Southern Patchwork Quilt

by Phyllis F. McManus

Southern Patchwork Quilt is a mixture of short stories, flash fiction, poetry, memories, recipes and quotes. Even though the majority of the work is fiction many are written straight from my heart and as true as our sweet Southern breeze on cool afternoons.

124 pages, Paperback

Published May 10, 2016

Reviews

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phyllis F. McManus tells of how money was hard to come by in the 1950’s. A new child’s dress meant blistered fingers, as the parents needed to pick fruit to earn enough money for such a luxury. Growing up on a farm meant hard work, with each family member sharing daily chores of feeding the animals, collecting eggs, milk and more. Phyllis then goes on to tell the story of a young girl having been sexually abused by her neighbor, before blocking out all memories until she witnesses another young girl walking into the same fate – and whose actions land her in prison. Prose and poetry follow, as well as some flash fiction. With all the pieces of the book layered in their perfect place, it truly does transform into that of a patchwork quilt.

Some of the tales which Phyllis F. McManus have written about in Southern Patchwork Quilt hit quite close to home. Many experiences shared are extremely difficult to take in or discuss, and the courage shown by Phyllis in sharing such heartbreak is immense. Having faced sexual abuse from two people that I was meant to be safest around, I could most definitely relate to the pain, fear and shame discussed in ‘Silence is Golden.’ A young child being threatened, whether the threat be towards the child themselves or somebody they love, is a torture that they can never recover from. The prose and poetry in the pages following was imaginative and clever, with my favorite poem being about the love of one’s son. A bond between mother and child is incredibly precious, and I could not help but smile at the words as I read. With so many of life’s lessons to be learned within these pages, I could not help but enjoy Southern Patchwork Quilt, and recommend it wholeheartedly to those over the age of 15 years who are not afraid to face tales of hardship, illness, sexual abuse, justice, happy endings and more.

- Rosie Malezer for Readers’ Favorite

[P.S. Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can not begin to tell you how amazingly beautiful this book is. My heart is still swelled with emotion after reading this incredible collection. It is also quite a collection including short stories, poems, flash fiction, recipes, pictures and an amazing amount of love. I have to thank this author for sharing these beautiful memories that made me remember times past and the love and happiness that can be found in life. This collection is like an old patchwork quilt, made of bits and pieces and sewn together with love and care. This book is a must have and one to keep close by anytime you want to have that heart touching feeling that brings a tear to the eye and those goosebumps to the arms that mean you are feeling something rare, special and made with love. Thanks to Phyllis F. Mcmanus for taking readers on this special journey. Needless to say, I highly recommend this incredible collection.

[Chloe A · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful concept for a book! The idea of weaving together short stories, poetry, recipes, and personal memories into a “patchwork quilt” of words feels so heartfelt and unique. Just like a handmade quilt, this collection seems to carry warmth, history, and love stitched into every page. I especially love how the author took inspiration from her sister-in-law’s quilting and transformed her own box of memories into something lasting and shareable it makes the book feel personal, yet universal at the same time.

Even without having read it yet, I can already imagine how comforting this would be: sitting on a porch, sweet tea in hand, and letting the stories flow like a cool southern breeze. It feels like the kind of book that not only entertains but also nourishes the soul with its mixture of heartfelt writing and down-to-earth southern charm. A true labor of love that I’d encourage anyone to explore!

[P.S. Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can not begin to tell you how amazingly beautiful this book is. My heart is still swelled with emotion after reading this incredible collection. It is also quite a collection including short stories, poems, flash fiction, recipes, pictures and an amazing amount of love. I have to thank this author for sharing these beautiful memories that made me remember times past and the love and happiness that can be found in life. This collection is like an old patchwork quilt, made of bits and pieces and sewn together with love and care. This book is a must have and one to keep close by anytime you want to have that heart touching feeling that brings a tear to the eye and those goosebumps to the arms that mean you are feeling something rare, special and made with love. Thanks to Phyllis F. Mcmanus for taking readers on this special journey. Needless to say, I highly recommend this incredible collection.