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Dare River #6

The Patchwork Quilt of Happiness

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Riley Thomson believes every woman can be her own superhero.

When he meets Sadie McGuiness, he’s even more sure of it.

The sassy quilter might not fight good and evil, like he depicts as a comic book artist, but she leaps tall buildings in a single bound. He sees it in her brave quest to locate her long-lost sister and the way she champions his motherless daughter. It’s not just her superhuman strength he’s attracted to—it’s the strength of her heart. She stitches together the different blocks of her life with love, much like the magical quilts she creates. Soon he’s modeling his new female superhero after her.

As Sadie and Riley create their own patchwork of happiness, dark forces from their past return to test them. Can they battle them together to ensure a happily ever after for them and the rest of their family?

428 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 17, 2018

1348 people are currently reading
724 people want to read

About the author

Ava Miles

101 books1,142 followers
Millions of readers have discovered International Bestselling Author Ava Miles and her powerful fiction and non-fiction books about love, happiness, and transformation. Her novels have received praise and accolades from USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, and People Magazine in addition to being chosen as Best Books of the Year and Top Editor’s picks. Translated into multiple languages, Ava’s strongest praise comes directly from her readers, who call her books and characters unforgettable.

Ava is a former chef, worked as a long-time conflict expert rebuilding warzones to foster peaceful and prosperous communities, and has helped people live their best life as a life coach, energy healer, and self-help expert. She is never happier than when she’s formulating skin care and wellness products, gardening, or creating a new work of art. Hanging with her friends and loved ones is pretty great too.

After years of residing in the States, she decided to follow her dream of living in Europe. She recently finished a magical stint in Ireland where she was inspired to write her acclaimed Unexpected Prince Charming series. Now, she’s splitting her time between Paris and Provence, learning to speak French, immersing herself in cooking à la provençal, and planning more page-turning novels for readers to binge.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
3,045 reviews25.3k followers
May 29, 2025
The Patchwork Quilt of Happiness is book six in the Dare River series by Ava Miles. I read the previous books in this series forever ago and recently realized I’d missed this final book! I knew I needed to remedy that immediately. This was a beautiful story that was so filled with love in every form. My eyes teared up so many times in the happiest of ways.



Sadie McGuiness is the youngest of the four McGuiness siblings. She works at a crafting store called Oodles of Spools and she is also a very talented quilter. Her quilts are works of art and are filled with love she pours into every piece.



Riley Thomson is a comic book artist and is also single dad to a seven year old daughter, Jess. He lives next door to his best friends, Paige and Mark and their seven year old daughter, Haley. Haley and Jess are best friends and spend every moment together, running back and forth to each other’s houses. And Riley and Paige and Mark help each other out watching each other’s girls when they can.



Sadie and her siblings recently realized they had a half sister they never knew about, Paige. They share a father who is not in any of their lives. It’s Sadie who took it upon herself to show up at Paige’s door to introduce herself and invite her to a quilting class. She was so brave that day. But the person who answered the door was the next door neighbor who was watching the girls, Riley.



Riley was bowled over by the beautiful Sadie. She immediately inspired a new super hero character he knew he’d have to draw. Neither of them could deny the attraction they both felt. With so many changes in their family, is this the right time to start a new relationship? And before they’ve barely had a chance to enjoy finding new love, their pasts make a re-appearance.

“Their family was starting to feel complete. Funny how she hadn’t known something was missing before learning about Paige.”



First, I loved seeing how happy the other couples from this series are. Rye, from book one, still makes me smile so big! There is so much love between these family members. They support each other no matter what. Riley and Sadie’s journey has plenty of road blocks. But their family is there to back them up from the start. This is a wonderful story of healing hearts, family bonds, and falling in love. I’m so glad I read this!

“Nothing says love like a quilt.”

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Profile Image for Ellen Anderson.
1,251 reviews
April 19, 2018
FANtastic!

It's hard to come up with the words to describe how much I adore this book and series. The Dare River series has touched me deeply since the very first book. While The Patchwork Quilt of Happiness was a very emotional bok and very enthralling, I am saddened that this is the last in this series. All of the characters were written with such depth and emotion that you literally cry with them. Thank you Ava Miles for this beautiful series.
Profile Image for Ann.
6,022 reviews83 followers
September 10, 2018
Beautifully written Christian romance. This is book 6 in the Dare River series and is easily read as a stand alone story. I missed the previous 5 books but I've already got them in my TBR stack. Riley is a graphic cartoon artist and has pretty much given up on finding a wife and mother for his young daughter. He thinks he has a great setup with the couple next door and their daughter who is same age and best friend of his girl. Then he meets Sadie who discovers the woman next door is her half sister. I'm assuming the previous books in the series deal with Sadie's brothers and sisters. When they all get together for Christmas it gives a lot of background for all the couples. Wonderful read without being too preachy. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
238 reviews14 followers
April 19, 2018
Ava Miles kept us waiting for a pretty long time for this last book in the Dare River series and it is definitely worth the weight. Like all the other books in this series, Ava Miles speaks of family, friends, forgiveness, laughter and most of all love. Her characters are relatable, with lots of depth and you just can't help falling in love with them.

Riley is a great hero for Sadie. I couldn't help falling in love with him as their relationship progressed. I was also very happy that JP (Sadie's brother) appears frequently in this story. I loved him right from the start when he appeared in the series and continue to love him more as the series continues. He is such a pillar of strength and wisdom that anyone would love to have him as a brother or husband.

I also enjoyed reading about quilting in this book. Even though I don't know much about quilting, I think it really helps to heal and I love their idea of quilting of newborn babies, giving them the sense of safety and security.

** I received an ebook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: All conclusions are my own.
Profile Image for Pat.
1,375 reviews43 followers
April 17, 2018
Another wonderful story in the Dare Valley series, full of family, laughter and burgeoning love. Finding a long lost sister has given new meaning to the McGuiness family, and especially Sadie. Paige is welcomed to the family with open arms, and Sadie is quite attracted to Paige’s next door neighbor Riley. He’s a single dad who writes and illustrates comic books.
Full review to follow on May 4th on http://www.tbqsbookpalace.com
1,099 reviews7 followers
May 5, 2018
I was given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have read a number of books by Ava Miles and enjoyed them, so was excited to be able to read this one.
Sweet, romantic and emotional, this book was a good read. Loved learning more about all the characters as they featured in earlier books in the series. Definitely can be read as a standalone.
4 stars
Profile Image for DJ.
779 reviews
May 15, 2018
I hate to see them go

The Patchwork Quilt of Happiness is the final book in Ava Miles Dare River series. As I read the final sentence, I realized that it was like saying goodbye to an old friend who was moving far away to pursue a lifelong dream. I was happy that everything had worked out so perfectly, after all there is always a "happily ever after" in Ava Miles Nora Roberts land. Yet it is bittersweet knowing your old friend won't be right there to share a morning walk or a cup of coffee.
Ava's Dare River series is all about reuniting families, healing old wounds and fears of rejection, desertion and distrust. In the "Patchwork Quilt of Happiness"the youngest of the McGuineses', Sadie,seeks out her half-sister Paige, and asks her to join her quilting classes, in an attempt to bring Paige into the family fold. Of course in the process of healing family relationships, Sadie meets her sisters hot next door neighbor Riley who has his own trust issues when it comes to woman. Throughout the book Ava Miles uses art, color and quilting to weave together a story of a broken family, taking scraps of their lives,each person with their own unique color, and piecing them together to form this finished thing of beauty, a blended family much like a patchwork quilt. As a needlework person, who has always wanted to learn to quilt, I love the metaphor. And as the oldest child in an extended family, who has experienced the pain but also the love that can come from many different personalities trying to find their way in the world, I appreciate how Ava captures that journey so beautifully. She has a way with stories and words that is an art form itself. This book is a perfect ending to the series, though I was disappointed that it had to end. It seemed the end came very abruptly and I wanted to linger in Dare River a little longer, see everyone have their fairytale weddings and discover how many children would be added to the extended families.
If you love happily ever after combined with real life struggles to find love in our modern world, I recommend you read not only "The Patchwork Quilt of Happiness" but the whole six book Dare River series.
94 reviews2 followers
April 16, 2018
I loved it! Tears running down my face. This is a very good book. This is book 6 in the Dare River Series. This is the story of Sadie and Riley.

Sadie is a quilter and works at a fabric store. Riley is a cartoon artist. The two meet by accident when Sadie decides she wants to meet her half sister, Paige. No one in Sadie's family has met Paige, as they just found our that their daddy had left their mama for another woman. Sadie goes to Paige's house and meets Riley, the next door neighbor, as he is watching Paige and Marks daughter Haley and his daughter Jess having a princess banquet. Sadie thought to invite Paige to a quilting class to make quilts for the NICU babies.

Sadie shows the Princess quilt to Haley, Jess and Riley. She also shows other quilt pictures to the girls. Jess immediately starts match making Sadie and Riley. Fortunately, Riley does ask Sadie out for dinner. Paige decides to join the quilting group so that she can learn about her sister and the rest of her family.

Riley is a single dad who has been raising his daughter by himself. Jess's mom decided she did not want to be pregnant and wanted to be a country music artist instead, leaving Riley to raise Jess alone. Riley has always worried that Jess's mom would come back and take his amazing daughter. But he was also worried how he would tell Jess about her mom.

This book is about people who have been cast aside by their families. Those that have been pushed aside for drug use, for other men and missing or lacking the love and attention that was needed. This book is about healing and learning that you can be a super hero that makes quilts. It is about loving your family, every single person that is a part of your gene pool - even if they have a different parent.

I received an ebook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: All conclusions are my own.
2,842 reviews8 followers
May 2, 2018
Ending on a high note! I have always liked the character of Sadie and couldn't wait for her story, but she really needed the perfect hero. She is so tenderhearted and wears her heart of her sleeve, and it would be easy for someone to take advantage or walk all over her. Well, she certainly found the perfect hero in Riley. He was a really great character. He is a single dad and comic book artist who is just as well versed in Disney movies as he is with superheroes. Riley and Sadie complemented each other well, and it is hard not to love them. I will admit that I wasn't quite sure what to think after their awkward first date, but Riley quickly redeems himself.

Family is another huge element of this story, as well as this series as a whole. There are lots of family dynamics here: the McGuinness family, their unknown half-sister Paige, Paige's family, and Riley's family. While it seems like a lot, it wasn't overwhelming and there were several parallels that really took the story a step deeper. Paige is a great addition to the family, and I liked how she had an established relationship with Riley and Jess while developing her relationship with her half-siblings.

I know nothing about quilting, but I really liked how it was a unifying activity that helped bring things together. At one point in the book, I felt like the plot was a little predictable...and then something happened that I did not expect. While those scenes were tough to read, it really made the ending and the story as a whole even better.

I have really liked this series and am sad to see it end. However, I'm glad it's going out on a high note! Can't wait to see what's next with this author!

I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.
Profile Image for MeaganC..
140 reviews1 follower
April 18, 2018
This was a bittersweet read for me. I was so happy to get my hands on another Ava Miles book but so sad to see the end of the Dare River series. This final chapter in the McGuinness family saga features Sadie McGuinness and Riley (our hero). On a quest to find out more about her "hidden" family history, Sadie sets out to meet the half-sister she's never known, Paige. And who is Paige's next door neighbor? Of course, he is the lovable, Riley.

When you read an Ava Miles book, you can expect laughs, family drama, a little bit of preaching, and a whole lot of reluctant love. In the end, the main characters always make their way to happiness. This book was no different, except we have the family dynamic playing a huge role in both of our main characters' journey. Both have had heartbreak at the hands of the ones they love and as such, find it hard to move forward. Miles holds no punches, so this novel will hit home for those who have fought for acceptance. love, and forgiveness from family.

Luckily, Sadie and Riley have one another and are able to heal wounds through the love they find with one another. Like Sadie's quilts, they are able to take the pieces and people of their lives and sew them together into something stronger and beautiful than the original.

I received an ebook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: All conclusions are my own.
Profile Image for Jissett Fadraga-Monzon.
16 reviews1 follower
April 13, 2018
Once again Ava give us another story full of hope and romance.
Sadie McGuiness cannot stop thinking on her long-lost sister, on reuniting her to the family. She finds the courage to show up on her sister’s doorsteps. To her surprised, she is welcomed by a handsome and interesting man, Riley Thomson, her sister’s neighbor. Riley, a comic book artist, a single dad. He believes every woman is her own superhero. When he meets Sandie he cannot stop thinking about her. Sandie’s heart is captures by this alluring man. She creates quilts according to people’s life situations and personalities, each unique.
Family is everything on Ava’s series and this book is huge on family. The McGuinness clan pulls together in good and not so good times. They find the way to solve the issues, with their love for each other. Could Riley and Sandie’s new love survive this difficult time? Could they find their Happiness?
I have fallen in love with Ava’s Dare River series. Come and fall in love too. This is the final book in the series, which makes it even more emotional.
“I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.”
Profile Image for Janilyn Kocher.
5,102 reviews116 followers
September 9, 2023
This book is the conclusion of a series and I’d recommend reading the books in order because I was sort of lost though the first part of the book.
I liked all the quilting and quilts discussed in the book.
The plot surrounding the quilting was decent.
The author did tie in the previous books’ characters.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kobo Writing Life for the early digital copy.
484 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2020
I used to be a big Ava Miles fan. I binge read both the Dare Valley and Dare River series. But I have found over the last few years here writing has become more faith based.

Now if that is what she wants to write, that is fine. It's her self expression. And I, as a reader, can choose to read her books or not. What bothers me here is that this series did not start out as faith based. If it had would not have read, and enjoyed, the first 5 books. To make this change at the end of the series is a let down for those of us who do not read faith based books.

Again, there is nothing wrong with those books. It's just not my religious leaning and therefore I choose not to read these books.

I only wished that Ms. Miles had finished this series in the same tone as she had started it.

Sadly, I got to about page 110 and then I could not go any further.
67 reviews3 followers
April 24, 2018
Quitting in a AMAZING light, Ava Miles style!

Reading Ava Miles is like opening up a family you wish were your own. I loved this new addition to the Dare River series .. I laughed, cried and fell in love with the new expansion to the McGuiness clan and, truth be told, waiting for her next book seems akin to torture. I think, maybe, I will go back to the beginning so waiting won't be so bad. Now, Ms. Miles, I know genius like yours takes time, but it might not hurt to rush it a bit, you know, for the sake of your reader's sanity (I mean, enjoyment). Folks, pick up your book today, you won't be disappointed and new readers can make old friends.. This book could stand alone, but why, pick up the whole series and get Kleenex.
Profile Image for Lacie Scout Bateau.
127 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2024
This brings the Dare River series to a close. I enjoyed this story so much! I laughed, I bawled my eyes out, and I fanned the hot flashes.

Sadie is the youngest McGuinness sister. She’s the quietest of her family and I’d say the most sensitive. The story picks up after they meet their me-mother. Sadie takes it upon herself to look for their half sister on their deadbeat father’s side, Paige. The two hit it off immediately & slowly Sadie brings Paige into the family.

Meanwhile Riley Thomson & his daughter Jess live next door to Paige. Sadie & Riley meet and it’s instant attraction.

Riley, a single father, has a very sad past with his ex and the way he ended up raising Jess alone. It becomes an important piece to the story and where it leads.
Profile Image for Linda.
29 reviews
May 6, 2018
I have read all of the "Dare" books starting with the Nora Roberts; and have enjoyed them that I would say I almost "inhaled" them - couldn't get enough, fast enough! They are such a good read that I have told a number of my reader friends to look them up and start reading. Today it was the end of the Dare River books with the Patchwork Quilt of Happiness #6, and now I'm feeling the loss already. I have moments of great joy reading this series, and moments of teary-eyed empathy for the characters, wishing I were part of the family too. Thank you Ava for giving us fantastic hours of joyful reading. Now, on to other books you have written....... thanks again, Linda
Profile Image for Moira.
1,262 reviews12 followers
April 22, 2018
Wonderful and uplifting. I laughed and cried with all the McGuinnes siblings, but especially Sadie. I loved how the characters from other books appear in the latest story. It makes the story so real and like you're coming home. Couldn't put this one down .The only thing that makes me sad is this seems to be the end of the series for this generation. Would love to see a series based on the next generation! Rory, Annabelle, Boone, Jess, Haley and those babies to be born.
847 reviews
May 22, 2021
Great ending to this series

I have to admit that sections of this book were a bit off-putting with their overdone references to super heroes and princesses. But the overall storyline of how the McGuiness family found and accepted their grandmother and closed the door on their long lost dad was great. Mix in the acceptance of Paige into the family and the romance between Sadie and Riley and it all made for a wonderful story.
Profile Image for Virginia'dele Smith.
Author 11 books388 followers
July 24, 2025
The Book Belles of Green Hills bookclub selection for July 2025 💖 I was eager to read Ava Miles's quilt fiction romance because that's what I write, and I really enjoyed her story! The beginning and the end were my favorite parts, as the middle seemed to lose some of its page-turning power...not enough to put it down, but not as engaging as the first few and final few chapters. I'm excited to discuss this one at book club, especially the characters, their journey, and the quilts 🥰
10 reviews
April 24, 2018
Great ending to a great series!

This has been a wonderful read, from the first book in the series to this final. So sad to see it come to an end. I know there is much more to read by Ava, but I will greatly miss these characters. Thank you for sharing your talent of writing with us!
Profile Image for Linda L. Cook.
55 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2018
Power of Positive Thinking

I love the way goodness rules with these stories. I try to be a positive person every day, but with all the negatives going on in this world it can be a challenge.

Thank you for the escape and wonderful people in this series. They aren't perfect, but that is what makes this such an easy read.
14 reviews
May 10, 2018
As much as I love Ava Miles books ,and I've read them all, this was my least favorite.

Wasn't feeling it for the two leads, Sadie and Riley. Ms. Miles always entertained, usually can't put her books down. But I seem the conflict with the ex coming a mile away. Riley's reaction to the ex was a bit weak.
Profile Image for Nancy .
118 reviews1 follower
May 15, 2018
I openly cried both happy and sad tears reading this novel about Sadie and her family. That describes how Miles' characters are so very human as they face the ups and downs life throws in each of their paths. There is humor and strife, and most importantly, family bonds of love and support. I loved this book.
98 reviews
January 26, 2019
Awesome

Ava bringing this family together is the best story. I love them all okay leaving out a couple. I even looked on the site of "Paducah" wow I want to visit as it looks absolutely amazing. I can see how that place would give anyone inspiration. I hope there are more to come in this series. As I would love to meet this family again. Thank you Ava hugs xx
Profile Image for Nancy Martinez.
160 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2019
Great book

It took me a bit to realize where in the series this book picked up and once I did it put everything in perspective. Ava write stories that hit the heart. She makes you think about what true family is and not to sweat the small things and be more open to your own family and always keep the lines of communication open.
33 reviews
February 8, 2023
Spectacular * Heartwarming * Great Finale

I hated to see this series come to a close. I laughed & cried with each of them throughout this story. So beautifully written & I can't wait to start another series & meet new wonderful characters that I know will become like friends. Thank & Bless you Ava Miles for all the Enjoyment you bring to others with your creativity.
Profile Image for Madeline.
151 reviews7 followers
April 25, 2018
Amazingly powerful story

All her books read like poetry. Full of life, struggles, pain, and happiness. I’ve cried like a baby, but also rejoiced and learned. So many emotions. I just finished and have a book hangover! Love it. Beautiful ending to this series.
Profile Image for Shaquida Booker.
105 reviews1 follower
April 29, 2018
Oooh she sure enough done it again!

I love love love every bit of this book! From start to finish my emotions was on a ride! I must say I definitely enjoy this ride. Thank you Ms Ava !
15 reviews
June 11, 2018
Lovely series

Beautiful story with characters you can relate with. I've really enjoyed the connection that could be felt as you read all of the ups and downs that the family has and how they bonded together.
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