given.

[Vickie Chaisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Christmas Quilt is a the ultimate feel good story about what Christmas should mean and how it brings families and friends and this town together. It is a quick read and i quarantee you will not put it down. Be sure to have kleenex as you will laugh and have your heartstrings tugged at as this town celebrates what Christmas truly means. The storyline and characters are expertly written to tug at your heart. Dan and Laura are perfect for each other as they find away towards each other merging their families together. Pieced together and stitched with love like the Christmas Quilt. Loved this story.

[Denice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet and tender story; I loved the restaurant scene. It was great what Laura did in the new town she had just moved to with her two kids after her divorce and the lack of support for her children from her ex. Dan is a widower with a teenage daughter. I enjoyed seeing how they both navigate being single parents with kids and dating. I loved the small town and how they all came together to create a beautiful quilt so help someone in need. Thia Is a wonderful, sweet romance that is worth the reading it, fun story, quick read.

[lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book from this author. She writes stories like its someone's real life story. Laura and Dan were the best although I say that about all of the couples in this series. His relationship with his daughter was so spot on and Laura with her kids as well. What they all go through losing the other parent whether they be living or gone. This book was so emotional I definitely needed Kleenex a time or two. If you haven't read this series you need to. I highly recommend this book.

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH. It is such a heartwarming story. I loved Laura and Dan right away. I thought they were both amazing parents, and their children were so well mannered and behaved (for the most part). I love Leavenworth and wish it was a real place because I want to go visit it. I can't wait for the next story. I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Christmas Quilt” by Judy Leslie

-A heartfelt holiday story about love, loss, and second chances. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Laura and Dan, both rebuilding their lives, find unexpected warmth amid shared struggles. Their children, grief, and a community quilt tie their stories together beautifully.

Emotional, real, and tender—perfect for cozy nights and Christmas spirit.

[Brandi Conico · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It truly is a Hallmark movie style story. The insta-love doesn't really appeal to me, but that's pretty much what you're getting into in a Hallmark story. The main characters were likeable. The town was a sweet, supportive home town. The story read really quickly. For what it is, for what you expect, it's great. So if you're looking for a quick, easy, holiday read, this one's a great choice.

I received this as an ARC, but my review is unbiased and entirely my own.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura takes a big chance moving to this town she remembers from her youth but it turns out to be a wonderful adventure for her and her children. Money may be tight but they get to experience the beauty of Christmas, the amazing neighbors, as they work together to sew a Christmas quilt. Her realtor is one very handsome widower that didn't know he was ready to find love until it stood in front of him. I enjoyed the kindness of small towns and the sweet romance.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute holiday story. The storyline is about moving on in life and being open to new possibilities. Lauren decides to move her and her two children to a new town to start over after a divorce. Dan, a widower, is raising his teenage daughter and still grieving the loss of his wife. Laura buys a fixer up house and is trying to make ends meet. The town embraces her and her children and Dan becomes more than a real estate agent. A pleasant holiday read with some cute parts!

[Barbara Pucser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a gem! It explores single parenthood in two different situations, which really aren’t too much different. Small town living with neighbors helping neighbors. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There was romance but no explicit scenes, also no terrible language either. You can’t go wrong with The Christmas Quilt- very entertaining!

[christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Christmas Quilt

A remarkable second chance romance. If you're looking for a wholesome and delightful read this is it. This is my first ever read by author Judy Leslie, but it will not be my last. I hope you find this review helpful. Enjoy all the wonderful characters and a community that looks out foe one another. Enjoy

[Suze82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

simply wonderful

This book transports what not only Christmas should be about: taking care of your fellow citizens, lead a helping hand whenever needed, never stop believing in love. I liked how Laura and Dan´s families merged and became a wonderful patchwork, just like the Christmas Quilt.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of love , friendships and second chances. A captivating read from the start which is warm-hearted and entertaining. A great romance read which I received via Booksirans. I recommend this book to other readers.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, second chance Christmas romance that was heartwarming, emotional and full of hope. I really enjoyed this story. The characters were delightful and loveable. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to escape into a feel-good, fun and entertaining holiday story. A joy to read!

[Wendy Droke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super fun, super cute book! A quick read, this visit to picturesque Leavenworth, WA with a single mom and single dad was everything I hoped a Christmas book would be. I enjoyed this read quite a lot, and recommend it fully. I received an ARC, this is my completely honest review.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short and sweet Christmas story. It was about Laura and her kids starting over after divorce, and Dan and his daughter healing from their loss. The quilt they made symbolized new beginnings for both families. I really liked this book.

[Claire Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Christmas Quilt


A wonderful heart warming story .....quilts always catch my attention! And what a wonderful setting,Leavenworth is so beautiful my husband went many times when we lived in Wa.

[Janice Ulmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this book.
Really loved the surprise ending!!

[Geneva Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time reading this author. Will be reading more from Judy Leslie. Enjoyable story.

[GrammaJump · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect read

Everything I wanted in a good read. Real feel good read. Not 300 chapters or xxx. Going to read more of Judy Leslie

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laura and her two kids are moving to Leavenworth to start over, away from the kids father who continues to let them down and ignore them. Once they find a fixer-upper Laura works on making the home livable and clean. Although money is in short supply she knows it needs updating.

Dan, the real estate agent who shows her the house has concerns that she’s taking on more than she should but Laura is convinced.

Once settled in, Laura takes on a job at a local cafe after coming to the rescue of the young waitress who is in need of help. Neither Laura nor Dan are looking for love but chance meetings have them wondering. Dan has a teenage daughter who misses her mom and her guidance since her death. Dan wants to protect his daughter Abby, and somehow make connections with her.

I enjoyed the characters in this story and cheered them on throughout the book. Second chances for both Laura and Dan. A wonderful holiday story of love, compassion, kindness of small town people and warmth all around.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Judy Leslie for writing a wonderful holiday book