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Patchwork Circle #1
Bachelor's Puzzle
He never intended to stay... The women of the Maintown church ladies society eagerly await the arrival of the new circuit-riding preacher--a bachelor, they've been told. To welcome him, they and their eligible daughters decide to make him a "welcome" quilt. The project turns into a fierce competition as each young woman tries to outdo the other in creating a quilt block so exquisite that it--and she--will gain the young minister's attention. Zack Hartley is unlike any preacher the church has ever seen. He bumbles about in the pulpit, and when he visits the sick, instead of praying for them he hangs laundry, washes dishes, tends children--does whatever needs doing. His inexperience and humorous blunders, however, eventually prove endearing and only further encourage the young ladies in their obvious attempts to snare him. But Zack is hiding something, and if his deception is found out, disappointing the Maintown ladies may be the least of his worries.
352 pages, Paperback
First published June 29, 2007
6 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
Judith Pella
97 books236 followersJudith Pella is a bestselling, award-winning author whose writing career spans two decades. Her in-depth historical and geographical research combines with her skillful storytelling to provide readers with dramatic, thought-provoking novels. She and her husband make their home in Scapoose, Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
April 29, 2015
Sweet book. Blends Christianity and quilting. Then mixes in some innocent romances.
March 18, 2025
Found it while thrifting! A sweet Christian fiction book! Based in the 1880s! It’s an easy read and quite enjoyable. This book is filled with sweet friendships, action, true depth in relationships, and a splash of romance.
June 23, 2022
At first, I was disappointed that this historical inspirational romance was a group of quilting mamas trying to marry off their daughters, hopefully to the new single minister moving to town. The following conversation encouraged me: "Why do I always have to do what I hate to do? -Because you were born a girl, and that is your lot in life." I knew that this character was going to defy all expectations and was pleasantly surprised by the many unexpected plot twists to come. Another favorite quote, "No man ever married a girl because of a quilt." That just makes me smile!
July 22, 2008
Book Club read. A nice easy read. Especially enjoyable with the quilting references. I am looking forward to the next one in the series.
November 8, 2008
An easy, wholesome read. I was delighted to know that in this book, the mother is a "matronly 40 year old". I guess I've found my title...
September 5, 2020
°●° UNUSUAL STORY I HIGHLY RECOMMEND °●°
I purchased this older book (2007) at the Goodwill Book Store. It was highly satisfying and faith filled as Zack hides out in a small Oregon town in disguise as a minister. He is called upon to serve in several ways he never considered and assisting the townspeople works to soften & heal his heart. This story was told in 3rd person from several angles. It was well-written & I look forward to sharing it with others.
All opinions are mine alone.
I purchased this older book (2007) at the Goodwill Book Store. It was highly satisfying and faith filled as Zack hides out in a small Oregon town in disguise as a minister. He is called upon to serve in several ways he never considered and assisting the townspeople works to soften & heal his heart. This story was told in 3rd person from several angles. It was well-written & I look forward to sharing it with others.
All opinions are mine alone.
January 13, 2024
This story was okay and enjoyable. It was an easy book to pick up and put down again. The story does keep your attention. I haven't read a Judith Pella book in years. I remember enjoying her books when I was in my 20's, so I picked a book of hers to read again. I think as we experience life our view regarding a book changes. This was a clean romance with some tension and the underlying Christian teaching was biblically sound.
May 6, 2024
Started out slow and I almost didn't finish it. But about one-third through, it heated up and got more interesting. It was still pretty predictable and the people were a bit more forgiving than I think I would have been. To be more realistic, there should have been others at the end who weren't quite as forgiving.
I probably won't be reading much more, if anything by the author.
I probably won't be reading much more, if anything by the author.
September 16, 2017
Redemption of a man who was lost and finally found his true self, and a girl who thought she knew what she wanted...
January 2, 2018
Read ever other page. Typical rom com and the characters were a bit on the cheesy side.
June 25, 2019
I love this book so so much. I need to buy it back and soon. Need to read it again.
August 11, 2020
C+. fiction, historical fiction, inspirational fiction, Northwest
November 24, 2020
Just ok.
May 6, 2022
Nice, easy read. I like thinking about quilting.
January 7, 2024
I have wanted to read this novel for some time. It was the story about a young drifter who assumes the identity of a curcut riding preacher.
February 23, 2017
I really liked this book.
February 19, 2013
A review from my old blog...
Each new book by Judith Pella that I read disappoints me even more. Pella used to be one of my favorite authors. To this day I adore the Stonewyke books, the Russians series and a more recent series (the name of which escapes me).
In the past couple years I have read three of her other books, including this one, and found myself questioning why I like the above mentioned series so much.
From the beginning of the book I could predict the final outcome. Of course, a few of the details I wouldn't have been able to predict but the final outcome, yes. This decreases my motivation to read the book and my overall interest in the book. In addition, Pella succumbs to the all too prevalent tactic usesd by many Christian authors, preaching through the character's mouth.
In my own opinion I do not think that sermons from a pulpit should be included either complete or in parts. When one of the main characters, Zack, in this story impersonates a pastor I knew that I would be subjected to at least one or two. Pella did not disappoint in that respect.
In addition, the change in the main character, Zack, did not convince me at all. Simply because he stopped living the "profligate" life he had before and started impersonating a preacher he discovered the wrong doing of his previous life. Also, the evil things were clearly evil. For instance, "shut up" was a heinous swear word.
I do not recommend this book.
Each new book by Judith Pella that I read disappoints me even more. Pella used to be one of my favorite authors. To this day I adore the Stonewyke books, the Russians series and a more recent series (the name of which escapes me).
In the past couple years I have read three of her other books, including this one, and found myself questioning why I like the above mentioned series so much.
From the beginning of the book I could predict the final outcome. Of course, a few of the details I wouldn't have been able to predict but the final outcome, yes. This decreases my motivation to read the book and my overall interest in the book. In addition, Pella succumbs to the all too prevalent tactic usesd by many Christian authors, preaching through the character's mouth.
In my own opinion I do not think that sermons from a pulpit should be included either complete or in parts. When one of the main characters, Zack, in this story impersonates a pastor I knew that I would be subjected to at least one or two. Pella did not disappoint in that respect.
In addition, the change in the main character, Zack, did not convince me at all. Simply because he stopped living the "profligate" life he had before and started impersonating a preacher he discovered the wrong doing of his previous life. Also, the evil things were clearly evil. For instance, "shut up" was a heinous swear word.
I do not recommend this book.
September 9, 2011
Bachelor's Puzzle, first of the Patchwork Circle historical romance series, is set in 1882 Columbia County Oregon. Tiny Maintown looks forward to a new young pastor who is coming from New England. The town quilters decide to welcome him with a sampler quilt, made by the quilting bee and their daughters. The welcome quilt project becomes a competition to show off needlework skill and impress the new pastor, as many of the daughters hope to become his wife.
Drifter Zack Hartley is on the run from the mob. Along the trail, he encounters a dying young man, who was on his way to be the new pastor of Maintown. Zack decides to assume the dead man's identity for a few months until his pursuers give up and he can safely travel far away.
The town's fervent welcome surprises and charms Zack. He struggles at first to assume the duties of a minister, but he comes to feel at home in the town, and stays longer than planned. His continued deception becomes an emotional burden when he starts falling in love.
A death, a fire, and finally the mobsters coming to town after Zack bring the facts to light. A suspenseful chase and shoot-out scene leads to a predictable happy ending.
Light and pleasant 'chick-lit' reading.
Drifter Zack Hartley is on the run from the mob. Along the trail, he encounters a dying young man, who was on his way to be the new pastor of Maintown. Zack decides to assume the dead man's identity for a few months until his pursuers give up and he can safely travel far away.
The town's fervent welcome surprises and charms Zack. He struggles at first to assume the duties of a minister, but he comes to feel at home in the town, and stays longer than planned. His continued deception becomes an emotional burden when he starts falling in love.
A death, a fire, and finally the mobsters coming to town after Zack bring the facts to light. A suspenseful chase and shoot-out scene leads to a predictable happy ending.
Light and pleasant 'chick-lit' reading.
January 23, 2016
The people of Maintown, Oregon, eagerly await the arrival of the new minister. And with his bachelor status, the women of Maintown waste no time putting the best foot forward of their marrying-age daughters. But Zack is no ordinary preacher. With his bumbling antics in both the pulpit and in front of his parishioners, he is sure they will quickly discover his secret. Knowing he’ll have to leave soon, before his deception is revealed, he struggles with his feelings towards a certain young woman. This is not what he intended when coming to Maintown. He had hoped to lay low for a while and then disappear. Now, he feels as if he’s found a home. A home he never had.
I really enjoyed reading BACHELOR'S PUZZLE by Judith Pella. I had read her DAUGHTER'S OF FORTUNE series, and looked forward to something new by this author. Her characters are delightful, especially the spunkiness of Maggie. I didn’t know how she was going to make us fall for a character that was so obviously deceitful, but you soon find yourself hoping Zack will find a way to be truthful and still be able to stay in Maintown. A great summer read.
I really enjoyed reading BACHELOR'S PUZZLE by Judith Pella. I had read her DAUGHTER'S OF FORTUNE series, and looked forward to something new by this author. Her characters are delightful, especially the spunkiness of Maggie. I didn’t know how she was going to make us fall for a character that was so obviously deceitful, but you soon find yourself hoping Zack will find a way to be truthful and still be able to stay in Maintown. A great summer read.
June 20, 2009
I loved this book. it turned out perfectly in the end. I grew a bit tired of Ellie at times, but I really liked her once she confessed her love for Zack and became less annoying in her ways. I wouldn't exactly call them faults on her part though.
this is actually book one in a series by Judith Pella, I'm not sure how many more there are going to be since this was just released in July of this year, but this first book was delightful, and I cannot wait to see what else will unfold. I fell in love with all of the characters except a few and those were the villains of the story. Zack, one of the lead characters is very likeable and real feeling. in this book, the ladies sewing circle of Maintown find out that their town's new circuit-riding preacher is young and unmarried. Zack comes upon the preacher when they are both in a time of need and he ends up going to Maintown in the real preacher's place.
this is actually book one in a series by Judith Pella, I'm not sure how many more there are going to be since this was just released in July of this year, but this first book was delightful, and I cannot wait to see what else will unfold. I fell in love with all of the characters except a few and those were the villains of the story. Zack, one of the lead characters is very likeable and real feeling. in this book, the ladies sewing circle of Maintown find out that their town's new circuit-riding preacher is young and unmarried. Zack comes upon the preacher when they are both in a time of need and he ends up going to Maintown in the real preacher's place.
May 8, 2008
To borrow an adjective from someone else's review, this book was very "fluffy." I was hoping for more of an in-depth discussion of faith and forgiveness, but those subjects were barely mentioned. The plot was a bit of a let-down, especially after reading the description on the back of the book. Zack was a completely different character than the description led me to believe. He arrived in town after witnessing the newly appointed circuit preacher die. Zack assumed that preacher's name and position and deceived the entire town. I felt that Judith Pella, the author, should have written more about his need for faith, forgiveness, etc. This is the first book in a new series by Pella, but after reading "Bachelor's Puzzle" I'm not sure if I care to continue with the rest of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2012
The ladies in town are delighted - a new minister is on his way, and he's single. All the matchmaking mamas start a project to welcome him (and to showcase their daughter's homemaking skills) by sewing him a quilt to welcome him.
The newcomer is pretty overwhelmed. But he's not a minister. He's a small time crook, and he's on the run. On his way out of town, escaping an angry loan shark, he meets the real minister, injured and dying. He sits with the man until the end, then buries the unfortunate preacher. Then he gets a brainstorm - so Rev. William Locklin is reborn, and Zack Hartley disappears.
This preaching business is a little tricky, but Zack is sure he can figure it out. Then his heart gets involved. But which girl is right for him?
I liked this one. A sweet, clean read.
The newcomer is pretty overwhelmed. But he's not a minister. He's a small time crook, and he's on the run. On his way out of town, escaping an angry loan shark, he meets the real minister, injured and dying. He sits with the man until the end, then buries the unfortunate preacher. Then he gets a brainstorm - so Rev. William Locklin is reborn, and Zack Hartley disappears.
This preaching business is a little tricky, but Zack is sure he can figure it out. Then his heart gets involved. But which girl is right for him?
I liked this one. A sweet, clean read.
January 31, 2013
It was a good story. I like how all the characters are very real, with attitudes and flaws and frustrations. They are all so well drawn! Often with inspirational types books, the characters are so annoyingly good! I have been a christian since I was a young girl, but I know I am certainly less than angelic. It can be discouraging when everyone you read about is either so good or so bad then turned good, when in reality, most of us are somewhere in the middle, though we strive for the best.
September 9, 2016
Such a cute book. A rover and scalawg is running from someone who's trying to kill him. He runs across a dying minister and stays with him until he passes. He arrives in town with the ministers identity. He bumbles through sermons, gets caught up in answering questions wrong and has to smooth his answers over. Playing the part soon affects his heart. Falling in love with the people and one young girl makes him want to confess. Funny in spots, serious in parts, it was a good book.
May 27, 2016
Because of the emphasis of the book, I would re-do the cover with a quilt pattern, plus the people....Then I would be expected what I got.
I do like quilts. But the book's descriptions of sewing the quilt squares and the various patterns were places I skimmed and bogged me down.
Judith presented an interesting plot and internal struggles on fulfilling that plot by the main characters.
I do like quilts. But the book's descriptions of sewing the quilt squares and the various patterns were places I skimmed and bogged me down.
Judith presented an interesting plot and internal struggles on fulfilling that plot by the main characters.
September 19, 2007
This book was solid and kept me glued to it's pages. I thought it would end in a predictable manner because the main character, Zack, was eventually cornered, but happily it did not and made me like the book even more.
June 28, 2008
Four chapters in, and it was interesting. Just not fabulous, I have too much on my TBR list to read something I'm just not crazy about. With that said, if I see it on sale, I'm definitely buying it. Christian fiction with quilts and romance? I'm in.
March 29, 2008
Christian fiction/Romance. This book is first in a new series (Patchwork Circle). Title is the name of a quilt block. At the end of the book, the author explains how to put together the quilt block.
July 4, 2009
The first book in Judith Pella's new series - not my favorite compared to her other series, but the stories are still good. I just had a harder time connecting with the characters and getting in the book than in other book by this author.
March 18, 2011
How refreshing to read about a less-than-perfect man who is caught between his past and wanting to do right. I really enjoyed this story. The story drew me in from the back cover copy and kept my interest through out. Another great book from Judith Pella.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews