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The Sewing Circle #1

A Stitch in Time

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Miriam Brown has been traveling the country the last five years, searching for a sense of belonging, but now she's coming home to Topeka, where her grandmother has been waiting for her. She has no idea how long she'll stay before wanderlust strikes her again. She only knows that she can't outrun the pain she's carrying inside her.

Toby Johnson has loved one girl his entire life - Miriam Brown. He thought they'd marry as soon as he graduated from college, but when she left Topeka without saying a word, his dreams were crushed. Now she's back, and he wonders if this is their second chance. If only Miriam would speak to him instead of sending him away over and over again.

When the elderly women of the sewing circle hear of this ill-fated romance, they decide to give destiny a little bit of help - and there's no limit to what grandmothers will do when the happiness of their grandchildren is at stake.

This historical romance novel is the first in a new series set in the world of Amelia C. Adams' bestselling Kansas Crossroads.

94 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 27, 2019

124 people are currently reading
49 people want to read

About the author

Amelia C. Adams

173 books163 followers
Amelia C. Adams is a wife, a mother, and a novelist. She spends her days dreaming up stories and her nights writing them down. Her biggest hero is her husband, and you might just see bits and pieces of him as you read her novels.

She loves all things historical and enjoys learning about days gone by, but she's glad she was born more recently (she won't say how recently or not recently) because the Internet is awesome, and she's glad she doesn't have to wash her clothes by hand in a galvanized tub. She has hit Amazon bestseller status twice, once for A Clean Slate and once for A Clear Hope.

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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Donna Weaver.
Author 89 books459 followers
February 16, 2022
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Miriam Brown has been traveling the country the last five years, searching for a sense of belonging, but now she's coming home to Topeka, where her grandmother has been waiting for her. She has no idea how long she'll stay before wanderlust strikes her again. She only knows that she can't outrun the pain she's carrying inside her.

Toby Johnson has loved one girl his entire life - Miriam Brown. He thought they'd marry as soon as he graduated from college, but when she left Topeka without saying a word, his dreams were crushed. Now she's back, and he wonders if this is their second chance. If only Miriam would speak to him instead of sending him away over and over again.

When the elderly women of the sewing circle hear of this ill-fated romance, they decide to give destiny a little bit of help - and there's no limit to what grandmothers will do when the happiness of their grandchildren is at stake.

MY TAKE
Disclaimer--I narrated the audiobook that's on YouTube.

I've read things by Amelia C. Adams before and been a fan of her books, though I hadn't read this series before. These widows were a delight. Adams always makes her characters unique and fun.

At first I was irritated with Miriam. It seemed so unfair of her to have just left without telling poor Toby what he'd done wrong. And she was so cold to him at first. He really had a lot of patience with her. Later in the story, she does come clean and has some rather profound realizations about herself. Some of them brought me to tears.

A delightful novella.
Profile Image for Kathy Heare Watts.
6,962 reviews175 followers
December 30, 2019
DON’T FORGET MY HARDHEADEDNESS

Topeka, Kansas, 1877, a group of town widows meet once a week to sew and chat. What a pleasant surprise when Esther announces she has a letter from Miriam, her granddaughter, and the news it brings include her returning to Topeka from New York. As the widows chat, they also plan a welcome home party and how can they get Miriam and Toby back together.

“Ladies, I have a proposition. Toby needs something better to do than make Nola’s kitchen smell like manure, and Miriam needs a reason to stay in Topeka. I say we find out why they stopped speaking to each other and help them reconnect.”

The story will have Toby assuming his Grandma had found a beau when she was planning to surprise him with Miriam’s return. Miriam is happy to see friends and especially her Grandma, but she still feels so unsettled—the past is still haunting her. She left to get away, but even that hasn’t made things better. And Toby learns he is considered for a position with the newspaper.

“Advance warning? You make this girl sound like a thunderstorm or something.”

Why won’t Miriam tell her Grandma what is bothering her and why she keeps leaving? She finally makes a promise to stay—but that hasn’t taken away her burden.

“We’re not going to dwell on the past, sweetheart. It won’t do anyone any good. Let’s think about the future, all right? Let’s think about ways to find all the missing pieces and make you whole again.”

Toby has plans, while he works odd jobs, he is hoping to be hired as a reporter for the newspaper, and it will include writing a piece about the party held by the sewing circle. He also has his sight set on a piece of property where he wants to build a home. Now, he has Miriam back—but will she ever tell him what the problem is, why she left, and why she is still cold towards him.

“I’m not a mind reader, Miriam. How am I supposed to know things if I’m not told? And how was I supposed to know why you left? Don’t hide from me anymore; tell me what you’re thinking.”

“That it hurts to love. That it hurts to be open and honest.”

“Life’s about experimentation and learning from those experiments, as my grandma always says.”

The story is a clean historical with two people reconnecting—but it won’t be an easy feat. Leaving Topeka, and everything she holds dear isn’t solved while she is away and coming home still leaves her searching. Both Miriam and Toby as strong-willed people, I’m just glad that they finally have an honest and open talk—and maybe even find their happily ever after.
Profile Image for Marsha Keeper Bookshelf.
4,290 reviews88 followers
July 9, 2020
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

I have loved Ms. Adams’ ‘Crossroads’ world, every single series has kept me entertained and engaged with so many characters who soon became book friends. Now we get the chance to return to that world with a loving group of grandmothers and friends who through their sewing circle meetings (and beyond) do a bit of matchmaking for their grandkids… whether they wanted it or not for everyone knows that “Granny knows best.” in the long run.

Miriam and Toby begin this new adventure in ‘A Stitch in Time‘ where we will watch two people who loved each other once – and still do – will stubbornly fight their grandmothers’ matchmaking efforts for far different reasons. Once upon a time, this young couple was in love, ready to settle down and build a future until Miriam simply left leaving Toby no idea as to why or what had happened. Years have passed and even though Miriam has never found that just right place to settle in she has returned home to her grandmother – and perhaps the love of her life if she can tell Toby the absolute truth and stop running, searching for something that is right in front of her if she’d only let it into her heart.

My heart broke for Miriam. Even as much as she frustrated me at times, or her refusal to tell the man she still loved the real reason she left – I still felt the heartache she’s running away from… and it’s not all about Toby. Miriam is searching for something that she will not be able to find and until she understands that and opens her heart to another kind of permanent relationship she’s going to be sad and miserable.

It’s so easy to feel Toby’s frustration, his own pain, and heartache when Miriam just left him without saying a word as to why. He’s been left all these years without understanding what went wrong, or even what he did… and even now she will not tell him. Watching this couple work through the past mistakes, the lingering pain, and tentatively reaching out for each other was a delightful journey. I adored the grandmothers and their unique personalities. It’s going to be a hoot (as my own grandmother would say) watching their matchmaking efforts throughout this series.

If you love a really good romance, if finding answers eventually, even if they aren’t what you expected drives you, if watching a love that never died be rekindled… well, then, you’ll love “A Stitch in Time“.

I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
761 reviews7 followers
December 28, 2019
Can two young people learn to communicate and heal a rift that shouldn't have happened? Will the ladies of the town be able to help these two breach their rift and learn to love again?
Miriam and Toby were childhood sweethearts, and planned to marry. But all of a sudden, she left without saying a word. Now she has returned and Toby is determined to find out the truth. He still loves her and just wants answers... How will he go about this? What must they do to surpass all of the past hurts and reach their HEA. You will truly enjoy the first in this new series! This Author puts her heart into her books. I love the character development and the plot just flows beautifully. I received an ARC of this book and am choosing to leave an honest review.
1,191 reviews
December 29, 2019
Threads

Toby Brown is in so much trouble, but he's pretty much unaware. He has put manure in his grandma's prize rose garden,but it's under her kitchen window , he's eaten a good chunk of her award winning chocolate cake, but it was made to a party and he's jumped to conclusions about the party. That would all be fine except he's not a little boy, he's a grown man. Grandma figures there's only one thing to do and that's get him hitched.
Miriam is all grown up and she's returning home from New York, but she has itchy feet and her grandmother knows what she's seeking even if Miriam doesn't.
This is a wonderful book that brings two previous sweethearts face to face because of two meddling grandma's and their seeing group.
Profile Image for Dorothy Roller.
480 reviews3 followers
December 29, 2019
This was such a fun story and really good reminder to forgive and forget when things go wrong with another person and better yet talk to them to make sure what you think you heard is what you really heard, because often times it keeps people apart from big misunderstandings. I loved this story for that reason and because the characters are all likeable and grandmother matchmaking well, it happens I guess.
I highly recommend this book in a new series by Amelia C. Adams who graciously offered a copy for me to read without expectations.
I am doing the review because I love the story and plot, all the characters, even the stubborn heroine. It is a great story for all who love historical western romances or just romances.
Profile Image for Julia Ridgmont.
Author 36 books37 followers
September 4, 2020
I've enjoyed most of Amelia C. Adams' books and this one is no exception! A Stitch in Time features a fun circle of friends, in the form of a sewing circle, who care for each other and want to help their grandchildren find love. This story tells the sweet story of Miriam, who has been running from the ghosts of her past, yet doesn't fully realize the effect on her life until she's forced to confront them. Toby just wants another chance with her. Will she let him into her heart again? The ending is sweet and left me with a feeling of hope that everything would work out for these two lovebirds.
1,069 reviews23 followers
December 30, 2019
Miriam and Toby are likable characters, although Miriam was puzzling at times, but all becomes clear and understandable as the story develops. I love the idea of the sewing circle grandmothers matchmaking for their grandchildren. I enjoyed reading A Stitch in Time and look forward to the next book in The Sewing Circle series. I received a complimentary copy. I chose to write a review and share my opinion of this well-written, clean historical romance.
Profile Image for Shonda.
Author 10 books47 followers
December 30, 2019
Great characters, the women’s sewing time was full of wonderful ladies who cared about each other and their families. I thought it was great that the widows came together and shared their woes and happiness with each other. Seems a lot of match making may be going on, I’m all for it. I’m looking forward to the next book already!
Profile Image for Cindy Edwards.
324 reviews1 follower
December 29, 2019
Loved it!

I always love my visits to Topeka. This new series is based out of the sewing shop instead of the Brody hotel. This time the grandmothers of Topeka become matchmakers. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Sandra Bagwell.
548 reviews3 followers
December 29, 2019
Good story!

I laughed from the beginning. Overheard conversations, not sharing information, and misunderstandings cause many twists and turns in this fun romance that doesn't let you stop reading until the end.
Profile Image for Lara.
208 reviews6 followers
December 31, 2019
This was a great, quick read. The characters are fun and have depth. The second-chance love story is sweet and clean and it has a great ending. I recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own and are expressed voluntarily
77 reviews
January 14, 2020
Cute story

This story was about misunderstandings and forgiveness. Miriam has been running from Toby for five years. She has loved him and he has loved her but she overheard something Toby was saying when he graduated and she has been running since.
749 reviews4 followers
January 17, 2020
Stubborn

What a fun new series. I love that the widows work together to create situations to throw people together. Wise women working to promote love. Amelia writes easy to read, entertaining and heartwarming books.
Profile Image for Merri.
Author 72 books103 followers
January 18, 2020
A Sweet Town and a Sweet Read

I chose this story because of the cover. It seemed like a read where you’d find nice people, who needed a little help finding love. This story more than met my expectations.
Profile Image for Tamera Westhoff.
1,098 reviews6 followers
January 21, 2020
Sweet Romance

She’s coming back to Topeka to be with her Grandma. He’s loved her forever. With the Quilting Group in charge, it doesn’t take long to bring them together. Super cute story!
2,617 reviews16 followers
January 26, 2020
Toby and Miriam

This is a sweet short story written by Amelia C Adams. She has done an exceptional job with the plot and the characters. You will enjoy discovering how Toby and Miriam find their happily ever after.
Profile Image for Babs Wenk.
1,035 reviews5 followers
February 2, 2020
Miriam and Toby

I loved this the shenanigans of a group of matchmaking grandmas! Childhood sweethearts have a falling out five years ago and the sewing circle wants to get them back together. - Babs
Profile Image for Karen Ouska.
94 reviews2 followers
February 7, 2020
Matchmaking sewing circle.

The Topeka sewing circle is made up of widows band of course they are worried about their grandchildren, so they come up with a plan to bring two their grandchildren together.
Profile Image for Shelby  Young.
432 reviews
December 28, 2019
Very good story!

A stitch in time was an excellent book! I can't wait to read more by this author!! I'm glad there will be more in the series.
Profile Image for Katie.
487 reviews8 followers
January 2, 2020
Loved this

Cute story about the importance of talking about things with others and not just assuming things. Loved that yarn was mentioned.
Profile Image for Pat  Comer.
520 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2020
Wonderful story.

Thank you Amelia C. Adams, Enjoyed reading about Miriam and Toby, they had a time getting together, but Thanks to Family and Friends it worked out well.
Profile Image for Paulette Marshall.
Author 45 books221 followers
February 18, 2020
Sweet love story with communication and miss understanding. Widows try their hand at match making . It all comes together in the end.
69 reviews
April 9, 2020
Cute

A nice cozy read, grab a cup of tea and sit back and unwind. You will be part of a matchmaking scheme.
Profile Image for Merry.
470 reviews
July 7, 2020
When you think

If you get some thing wrong in your mind and don’t confront the problem how long can go being miserable. Just exactly what she did and the pain it put her through.
5,405 reviews67 followers
August 30, 2020
A Stitch in Time(The Sewing Circle Book1)

A very good story about the sewing circle and the ladies try at matchmaking and the couple that finally admit to living each other
Profile Image for Mary Jane McLeod.
2,921 reviews6 followers
May 27, 2021
A really great historical read by one of my favorite authors. I loved this story and the characters. Take a sewing circle of grandmothers that decide they need to help their grandchildren by being matchmakers and you've got a very interesting read. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Sharon.
2,770 reviews7 followers
February 13, 2020
Second chance

Toby- a reporter
Miriam- moved away "trying to find herself/happiness "
I enjoyed reading this engaging story that is well written with charismatic characters. Their story has a sweet HEA and hopefully they've learned their lessons on communication.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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