The Christmas Boutique

Elm Creek Quilts #21

by Jennifer Chiaverini, Christina Moore (Narrator)

New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Chiaverini returns with a delightful Christmas-themed installment in her beloved Elm Creek Quilts series—a captivating, heartwarming tale sure to become a holiday favorite.

Just weeks before Christmas, severe wintry weather damages the church hall hosting the Christmas Boutique—an annual sale of handcrafted gifts and baked goods that supports the county food pantry. Determined to save the fundraiser, Sylvia Bergstrom Compson offers to hold the event at Elm Creek Manor, her ancestral family estate and summertime home to Elm Creek Quilt Camp.

In the spirit of the season, Sylvia and the Elm Creek Quilters begin setting up market booths in the ballroom and decking the halls with beautiful hand-made holiday quilts. Each of the quilters chooses a favorite quilt to display, a special creation evoking memories of holidays past and dreams of Christmases yet to come. Sarah, a first-time mother expecting twins, worries if she can handle raising two babies, especially with her husband so often away on business. Cheerful, white-haired Agnes reflects upon a beautiful appliqué quilt she made as a young bride and the mysterious, long-lost antique quilt that inspired it. Empty nesters and occasional rivals Gwen and Diane contemplate family heirlooms and unfinished projects as they look forward to having their children home again for the holidays.

But while the Elm Creek Quilters work tirelessly to make sure the Christmas Boutique happens, it may take a holiday miracle or two to make it the smashing success they want it to be.

Praised for her ability to craft “a wonderful holiday mix of family legacy, reconciliation and shared experiences” (Tucson Citizen), Jennifer Chiaverini once again rings in the festive season with this eagerly awaited addition in her beloved series.

Genres: Christmas, Fiction, Holiday, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Contemporary, Chick Lit

Audible Audio

First published October 1, 2019

About the author

Jennifer Chiaverini is the New York Times bestselling author of thirty-three novels, including acclaimed historical fiction and the beloved Elm Creek Quilts series. She has also written seven quilt pattern books inspired by her novels. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the University of Chicago, she lives with her husband and two sons in Madison, Wisconsin. About her historical fiction, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes, "In addition to simply being fascinating stories, these novels go a long way in capturing the texture of life for women, rich and poor, black and white, in those perilous years."

Reviews

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not quite sure how I feel about this book. I know this is a popular series, loved by many. I read one about ten years ago but it just wasn't for me. Reading this Christmas version, book #21, hasn't changed my mind.

Some faithful readers of this series commented that they felt this book was, "cut and paste from previous editions, then edited here and there for updating." Now I can't speak to whether that's true or not; but as a constant reader, I sure can't argue with them.

So, bottom line, this series has found it's fans, and that's great. It doesn't need me as one more. Continued success and happy reading.
Thank you.
Merry Christmas to all!

[Britany · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was delightful.

Light with some petty drama that caused dire circumstances, the Elm Creek Quilters come together to solve almost any dilemma. I didn't realize this was actually the 21st book in a series, and while I may have missed some background information on the characters and situations, I was able to follow along well enough.

There were a few too many stories and threads for me to follow along and pay attention to how they would intersect with other stories later in the book. There were so many characters, it may it hard to remember who was who and what their impact was. Overall, I appreciated the feel good feeling this produced (similar to Friday Night Knitting club) and this honestly made me consider picking up quilting!

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to see another book in the Elm Creek Quilts series, this is #21.
We go back to Elm Creek Manor and the town of Waterford in Pennsylvania.
Catching up with past characters between Thanksgiving and Christmas time.
I've missed reading about Sylvia and her quilting .
This reminds me a big fun get together that I really wish I could take part in at the manor especially during Christmas time.

Published October 1st 2019 by William Morrow.
I was given a complimentary copy. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited for a new Elm Creek Quilts book. It's too bad that half this book was a recap from her former stories. I skipped whole pages that were, word for word, from her former books. I was looking for something new and heart warming from this story and it left me feeling annoyed.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sylvia, the beloved co-owner of Elm Creek Manor, and her friends return in the latest installment of the Elm Creek Quilt series. This time, they are asked to host the local Christmas boutique fundraiser event and, of course, they do it with much enthusiasm and aplomb!

After seven years, the Elm Creek Quilt series has returned, and I could not be happier. I've read and loved the entire series and revisiting each of the beloved characters did not disappoint. It's difficult to believe that it's been twenty years (and 21 books) since the first in the series was published. Dare I liken the Elm Creek Manor and its inhabitants to Downton Abbey and its beloved characters? Yes I shall! If you love this series as much as I do, then this is a must read! Character recaps are included and I was surprised by how much I remembered about each and every one of them. If you haven't read this series yet, then what are you waiting for? A whole new world of likable characters and heartwarming stories awaits!

4.5 stars and definitely one of my favorites!

Location: Waterford, Pennsylvania

I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to see this book, I loved this series, and a new book after all this time, awesome!
You will not be lost if you pick this one up for the first time, there is a lot of information offered from the past books to update you, but you will be missing out on some great addicting reads if you pass up the previous books.
We are back with some dear friends, and updated on the lives we have come to love, and now we are back at Elm Creek!
These characters come alive to me through this author, and I would love to go on a quilter’s retreat at the manor, and spend time with Sylvia, seeing as that is not possible, this is the next best thing!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher William Morrow, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please note: I read this as a free e-ARC from Netgalley. I was so thrilled to see a new addition to the Quilter's Apprentice series. It was sweet and easy read. It takes place near the Christmas season as Sylvia reminisces over the many Christmas seasons that have occurred at Elm Creek Manor. The story begins in present day as the Waterford quilters need a new place to host their annual Christmas Boutique. Of course, Sylvia opens the Manor. As the story progresses, each chapter is devoted to a main character that has been involved in previous books. So it was a nice review of each character and their backstory as well as bring us up to date on their lives. Totally a easy and nice read to return to Waterford and Elm Creek.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

This 2019 Christmas installment in the Elm Creek Quilts series shows the quilters preparing for the town's Christmas boutique which benefits the food pantry. Originally scheduled for the church hall, the church sustained water damage due to frozen pipes. It is moved to Sylvia's retreat. A little Christmas reconciliation occurs within the narrative. Each long chapter is told from the perspective of a different woman. The book gave a lot of back story with little forward progress. Still it was a pleasant enough read. The series tends to be quite formulaic. The same story is often repeated. I tired of these a long time ago and got behind on the series. I skipped many intervening installments, but I still felt I had not missed a beat.

[Loraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Elm Creek Quilters are brought together once again in this Christmas read when the church hall floods and Elm Creek Manor has to be used for their annual Christmas fund raiser for the food pantry. I didn't find this one as interesting as the previous books in this set. I like Chiaverini's writing, but this one didn't capture my attention like some of the others I've read. Still overall a good Christmas read.

[Patti · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was received as an ARC from HarperCollins Publishers - William Morrow in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is my first book of this series and I have to say it was a bit disappointing. Too much blahblahblah in between the storylines. The ending was rushed into a few pages and some storylines were left hanging. I was really looking forward to reading this, and while the basic story was good, it felt very mediocre.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Days before Waterford's Christmas Boutique is scheduled to open, severe winter weather damages the church hall that was to host the fundraiser. So it won't be cancelled, Sylvia offers to host the event at Elm Creek Manor, and she and the rest of the Elm Creek Quilters pitch in to set up booths for the sale and decorate the Manor in a unique way – with quilts that have been made by the members of the group.

It has been quite a few years since the last Elm Creek Quilters book, so I was excited to see a new installment of the series was being released. Maybe it was because of that long gap, but I found large portions of this book to be repetitious of some of the previous books in the series, telling stories that had already been told. Most of the book is told in flashbacks, with a section devoted to each of the Elm Creek Quilters and the story behind the quilt/s she selected to help decorate the Manor.

Thank goodness there were new stories in addition to the past history we have already read, or I would have been very disappointed by this book. I'm a sucker for feel-good stories set around Christmas time, and even though it's still a little early to be thinking about Christmas, this book hit the spot and was just what I needed on a day when I wasn't feeling well and couldn't focus on much of anything else. I hope there will be more books in this series, and that we won't have to wait another seven years for the next book!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Colline Vinay Kook-Chun · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Christmas Boutique was written as part of a series – The Elm Creek Quilts series. It is not necessary, however, to have read the previous novels in order to enjoy the story: I had not read the preceding novels and there was not a time in which I was lost or confused. Chiaverini describes her characters well enough for a first reader of her series; and places them in a setting that is very quickly understood.

Women who quilt will enjoy reading the detail that the author adds to the narrative. I am not a quilter myself but some of the techniques described rang a bell in my mind as I have heard my mom speak of them; or I have read the terms as I have browsed her books and magazines.

I enjoyed reading the story that evolved around a group of women who quilt. The group is seen as a reflection of society and a woman’s circle as all types of personalities and problems are described. The story mirrors so much of what happens in life and, as a result, makes the novel totally believable. The book describes the emotions and experiences of each quilter in the group with the author matching up each story to create the whole – much like a quilt.

I enjoyed reading The Christmas Boutique. It was a lighthearted read that would be perfect to read over the holiday period snuggled up warmly under the cover of a blanket or quilt. Definitely a book you can curl up with during the cold winter months.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although there are more than twenty books in the Elm Creek series, this was the first one I have read. After reading reviews written by faithful followers of the series, I find that the very things that most of them didn’t like about the book are what I like!
This is not an action-driven book. There is not a mystery to solve, or a love story to sigh over. This is a wonderful character study of the main women that make up the quilting community in Elm Creek. It shows how strikingly different women can all come together based on the love of one thing – in this case, quilting. The book made me think about the friends I have had over the years - and how one thing (in my case the love of reading) was enough to bring us together and forge strong bonds.
I know from the other reviews that it was disappointing to some people – but I really liked it. I feel like I know the women in the book, and do want to read more about them.
I won this book through the GoodReads First Reads program for an honest review.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars because I just loved revisiting these characters. Some people didn’t care for the repetition of background on the characters, but because it’s been a while, I liked the refresher on their histories. It was a warm snuggly kinda book, just like a worn family quilt.

[Leah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This wasn't what I was expecting. I thought it would focus on the Christmas Boutique, but Christmas and the quilt event are secondary. It's the quilter's histories and a lot of pettiness. Also, there is a lot of quilting in this story. I didn't find it interesting.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I've read by Jennifer Chiaverini and it didn't disappoint. It is a very heart-warming Christmas story about friendship and community. It even got me choked up at the end. So refreshing to read a Christmas story that wasn't a predictable love story.

[Jesse Reads]

Dnf @ 50%

This is too wholesome a read for my grim, sardonic soul.

[Shauna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not realize that this was #21 in a series when I began. I was just looking for a feel good Christmas read. The author did a good job to get me up to speed about the characters and their background. Each character had a story to tell and they didn't all end sweetly, but that just made this book all the more enjoyable. Heartwarming and homey, this was a solid Christmas read.

As a side note: This is just a personal observation, and no reflection on the author. It isn't her fault that I picked up a book about a Quilter's Guild, but know absolutely nothing about the subject. I am not a quilter and found some of the depictions of the quilts became tiresome, but others sounded absolutely beautiful.

[Margaret Galbraith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started off well but through no fault of the author I just lost interested. It’s set in a severe winter just before the festive season. A flood damages the church where the annual Christmas Boutique fundraiser is held, Sylvia Bergstrom Compson opens Elm Creek Manor as an alternative venue. The rush to organize the event brings together a few of familiar character from the other novels in this series. There are quilters, friends, former students—each facing personal challenges ranging from family tension to financial uncertainty. As they come together to salvage the beloved tradition, the characters rediscover connection, generosity, and the meaning of home. It’s another cosy read but maybe I just wasn’t in the mood for quilting!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story of friendship, forgiveness, joy and grace.

[Ruth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read, and enjoyed, many of the books in this series but can find very little to recommend this newest one. Granted, I'm not a fiction author but this pre-pub book read like a short story filled with meaningless asides until it reached book length. After a few chapters I had to just keep skipping past the filler until I got to the dialog, over and over again. The characters themselves were their typical great selves - the best part of the book. Apologies for ripping another person's work but this was a painful experience. Perhaps the author's next effort will be as good as her earlier books.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's nearly Christmas at the Elm Creek Manor, the home of Sylvia Compson, a newly married and very mature woman who has turned her childhood estate into a quilting school for the women of the area. With the onset of the holidays, a local church is getting ready for their annual Christmas Boutique fair, but an unfortunate accident renders their venue at the church unusable. The coordinators approach Sylvia and her team of quilters to see if they can help out with the venue and provide some much-needed physical labor to pull off a last-minute art fair. Along with the main story, the author delves into the lives of the women and men who make Elm Creek Manor a quilting school and a home.

I will admit that I have only read the first of the Elm Creek Quilt books, The Quilter's Apprentice. I have read several of Chiaverini's historical fiction books and have enjoyed them all. It didn't take me long to remember the original characters of the first Elm Creek Quilt series and I instantly fell into the rhythm of Chiaverini's writing. Reading through some of the reviews, it's evident that some of the material for this book may have been a repeat of several books in the series, stitched together to make a sweet Christmas read. I think of it as watching a TV show that looks back on some of the special scenes from previous shows wrapped up in a new storyline. Since I've only read one book in the series, I was not bothered by any repeats of past books. This one has inspired me to go back to the series.

I received this book gratis through Goodreads Giveaways.

[Diana · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the first book in the series that i picked up and unfortunately I felt like i missed out on a lot. Though it could technically be read as a standalone i felt like there was too much catching up that i needed to do.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weeks before Christmas the church hall is damaged and can't hold the annual Christmas boutique that benefits the food pantry. Sylvia agrees to let the quilters hall hold the boutique and starts getting it ready. They decide to decorate using quilts so everyone is scrambling to get quilts done. Background on different quilters and a long term feud is resolved.

[Zermeena · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fun to catch up with the Elm Creek quilters. This book fleshed out everyone's story except for Bonnie. I only gave this book four stars because I thought too much time was spent reviewing each character's past. Small details were added, but most of the stories had already been told. I would love to continue moving forward with these characters' stories.

[Diana S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5☆☆☆☆

[Connie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sylvia Bergstrom Compson lives at Elm Street Manor in Pennsylvania with her second husband. Andrew. Sylvia is a quilter and offers a annual season of Elm Creek Quilt Camp. When she was growing up during the depression, the Bergstrom family was the wealthiest family in town. But they too lost money when the Bank of Waterford went under. They had raised thoroughbreds. But with their home paid for, no bills, and lots of land for growing things, they did well. Many men in town went to war and did not come back. That was the case with Sylvia’s first husband. For many years, she lived away from her hometown, but when her sister died, Elm Street Manor was left to her. It was rundown but she worked hard to get it back to its former beauty. That was when she decided to make it into a retreat for quilters. Many of the town’s quilters work each year to fill the annual Christmas Boutique with goodies to sell.

The story goes on to feature individual women from the town who are quilters. It delves into their lives, how intense they are about their craft, and the jealousies that arise from it.

The first part of the book which was about Sylvia’s family was interesting but when it went on to different characters and their petty, and almost childish involvement with quilting, it became boring very quickly. I’m all for someone having a hobby but these women were almost obsessed.

I have not read any other books in this series and have to say that I will give them a miss. However, I know there are many quilters out there who will love this book and to them I say: Enjoy!!

Copy provided by Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Elizabeth Meadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book and it was great to have a new Elm Creek novel. But I did think that there was an awful lot of recap and retelling of previous story lines.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series. Not a quilter but enjoy the stories and history. The women are not sweet little old ladies in a quilting bee, but very human: plenty of moxie and determination yet flawed and imperfect. Enjoyed the organizational skills.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was received as an ARC from HarperCollins Publishers - William Morrow in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was such a heartwarming story of some heartfelt women that share a passion for quilting and making an overwhelming amount and love to give. I was refreshed when I saw that these women held their Christmas boutique in a church bringing forth so many people that is a blessing to share their gifts. Even when life throws you lemons, it is not always easy to make lemonade especially when your husband is always away and you don't have that sense of family to rely on all the time. It is always great to have a passion for something, even if it is as simple as quilting and using your gift to give and change someone's life for the better.

We will consider adding this title to our Adult Fiction collection at the library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.