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Birds in the Air
When Emma Byrd moves into the house of her dreams in the small mountain community of Sweet Anne's Gap, she knows that making friends may prove to be her biggest challenge. Her husband loves his new job and her kids are finding their way at school. But Emma -- no natural when it comes to talking to strangers -- will have to try a little harder, especially after the sweet, white-haired neighbor she first visits slams the door in her face.
Luckily, a few of the quilters of Sweet Anne's Gap adopt Emma and she soon finds herself organizing the quilt show for the town's centennial celebration. But not everyone is happy to see the job go to an outsider, especially one who has befriended an outcast pursuing her own last best chance at redemption.
Luckily, a few of the quilters of Sweet Anne's Gap adopt Emma and she soon finds herself organizing the quilt show for the town's centennial celebration. But not everyone is happy to see the job go to an outsider, especially one who has befriended an outcast pursuing her own last best chance at redemption.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2016
60 people are currently reading
743 people want to read
About the author
Frances O'Roark Dowell
46 books402 followersWhile Frances O'Roark Dowell (Dovey Coe, The Secret Language of Girls, Trouble the Water) is best known for her award-winning novels, she also hosts the popular "Off-Kilter Quilt" podcast, where she talks about her latest quilt projects with friends and fellow quilters around the globe. Her own little corner of the globe is Durham, North Carolina, where she lives with her husband, two sons, and a dog named Travis. Connect with her online at FrancesDowell.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
June 14, 2017
This is the first "quilt" novel I have read and I enjoyed it very much. I cared about the people, the choices they made and the lives they were living.
I felt like I got a chance to live in an old house in a small town without ever having to do it myself.
I also enjoyed feeling again the sensation of learning how to quilt for the very first time.
In addition, I was totally jealous of her in-laws but couldn't imagine only having Walmart for shopping. Thanks goodness for the quilt store!
I felt like I got a chance to live in an old house in a small town without ever having to do it myself.
I also enjoyed feeling again the sensation of learning how to quilt for the very first time.
In addition, I was totally jealous of her in-laws but couldn't imagine only having Walmart for shopping. Thanks goodness for the quilt store!
June 12, 2017
Birds in the Air is a charming story, involving a woman whose family moves to a small town in the mountains of NC. Her husband and daughter settle in quickly with job and school, but Emma needs something to do. Finding an old quilt in an attic trunk is the catalyst for searching out the local quilt shop. She is not a quilter to start with, but that quickly changes. Through a series of events, she ends up learning to quilt as well as becoming the publicist for the local guild's quilt show. That doesn't sit well with some of the members who consider her an outsider. Conflict with another guild member creates a disaster for the quilt show, and help comes from an unlikely source. The story is interesting and told in an easy to read style, and I found it difficult to put down. I also like that Emma is happily married, as many of these series begin with a divorce so the woman can find her own way. I like that a married woman can also find her own way while having a family and a committed relationship. Full disclosure, I received an ARC from the author, but this in no way influenced my review.
November 15, 2016
Birds in the Air by Frances O’Roark Dowell is set in Sweet Anne’s Gap, North Carolina. Emma Byrd and her family have just moved to town for her husband’s new job. Emma’s husband, Owen as well as their two kids, Sarah and Ben are settling in, but Emma is feeling at loose ends. Thanks to her husband’s raise, she no longer has to work. Emma thought this would be her chance to write which is what she has always wanted to do. But Emma has yet to make any friends. When Lettie, a neighbor, visits, the two of them explore some trunks left behind in the attic. Inside one of them, they find an old quilt. Emma would like to know more about it. Lettie refers Emma to Ruth at The Sewing Room (the local quilting shop). After visiting Ruth, Emma ends up learning to quilt. To gather more information on the quilt, Ruth suggests Emma attend a guild meeting. Emma makes a new friend in Mavis Abercrombie. Emma is learning to quilt and making friends. Emma takes on the task of helping Barbara (the Episcopalian minister) organize a quilt show for the town’s upcoming centennial celebration. After Barbara breaks her ankle, Emma ends up taking on the whole job. Christine McCrae, though, is not happy with Emma and goes out of her way to make things difficult for her (and her daughter, Sarah). Join Emma as she learns to navigate small town life and learns to quilt in Birds in the Air.
Birds in the Air sounded good, but I thought the book was lacking. The novel is basically about Emma settling into life in a small town. Emma is an introvert (like me) who has trouble talking with people and making friends. She constantly overthinks things, worries, and fantasizes (goes on and on for pages). I eventually started skipping over these sections. The writing was satisfactory, but the pace is a little slow. There were some interesting characters (like Mavis), but I did not think that all of them had to be so quirky. The writer just did not pull it off. The town had the typical characters: the gossip, the mean lady, the boisterous person, the old guys who sit around, etc. It was like the author had a checklist of characters needed for a small town and went down the list checking off each one as she added them into the story. I give Birds in the Air 3 out of 5 stars. I did like reading about the quilting and the old quilt sounded beautiful. With a little work (rewriting and editing) this would be the first book of a great series (can you imagine a mystery series about old quilts).
Birds in the Air sounded good, but I thought the book was lacking. The novel is basically about Emma settling into life in a small town. Emma is an introvert (like me) who has trouble talking with people and making friends. She constantly overthinks things, worries, and fantasizes (goes on and on for pages). I eventually started skipping over these sections. The writing was satisfactory, but the pace is a little slow. There were some interesting characters (like Mavis), but I did not think that all of them had to be so quirky. The writer just did not pull it off. The town had the typical characters: the gossip, the mean lady, the boisterous person, the old guys who sit around, etc. It was like the author had a checklist of characters needed for a small town and went down the list checking off each one as she added them into the story. I give Birds in the Air 3 out of 5 stars. I did like reading about the quilting and the old quilt sounded beautiful. With a little work (rewriting and editing) this would be the first book of a great series (can you imagine a mystery series about old quilts).
September 8, 2017
"Like stars in the sky, she thinks. Like birds in the air."
Birds in the Air is a comforting and charming story about finding your place in new community, that will make you want to start quilting right away!
Emma Byrd moves into a house of her dreams together with her family. Living in a small town proves to be quite different but Emma is determined to adapt to it and make friends. Finding an old quilt in the attic of their house, encourages her to reach out to her neighbours and local quilting community. But not everyone is willing to accept people from outside and the fact that Emma tries to fit into the community so much, doesn't necessarily sit well with them...
I was really looking forward to this book, because the plot summary sounded truly interesting and I wasn't disappointed! The main character Emma is very likeable. She loves books and simply wants to become a part of the small town they moved to. The atmosphere created by the author was truly heart-warming, yet very realistic. She wasn't afraid to show all small town antics and both its good and not so good side. I really enjoyed the themes of family, troubled past, fitting in and obviously quilting! :)
I adore doing all kind of crafty things, so the story with quilting at heart was truly wonderful for me. I haven't tried quilting yet, but Birds in the Air definitely made me want to. I loved all the details about different quilt patterns and the process of quilting itself. I also found the writing really good, it was smooth and made for a real page-turner.
All in all, Birds in the Air by Frances O'Roark Dowell is a sweet story that should appeal not only to all craft lovers, but also to those of you who are looking for a warm, feel-good book.
I have kindly received a copy of this book from Milton Falls Media via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The review also appeared on my blog.
For more bookish goodies, check out my Tumblr and Instagram :)
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My last book of 2016! :D I'll post my review soon.
Birds in the Air is a comforting and charming story about finding your place in new community, that will make you want to start quilting right away!
Emma Byrd moves into a house of her dreams together with her family. Living in a small town proves to be quite different but Emma is determined to adapt to it and make friends. Finding an old quilt in the attic of their house, encourages her to reach out to her neighbours and local quilting community. But not everyone is willing to accept people from outside and the fact that Emma tries to fit into the community so much, doesn't necessarily sit well with them...
I was really looking forward to this book, because the plot summary sounded truly interesting and I wasn't disappointed! The main character Emma is very likeable. She loves books and simply wants to become a part of the small town they moved to. The atmosphere created by the author was truly heart-warming, yet very realistic. She wasn't afraid to show all small town antics and both its good and not so good side. I really enjoyed the themes of family, troubled past, fitting in and obviously quilting! :)
I adore doing all kind of crafty things, so the story with quilting at heart was truly wonderful for me. I haven't tried quilting yet, but Birds in the Air definitely made me want to. I loved all the details about different quilt patterns and the process of quilting itself. I also found the writing really good, it was smooth and made for a real page-turner.
All in all, Birds in the Air by Frances O'Roark Dowell is a sweet story that should appeal not only to all craft lovers, but also to those of you who are looking for a warm, feel-good book.
I have kindly received a copy of this book from Milton Falls Media via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The review also appeared on my blog.
For more bookish goodies, check out my Tumblr and Instagram :)
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My last book of 2016! :D I'll post my review soon.
August 6, 2017
I received this book from the Goodreads Firstreads Giveaway Program. Thank you author/publisher for the opportunity to read and review your newest book!
Birds in the Air by Frances O'Roark Dowell is my first quilting novel. I enjoyed the small mountain town of Sweet Anne's Gap and new resident Emma Byrd's journey of trying to fit in. Its hard for an outsider to fit in when everybody knows everyone and all their personal business. Can Emma be welcome here ?or are the residents set on the fact that she is going to come in and try to change their ways. Emma finds her way in through the quilting community that embraces her. This story is about quilting, family histories, troubled pasts, gossip but in the end a community that just works through difficulties and sticks together. Four stars! Although I don't quilt I will be open to other stories involving quilting.
Birds in the Air by Frances O'Roark Dowell is my first quilting novel. I enjoyed the small mountain town of Sweet Anne's Gap and new resident Emma Byrd's journey of trying to fit in. Its hard for an outsider to fit in when everybody knows everyone and all their personal business. Can Emma be welcome here ?or are the residents set on the fact that she is going to come in and try to change their ways. Emma finds her way in through the quilting community that embraces her. This story is about quilting, family histories, troubled pasts, gossip but in the end a community that just works through difficulties and sticks together. Four stars! Although I don't quilt I will be open to other stories involving quilting.
March 20, 2018
I made a note of this book, after reading about it on Bonnie Hunter's blog. I was happy to find it available through the library and promptly started it. It took me a bit to get into the story - I guess I felt the characters or writing seemed a bit stiff - however, my attention was had by the introduction of potential ghosts and some mystery. The ghost sense was a feeling and the mystery didn't really go any place in this book, possibly the author is going to build on that in another volume? It's either that, or it was simply dropped. I was a pleasant read and with quilting as a main activity, that always has my interest - I would try other books by this author.
May 15, 2017
Recieved this book from Netgalley for my honest review.
Ok, the book was an easy read but there was really no substance. For the most part almost everything gets wrapped up in a pretty bow at the end. No connection to any character, the characters didn't even have a connection to their own family. It's a "quilting" book but only talks about the numerous types of quilts but I didn't really get the descriptions of what those were. Will try to read another book by this author but it wasn't anything great.
Ok, the book was an easy read but there was really no substance. For the most part almost everything gets wrapped up in a pretty bow at the end. No connection to any character, the characters didn't even have a connection to their own family. It's a "quilting" book but only talks about the numerous types of quilts but I didn't really get the descriptions of what those were. Will try to read another book by this author but it wasn't anything great.
April 11, 2019
I moved around a lot when I was in High School, so I can really relate to Emma's desire to fit in, and her missteps with the locals when she moves to a new town. It also reminded me of my own start in quilting, and does a great job of putting into words what I feel is the draw of quilting. Why I enjoy sewing these pieces together so much; why this process is so much fun. I really liked the book and will look for more by this author!
December 24, 2016
I don't know how to quilt, but I enjoy this book, the story is charming and heartwarming. I feel the characters are very likable and believable, you can connect with them all. The reason I give this 4 stars instead of 5 is because the pace of the story is a little slow.
Thank you to Net Galley for an e-ARC of this title.
Thank you to Net Galley for an e-ARC of this title.
February 4, 2017
Easy read for airline or travel.
I would read more from this author esp. if it was more about these same characters. I like fiction that includes house design ideas, quilting or sewing etc. These, if I have never read the term before, I can look up easily on my kindle fire. K D Casebier
I would read more from this author esp. if it was more about these same characters. I like fiction that includes house design ideas, quilting or sewing etc. These, if I have never read the term before, I can look up easily on my kindle fire. K D Casebier
June 22, 2018
A gentle read and mostly true to life with a newcomer in the back hills of the South. Emma moves into a new community to escape mean girls for daughter and mean women for herself but finds that mean people cannot be escaped by leaving. Quilting becomes the catalyst for making friends and becoming a fit into the community.
April 26, 2020
Loved it...
Loved this book. Honestly I have felt like I didn’t fit in many times as a quilter. I love the relationships that come about in this book. I just hope the author will consider writing about the murder that was mentioned in the last chapter. Hey, it’s a way to continue with the characters in this book.
Loved this book. Honestly I have felt like I didn’t fit in many times as a quilter. I love the relationships that come about in this book. I just hope the author will consider writing about the murder that was mentioned in the last chapter. Hey, it’s a way to continue with the characters in this book.
July 7, 2020
Cute little story set in the mountains of North Carolina about a family who moves to a small town and struggles at first to fit in since they come "from off the mountain". My favorite part centered around the main character learning to quilt and becoming accepted by the other quilters in the small community.
January 18, 2022
Friendship and quilts
I absolutely love this story of gathering together over friendship, quilting and learning to accept others, no matter what. A beautiful story of forgiveness as well as acceptance. And learning more about quilting. I will definitely read more by this very gifted author!
I absolutely love this story of gathering together over friendship, quilting and learning to accept others, no matter what. A beautiful story of forgiveness as well as acceptance. And learning more about quilting. I will definitely read more by this very gifted author!
August 6, 2017
I loved this sweet book! I found myself wanting to become a quilter and move to this small North Carolina Appalachian town. I wanted to be friends with the characters. It was just a charming, satisfying read! The book is about finding yourself and your passions, finding friendships, building community and discovering new gifts. It genuinely is one of the sweetest books I've read this year, if not in even longer than that and highly recommend you give it a chance!
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 1, 2017
Great read
Of course love the quilt block names mentioned and all references to the art of quilting!! Storyline was realistic as well. Would have love to know more about the murder!!
Of course love the quilt block names mentioned and all references to the art of quilting!! Storyline was realistic as well. Would have love to know more about the murder!!
March 20, 2018
Wonderful book
I enjoyed this story. The characters are richly drawn and you can just see people you know that are just like them. I think the story really flows and I am looking forward to the next one!
I enjoyed this story. The characters are richly drawn and you can just see people you know that are just like them. I think the story really flows and I am looking forward to the next one!
July 29, 2018
A cute story about fitting in, friendship, judgment, and finding our place in a new environment. I like the ending and how it may lead up to a sequel. Left me not wanting to leave Sweet Anne's Gap.
I won this book for free on the Good reads giveaways.
I won this book for free on the Good reads giveaways.
April 30, 2019
Simple story about trying to fit into a new community. This was written for teens and seems to explore bullying, being shut out and dealing with making mistakes everyone can see. No depth to character development. On a
positive wrap up, I enjoyed immensely the quilt-talk.
positive wrap up, I enjoyed immensely the quilt-talk.
April 21, 2021
Birds in the Air by Frances O'Roark Dowell is my first quilting novel. I enjoyed the small mountain town of Sweet Anne's Gap and new resident Emma Byrd's journey of trying to fit in. Happy Reading!
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
February 6, 2023
A pleasant story of Emma a new comer to a community eventually finding friendship and acceptance within the community. And along the way helping others to heal friendships and take up life again. Lots and lots of lovely quilt talk.
January 20, 2017
Not an ordinary cozy
I loved this story. It is bit different than other quilting cozies. It had me involved in personal self exploration and reflection.
I loved this story. It is bit different than other quilting cozies. It had me involved in personal self exploration and reflection.
May 28, 2017
Delightful story. I truly enjoyed this and would highly recommend it.
September 7, 2017
Great easy read.
Makes you believe there are still great places to live, and some really nice people here in this world .
Makes you believe there are still great places to live, and some really nice people here in this world .
September 10, 2017
It was OK, just not my thing.
February 28, 2018
Light, but liked it.
May 19, 2019
3.5 stars. Easy breezy quick read. I started it and and lost interest a bit so put it down for several weeks. Ended up finishing it and mostly enjoyed it.
August 28, 2019
This book was a delightful light read with a touch of romance, mystery and small town gossip
September 26, 2021
A story of new beginnings wrapped up in the art of quilting...cozy, thoughtful, and fun!
March 28, 2019
I found this book through my subscription to QuiltFolk magazine. I liked it. Good quilting story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews