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Thimbles and Threads: 4 Love Stories Are Quilted into Broken Lives
Love Stitched into Four Women’s Lives
Enjoy four historical romances that celebrate the arts of sewing and quilting. When four women put needle and thread to fabric, will their talents lead to love?
Bygones by Mary Davis
Texas, 1884
Drawn to the new orphan boy in town, Tilly Rockford soon became the unfortunate victim of a lot of Orion Dunbar’s mischievous deeds in school. Can Tilly figure out how to truly forgive the one who made her childhood unbearable? Now she doesn’t even know she holds his heart. Can this deviant orphan-train boy turned man make up for the misdeeds of his youth and win Tilly’s heart before another man steals her away?
The Bridal Shop by Grace Hitchcock
Charleston, South Carolina, June 1886
Alice Turner, the owner of one of Charleston’s finest bridal shops, is determined never to be dependent on a man for anything after the disgrace of her father’s prison time. When her best friend requests Alice to be her maid of honor, she reluctantly sets aside her feelings on marriage and dons a stylish bridesmaid’s gown, never intending to catch the eye of the handsome groomsman. Will he be able to convince her to open her heart again and finish the quilt once intended for her father?
Mending Sarah’s Heart by Suzanne Norquist
Rockledge, Colorado, 1884
Sarah doesn’t need anyone, especially her dead husband’s partner. With four brothers to mentor her boys and income as a seamstress, she seeks a quiet life. If only the Emporium of Fashion would stop stealing her customers and the local hoodlums would leave her sons alone. When she rejects her husband’s share of the mine, his partner Jack seeks to serve her through other means. But will his efforts only push her further away?
Binding Up Wounds by Liz Tolsma
Regent, Wisconsin, 1865
Melissa Bainbridge is a quirky designer of rag dolls who raises raccoons and never really fit into the small farming town. When Lance Witherspoon arrives in town to thank her for the Sanitary Commission quilt she made that saved his life, she is shocked to learn Lance is a Confederate. Can she and Lance confront the town’s prejudices – along with their own?
Enjoy four historical romances that celebrate the arts of sewing and quilting. When four women put needle and thread to fabric, will their talents lead to love?
Bygones by Mary Davis
Texas, 1884
Drawn to the new orphan boy in town, Tilly Rockford soon became the unfortunate victim of a lot of Orion Dunbar’s mischievous deeds in school. Can Tilly figure out how to truly forgive the one who made her childhood unbearable? Now she doesn’t even know she holds his heart. Can this deviant orphan-train boy turned man make up for the misdeeds of his youth and win Tilly’s heart before another man steals her away?
The Bridal Shop by Grace Hitchcock
Charleston, South Carolina, June 1886
Alice Turner, the owner of one of Charleston’s finest bridal shops, is determined never to be dependent on a man for anything after the disgrace of her father’s prison time. When her best friend requests Alice to be her maid of honor, she reluctantly sets aside her feelings on marriage and dons a stylish bridesmaid’s gown, never intending to catch the eye of the handsome groomsman. Will he be able to convince her to open her heart again and finish the quilt once intended for her father?
Mending Sarah’s Heart by Suzanne Norquist
Rockledge, Colorado, 1884
Sarah doesn’t need anyone, especially her dead husband’s partner. With four brothers to mentor her boys and income as a seamstress, she seeks a quiet life. If only the Emporium of Fashion would stop stealing her customers and the local hoodlums would leave her sons alone. When she rejects her husband’s share of the mine, his partner Jack seeks to serve her through other means. But will his efforts only push her further away?
Binding Up Wounds by Liz Tolsma
Regent, Wisconsin, 1865
Melissa Bainbridge is a quirky designer of rag dolls who raises raccoons and never really fit into the small farming town. When Lance Witherspoon arrives in town to thank her for the Sanitary Commission quilt she made that saved his life, she is shocked to learn Lance is a Confederate. Can she and Lance confront the town’s prejudices – along with their own?
448 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2019
9 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Mary Davis
56 books232 followersMary originally earned her college degree in elementary education. So where did the passion for inspirational romance books begin? In her head! Her characters would not leave her alone. They kept her from sleeping at night, and focusing on anything else during the day. Over forty titles later, they still keep bothering her to this day - luckily for her readers and fans!
Quiet-natured and creative, Mary also enjoys many crafts such as porcelain doll making, quilting, knitting, and many others!
Neither her dyslexia nor the cat on her laptop has kept her from producing award-winning and bestselling works such as her Quilting Circle series, Mrs. Witherspoon Goes To War, and Newlywed Games. Her published works have been on Publisher’s Weekly bestselling lists several times.
Additionally, she contributes to the writing world as a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers).
She currently resides in Washington State with her husband, a black cat named Buffy, and her favorite weather: the rain.
Quiet-natured and creative, Mary also enjoys many crafts such as porcelain doll making, quilting, knitting, and many others!
Neither her dyslexia nor the cat on her laptop has kept her from producing award-winning and bestselling works such as her Quilting Circle series, Mrs. Witherspoon Goes To War, and Newlywed Games. Her published works have been on Publisher’s Weekly bestselling lists several times.
Additionally, she contributes to the writing world as a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers).
She currently resides in Washington State with her husband, a black cat named Buffy, and her favorite weather: the rain.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 22, 2019
A real page turner these stories revolve around seamstresses and sewing whether it may be fine dresses or quilts. These are the new Barbour collections that have less stories but longer stories with the same quality that I've come to expect from reading them over the years.
Sewing reminds me of my grandmother , she always had her wooden sewing box my grandfather made for her and sewing in hand. I give this a solid five stars and thumbs up!
Published July 1st 2019 by Barbour Books.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Sewing reminds me of my grandmother , she always had her wooden sewing box my grandfather made for her and sewing in hand. I give this a solid five stars and thumbs up!
Published July 1st 2019 by Barbour Books.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
June 18, 2019
Barbour sure sewed up my heart with amour in this collection of four historical stories that intertwine faith, love, and stitching. A beautifully sewn quilt of tales that happily capture the imagination! 5/5
Pub Date 01 Jul 2019.
Thanks to the authors, Barbour Publishing, Inc. and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinion are mine.
#ThimblesAndThreads #NetGalley
Pub Date 01 Jul 2019.
Thanks to the authors, Barbour Publishing, Inc. and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinion are mine.
#ThimblesAndThreads #NetGalley
September 8, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed each novella in this collection.
Each story is a stand-alone novella and not connected to the others.
Of course, I loved the happy endings but I really loved the troubles each "couple" faced and how they overcame them.
Orion Dunbar in Bygones by Mary Davis was my favorite. I loved how he went from teasing Tilly to loving her. He simply didn't know how to express his feelings.
I don't normally choose favorites but I made an exception this time. That's not to say I didn't love the other heroes too, I did. I seem to have a soft spot for orphans lately.
I highly recommend this collection! Quick, easy-to-read novellas with a lot of heart.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinion expressed is entirely my own. A review was not required.
Each story is a stand-alone novella and not connected to the others.
Of course, I loved the happy endings but I really loved the troubles each "couple" faced and how they overcame them.
Orion Dunbar in Bygones by Mary Davis was my favorite. I loved how he went from teasing Tilly to loving her. He simply didn't know how to express his feelings.
I don't normally choose favorites but I made an exception this time. That's not to say I didn't love the other heroes too, I did. I seem to have a soft spot for orphans lately.
I highly recommend this collection! Quick, easy-to-read novellas with a lot of heart.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinion expressed is entirely my own. A review was not required.
July 2, 2019
Four novellas to get lost in, whether you have just a few minutes or more time, you can read one, or maybe another in one sitting. Each have a bit of romance, and as you can see by the title each has quilting or sewing involved.
These are all set in different locations and a time after the Civil War, and so there is a historical point to each, along with some talented women.
I enjoyed this read, and no I couldn’t sit down and read just one, so now I want more!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.
These are all set in different locations and a time after the Civil War, and so there is a historical point to each, along with some talented women.
I enjoyed this read, and no I couldn’t sit down and read just one, so now I want more!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.
June 16, 2019
These stories were so comforting and cozy. Tying each of the stories to sewing in some way is very clever. Like a well-loved quilt or a beautifully cherished needlepoint, the novellas in this book have many layers and deserve to be savored for each detail. The characters were extremely likable, and the settings were so well described, I felt like I was really there. Each novella had it's own twist -- competition from ready-made fashion, striking it rich and sharing the profits, hand-made rag dolls, and a Confederate soldier in the north. These novellas were memorable -- I will think about these characters often, I'm sure. Highly recommended read!
July 23, 2019
These are sweet little stories to pass the time. Barbour Publishing © July, 2019
The quilt graphics at the beginning of the chapters are charming. 3 stars overall
Netgalley and the publisher kindly sent me a review eBook in the hopes of a favorable review, with no further compensation. All opinions are my own.
(1) Bygone by Mary Davis (4 stars)•*• Heartwarming •*• 1884 Texas – Matilda (aka Tilly) Rockford has returned home from Baltimore, all grown up. She never expected Orion Dunbar to be the person meeting her at the station. “Would he squeeze her hand until she cried like when she was a child? No, he held it gently, helping her into the buggy. He laid a quilt across her lap to keep her warm on the ride.” Orion had arrived on the orphan train, a broken and angry little boy. He acted out and hurt people, especially little Tilly who was always kind to him. Now grown, he only wants to make up for his past mistakes. “His heart sped up at having her so close. She smelled of lavender and vanilla.” However, there is another man who also wishes to pay Matilda special attentions.
I enjoyed this sweet story, yet there are several incomplete sentences: e.g. 1. “Show her she could trust him.” 2. “The same place that had always hungered for her attention.” 3. “And smiled.”
(2) The Bridal Shop, a Novella by Grace Hitchcok (5 stars) •*• Sweet Story of learning to trust in others•*•
1886 Charleston, South Carolina – Alice has been so hurt by men that she has resigned herself to a life without them and she now runs an up-and-coming bridal shop. “Giles lifted his faced heavenward and groaned. A bridal shop, Lord? Not to sound ungrateful, but You couldn’t have made it a tailor shop? And not some place full of women?” I enjoyed Giles very much. Clearly a good and Godly man with a sense of humor. Eustace is a total cad! And he deserves the brat of a wife he married.
TEA MOMENT: “Alice couldn’t bring herself to go to bed quite yet. She decided to treat herself to a pot of herbal tea and the last of the oatmeal cookies from the bakery over a Harper’s Bazaar.”
“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. Psalm 147:3?”
I like Grace Hitchcock’s writing style. This is the second of her books that I have read.
(3) Mending Sarah’s Heart, a Novella by Suzanne Norquist (3 stars) •*•Learning to Trust God Again •*•
1884 Rockledge, CO – Sarah Anderson is a widow. She and her sons live in a CO mining town near family. She believes God has let her down and now she is forced to earn a living in her dress shop. Jack Taylor has a mission to accomplish. Turn over funds to his deceased partner’s widow and skedaddle. He does not expect to find a woman in desperate need of help with sons in need of guidance.
This was a sweet story of learning to trust God again, and feeling unworthy of God’s love, or anyone else’s. Not a lot of depth, but an easy afternoon read. I liked how Jack stepped in to guide the boys, even though he didn’t know them. However, the immediate desire for him to protect the widow did not click for me.
(4) Binding Up Wounds, a Novella by Liz Tolsma (3 stars) •*•A Decent Story of Acceptance•*•
1865 Regent, WI, - Lance Witherspoon fought for “the other side”. He carries a multihued patchwork quilt that saved his life. With nowhere left to go, he sets out from VA to find the woman who created it and thank her. Melissa Bainbridge is quite, shy, private. She lives with her grandparents and creates dolls. Her town does not understand her. The young women either torment or shun her. “The three girls burst into a fresh round of laughter. Now would be the perfect time for the Second Coming. Anything to deliver Melissa from this misery. But no trumpets sounded from heaven.” Her grandparents adore her and strive to love all, including strangers considered by most to be “the enemy”. The two main characters spend weeks together, getting to know each other in the process. I appreciated that the author did not have them tripping into each other’s arms after a few days. Overall, I liked the idea of this story and what pulls Lance to Melissa. It is such a harsh thing he has to go through, being an outsider in his own country. Melissa was rather immature and for far longer than necessary, i.e. multiple times during the same day, which was nerve-wracking. Lance had such a pure heart. A decent enough story.
The quilt graphics at the beginning of the chapters are charming. 3 stars overall
Netgalley and the publisher kindly sent me a review eBook in the hopes of a favorable review, with no further compensation. All opinions are my own.
(1) Bygone by Mary Davis (4 stars)•*• Heartwarming •*• 1884 Texas – Matilda (aka Tilly) Rockford has returned home from Baltimore, all grown up. She never expected Orion Dunbar to be the person meeting her at the station. “Would he squeeze her hand until she cried like when she was a child? No, he held it gently, helping her into the buggy. He laid a quilt across her lap to keep her warm on the ride.” Orion had arrived on the orphan train, a broken and angry little boy. He acted out and hurt people, especially little Tilly who was always kind to him. Now grown, he only wants to make up for his past mistakes. “His heart sped up at having her so close. She smelled of lavender and vanilla.” However, there is another man who also wishes to pay Matilda special attentions.
I enjoyed this sweet story, yet there are several incomplete sentences: e.g. 1. “Show her she could trust him.” 2. “The same place that had always hungered for her attention.” 3. “And smiled.”
(2) The Bridal Shop, a Novella by Grace Hitchcok (5 stars) •*• Sweet Story of learning to trust in others•*•
1886 Charleston, South Carolina – Alice has been so hurt by men that she has resigned herself to a life without them and she now runs an up-and-coming bridal shop. “Giles lifted his faced heavenward and groaned. A bridal shop, Lord? Not to sound ungrateful, but You couldn’t have made it a tailor shop? And not some place full of women?” I enjoyed Giles very much. Clearly a good and Godly man with a sense of humor. Eustace is a total cad! And he deserves the brat of a wife he married.
TEA MOMENT: “Alice couldn’t bring herself to go to bed quite yet. She decided to treat herself to a pot of herbal tea and the last of the oatmeal cookies from the bakery over a Harper’s Bazaar.”
“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. Psalm 147:3?”
I like Grace Hitchcock’s writing style. This is the second of her books that I have read.
(3) Mending Sarah’s Heart, a Novella by Suzanne Norquist (3 stars) •*•Learning to Trust God Again •*•
1884 Rockledge, CO – Sarah Anderson is a widow. She and her sons live in a CO mining town near family. She believes God has let her down and now she is forced to earn a living in her dress shop. Jack Taylor has a mission to accomplish. Turn over funds to his deceased partner’s widow and skedaddle. He does not expect to find a woman in desperate need of help with sons in need of guidance.
This was a sweet story of learning to trust God again, and feeling unworthy of God’s love, or anyone else’s. Not a lot of depth, but an easy afternoon read. I liked how Jack stepped in to guide the boys, even though he didn’t know them. However, the immediate desire for him to protect the widow did not click for me.
(4) Binding Up Wounds, a Novella by Liz Tolsma (3 stars) •*•A Decent Story of Acceptance•*•
1865 Regent, WI, - Lance Witherspoon fought for “the other side”. He carries a multihued patchwork quilt that saved his life. With nowhere left to go, he sets out from VA to find the woman who created it and thank her. Melissa Bainbridge is quite, shy, private. She lives with her grandparents and creates dolls. Her town does not understand her. The young women either torment or shun her. “The three girls burst into a fresh round of laughter. Now would be the perfect time for the Second Coming. Anything to deliver Melissa from this misery. But no trumpets sounded from heaven.” Her grandparents adore her and strive to love all, including strangers considered by most to be “the enemy”. The two main characters spend weeks together, getting to know each other in the process. I appreciated that the author did not have them tripping into each other’s arms after a few days. Overall, I liked the idea of this story and what pulls Lance to Melissa. It is such a harsh thing he has to go through, being an outsider in his own country. Melissa was rather immature and for far longer than necessary, i.e. multiple times during the same day, which was nerve-wracking. Lance had such a pure heart. A decent enough story.
July 28, 2019
All 4 stories share the wonderful Christian themes of forgiveness, reparation & reconciliation. However, a couple of them seem to be mistaking the fact that because we can never make full reparations to atone for our sins, only Jesus can, we shouldn't even be trying.
In fact, we SHOULD be doing acts of atonement & reparation, anyway, (as Jesus said WHEN you fast, give alms, etc, rather than IF) but doing them for the right reasons.
Because it's part of following Jesus - our imitation of Christ
And because it shows the Lord (as well as our own selves) the sincerity of our contrition for how we've hurt & offended Him.
If you broke a window with a baseball as a kid, you couldn't afford to replace it, but your parents would, & then have you work or do something to help pay for it. Well, God is certainly a good parent & knows that we are better for participating in those reparations than sitting back waiting for Him to do everything for us.. [Colossians 1:24 - "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church" ].
________________________________________
(1) Bygones by Mary Davis
This very sweet story of forgiveness is probably my favorite of the four. Tilly is a bit slow to recognize & then accept what Orion is trying to do; and Orion isn't very good at communicating his intentions, but by the end of the story, they both have grown & developed. It's very heart-warming (though I couldn't buy the banker guy's final scene at all)
________________________________________
(2) The Bridal Shop by Grace Hitchcock
I liked how refreshingly different several of the details were in this one. Alice & Giles were a great couple. Constance & friends are a little over the top. An unexpected but good ending. I was left wondering what happened when evidence of Eustace's fight was seen by Constance & family since he wasn't injured in the quake
_________________________________________
(3) Mending Sarah’s Heart by Suzanne Norquist
Sarah's rather negative character is understandable, but not quite as likeable as the others. I think her bitterness & hurt ended up being too much of her description to leave room for much else.
Jack's character is more sympathetic as well as being likeable. I do like the way this story ends.
__________________________________________
(4) Binding Up Wounds by Liz Tolsma
The premise of this story is a good one, but unfortunately, I feel this one was the weakest of the group. There's a scene of reproach & almost immediate remorse, at one point, that was just not at all credible.
Typically, there would be a speech that makes the recipients feel guilty, the speaker leaves while the recipients stew, & remorse gradually hits, & then they show up contritely to help. As clichéd as that is, at least it has some psychological plausibility.
____________________________________________
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses
*Religion: generic Christian
In fact, we SHOULD be doing acts of atonement & reparation, anyway, (as Jesus said WHEN you fast, give alms, etc, rather than IF) but doing them for the right reasons.
Because it's part of following Jesus - our imitation of Christ
And because it shows the Lord (as well as our own selves) the sincerity of our contrition for how we've hurt & offended Him.
If you broke a window with a baseball as a kid, you couldn't afford to replace it, but your parents would, & then have you work or do something to help pay for it. Well, God is certainly a good parent & knows that we are better for participating in those reparations than sitting back waiting for Him to do everything for us.. [Colossians 1:24 - "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church" ].
________________________________________
(1) Bygones by Mary Davis
This very sweet story of forgiveness is probably my favorite of the four. Tilly is a bit slow to recognize & then accept what Orion is trying to do; and Orion isn't very good at communicating his intentions, but by the end of the story, they both have grown & developed. It's very heart-warming (though I couldn't buy the banker guy's final scene at all)
________________________________________
(2) The Bridal Shop by Grace Hitchcock
I liked how refreshingly different several of the details were in this one. Alice & Giles were a great couple. Constance & friends are a little over the top. An unexpected but good ending. I was left wondering what happened when evidence of Eustace's fight was seen by Constance & family since he wasn't injured in the quake
_________________________________________
(3) Mending Sarah’s Heart by Suzanne Norquist
Sarah's rather negative character is understandable, but not quite as likeable as the others. I think her bitterness & hurt ended up being too much of her description to leave room for much else.
Jack's character is more sympathetic as well as being likeable. I do like the way this story ends.
__________________________________________
(4) Binding Up Wounds by Liz Tolsma
The premise of this story is a good one, but unfortunately, I feel this one was the weakest of the group. There's a scene of reproach & almost immediate remorse, at one point, that was just not at all credible.
Typically, there would be a speech that makes the recipients feel guilty, the speaker leaves while the recipients stew, & remorse gradually hits, & then they show up contritely to help. As clichéd as that is, at least it has some psychological plausibility.
____________________________________________
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses
*Religion: generic Christian
March 5, 2020
Bygones
Where do I start with this story! I loved every single second of it and could literally see it play out in my head as I read! I love when a book does that! Tilly was such a beautiful lady, and I mean lady, she was kind but struggled with forgiveness. Something we all can relate to at times. I loved how spunky she was. Orion was an orphan just trying to make amends for past mistakes. He was a gentleman without putting on heirs. I did not want this story to end it could have gone on and on for me. I highly recommend it.
The Bridal Shop
Grace Hitchcock is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. This story is simply amazing! Alice is an amazing seamstress who wants to leave her mark on the world with her wedding dresses. She is such a beautiful character. I loved her spunk and how she deals with things that all of us do. Giles is quite simply the most handsome man ever! He is strong, compassionate and willing to sacrifice to make his family loved & happy. I loved the setting of this book and all the details described. A beautiful and well wrote story. It needs a series on just Giles & Alice.
Mending Sarah's Heart
This story was really good. Full of what normal life back in the 1800's would have been like. Sarah was hurt and still in pain from her dead husbands escapades. She had to learn to trust again. Jack was a drifter trying to make amends, desperately in need of God. I liked Sarah & Jack's story.
Binding Up Wounds
Oh this was such a sweet story! It dealt with all kinds of issues...not fitting in, death, loneliness, hurts, war, prejudice and love. Lance dealt with all kinds of prejudice for being from the South after the War. He also dealt with all he had seen in the war, but he didn't let that harden him or make him bitter. Melissa was an orphan who had never fit in, she had been made to feel like an outsider all her life. Melissa was so beautiful on the outside but more importantly on the inside. I really liked this story and enjoyed every moment of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Where do I start with this story! I loved every single second of it and could literally see it play out in my head as I read! I love when a book does that! Tilly was such a beautiful lady, and I mean lady, she was kind but struggled with forgiveness. Something we all can relate to at times. I loved how spunky she was. Orion was an orphan just trying to make amends for past mistakes. He was a gentleman without putting on heirs. I did not want this story to end it could have gone on and on for me. I highly recommend it.
The Bridal Shop
Grace Hitchcock is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. This story is simply amazing! Alice is an amazing seamstress who wants to leave her mark on the world with her wedding dresses. She is such a beautiful character. I loved her spunk and how she deals with things that all of us do. Giles is quite simply the most handsome man ever! He is strong, compassionate and willing to sacrifice to make his family loved & happy. I loved the setting of this book and all the details described. A beautiful and well wrote story. It needs a series on just Giles & Alice.
Mending Sarah's Heart
This story was really good. Full of what normal life back in the 1800's would have been like. Sarah was hurt and still in pain from her dead husbands escapades. She had to learn to trust again. Jack was a drifter trying to make amends, desperately in need of God. I liked Sarah & Jack's story.
Binding Up Wounds
Oh this was such a sweet story! It dealt with all kinds of issues...not fitting in, death, loneliness, hurts, war, prejudice and love. Lance dealt with all kinds of prejudice for being from the South after the War. He also dealt with all he had seen in the war, but he didn't let that harden him or make him bitter. Melissa was an orphan who had never fit in, she had been made to feel like an outsider all her life. Melissa was so beautiful on the outside but more importantly on the inside. I really liked this story and enjoyed every moment of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 19, 2019
I enjoyed this collection of novellas. While I have read stories by two of these authors before, two of the authors were new discoveries. All four novellas were good romantic stories with memorable characters and lessons worth learning. Mary Davis starts off with a quick romantic read driving home the theme of forgiveness. Of course, having read Grace Hitchcock’s work before, I was glad to find that touch of humor that she always adds skillfully to her writing. Also her romance made me smile and I didn’t want to leave these characters. But I moved on to a time when many prospectors and investors were out to stake a claim and get rich. To that backdrop, Suzanne Norquist adds an interesting story about trust. Because children are involved, the stakes become even higher. Liz Tolsma completes the collection with a novella set in Wisconsin involving the aftermath of the Civil War. It is such a great setting to focus on demonstrating love and acceptance. Each of these novellas used a purposeful setting and storyline to illustrate their themes, which I appreciated. I find that there are times that a novella is the perfect length to match the time that I have to read. This collection certainly delivers four enjoyable reads to fill your time. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are mine.
July 14, 2020
Thimbles and Threads is a Christian romance anthology by 4 different authors.
Bygones (Mary Davis)
Can Matilda Rockford forgive Orion Dunbar for his childish ways and trust him? Can she let bygones be bygones? A beautiful love story on forgiveness.
The Bridal Shop (Grace Hitchcock)
Alice Turner is just a seamstress, why would a successful banker, Giles Clayton, be interested in her?
Mending Sarah’s Heart (Suzanne Norquist)
Would Jack Taylor be a good father figure for widow Sarah Anderson’s sons?
Binding Up Wounds (Liz Tolsma)
A quilt Melissa Bainbridge made was a welcoming gift for soldier Lance Witherspoon.
A common theme in these stories is the quilts. Great stories on love and forgiveness. All the stories were easy reads and I loved reading works by new-to-me authors. I would recommend this anthology to my friends.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Bygones (Mary Davis)
Can Matilda Rockford forgive Orion Dunbar for his childish ways and trust him? Can she let bygones be bygones? A beautiful love story on forgiveness.
The Bridal Shop (Grace Hitchcock)
Alice Turner is just a seamstress, why would a successful banker, Giles Clayton, be interested in her?
Mending Sarah’s Heart (Suzanne Norquist)
Would Jack Taylor be a good father figure for widow Sarah Anderson’s sons?
Binding Up Wounds (Liz Tolsma)
A quilt Melissa Bainbridge made was a welcoming gift for soldier Lance Witherspoon.
A common theme in these stories is the quilts. Great stories on love and forgiveness. All the stories were easy reads and I loved reading works by new-to-me authors. I would recommend this anthology to my friends.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
June 7, 2019
An enjoyable set of tender historical romances! Set from 1865 to 1884, featuring women and men who connect somehow through a sewing project. A few stories featured quilts that had special significance, and others centered around a dress shop or business.
"He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. Psalm 147:3"
Faith themes were subtle, but added a lot to each story, especially the need for forgiveness and grace, showing kindness, learning to trust God and accept help from others. The parallel between the restoration of old quilts and spiritual renewal stood out in a few. The men in each of the tales were stand up characters. I particularly liked the first story, with a young man trying to atone for his misdeeds and hurtful acts as a youth; Orion was a great character, with a lot of integrity and humility.
Recommend to readers who enjoy clean historical romances with a bit of faith.
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
"He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. Psalm 147:3"
Faith themes were subtle, but added a lot to each story, especially the need for forgiveness and grace, showing kindness, learning to trust God and accept help from others. The parallel between the restoration of old quilts and spiritual renewal stood out in a few. The men in each of the tales were stand up characters. I particularly liked the first story, with a young man trying to atone for his misdeeds and hurtful acts as a youth; Orion was a great character, with a lot of integrity and humility.
Recommend to readers who enjoy clean historical romances with a bit of faith.
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
June 23, 2019
“I don’t deserve forgiveness.” “None of us do. But the Lord freely gives His forgiveness to us.”
No surprise, there's an enchanting sewing and quilts theme throughout the book, Christian Historical Romance. With these authors you can't go wrong. Lovely stories with depth of character and interesting variety. Texas 1884, Charleston, South Carolina Summer 1886, Rockledge, Colorado 1884, Regent, Colorado 1885. Strong talented women, special men. Some broken lives ready for mending. Good read!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
#ThimblesAndThreads #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout
No surprise, there's an enchanting sewing and quilts theme throughout the book, Christian Historical Romance. With these authors you can't go wrong. Lovely stories with depth of character and interesting variety. Texas 1884, Charleston, South Carolina Summer 1886, Rockledge, Colorado 1884, Regent, Colorado 1885. Strong talented women, special men. Some broken lives ready for mending. Good read!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
#ThimblesAndThreads #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout
July 1, 2019
Thimbles and Threads is a wonderful collection of historical romance stories! I have read novels by Grace Hitchcock and Liz Tolsma but Mary Davis and Suzanne Norquist were new to me authors but after finishing this book, I can honestly say that I am in a fan of these four ladies.
Heartwarming stories of faith and forgiveness are some of my favorites but when there are touches of humor like, The Bridal Shop by Grace Hitchcock my reading experience is complete. Each author penned a beautiful and heartfelt story with compelling characters who I will remember fondly for a very long time.
I thoroughly enjoyed this collection and recommend it reader of all ages. Yes, even your mothers, grandmothers, and younger daughters will find this these novellas enjoyable. I don't quilt or sew but boy did I love reading about those ladies who did.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions are my own.
Heartwarming stories of faith and forgiveness are some of my favorites but when there are touches of humor like, The Bridal Shop by Grace Hitchcock my reading experience is complete. Each author penned a beautiful and heartfelt story with compelling characters who I will remember fondly for a very long time.
I thoroughly enjoyed this collection and recommend it reader of all ages. Yes, even your mothers, grandmothers, and younger daughters will find this these novellas enjoyable. I don't quilt or sew but boy did I love reading about those ladies who did.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions are my own.
October 23, 2019
A great collection of novellas! All four authors create engaging characters and well-thought-out plots. I enjoyed each story, and the length was perfect! I find that too many stories in a collection will leave the characters and events flat, dry, and boring. However, four is just the right amount in combining brevity and entertainment! In each story, the characters grow in their faith and character, without it being thrown in your face. While the romance is central to each story, the plot also closely revolves around character development and societal issues. I really enjoyed taking a peek into past times through a variety of social perspectives (the fourth story, especially, offers a glimpse of post-Civil War social tensions between former Confederates and Unionists). This is a wonderful collection of fast-paced historical Christian romance with surprising depth and historical insight. Definitely recommended!
July 1, 2019
Set in the post Civil War 1800s, these four stories all include a quilt that has special meaning to one of the characters, and each included a character that has a special love for the art of sewing. Each story would be considered romantic fiction. While all three stories were sweet, I found three to seem more realistic than the fourth. I would have given three of the four stories 3 ½ stars and the remaining one 2 stars as I kept arguing aloud with the author (really glad no one else was home to witness that).
If you are a fan of the needle arts and like a sweet story that is not too in-depth, I recommend this book to you. I appreciate having received a copy of Thimbles and Threads from Barbour Books via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.
If you are a fan of the needle arts and like a sweet story that is not too in-depth, I recommend this book to you. I appreciate having received a copy of Thimbles and Threads from Barbour Books via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.
July 5, 2019
Thimbles and Threads
By Mary Davis, Grace Hitchcock, Suzanne Norquist, and Liz Tolsma
Four women pursued their gift of sewing and it leads them to love in the end.
I was excited to try this collection of four because I am not familiar with its authors. I usually enjoy novels and series however over the summer it is challenging for me to find time to really relax and read. These bite-sized stories were a delight, however. They were short enough for me to read in one evening but well written that they were not overly predictable.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here. For more book reviews visit my book blog: https://simplyannehere.wordpress.com
By Mary Davis, Grace Hitchcock, Suzanne Norquist, and Liz Tolsma
Four women pursued their gift of sewing and it leads them to love in the end.
I was excited to try this collection of four because I am not familiar with its authors. I usually enjoy novels and series however over the summer it is challenging for me to find time to really relax and read. These bite-sized stories were a delight, however. They were short enough for me to read in one evening but well written that they were not overly predictable.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here. For more book reviews visit my book blog: https://simplyannehere.wordpress.com
November 11, 2019
I received an ARC of this book from Barbour Publishing, Inc. via NetGalley, this review is my personal opinion.
Beautiful story. All do we may be familiar with the collection, so what makes this one in particular especial?. That since the main subject is about forgiveness I think it will speak to each person who read it. All do we know that we need to forgive, is not easy. On this collection, we have four women that on her own way have been wounded and need to forgive, forget and let go. With a touch of romance, faith, and second chances. Each author did a wonderful work with each story, this book is the type that after you start reading it will be hard not to finish it. If you like not only read a great story, but also be edified this book is a great choice.
Beautiful story. All do we may be familiar with the collection, so what makes this one in particular especial?. That since the main subject is about forgiveness I think it will speak to each person who read it. All do we know that we need to forgive, is not easy. On this collection, we have four women that on her own way have been wounded and need to forgive, forget and let go. With a touch of romance, faith, and second chances. Each author did a wonderful work with each story, this book is the type that after you start reading it will be hard not to finish it. If you like not only read a great story, but also be edified this book is a great choice.
January 14, 2020
Thimbles and Threads is a new novella collection by Barbour Publishing that centers around women engaged in some sewing or quilting. I enjoy these novella collections, and there is always a story or two that I find particularly engaging.
Bygones by Mary Davis, was my favorite of the four novellas, which featured quilter Tilly and her childhood nemesis Orion who comes to help out her family when her father is injured. Believed to have been slighted by Orion's childhood misdeeds, she finds it difficult to let this go when Orion seems to have a romantic interest in her.
The novellas portray themes of forgiveness, healing, and trusting God. I recommend this collection and thank the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC for this my honest review.
Bygones by Mary Davis, was my favorite of the four novellas, which featured quilter Tilly and her childhood nemesis Orion who comes to help out her family when her father is injured. Believed to have been slighted by Orion's childhood misdeeds, she finds it difficult to let this go when Orion seems to have a romantic interest in her.
The novellas portray themes of forgiveness, healing, and trusting God. I recommend this collection and thank the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC for this my honest review.
October 19, 2021
I loved this book!
4 short stories in this book and they were all cute, clean and romantic. I especially loved the first one, "Bygones" about dealing with a troublemaker from the past. Can people grow up and change? Or were they maybe not as evil as we thought? A really sweet story about forgiveness. I also loved the last story, "Binging Up Wounds". Set a month after the Civil War ends, Lance is a Confederate soldier heading North on a personal mission. It was a touching story. I love the Civil War era so I was bound to enjoy this but I thought it was a very unique touch to have it set after the Civil War, trying to imagine the resentment both sides would have had and a nation trying to heal.
The other 2 stories were very enjoyable as well.
4 short stories in this book and they were all cute, clean and romantic. I especially loved the first one, "Bygones" about dealing with a troublemaker from the past. Can people grow up and change? Or were they maybe not as evil as we thought? A really sweet story about forgiveness. I also loved the last story, "Binging Up Wounds". Set a month after the Civil War ends, Lance is a Confederate soldier heading North on a personal mission. It was a touching story. I love the Civil War era so I was bound to enjoy this but I thought it was a very unique touch to have it set after the Civil War, trying to imagine the resentment both sides would have had and a nation trying to heal.
The other 2 stories were very enjoyable as well.
August 6, 2019
Of course I had to read these short stories as I am a quilter and fan of short stories!
I really liked the stories as they were very entertaining, but unfortunately for me it fell a little flat, they didn’t stand out to me plotwise.
I did like how a special quilt featured every story. The characters were likable and I was rooting for their romances, and all in all I did enjoy myself. I liked The Bridal Shop best, it made me chuckle, especially when Alice wielded scissors as a most formidable weapon.
Special thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an e-copy! My opinions are my own.
I really liked the stories as they were very entertaining, but unfortunately for me it fell a little flat, they didn’t stand out to me plotwise.
I did like how a special quilt featured every story. The characters were likable and I was rooting for their romances, and all in all I did enjoy myself. I liked The Bridal Shop best, it made me chuckle, especially when Alice wielded scissors as a most formidable weapon.
Special thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an e-copy! My opinions are my own.
August 24, 2019
I enjoyed these gentle stories set in the late 1800s. I'm fascinated with the art of sewing, and love that the women in the stories own businesses. Each author writes a beautiful story, giving the heroin strong faith and determination. The novellas are threaded together by stitches, yet each one is unique. I especially enjoyed Binding Up Wounds. Liz Tolsma did a beautiful job writing about the prejudice that remained after the Civil War and the hurt caused by people who judge. If you enjoy historical fiction, pick up a copy of Thimbles and Threads. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Books via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 8, 2019
This is a collection of four historical novellas tied together by the theme of sewing and quilts. Set in various location throughout the United States during the time period of 1865 - 1886. Although each novella is stand alone, they all contain the theme of letting go of the past and moving forward.
I have always enjoyed books of novellas, because you are given a chance to try new authors.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of the book for review.
I have always enjoyed books of novellas, because you are given a chance to try new authors.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of the book for review.
June 9, 2019
Thimbles and T
Four very cute short stories. These are 4 new Authors for me that I really enjoyed. Each story keep me wanting to read more. Delightful. Will be watching for more books by these Authors. Thanks NetGalley for allowing me to read and give my opinion. Thanks for giving me the pleasure to find new Authors to add to my list.
Four very cute short stories. These are 4 new Authors for me that I really enjoyed. Each story keep me wanting to read more. Delightful. Will be watching for more books by these Authors. Thanks NetGalley for allowing me to read and give my opinion. Thanks for giving me the pleasure to find new Authors to add to my list.
July 1, 2019
I really enjoy these collections! I love that we get the opportunity to try new authors through this! I really enjoyed each story! My favorites were Bygones and The Bridal Shop. I’m looking forward to reading more from these authors!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
August 26, 2019
Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. This was a collection of novellas all historical fiction with sewing/quilts as the common bond for this collection. I enjoyed the second story the most partly because the setting was a bit different than the other three and the writing style appealed to me more. All were clean romances and were enjoyable.
April 21, 2020
All the stories were so good. I read each one quickly and hated to see them end but I do love happy endings. There is some history and faith woven into each story. I love reading this time period because romance was so innocent. You could just see the relationships blossoming. I would definitely recommend this book.
May 19, 2019
This book has four short stories that have the theme of sewing. They are sweet and adorable stories that will put a smile on your face.
*I was given a copy of this book by Barbour publishing and this is my honest opinion.
4.5 stars
*I was given a copy of this book by Barbour publishing and this is my honest opinion.
4.5 stars
June 11, 2019
Thimbles and Threads is a collection of four stories. These stories include:
Bygones by Mary Davis
The Bridal Shop by Grace Hitchcock
Mending Sarah’s Heart by Suzanne Norquist
Binding Up Wounds by Liz Tolsma
I enjoyed every one of these stories. Five stars.
Bygones by Mary Davis
The Bridal Shop by Grace Hitchcock
Mending Sarah’s Heart by Suzanne Norquist
Binding Up Wounds by Liz Tolsma
I enjoyed every one of these stories. Five stars.
July 1, 2019
I loved this set of historical romances. Each one has its own special flavor! Wonderful complex and interesting characters. Each story has poignant moments and made me want to keep turning the pages.
July 26, 2019
A fantastic collection of four historical novellas. I enjoyed each selection. They were each well written. I recommend to fans of historical fiction. My thanks to the publisher for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.
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