Christmas Stitches: A Historical Romance Collection

by Judith McCoy Miller

3 Talented Seamstresses, 3 Christmas Romances
Return to Christmases of yesteryear with three seamstresses who use their talents to succeed in the late 1800s. But can love also be stitched into their lives?
 
A SEAMLESS LOVE by Judith Miller
1888 – Pullman, Illinois
Hannah Cushman possesses a special talent for embroidered fancywork and design which secures her a position in the Dressmaking and Millinery Shop in the Pullman Arcade near Chicago where she encounters childhood friend Daniel Price. Daniel is disappointed to learn Hannah is being courted by a detective with the Pinkerton Detective Agency. With two men vying for her attention, will Hannah seek God’s direction or ignore the warning signs He sets before her?
 
MENDED HEARTS by Stephanie Grace Whitson
1890 – Nebraska
Rachel Ellsworth has always been encouraged to pursue her passion for art. She looks forward to taking the Grand Tour on her honeymoon and experiencing the great museums of Europe. But when tragedy strikes, Rachel's plans are put on hold and she is forced to stay with two maiden aunts in a small Nebraska town where the most exciting things that ever happen are quilting bees and the county fair. Rachel expects her stay in Lost Creek to be temporary--until a letter from home changes everything. How can a budding artist who loves the big city expect to find happiness in the middle of nowhere? 
 
PIN’S PROMISE by Nancy Moser
1906 – Summerfield, England
Penelope (Pin) Billings and Jonathan Evers have loved each other since they were children, promising to one day get officially engaged. Both have distinct talents: Pin for sewing dresses and teaching others to sew and Jonathan—a doctor right out of school—in helping the people of the village. As adulthood nears and the time to fulfill their promise seems right, a tragic event pulls them apart, making both question their future. Will they discover they are stronger together than apart?

Genres: Christmas, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Romance, Adult Fiction, Christian Historical Fiction, Historical

448 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2018

About the author

Judith McCoy Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her bestselling novels. Judy and her husband make their home in Topeka, Kansas.

Reviews

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful,wonderful collection of novella length stories with the common thread of sewing. 3 top authors bring these old-time stories to you. This is a delightful way to spend the day reading these with your cup of hot cocoa and snuggly blanket. Wonderful stories of characters struggling but with God's help there is hope and love this holiday season. These stories remind me of my grandmother who was quite the seamstress. She taught me as well but I was never as good as her. I know you'll enjoy these holiday stories as much as I did. I will definitely be buying this collection for friends for Christmas.
Pub Date 01 Oct 2018
I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Seamless Love by Judith Miller - 3 stars
This story had a great setting and interesting historical details. Hannah is ambitious with her career as a seamstress with custom embroidery, and spends extra hours on special projects for the company owner's wife. Contrary to the book synopsis, she's not dating a Pinkerton agent, but a businessman from Chicago who spends a lot of time on the road (suspicious). I had hoped for more development of her relationship with Daniel, but the majority of the story focused on her trials with her beau and workload.

Pin’s Promise by Nancy Moser - 4 stars
I enjoyed the character growth as Pin learns to be patient and understanding, while Jonathan realizes the differences in treating patients in the town rather than a hospital. An endearing but abused set of children really steal the show, giving Pin and Jonathan the opportunity to look beyond themselves and draw closer together because of the shared trials. I loved the strong sense of community and service.

Mending Hearts by Stephanie Grace Whitson - 4 stars
Rachel and Adam have both suffered great loss, and I loved Rachel's two aunts that are the heart of the community- caring for Adam's children and bringing Rachel into their fold as well. Rachel's talent as an artist are brought into the story in subtle ways, inspiring those around her. Although Rachel's exuberant friend Nel sets her cap for Adam, the interference gives both Rachel and Adam time to heal from their broken hearts before discovering the love blossoming between them. A supporting cast full of personality!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was supposed to do laundry today but got all stitched up and engrossed by Christmas Stitches: An Historical Romance Collection, featuring three totally wonderful stories of love and hope at the holidays. Guess we’ll have to wait one more day for clean jeans. It’s worth it! 5/5

Pub Date 01 Oct 2018

Thanks to Barbour Books and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are fully mine.

#ChristmasStitches:AnHistoricalRomanceCollection #NetGalley

[Karen R · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful collection of new stories by three stellar authors! A delightful way to start the holiday season, these quality reads hook the reader and leave something uplifting to think about. I recognized the historical settings of the first two stories, as they added on to previous series; the Pullman series by Judith Miller, and the Summerfield series by Nancy Moser. I loved reading more of Annie Wood's backstory (from The Pattern Artist)! The last one was excellent too, set in the author's state of Nebraska, with new characters and a tender romance leading to a sighworthy moment.
"God has a plan for each of us."
Plenty of inspirational threads are woven through each tale, as characters struggle with loneliness, difficult circumstances, betrayal and loss. I especially liked the way the author used Rachel's character in the last story to walk through steps of grief and get to a place of hope. "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."

Recommend for historical Christian romance fans! 4.5 stars

(An e-book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Stitches is a collection of three novellas. These novellas include:
A Seamless Love by Judith Miller - set in Pullman, Illinois in 1894
Mending Hearts by Stephanie Grace Whitson - set in Nebraska in 1899
Pin’s Promise by Nancy Moser - set in Summerfield, England in 1900-1906
I loved all three of these stories by the very talented authors. I highly recommend this collection for any reader who love Christmas stories.
5 stars.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

4 stars:
A Seamless Love (Illinois)
Mended Hearts (Nebraska)

1 star:
Pin's Promise (England)

Each story is a Christmas romance with a happy ending. The story that I didn't like was too dark and depressing.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute collection of Christmas romances. I liked the sewing angle in each of the stories. A clean easy read perfect for a winter's night with a good cup of tea.

I received this book from NetGalley and wasn't required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Holiday Anthology with a 3 stories that cover the world from England, Illinois and Nebraska spanning three decaseds from 1888 to the turn of the century and beyond. Three women find love through their skills as seamstresses. God bring them the men of their Christmas dreams. Two couples who've known each other all their lives and one who just met follow the pathes that God has laid out for them to follow to each other's hearts.

A Seamless Love Judy McCoy Miller Pullman, Illinois September 1888
Hannah and Daniel hace been best friends since they were young. At a Christmas ball Hannah reveals her feellings for Daniel but he rejects her and just wants to be friends. Five years later Hannah is working in the company town milliner shop and has a beau. Daniel is in an apprenticeship in Chicago and about to come home. He's jealous of the man courting Hannah and wants to try and win her back because he doesn't trust her beau. Hannah wants out of Pullman and to work for a bi department store in Chicago. Thnkining she's getting fired she goes to see her boss only to be given a promotion to work directly and exclusively with Mrs. Pullman. Hannah is disappointed that her boyfriend always cancels at the last minute. When she does the same to him he gets angry and tells her he won't possibly be available to escort her to an upcoming ball. Hannah and Daniel meet when she comes to meet with Mrs. Pullman in Chicago. He gets his dream job of working in Pullman. Hannah wonders about Daniels feelings for her. She's been holding back her feelings for him these past years. Hannah thinks he's courting a co-worker's sister. They don't see much of each other because she's so busy with her job. Her mother is anxious to know all about the Pullman mansion but Hannah can't tell her much. Hannah's long hours affect her time with her family.She begins to wonder about her relationship with her beau. When Hannah is called to Chicgao to meet with Mrs. Pullman she meets a woman in the store she'd love to work in. They begin a conversation over the woman's reticule . Hannah realizes that her beau is the same man as this woman's husband. She goes to his office and confronts him and breaks things off with him. She's devestated but reveals the truth to her family and friends including Daniel. Hannah and Daniel meet and she explains what happened and he explains he wasn't courting the woman, but doing a favor for a friend. Daniel's famly is to join Hannah's family.for Thanksgiving. After the meal they take a walk and Daniel talks to Hannah's father and asks to court Hannah. A Christmas proposal is made and accepted.

Pin's Promise Nancy Moser Summerfield England December 1899-1906
Penelope aka Pin to family and friends has grown up with Jonathon as her best friend. At the turn of the century they take themselves off from the celebration to say goodbye to each other. Jonathon is leaving to go off to school to become a doctor. They hide their love tokens. In 1906 Jonathon has returned to practice with his father. Pin has impatiently been waiting for them to get married. She wants to marry right away but Jonathon wants to wait until he's more settled into the practice. Pin takes his statement to do what she wants as a go ahead and looks at a local cottage. Pin becomes involved in the life of a young woman in the area by teaching her to sow, Jonathon is having trouble settleing into the practice and thinks he knows best. Pin and her young friend go to Jonathon for help with the girl's brother. They bring the boy to the office for surgery only the boy dies before he can help. Realizing that there is more going on with the children than they knew, Johnathon takes action. And arrests are made. Pin doesn't realize he's actually helping get angry and lashes out at him. She apologizes when she realizes what he's done. Pin's family takes in the young woman and find her a job. Advice is given to Pin about her situation with Johnathon y her mother. They exchange Christmas presents and Johnathon realizes that Hannah is giving him time he in return works on Hannah's gift. He gets the love tokens and adds to them then takes her to the cottage for a marriage proposal. The young lady decides to visit her parents in jail and reallizes that her life is better than it's ever been.

Mended Hearts Stephanie Grace Whitson York County, Nebraska 1890
Rachel's father has just died and she thinks her beau is going to propose because she has no where else to go. Instead she's given a letter from her long lost maiden aunt. Thinking that it's a temporary place to stay until she can marry her fiance' she heads to her aunts's house. Adam has been greiving for his wife you he lost in child birth. He's given the care of his two children to Rachel's aunts until he can figure out how to handle the situation. Rachel arrives in Lost Creek and starts helping her aunts with the children and settleing into the community. She starts to worry when her fiance' does't stay in contact with her. She's about to send a telegraph when she receives a letter from his mother announcing that he's engaged to some one else. Rachel is devestated. Adam has been spending more time with his children and has them brought out to the farm a few times a week. Rachel's new best friend thinks she's going to marry Adam, so she's constantly talking about him. It gets on Rachel's nerves and she stops spending so much time with her. They come up with a plan to use Adam's wife's quilt material to finish a quilt for his son. His unnamed son finally gets a name when Adam finds a list of names. Adam thinks that Rachel's friend wants him to court her but he has no interest in her at all. When she plans a party at his farm without consulting him he makes his feelings for her known. Rachel's aunts giverher advice about her broken hearr and she gets a peek into their past. Rachel is slowly getting over her heartbreak and realizes she's attracted to Adam. He's been having feeling for Rachel and is encouraged by his sister and the aunts. Adam starts helping to build the church, which lets him see more of his children. They all make plans to attend the county fair. They all have a lot of fun and Adam takes the kids home overnight. His daughter tells him who she'd like to have as a mother. Adam must tend to an injured horse and the kids are worried but bad weather keeps them from coming out to the farm. As Rachel and Adam spend more time together they realize they have feelings for each other. On a sliegh ride at Christmas he takes Rachel to see his family's home and reveals his feelings as does she. A proposal and acceptance are made as Rachel reveals her feelings for Adam.

Three stories of love of God and each other shows the true meaning of the Christmas spirit. These couples whether they've known each other all theire lives or just meet find out that they can have the life of their dreams if they believe in God and each other. Christmas is a special time of year and these stories will make it all the more special for these 3 couples who find their way to each other and realize that God is always there for them.

[Barbara Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains three stories which contain some kind of sewing or needle arts and are all set in the late 1890s-early 1900s.

A Seamless Love by Judith Miller takes place in Pullman, Illinois. Hannah Cushman had once been romantically interested in her longtime friend, Daniel Price, but Daniel wanted to remain only friends. Years later, Hannah’s working at the Pullman Dressmaking and Millinery Shop. Her special talent in embroidering bead work has come to the attention of Mrs. Pullman, who asks her to work on some special projects for her. She’s being courted by Louis Nicholson, who lives in Chicago. But her old friend Daniel wants to work for the Pullman Car Company and move closer to Hannah. Something about Louis doesn’t sit right with Daniel. And he’s finally ready to move beyond friendship with Hannah, but is it too late?

Nancy Moser’s story, Pin’s Promise takes place in Summerfield, England. Penelope Billings, nicknamed Pin, has loved Jonathan Evers as long as she can remember. They promised each other as teenagers that they’d marry after his six years of education training to be a doctor. Now he’s back, trying to find his place with his new ideas in his father’s old-fashioned practice. Pin is an accomplished seamstress and teaches others to sew. She’s driven while Jonathan is laid back. She runs ahead, sure of herself, while Jonathan likes to take his time and think.

Pin becomes aware that a local girl, Annie, who sells eggs in the village has some serious needs. As she tries to help, she learns the family is in poverty because the father is a drunkard who abuses his children.

A tragedy involving Annie’s family pulls Pin and Jonathan apart. Are their differences too great to keep their teenage promises to each other?

One fun aspect of this story was that some of the characters appear in others of Nancy’s books. I’ve only read book in her Summerfield series, but Annie was the main character in The Pattern Artist and The Fashion Designer, which I loved.

Stephanie Grace Whitson‘s story, Mending Hearts, takes place in small Lost Creek, Nebraska. Rachel Ellsworth’s pastor father has just died and Rachel has to move out of the parsonage in St. Louis. She’s engaged to Landis Grove, but she has nowhere to go before their wedding except to two older single aunts in small Lost Creek, Nebraska. Rachel is an artist looking forward to the Grand Tour on her honeymoon. But for now, she puts her artistic talents to work at the local quilting bees.

Her aunts help take care of the children of a widower, Adam Friesen. Adam had offered to marry his wife to help her out of a bad situation. Though their relationship had grown, he is wracked with guilt that he didn’t really love her as he should have before she died. He’s in a haze of pain since his loss, but he keeps busy in the community.

Rachel receives a letter from home which changes her whole future. At a loss now herself, she struggles with finding God’s will for her life now.

I enjoyed all three of these stories. I’ve loved needle arts for decades, so that aspect was fun for me. But mostly I sympathized with each woman in her situation and her struggles to trust God and apply His truth to her situation.

In addition, the cover is gorgeous and the inside opens out for even more lovely artwork.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable collection of three holiday romances that have a common theme of needlework at their center!

A Seamless Love by Judith Miller

A Seamless Love is the story of the friendship of Hannah Cooper and Daniel Price set in the town of Pullman, Illinois during the 1880’s. Pullman, a quaint town where the employees of the Pullman Palace Car Company lived, had a certain charm to it, but the town felt confining to Hannah, who wanted to stretch her wings and develop her sewing and design skills. Daniel, apprenticing in Chicago, wants nothing more than to go back to Pullman and go to work for the company. The story revolves around the everyday life of both young people as they struggle to each fulfill their dreams and ultimately find common ground to grow and become more than friends.

Pin’s Promise by Nancy Moser

This second story in the collection is set in Summerfield, England, 1906. Meet Penelope Billings, a headstrong and vivacious young seamstress, and Jonathan Evers, solid, serious and recently graduated young medical doctor. They’ve been planning a marriage for years while Jonathan completed his medical degree. However, the reality of coming home and working with his dad in the medical field brings some harsh truths to light for him. As Penelope loses patience with waiting, will they manage to find their way back to their long enduring friendship and careful plans they had for the future?

Mended Hearts by Stephanie Grace Whitson

Set on the prairies in Lost Creek, Nebraska in 1890, Mended Hearts tells of the conflicted Adam Friesen and the stunned and mourning Rachel Ellsworth. Rachel’s minister father passes unexpectedly in St. Louis leaving her with a worthless fiancé and a pair of spinster aunts quite happy to share their home in Nebraska. Adam Friesen, a young widowed farmer, struggles to keep his life together as he tries to manage a farm and raise two small children. Can Adam and Rachel recover from their fog of grief and find love? Read this endearing story that contains quilts, kids, hope and love.

This ARC copy was received from Barbour Books and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. The above thoughts and opinions are wholly my own.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love when a Publisher comes out with a Historical Romance Collection. Especially when the authors are as talented as Judith McCoy Miller, Nancy Moser and Stephanie Grace Whitson. These Christmas stories are all different, but have similar threads. The heroines are all strong seamstresses trying to follow God's plan for their lives. The three stories cover Illinois, England and Nebraska. All taking place between the late 1800's until the turn of the century.
The first story, A Seamless Love, Hannah and David have been best friends from their youth. At Christmas, Hannah believes they are on the same page and are ready to take their relationship to the next level. She is finally able to get David alone and pulls out a sprig of mistletoe. I can't image how she must have felt when he rejected her. David said he doesn't want anything to get in the way of their wonderful friendship. So she moves forward and five years later, she has a boyfriend and David is jealous. Hannah is confused by David's mixed signals.

Pin's Promise by Nancy Moser the second book of the trilogy. Summerfield, England early 1900's This story is about Penelope (Pin) and her boyfriend Jonathan. He is getting ready to go off to school to become a doctor. She said she would wait for him, not necessarily patiently, but when he came home he would propose. Life is never simple, so when Jonathan comes home, he is scared and starts making excuses. Will he ever ask Pin to marry him?


Mended Hearts our third story by Stephanie Grace Whitson, takes place in Lost Creek,York County, Nebraska, in the late 1800's. Rachel's father has just passed away and she has no place to go. She believes her boyfriend is going to propose, but that doesn't happen. She unexpectedly receives a letter from her lost aunts. She thinks she is only going to be with them temporary, so off she heads to her Aunt's.
If you enjoy a sweet Christmas read, I would recommend this collection.
I received a copy of this book from Barbour Books through NetGalleys. The opinions expressed in this book are my own.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed this collection. I did like the longer format of each story.
In 'Seamless Love', I found life in Pullman interesting. I did not care for Hannah being strung along by a manipulative, controlling man. the way she is written, it seems she is smarter than that. I kept wishing that Daniel would have said something to her, as they were such good friends. The repeated thoughts and whining about her beau became a bit tedious for me. When Hannah's eyes are finally opened, I said "it's about time" out loud. There are misunderstandings and reconciliations, and a quick ending.

I loved the Aunts and children in 'Mending Hearts'. I hate that Rachel's heart and all she had planned for her life was broken. Seeing her personal growth was nice. I loved seeing Levi's healing and growth as a man and father. I must say I was a little surprised with this story as it was someone else that had eyes for the widowed father.

My favorite was "Pin's Promise'. There are two very strong storylines running throughout. I was sad reading Annie's heartbreaking story. Though it was nice seeing where she came from having met her in "The Pattern Artist"
I loved Pin and Jonathan's story. Each needed a bit of time to adjust and grow when he returned from medical school. Their story did have a happy Christmas ending but I would like to see more!

*My thanks to the publisher for providing an e-copy through NetGalley. A review was not required.
The above review is freely given and entirely my own opinion.

[Irene S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful collection of Christmas romances set in the late 18th and early 19th century. In the first story, 'A Seamless Love' , Daniel broke Hannah's heart when he declared that he didn't want to ruin a friendship by starting a romance. Five years later, Daniel is finishing his apprenticeship and planning to move back to Pullman. Unfortunately, Hannah is being courted by another man. Daniel has suspicions of the other man. One of the things that I liked in this story was Hannah trying to find a balance between her personal life and her career. In 'Pin's Promise', Pin has been waiting six years for Jonathan to return home so they can be married. Jonathan, a new doctor, is not ready to settle down to marriage and working in his father's practice. They both find that they have a lot to learn. For me the best part of this story was the strong secondary character, Annie, who is struggling in life. In 'Mended Heart', the two main characters have lost people and have learned to look forward rather than dwelling in the past. The Book of Job is used in helping them heal. Although I enjoyed all three stories, 'Mended Hearts' was by favorite story. All of these authors were new to me and I plan to look for more of their work in the future. I was given a free copy of this book from the publisher through Netgallery. This is my honest and voluntarily given review.

[Madisyn Carlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Return to Christmases of yesteryear with three seamstresses who use their talents to succeed in the late 1800s. But can love also be stitched into their lives?

Positive Elements:
Characters are willing to learn from mistakes; characters sacrifice for others.

Negative Elements:
None.

Spiritual Elements:
Characters pray; a story about mythological Greek characters is told.

Violence:
A character is thrown over a fence; a character is tied to the bed; a girl is slapped.

Other:
Characters kiss; minor characters get drunk; it is mentioned that a character was molested (no details).

Rating:
4 Stars

Conclusion:
Christmas Stitches is a cute and fun read! The authors’ different writing styles added to the charm of this fun book that will get the reader in the mood for Christmas. My personal favorite was Mended Hearts by Stephanie Grace Whitson – Whitson did so well on the characters’ personalities, and on growing their faith.

*I was provided a copy of this book by Netgalley. I was not required to leave a positive review.

[Penmouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Stitches is one of the better written Christian books I've had the pleasure reading in some time. Authors Judity Miller, Nancy Moser and Stephanie Grace Whitson write Christmas short stories using sewing as a theme. One of the most haunting stories was titled Pin's Promise in which a young girl and her brother are subjected to child abuse. Never fear there is a somewhat happy ending as the young girl finds love and an opportunity for a better life. The rest of the stories did not tear at my heart as much as Pin's Promise.

If you are looking for a Christian book to read with a holiday theme, I would recommend this book.

Review written after downloading a galley from NetGalley.

[Dani Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seamstresses piece together beautiful clothing, quilts and home goods. In these three stories they try to piece together beautiful lives, with not always the results they were expecting. Historical Christian romances, these three women, Hannah, living life in a "company town", Pin, young, not so patient and yearning to be wed and Rachel, dealing with her grief and changed situation as best she can. These stories, warm the heart and sooth the soul. A wonderful warm Christmas read!

[Grace Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book for Christmas, and I wasn't sure if I would enjoy it or not, but I thought I'd give it a try and I'm glad I did! Each story gives an interesting insight into the historical period in which the story is set, and also an entertaining plot. The sewing aspect of it is also very interesting, especially for someone who loves to sew or do crafty things. I'm already thinking of who I can recommend this book to...

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Historical Romance Collection

3 Stories Thread Hope and Love Through the Holidays

I try to commit myself to only reading Christmas themed books through the Christmas season. This is a wonderful example of the true meaning of love during the season. I fully enjoyed each story.

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite story was the first in the book. The story of Pip (the second story) was a bit long for me, so I skipped it.

[Janice Haug · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice quick read due to the three authors' stories in one book.

[Sharon Buxton · Rating 2 out of 5]

C. fiction, historic fiction, Christmas, 3 novellas, predictable

[Mary Schenk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy these bride stories because they are a fast read for me! They are well written short novella's and I love how fast I can get through them! I recommend reading any of these books!

[Adair · Rating 3 out of 5]

as a person who sews couldn't resist this Christmas book were the main female character sews Was enjoyable and the ladies in question were each very different

[Mechthild · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sewing Hope and Love Through the Holidays

Barbour Publishing presents a collection of three historical romance novels that deal with difficult circumstances, betrayal, and loss, but also with love and forgiveness.
The first novel is from Judith McCoy Miller, an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her best-selling historical and Amish novels. Her novel "A seamless love" takes place in Pullman, Illinois, close to Chicago, where also other novels of her Pullman series take place. On Christmas eve 1983 Hannah Cooper wants to declare her love to Daniel Price but he is not ready for a relationship. In September 1988 Hannah works as a shopgirl and seamstress at Pullman but her true gifts lay in the design of decorations for dresses, purses, belts, ... and the beadwork sewn onto them. Now she is courted by Louis Nicholson who lives in works in Chicago. Hannah is hired for a special assignment while Daniel works at Chicago Mirror and Embossing. Louis seems to be unreliable as a suitor and Hannah is still friends with Daniel. After Daniel finishes his apprenticeship he moves back to Pullman whereas Hannah plans to move to Chicago. But will her path really lead her there?
Nancy Moser is the award-winning author of thirty inspirational contemporary and historical novels that focus on discovering our unique purpose. Her novel "Pin's Promise" plays in 1900 and 1906 in Summerfield, England, where also other novels from her Summerfield series take place. Penelope (Pin) Billings is gifted in sewing dresses and teaching others to sew. Jonathan Evers has trained as a doctor in the last years and is getting readjusted to life in his home village and working with his father after his studies. Pin and Jonathan have loved each other for a long time and have wanted to become engaged since childhood. Annie and Alfie are siblings in Summerfield who are growing up in desolate circumstances with parents who do not care for them and abuse them. They basically live from the egg money that Annie makes. Pin manages to develop a fragile relationship with Annie but the tragic death of Alfie pulls Pin and Jonathan apart. What will the future hold for all three of them?
Stephanie Grace Whitson's fiction titles have appeared on the ECPA bestseller list and been finalists for the Christy Award, the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year. She has also written the nonfiction work, How to Help a Grieving Friend. Her novel "Mending Hearts" that is part of this collection also deals with grief. In 1890 Rachel Ellsworth has to move from St. Louis, Missouri to York County, Nebraska after the death of her father who left her destitute in order to life with two maiden aunts. It is supposed to be only for a limited amount of time until Landis Grove will come for her in order that they can get married. In York Country she meets the two motherless children of Adam Friesen, Molly and the baby boy who those not even have a name. Rachel is able to make friends, not only with Molly, but also with others, especially through quilting. The letters from Landis which originally arrived daily become fewer and fewer until one day his mother sends a letter informing Rachel that Landis decided to marry somebody else. What will be her future now since it is impossible to return to St. Louis?
It is not the first time that Barbour Publishing has combined these three authors in a collection (see "A Patch Christmas"). I have enjoyed all three novels and can highly recommend this book for readers who love historical romance novels and Christmas novels.
The electronic advance copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a positive review.
#ChristmasStiches:AnHistoricalRomanceCollection #NetGalley

[Lilian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection focuses on the three seamstresses using their skills to brighten the lives of people around them. However, they all have to deal with egos so that they can see the bigger picture. Hannah Cooper, a talented seamstress, rejected by a childhood friend is keen to move on with one of the most eligible bachelors. but can she really forget him? Penelope fondly referred to as Pin because of her precocious nature is forced to use her skills to mentor a young needy girl as she also navigates her relationship challenges with her beau, Jonathan. Rachel Ellsworth moves to the small town in Nebraska for temporary visits with her maiden aunts She finds solace in quilting and taking care of two motherless children. But what will happen when she begins to notice the children's father...

I found the book's description to be a tad sensationalised and not a 100% full representation of the stories. I would not be able to share those specific plot points without including spoilers. Nonetheless, the stories were charming and interesting. Rachel Ellsworth's story "Mending Hearts" tagged my heartstrings the most. I enjoyed seeing how Rachel dealt with the cards that life gave her and the role of her faith.

Overall, the Christmas Stitches Collection is a comforting pick leading to the Christmas season

P.S. I recieved a complimentary ARC from the publisher via NetGalley

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved all three of these delightful Christian novellas that feature vibrant young women who find great fulfillment working with needle and thread as millions of women have done throughout our history and still do to this day. Hannah, Penelope and Rachel are beautiful young women who think they know exactly what they want when their lives change in a way that they never could have anticipated. As their stories are revealed the women will grow in both maturity and faith as they learn to trust in God’s plan to heal their hearts and lead them to the love they are all meant to find. I went on my own spiritual journey as I read these heartwarming holiday romances that begin in 1883 Pullman, Illinois, travel to far off Summerfield, England at the start of the Twentieth Century and then finish on the plains of Missouri in the spring of 1890. And what a wonderful journey it turns out to be! I promise you won’t be disappointed. I read a complimentary copy of this book provided by Barbour Publishing through NetGalley and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Stitches center on three young heroines that each have a special talent with patterns, needles and creating something lovely. The historical setting in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s painted a picture of all that transpired in years gone by. Readers who enjoy novellas with history and unexpected twists and turns will enjoy this collection.
I borrowed this book from a friend, thus a review was not required but I have expressed my own thoughts.

It was nice to reread this book as I did not remember the stories after so many years. A great escape from the chaos in the world.

[Nicole Normand · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy from NetGalley; this is my honest review.
#ChristmasStitches:AnHistoricalRomanceCollection #NetGalley
1. A Seamless Love *****: Beautiful story of second chance romance between friends.
2. Pin's Promise ****: Two children who make promises to each other. They just don't see the ending the same way.
3. Mending Hearts *****: One widowed farmer who married for duty finds love with a jilted lady of the city.

[Terry Yaceyko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely read. I think I like stories based on creative talents.