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Letters From a Patchwork Quilt
From the author of A Greater World and Kurinji Flowers
In 1875 a young man, Jack Brennan, from a large and impoverished Catholic family, refuses to be pushed into the priesthood and runs away to become a teacher.
Jack falls in love with Eliza Hewlett, but his dreams and plans are thwarted when his landlord's daughter, Mary Ellen MacBride, falsely accuses him of fathering the child she is expecting.
Rather than be forced to marry his accuser, Jack decides to run away to America with Eliza. Just as they are about to sail Jack is arrested and dragged from the ship, leaving Eliza alone en route to New York with just a few shillings in her pocket.
˃˃˃ 5 Star rated by Readers' Favorite
"The story is different, original and touching. It's interesting to read how the lives of Jack and Eliza unfold in different countries. The plot is powerful, the characters are well sketched, memorable, and their personalities will remain in the minds of readers even after they finish the story. It's a story of love, loss and tragedy; a heartbreaking and moving tale where readers will wish to see Jack and Eliza reunited and happy together. The narration is descriptive; it also speaks about the society that existed during that age and pulls readers into the story. It's well written and the story is not predictable, making it a engaging read."
In 1875 a young man, Jack Brennan, from a large and impoverished Catholic family, refuses to be pushed into the priesthood and runs away to become a teacher.
Jack falls in love with Eliza Hewlett, but his dreams and plans are thwarted when his landlord's daughter, Mary Ellen MacBride, falsely accuses him of fathering the child she is expecting.
Rather than be forced to marry his accuser, Jack decides to run away to America with Eliza. Just as they are about to sail Jack is arrested and dragged from the ship, leaving Eliza alone en route to New York with just a few shillings in her pocket.
˃˃˃ 5 Star rated by Readers' Favorite
"The story is different, original and touching. It's interesting to read how the lives of Jack and Eliza unfold in different countries. The plot is powerful, the characters are well sketched, memorable, and their personalities will remain in the minds of readers even after they finish the story. It's a story of love, loss and tragedy; a heartbreaking and moving tale where readers will wish to see Jack and Eliza reunited and happy together. The narration is descriptive; it also speaks about the society that existed during that age and pulls readers into the story. It's well written and the story is not predictable, making it a engaging read."
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2015
476 people are currently reading
781 people want to read
About the author
Clare Flynn
45 books221 followersClare Flynn is the author of eighteen historical novels and a collection of short stories. She is the 2020 winner of the UK Selfies Adult Fiction prize for her best-selling novel The Pearl of Penang, was shortlisted for the RNA Industry Awards Indie Champion of the Year for 2021 and won the award in 2022.
Clare lives in Eastbourne. on the south coast of the UK. She is a fluent Italian speaker and loves spending time in Italy. In her spare time she likes to quilt, paint and travel often and widely as possible.
Clare Flynn is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, an active member of The Romantic Novelists Association, The Hostrical Writers Association, The Alliance of Independent Authors and The Society of Authors. More information about her books can be found at www.clareflynn.co.uk
Clare lives in Eastbourne. on the south coast of the UK. She is a fluent Italian speaker and loves spending time in Italy. In her spare time she likes to quilt, paint and travel often and widely as possible.
Clare Flynn is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, an active member of The Romantic Novelists Association, The Hostrical Writers Association, The Alliance of Independent Authors and The Society of Authors. More information about her books can be found at www.clareflynn.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
April 8, 2018
Unlike other reviews for this book, I was sold this as a romance, and if I hadn't read other books by Ms. Flynn prior to this, I would curse her books to deepest pit of hell and never read her again.
The book is very well written, but don't hold out hope for an HEA. The two main characters are separated and the H gets nothing but grief, misery and shame until his ignominious demise in a work house. The Catholic priests, who are the stereotypical hypocrite pedophile abusers, win and there is absolutely NO JUSTICE served.
I hated this book, I hated that NO ONE got their rightful deserts and I hated that the H and h never got their chance. This book sincerely sucks as a romance novel and I was so irked after reading it, I had to google cat pictures for HOURS just to calm down.
Unfortunately, it is very historically accurate, but that fact only makes it worse and I am totally sad and sorry I EVER picked this one up.
The book is very well written, but don't hold out hope for an HEA. The two main characters are separated and the H gets nothing but grief, misery and shame until his ignominious demise in a work house. The Catholic priests, who are the stereotypical hypocrite pedophile abusers, win and there is absolutely NO JUSTICE served.
I hated this book, I hated that NO ONE got their rightful deserts and I hated that the H and h never got their chance. This book sincerely sucks as a romance novel and I was so irked after reading it, I had to google cat pictures for HOURS just to calm down.
Unfortunately, it is very historically accurate, but that fact only makes it worse and I am totally sad and sorry I EVER picked this one up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2016
This is the tragic story of a young teacher and the love of his life.
Letters, found in the book’s prologue (set in 2015) tell us the story of Jack Brennan’s attempts to fulfil his own dreams and love. Unfortunately, life in 1875 has different plans for him and his fiancé, Eliza.
The narrative throughout shifts between Eliza’s fortune in the US and Jack’s life in the UK, bringing us some heart-breaking moments. The well-worn formula of using letters from the past finds its justification later on, when an accomplished epilogue brings everything to a rounded close.
The book worked best for me once the lovers were apart and I was caught hoping and wondering if or how they will reunite. Illustrating the times and locations very well, the novel also has some marvellous and interesting supporting characters. Maybe the plot is not as original or different as it could have been, but the story is well-written, moving and enjoyable.
Reviewed for the Historical Novel Society, Indie Section
Letters, found in the book’s prologue (set in 2015) tell us the story of Jack Brennan’s attempts to fulfil his own dreams and love. Unfortunately, life in 1875 has different plans for him and his fiancé, Eliza.
The narrative throughout shifts between Eliza’s fortune in the US and Jack’s life in the UK, bringing us some heart-breaking moments. The well-worn formula of using letters from the past finds its justification later on, when an accomplished epilogue brings everything to a rounded close.
The book worked best for me once the lovers were apart and I was caught hoping and wondering if or how they will reunite. Illustrating the times and locations very well, the novel also has some marvellous and interesting supporting characters. Maybe the plot is not as original or different as it could have been, but the story is well-written, moving and enjoyable.
Reviewed for the Historical Novel Society, Indie Section
July 1, 2021
Well written and interesting for
I can't say I enjoyed this book, it was interesting and well written but sad and it unfortunately didn't have much depth to it. It was a historical story of one character's life back in the late 1800s. It had a very short lead in which I was anticipating would develop into a unique story but was disappointed, and the abrupt ending didn't help any. I won't be recommending it.
I can't say I enjoyed this book, it was interesting and well written but sad and it unfortunately didn't have much depth to it. It was a historical story of one character's life back in the late 1800s. It had a very short lead in which I was anticipating would develop into a unique story but was disappointed, and the abrupt ending didn't help any. I won't be recommending it.
August 27, 2018
Soulful
Once again, Clare Flynn has brought me into the lives of two people. The writing is such that I felt a personal closeness to the characters, two young people in 1875ish who fall in love and are separated by circumstances beyond their control.
The book almost serves as an indictment, in my mind, against the practices of religion, in this case the Catholic church at the time. The sad part is the devotion of so many to a self-serving doctrine of blind obedience and untouchable Ecclesiastes wielding their power. I personally have nothing against religious worship, but reading this story is a great example of why I choose not to be a part of any organized religion. My faith in God is my own.
This rather sad story detailing the lives of these young lovers and the various impact the Catholic church has along the way is educational and interesting. I found it most informative as it related to women. I became angry as I read the stupidity of so many espousing rote doctrine.
I highly recommend to readers of historical fiction, romance and women's books.
Once again, Clare Flynn has brought me into the lives of two people. The writing is such that I felt a personal closeness to the characters, two young people in 1875ish who fall in love and are separated by circumstances beyond their control.
The book almost serves as an indictment, in my mind, against the practices of religion, in this case the Catholic church at the time. The sad part is the devotion of so many to a self-serving doctrine of blind obedience and untouchable Ecclesiastes wielding their power. I personally have nothing against religious worship, but reading this story is a great example of why I choose not to be a part of any organized religion. My faith in God is my own.
This rather sad story detailing the lives of these young lovers and the various impact the Catholic church has along the way is educational and interesting. I found it most informative as it related to women. I became angry as I read the stupidity of so many espousing rote doctrine.
I highly recommend to readers of historical fiction, romance and women's books.
February 5, 2016
What could be more intriguing that finding a letter stitched into the backing of a quilt? Our curiosity is piqued when, under a magnifying glass the letters are unstitched from inside the quilt and the story unfolds.
Jack’s story begins in 1875 in Derby, England. His very poor family intend for him to become a Catholic priest, sooner than later, and as Jack has no ambition to become a priest he leaves for a teaching assignment in Bristol. Content with his new position and newfound love, Eliza it appears that his future prospects are well in hand.
Unaware of treachery brewing in the background, Jack falls victim to an unprincipled and unscrupulous priest who intends to ruin his life to protect his own reputation. Jack and Eliza immediate make plans to leave for America, but at the last moment are separated. Eliza, penniless, leaves for America alone.
The novel follows the storylines of both Jack and Eliza and what they must do to survive and move on with their lives. Their love remains strong for each other even though they seem to be powerless to effect any change in their situation. If you are looking for a light romance, this is probably not the story for you. This book has its fill of plenty of tragedy and heartbreak. Personal weakness on Jack’s part as well as the methods used by the Catholic church to cover up wrongdoings of its priesthood arise time and again and you wonder, will things ever get any better?
This is not exactly a clean read, PG 13 + M. The offensive subject matter is well within historical accuracy and has been inserted into the storyline for a reason. Nonetheless, I found that the plot kept me interested until the last page. Sorry, no spoilers!
Jack’s story begins in 1875 in Derby, England. His very poor family intend for him to become a Catholic priest, sooner than later, and as Jack has no ambition to become a priest he leaves for a teaching assignment in Bristol. Content with his new position and newfound love, Eliza it appears that his future prospects are well in hand.
Unaware of treachery brewing in the background, Jack falls victim to an unprincipled and unscrupulous priest who intends to ruin his life to protect his own reputation. Jack and Eliza immediate make plans to leave for America, but at the last moment are separated. Eliza, penniless, leaves for America alone.
The novel follows the storylines of both Jack and Eliza and what they must do to survive and move on with their lives. Their love remains strong for each other even though they seem to be powerless to effect any change in their situation. If you are looking for a light romance, this is probably not the story for you. This book has its fill of plenty of tragedy and heartbreak. Personal weakness on Jack’s part as well as the methods used by the Catholic church to cover up wrongdoings of its priesthood arise time and again and you wonder, will things ever get any better?
This is not exactly a clean read, PG 13 + M. The offensive subject matter is well within historical accuracy and has been inserted into the storyline for a reason. Nonetheless, I found that the plot kept me interested until the last page. Sorry, no spoilers!
September 25, 2015
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Set in Derby, Bristol, New York and Middlesbrough, the novel tells the story of two young lovers, Jack and Eliza, torn apart by fate and the cruelty of others.
The book is is partly set in my home town of Middlesbrough and, after reading Clare Flynn's previous novels and knowing how evocative her descriptions are, I was curious as to how she would portray the place. Nineteenth century Middlesbrough is described as "the gateway to Hell. The mouth of an angry volcano." Maybe not what Middlesbrough Tourist Board want to hear, but it illustrates perfectly the conditions people were living in at the time. I could almost feel the heat of the blast furnaces as I was reading! This is what I love about the author's writing style. She sets the scene with vivid descriptions, giving you a not only a visual feel for a place but also the smells, sounds and atmosphere. She is also not afraid to give her characters weaknesses which makes them all the more believable.
A very poignant story with well written characters, it kept me reading until well after my bed time.
Set in Derby, Bristol, New York and Middlesbrough, the novel tells the story of two young lovers, Jack and Eliza, torn apart by fate and the cruelty of others.
The book is is partly set in my home town of Middlesbrough and, after reading Clare Flynn's previous novels and knowing how evocative her descriptions are, I was curious as to how she would portray the place. Nineteenth century Middlesbrough is described as "the gateway to Hell. The mouth of an angry volcano." Maybe not what Middlesbrough Tourist Board want to hear, but it illustrates perfectly the conditions people were living in at the time. I could almost feel the heat of the blast furnaces as I was reading! This is what I love about the author's writing style. She sets the scene with vivid descriptions, giving you a not only a visual feel for a place but also the smells, sounds and atmosphere. She is also not afraid to give her characters weaknesses which makes them all the more believable.
A very poignant story with well written characters, it kept me reading until well after my bed time.
August 9, 2017
The book really has very little to do with quilts, but is the story of a young couple cruelly separated by fate and the evil actions of other people. The main part of the book describes their separate lives in the US and England, and the choices they make to either make the best life they can or spend the rest of their life in suffering and misery. I really had sympathy for both characters with all the bad things that befell them, and this book made me glad I didn't live in that time and place, and grateful for the way many things are better in our world today. I was not too impressed with the small part of the book that was set in the present day. It seemed to mention a lot of issues and possible story lines, but then go nowhere with them. But the rest of the book was interesting, entertaining, and educational and I enjoyed it, even though parts were very sad.
October 26, 2015
A good read
Well written. Characters well developed. Jack and Elisa were each very dimensional characters. Flynn did well with this book, as she did with her other three books I have read.
Well written. Characters well developed. Jack and Elisa were each very dimensional characters. Flynn did well with this book, as she did with her other three books I have read.
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February 24, 2016Read an excerpt and enter to win a copy @ Let Them Read Books!
May 15, 2023
Tragic, broke my heart. So many lies and guilty men blaming Jack. Ugh, horrible.
Jack grew up in a Catholic home and all his life everyone kept pushing him about God and the church. His father beat him, a man from the Church got Mary Ellen pregnant and blamed Jack, ruining his life. At the end, a man from the church is absuing little boys and blames Jack.
His wish to go to America never happened. He couldn't just leave Mary Ellen alone and pregnant. Plus, he was broke. He tired to do what was right. He wanted to teach.
As much as I wish he could have went to America, since he didn't get the chance and wasn't able to and his life ended up with one tragedy after another, I was glad when he was fi ally at peace.
I have a hard time with names after I'm done a book. I often forget names so I can't remember Eliza's husband name. I read the book on Kindle and I delete books when I am done reading them. I need the storage space. I would not have went off with a strange man either. He helped Eliza but, she was right. Such actions were not proper, needed though. Plus, she loved Jack and wanted to stay there and get a teaching job to wait for him. When Eliza was attacked I thought her life was going to be tragic and sad too.
I don't know if, in real life, how much of a chance there would have been of Eliza meeting a kind and helpful stranger. I feel horrible about the attack on her and her face. I'm glad she found happiness.
I finished this yesterday and Jack's sad life and everything that happened to him is still with me. I know broken lives with so much sadness, no way out, always trying to do what is right and be what is right in everyone's eyes and nothing good comes of it. It isn't a happy or good life even though you follow the rules and just want a nice life of a house and home, it just doesn't ever happen.
Jack grew up in a Catholic home and all his life everyone kept pushing him about God and the church. His father beat him, a man from the Church got Mary Ellen pregnant and blamed Jack, ruining his life. At the end, a man from the church is absuing little boys and blames Jack.
His wish to go to America never happened. He couldn't just leave Mary Ellen alone and pregnant. Plus, he was broke. He tired to do what was right. He wanted to teach.
As much as I wish he could have went to America, since he didn't get the chance and wasn't able to and his life ended up with one tragedy after another, I was glad when he was fi ally at peace.
I have a hard time with names after I'm done a book. I often forget names so I can't remember Eliza's husband name. I read the book on Kindle and I delete books when I am done reading them. I need the storage space. I would not have went off with a strange man either. He helped Eliza but, she was right. Such actions were not proper, needed though. Plus, she loved Jack and wanted to stay there and get a teaching job to wait for him. When Eliza was attacked I thought her life was going to be tragic and sad too.
I don't know if, in real life, how much of a chance there would have been of Eliza meeting a kind and helpful stranger. I feel horrible about the attack on her and her face. I'm glad she found happiness.
I finished this yesterday and Jack's sad life and everything that happened to him is still with me. I know broken lives with so much sadness, no way out, always trying to do what is right and be what is right in everyone's eyes and nothing good comes of it. It isn't a happy or good life even though you follow the rules and just want a nice life of a house and home, it just doesn't ever happen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2018
The story was compelling from the start and I rooted for the two main characters, Eliza and Jack, immediately. All the characters in the book are human, there is no perfect character, they all have their qualities and their flaws. I found it interesting that the story is incredibly sad, which is different from what I usually read. Most stories have sad aspects in them, but Letters from a Patchwork Quilt is heartbreaking. So many grave issues are raised throughout the book, which is another point I found interesting.
There is not actually a lot in the book to do with patchwork, and to be honest I found the use of the prologue with the letters in the patchwork backing quite unnecessary as it doesn't have much to do with the story itself - apart from drawing you in I guess. So don't expect to read about sewing.
But apart from this criticism, I really enjoyed this read. I had never read anything by Clare Flynn before. I'm looking forward to reading her other books now. She manages to make 1870s England come to life with rich descriptions that don't detract from the story itself and the story itself is not your usual romance. Definitely recommended!
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Review also available on my blog.
There is not actually a lot in the book to do with patchwork, and to be honest I found the use of the prologue with the letters in the patchwork backing quite unnecessary as it doesn't have much to do with the story itself - apart from drawing you in I guess. So don't expect to read about sewing.
But apart from this criticism, I really enjoyed this read. I had never read anything by Clare Flynn before. I'm looking forward to reading her other books now. She manages to make 1870s England come to life with rich descriptions that don't detract from the story itself and the story itself is not your usual romance. Definitely recommended!
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Review also available on my blog.
December 1, 2022
Always be with the one who loves you, and not the one you love.
What an amazing book. It was quite realistic as to how England was in the past. The author was successful in capturing the hopelessness of life back then and the possibilities that is America to change your fate.
Jack was weak and a lot of what happened was made worse by him. Gertrude was right, he had a choice on how to live. In my opinion Eliza dodged a bullet with him. I understood her hopelessness but she was ultimately the author of her destiny and it shows that you can grow to love someone through their everyday kindness.
For someone who was so consumed by Eliza, I couldn’t understand how Jack just stood by and did nothing and confirmed my suspicion that he was in love with the idea of love, no works accompanied his verbal protestations.
Yes his life was unfortunate and yes the worse offenders are always people who claim to love God but it is realistic because once you are poor, people will exploit your circumstances. This book was a realistic portrayal of life and deserves 5 stars.
What an amazing book. It was quite realistic as to how England was in the past. The author was successful in capturing the hopelessness of life back then and the possibilities that is America to change your fate.
Jack was weak and a lot of what happened was made worse by him. Gertrude was right, he had a choice on how to live. In my opinion Eliza dodged a bullet with him. I understood her hopelessness but she was ultimately the author of her destiny and it shows that you can grow to love someone through their everyday kindness.
For someone who was so consumed by Eliza, I couldn’t understand how Jack just stood by and did nothing and confirmed my suspicion that he was in love with the idea of love, no works accompanied his verbal protestations.
Yes his life was unfortunate and yes the worse offenders are always people who claim to love God but it is realistic because once you are poor, people will exploit your circumstances. This book was a realistic portrayal of life and deserves 5 stars.
November 26, 2025
Letters From a Patchwork Quilt by Clare Flynn is a touching, easy-to-get-lost-in story that mixes mystery, romance, and family secrets. It begins when a man finds a bundle of old love letters hidden inside a quilt, sending him—and us—on a journey into the past. The chapters set in the early 1900s feel vivid and real, and the characters’ struggles with love, hardship, and tough choices make the story feel genuine and heartfelt. The letters add a lovely sense of curiosity that keeps you turning the pages.
What really stands out is how the book blends an emotional love story with the feeling that hidden histories can shape whole lives. As the truth behind the quilt unfolds, the story becomes both heartbreaking and hopeful. Flynn’s writing is warm and straightforward, making it easy to connect with the characters and their world. It’s the kind of novel that stays with you because of its sincerity and the quiet power of its secrets.
What really stands out is how the book blends an emotional love story with the feeling that hidden histories can shape whole lives. As the truth behind the quilt unfolds, the story becomes both heartbreaking and hopeful. Flynn’s writing is warm and straightforward, making it easy to connect with the characters and their world. It’s the kind of novel that stays with you because of its sincerity and the quiet power of its secrets.
July 26, 2021
The author has a different way of writing than what I'm used to but once I started reading, all went well. I have mixed emotions about it because of the rollercoaster of ups and down of the two main characters. One had bad things happen to her but received kindness and generosity from good folks. The other had both good and bad things happen but received treachery and lies from bad folks. Did the drink cause it or were the bad things the cause of the drink? In the beginning, the bad things that happened to Jack had nothing to do with drink but later on.... Anyway, if you negate that one ended up rich and the other poor, they each found questionable peace in their lives and left behind an interesting story. I don't know that I would have buried the book of poems and that lovely wooden box in the dirt though and who doesn't wash a quilt in well over 100 years?
December 16, 2021
This novel reveals the dominance of the Catholic Church & its priests during the 1800 and the attitude of parents to push their sons into the priesthood, a good vocation, and one less mouth to feed.
Unfortunately, Jack wanted to teach and to escape his father's wrath and angry discipline. He finds a teaching job, but he must reside in a Catholic home. While teaching he meets another teacher, Elize and they fall in love. Their dreams are shattered when his landlord accuses Jack of fathering a child with his dim-witted daughter who was impregnated by one of the priests. The landlord insists that they marry asap. Jack and Eliza flee but to no avail. Boarding a ship for America, they are caught. Jack is forced off the ship and Eliza with no money, sails for America.
A great read, one of sorry, love, joy, and disaster for Jack and for Elize being on her own, only hardship.
Unfortunately, Jack wanted to teach and to escape his father's wrath and angry discipline. He finds a teaching job, but he must reside in a Catholic home. While teaching he meets another teacher, Elize and they fall in love. Their dreams are shattered when his landlord accuses Jack of fathering a child with his dim-witted daughter who was impregnated by one of the priests. The landlord insists that they marry asap. Jack and Eliza flee but to no avail. Boarding a ship for America, they are caught. Jack is forced off the ship and Eliza with no money, sails for America.
A great read, one of sorry, love, joy, and disaster for Jack and for Elize being on her own, only hardship.
August 16, 2019
I was quite enjoying this book as one of those easy historical reads that don't make too many intellectual demands until I came across this sentence...
"The hey day of Bristol had past with the end of the slave trade, then left behind in the rapid race for growth of other more ambitious ports"
That's the end of it for me. Heyday is one word. Passed, not past, and the next bit makes no grammatical sense at all. Firstly it seems the author does not know how to write in proper English. Secondly the Editor seems to have been a tad lackadaisical. Nothing more to add.
"The hey day of Bristol had past with the end of the slave trade, then left behind in the rapid race for growth of other more ambitious ports"
That's the end of it for me. Heyday is one word. Passed, not past, and the next bit makes no grammatical sense at all. Firstly it seems the author does not know how to write in proper English. Secondly the Editor seems to have been a tad lackadaisical. Nothing more to add.
May 15, 2021
I found this book unbelievably depressing. Hard to believe that one man could score so much bad luck in a lifetime! Handwritten notes sewn into a patchwork quilt standing the test of time over 100 years of wear and washing, stretches poetic licence a little far. However, the book is well written, and contains some excellent character and place descriptions. It wasn’t my cup of tea, but I believe it will appeal to many other readers who enjoy this kind of narrative; thus, I feel it deserves a 4* rating.
July 27, 2022
I could not put this book down! I’m both a quilter and a genealogist so the subject matter appealed to me. It grabbed me right away and I kept reading it to see what happened next. There were several big surprises that kept me riveted. I had no idea this was a “romance” novel. I personally think it’s a mistake to label it as such. There is a little graphic romance, but very little in regards to the entire story. It’s tastefully done in order to take you inside their minds and understand the particular characters. I consumed it in just two days!
October 17, 2022
A book worth reading
This was one of the most interesting books I’ve read in a while. It kept me guessing and hoping until the end. I feel the author was very attuned to the entire plot the the story. It was full of on going twists and turns. It would be an interesting read for a book group as I think there would be many opinions expressed about religion, honesty, the Victorian era, injustice, love, cruelty and on and on with adjectives. I was taken by the constant turn of events……It was worth the time taken to read.
This was one of the most interesting books I’ve read in a while. It kept me guessing and hoping until the end. I feel the author was very attuned to the entire plot the the story. It was full of on going twists and turns. It would be an interesting read for a book group as I think there would be many opinions expressed about religion, honesty, the Victorian era, injustice, love, cruelty and on and on with adjectives. I was taken by the constant turn of events……It was worth the time taken to read.
July 2, 2019
I really liked the first 95% of this book but the part where Jack became a drunk, just like his father, really bothered me. It seemed like there should have been something in his thoughts of being pretty disgusted with himself for becoming just like drunk old Dad, but that was never mentioned. Didn't seem to ring true. I did like the conclusion though; that wrapped up the whole story in a satisfactory way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2021
Beatifull historic story
A warm loving tale of 2 lovers seprated on their way to freedom. Tell the story some generations later weaving back between the 2 main people. Very sad and it gives a good idea what it was like then in difficult circumstances, slum areas no work available and hard task masters. Very nicely written and entertaining and the characters were a good choice and very well described .A really nice read.
A warm loving tale of 2 lovers seprated on their way to freedom. Tell the story some generations later weaving back between the 2 main people. Very sad and it gives a good idea what it was like then in difficult circumstances, slum areas no work available and hard task masters. Very nicely written and entertaining and the characters were a good choice and very well described .A really nice read.
April 20, 2024
This is a brutally realistic depiction of the harshness of life faced by ordinary people in the 19th Century,particularly those not fortunate enough to be born into privilege and wealth. It highlights the poverty many people faced and how they were viewed, particularly by the Catholic Church. It’s certainly not a happy romance story, but shows how Jack and Eliza both deal with their misfortune and based on family history.
July 9, 2018
A mark of a good story is the readers ability to feel for the characters. This was a great story because I really came to detest Jack and his poor decisions. This wasn’t a philosophical novel or enlightening but it was a real story. The characters weren’t fairytales. They were believable and engaging. I enjoyed this book.
November 12, 2019
Once again a good read but less satisfying than the other 2 I read of this author. The swapping between the stories of the two characters was offputting tho I don’t see how else it could be done. The quilt idea was clever. Jack was less positive a story but not sure if it was all his fault although he was much more selfish.
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October 13, 2020Emotional
This book was very sad but so lovely. A story of love lost, heartache, births and deaths. Such a sad tale that made me shed a tear.....I couldn't put it down and even took it to the orthodontist......we all know what waiting rooms are like!! Well worth a read to anybody that likes a love story that's also sad.
This book was very sad but so lovely. A story of love lost, heartache, births and deaths. Such a sad tale that made me shed a tear.....I couldn't put it down and even took it to the orthodontist......we all know what waiting rooms are like!! Well worth a read to anybody that likes a love story that's also sad.
January 29, 2023
If you don’t believe in real lasting lifetime love you will after after you read this book.
Letters from a Patchwork Quilt by Clare Flynn I must say is a unputdownable book, if you don’t believe in real love and that it can last forever reading this book will prove you wrong, I truly enjoyed reading this book I just wish it had a happier ending for Jack.
Letters from a Patchwork Quilt by Clare Flynn I must say is a unputdownable book, if you don’t believe in real love and that it can last forever reading this book will prove you wrong, I truly enjoyed reading this book I just wish it had a happier ending for Jack.
March 2, 2023
Sad but inspiring
This is a very sad love story of two lives that were never meant to be. It also highlights the cruelty of England and the church at that time. It also points out the cruelty faced by immigrants to America and the trials that they faced. The ending brought teas to my eyes.
This is a very sad love story of two lives that were never meant to be. It also highlights the cruelty of England and the church at that time. It also points out the cruelty faced by immigrants to America and the trials that they faced. The ending brought teas to my eyes.
February 15, 2018
Great book, reaaly emjoyed readiing the people in the book really come to life,
Great book the people in the book ate so real this is one great writer and jer other books are great too
Great book the people in the book ate so real this is one great writer and jer other books are great too
March 12, 2018
Wow, what can I say without giving the story away?
A beautifully written, but sad, tragic and very very moving story. I admit to shedding tears on more than one occasion.
I just loved it; yet another compelling read from Clare Flynn.
A beautifully written, but sad, tragic and very very moving story. I admit to shedding tears on more than one occasion.
I just loved it; yet another compelling read from Clare Flynn.
August 26, 2018
There is enough plot in this book for two or three books. I did like the writing and the characters were well defined. This is the first book I've read by Clare Flynn and I will read another of her books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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