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Elm Creek Quilts #16
The Aloha Quilt
Another season of Elm Creek Quilt Camp has come to a close, and Bonnie Markham faces a bleak and lonely winter ahead, with her quilt shop out of business and her divorce looming. A welcome escape comes when Claire, a beloved college friend, unexpectedly invites her to Maui to help launch an exciting new a quilter’s retreat set at a bed and breakfast amid the vibrant colors and balmy breezes of the Hawaiian Islands. Soon Bonnie finds herself looking out on sparkling waters and banyan trees, planning quilting courses, and learning the history and intricacies of Hawaiian quilting, all the while helping Claire run the inn. As Bonnie’s adventure unfolds, it quickly becomes clear that Claire’s new business isn’t the only excitement in store for her. Her cheating, soon-to-be ex-husband decides he wants her stake in Elm Creek Quilts, which threatens not only her financial well-being but her dearest friendships as well. Luckily she has the artistic challenge of creating her own unique Hawaiian quilt pattern to distract her—and new friends like Hinano Paoa, owner of the NÄ Mele Hawai‘i Music Shop, who introduces Bonnie to the fascinating traditions of Hawaiian culture and reminds her that love can be found when and where you least expect it.
324 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
353 people are currently reading
2653 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Chiaverini
78 books5,236 followersJennifer 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."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 719 reviews
May 22, 2010
I saw this as a new book coming at the library and decided to give it a try. I am not a quilter, so have not read any of the prior books in the series, but I have been to Hawaii a couple of times and love the culture and history. I did not have high expectations for this book, but I was wrong. The word I would use is "rich". My enjoyment of the books stems from several aspects. 1. The character of Bonnie: someone who grows during the course of the book and learns more about herself than almost anything else. She is going through a bitter divorce, and gratefully heads to Maui to help a friend open Aloha Quilt Camp, to get away from her soon to be ex and his abuse as they fight over property distribution. Bonnie is a NORMAL person. Wow! She is not overly heroic, she is not perfect, but she is a good friend, honest, and doing her best. She experiences hurt and disappointment, but also shame and embarassment. Bonnie is a woman I would like to know personally.
2. The Hawaiian culture and history. Not prettied up for tourists. The real deal, with the US invasion of Hawaii and the house arrest of the Queen. I wish when I was in Hawaii I could have found as genuine a cultural experience as Bonnie did.
3. The sisterhood of quilting. A very real and genuine love of the quilting craft comes through in the telling of the Aloha Quilt. I cannot but believe the author quilts!
4. A realistic view of divorce when things are not equitable and both sides are fighting for what they believe is theirs. However, the one flaw in the book is the very one dimensional soon to be ex husband, Craig. Although Bonnie is not shown to be a perfect person, there is very little discussion of how she contributed to the ending of her marriage.
All in all, I was impressed. I will be comfortable recommending this author to library patrons.
2. The Hawaiian culture and history. Not prettied up for tourists. The real deal, with the US invasion of Hawaii and the house arrest of the Queen. I wish when I was in Hawaii I could have found as genuine a cultural experience as Bonnie did.
3. The sisterhood of quilting. A very real and genuine love of the quilting craft comes through in the telling of the Aloha Quilt. I cannot but believe the author quilts!
4. A realistic view of divorce when things are not equitable and both sides are fighting for what they believe is theirs. However, the one flaw in the book is the very one dimensional soon to be ex husband, Craig. Although Bonnie is not shown to be a perfect person, there is very little discussion of how she contributed to the ending of her marriage.
All in all, I was impressed. I will be comfortable recommending this author to library patrons.
December 25, 2011
I have a love/hate relationship with this book. I loved that it was set in Hawaii and that Chiaverini did a good job of incorporating Hawaiian geography, history and language into the book. I also liked the story. What I hated was the main character Bonnie's split personality. Here is a woman that has been hired as a consultant to help set up a quilt camp because of her expertise and her business experience (she owned a business) and yet she has the most naive, inexperienced, nearly laughable responses to the rest of the characters in the story. When she is faced with responding under pressure -she folds.
It is probably good that this is the latest and last book in an on-going series of which I have read all 15 books. Since I have developed the relationship with the characters that any serial reader has, I will no doubt read the next one. Although, Chiaverini does a good job with setting and has a good story line, the characters are rather shallow and underdeveloped.
It is probably good that this is the latest and last book in an on-going series of which I have read all 15 books. Since I have developed the relationship with the characters that any serial reader has, I will no doubt read the next one. Although, Chiaverini does a good job with setting and has a good story line, the characters are rather shallow and underdeveloped.
December 16, 2015
I bought this book years ago when Boarders bookstore was closing and everything was 75% off. This was a cover love purchase and when I realized it was part of a series I put it down to search out the first book in the series. Now that it's four years later and I have jumped around in the series, I finally finished this book. This in indirectly the book that started my love of this series so coming back to it from a long hiatus was a nice change of pace.
Unlike the other books in the series, this one takes place on the tropical island of Hawaii when Bonnie goes to help her life long friend Claire open a quilting camp in Maui. With Bonnie's business closing, a divorce in the works and and winter coming this is exactly what Bonnie needs to get away and still do what she loves. Oh course things are not that clean, clear and easy. Bonnie's divorce turns ugly and her friendship with Claire gets tested.
I really loved this series because there was a lack in crazy and the warmth of friendship the woman have over their love of quilting. (I started and never completed my first quilt when I completed the first book.) There is something that makes you want to be friends with all the characters. But this one fell a bit short for me. This story centers mostly around Bonnie. She is so full of self-doubt and can't see what is really going on around her. Why is this a big deal? Well, it caused more drama and that is not like the other books. Angry and violent ex-husbands are not an Elm Creek standard at all. I think I would have loved to have the ex not involved and have more of the other women come to help Bonnie in the "circle the wagons", we will get him, save the day kinda thing instead. Bonnie's constant self-doubt just got to be a bit annoying and I wanted her to be her usual strong, level-headed self in the right ways. Not running from her friends when things were not 100% perfect. The lack of other women in this book is the one thing I didn't love. Their friendship makes the series. On to the next book!
Unlike the other books in the series, this one takes place on the tropical island of Hawaii when Bonnie goes to help her life long friend Claire open a quilting camp in Maui. With Bonnie's business closing, a divorce in the works and and winter coming this is exactly what Bonnie needs to get away and still do what she loves. Oh course things are not that clean, clear and easy. Bonnie's divorce turns ugly and her friendship with Claire gets tested.
I really loved this series because there was a lack in crazy and the warmth of friendship the woman have over their love of quilting. (I started and never completed my first quilt when I completed the first book.) There is something that makes you want to be friends with all the characters. But this one fell a bit short for me. This story centers mostly around Bonnie. She is so full of self-doubt and can't see what is really going on around her. Why is this a big deal? Well, it caused more drama and that is not like the other books. Angry and violent ex-husbands are not an Elm Creek standard at all. I think I would have loved to have the ex not involved and have more of the other women come to help Bonnie in the "circle the wagons", we will get him, save the day kinda thing instead. Bonnie's constant self-doubt just got to be a bit annoying and I wanted her to be her usual strong, level-headed self in the right ways. Not running from her friends when things were not 100% perfect. The lack of other women in this book is the one thing I didn't love. Their friendship makes the series. On to the next book!
May 8, 2012
So i am totally in love with these stories. I was not sure how I would like them but they are fantastic. The stories are just about women betting the odds and how you can survive heartache and disappointment and still come out better of than when you started. It tells the story of B, she was having trouble in her marriage. Well as the name of the book lets you know she ended up in hawaii where she grew to become a better woman for herself. As women we have such a hard to transitioning from mom back to wife. While also trying to be a woman outside of both. That is where she is finding herself. Trying to leave a broken marriage while trying to be the better person. So that I will not spill the beans if this sounds like something that you can get into it is worth a try.
April 15, 2011
I have been reading these books for several years now. I was excited to see this book featuring Bonnie. I think the main reason I picked it up was because it was a new book. It's the newest one out with 2 more coming out this year. The books really don't need to be read in order, according to Chiaverini. I haven't read them in order either.
I was interested in learning about Hawaiian culture and history. I'm ashamed to admit I didn't - & still don't - know about the history of Hawaii. Though now I know just a little bit more. I loved learning about the queen & about the Hawaiian-style quilts.
I was interested in learning about Hawaiian culture and history. I'm ashamed to admit I didn't - & still don't - know about the history of Hawaii. Though now I know just a little bit more. I loved learning about the queen & about the Hawaiian-style quilts.
July 10, 2010
I've been a big fan of the Elm Creek series but this one fell a little short for me. While the information about Hawaii was interesting and vital to the plot Chiaverini presented it more as a history lecture than an interwoven part of the plot as she has in her other books.
There just weren't a lot of surprises in the this book-you could see everything coming a mile away and when it finally happened (long after you knew it was coming) it was pretty anti-climatic.
Also the whole Bonnie and Craig debacle has been dragging on through several books so having an entire book devoted to the divorce just seemed overly worked.
On the upside there's lots of fun, new characters in the book and Chiaverini does a good job bringing them to life. I certainly hope one of her future books involves an Elm Creek Quilters/Aloha Quilts crossover plot because I'd love to see more of the Hawaiian quilters in the future.
There just weren't a lot of surprises in the this book-you could see everything coming a mile away and when it finally happened (long after you knew it was coming) it was pretty anti-climatic.
Also the whole Bonnie and Craig debacle has been dragging on through several books so having an entire book devoted to the divorce just seemed overly worked.
On the upside there's lots of fun, new characters in the book and Chiaverini does a good job bringing them to life. I certainly hope one of her future books involves an Elm Creek Quilters/Aloha Quilts crossover plot because I'd love to see more of the Hawaiian quilters in the future.
November 16, 2022
Bonnie reminds us that when life gives you scraps, make a quilt!
Recovering from a recent divorce, Bonnie heads to a quilter’s retreat in Hawaii and soon finds herself surrounded by a circle of like-minded people who inspire her, share their knowledge and provide the soothing balm for her soul. She helps a long-time college friend set up a new quilting camp on Maui and in turn is taught the history of the islands, captures the spirit of Aloha, and stitches her way to happiness, a new life and a new quilt.
I loved learning about how different Hawaiian quilting is from the patchwork quilts I was familiar with growing up. The two-colour applique style reminds me of cutting snowflakes; fold the pattern into 1/8ths, trace, cut, and applique. I appreciated learning about the symbolism in the designs and convinced my travelling companions to visit Iolani Palace to see the quilt mentioned in the book, The Queen’s Quilt.
At first, Bonnie irritated me with her moaning and complaining about her divorce. Get on with life, girl! Then I met her husband. Ugh. Good riddance. I was so happy that she befriended the music shop owner and the quilting community as it helped her grow.
The author has given a full, rich portrait of Bonnie’s adventures in Hawaii due to her extensive research and shown that quilting really does mend the soul.
Recovering from a recent divorce, Bonnie heads to a quilter’s retreat in Hawaii and soon finds herself surrounded by a circle of like-minded people who inspire her, share their knowledge and provide the soothing balm for her soul. She helps a long-time college friend set up a new quilting camp on Maui and in turn is taught the history of the islands, captures the spirit of Aloha, and stitches her way to happiness, a new life and a new quilt.
I loved learning about how different Hawaiian quilting is from the patchwork quilts I was familiar with growing up. The two-colour applique style reminds me of cutting snowflakes; fold the pattern into 1/8ths, trace, cut, and applique. I appreciated learning about the symbolism in the designs and convinced my travelling companions to visit Iolani Palace to see the quilt mentioned in the book, The Queen’s Quilt.
At first, Bonnie irritated me with her moaning and complaining about her divorce. Get on with life, girl! Then I met her husband. Ugh. Good riddance. I was so happy that she befriended the music shop owner and the quilting community as it helped her grow.
The author has given a full, rich portrait of Bonnie’s adventures in Hawaii due to her extensive research and shown that quilting really does mend the soul.
April 8, 2011
This is the first Elm Creek Quilts book that I read, actually listened to, and it got me hooked on the series.
Since this book takes place solely in Hawaii I got little connection to the Elm Creek Quilters and Sylvia and was totally in the dark about who everyone was. So, of course, I had to start reading the rest of them but not in order since my library doesn't always have them available and I was not sure of the order in the beginning of my foray with Elm Creek Manor and the quilters.
But this is a great stand alone book. The characters were well thought out and the atmosphere was fabulous. I was ready to pack up and move to Hawaii myself.
Bonnie's life had been turned upside down with divorce, loss of her retail quilt shop and loss of her home. I wish Bonnie well, hoping she finds peace in her new life whether she returns to Pennsylvania and Elm Creek Quilts or stays in Hawaii with new friends and old.
Oh, Jennifer Chiaverini, where will Bonnie go next?
Since this book takes place solely in Hawaii I got little connection to the Elm Creek Quilters and Sylvia and was totally in the dark about who everyone was. So, of course, I had to start reading the rest of them but not in order since my library doesn't always have them available and I was not sure of the order in the beginning of my foray with Elm Creek Manor and the quilters.
But this is a great stand alone book. The characters were well thought out and the atmosphere was fabulous. I was ready to pack up and move to Hawaii myself.
Bonnie's life had been turned upside down with divorce, loss of her retail quilt shop and loss of her home. I wish Bonnie well, hoping she finds peace in her new life whether she returns to Pennsylvania and Elm Creek Quilts or stays in Hawaii with new friends and old.
Oh, Jennifer Chiaverini, where will Bonnie go next?
August 8, 2010
This is the lastest book in the elm Creek quilt series. It is set in Hawaii (on Maui) this time. One of the orginal founders of the Elm Creek quilters is going through an ugly divorce when Claire a friend from college invites her to come and help get a quilting camp started. The descriptions of Maui make you want to get on the next plane. I liked learning about Hawaiian quilting and how the patterns are so indivual with meaning to the quilter. Also the history was something I didn't know much about. I especially liked the part where Claire gives the definition of Aloha at the end of the book. Also when bonnie says "she always thought aloha was simply a welecome but she learned thqt the aloha spirit is a way of living in rightfully in the world, of seeking harmony with others. of acting generously, of caring for the natural world that sustains us, and of caring for each other".
May 12, 2010
I have enjoyed most of Mrs. Chiaverini's books. This one was a bit of a disappointment to me. I often thought, as I was reading, that I was attending a lecture. Either a history lecture or a lecture on marriage/divorce/human relationships. Somehow it wasn't as enjoyable a read as her other books have been.
Some of the prose seemed so calculated, as though the author thought up a certain line and then created the circumstances to fit. This particular one is a good example: "Even those things she loved best in the world had left her with scars."
Having visited Mrs. Chiaverini's website, I see that she already has another title in the works. I'm looking forward to that one.
Some of the prose seemed so calculated, as though the author thought up a certain line and then created the circumstances to fit. This particular one is a good example: "Even those things she loved best in the world had left her with scars."
Having visited Mrs. Chiaverini's website, I see that she already has another title in the works. I'm looking forward to that one.
November 29, 2018
Read this in Hawaii, so it was fun to learn about some Hawaiian history and about Hawaiian style quilts.
October 31, 2025
I bought this at my mom's library book sale mostly because of the Hawaii setting. I did enjoy the Hawaiian history and cultural information but the story was not compelling. Apparently this is 1,088th in a series (just kidding) so perhaps series fans appreciated it more than I.
August 28, 2012
I'm a huge fan of Jennifer Chaiverini's Elm Creek Quilt novels. That being said, if you haven't read much of the series (or any) this review is probably not going to be that helpful for you. You could probably read them as stand-alones in a pinch, but having the background on all of the characters really helps. Especially for this book, where the backstory of the main character is especially relevant.
Bonnie is still reeling from her pending divorce and the infidelities her husband Craig has been having for a long time. At the invitation of a friend, she heads to Hawaii to help her start up a quilting camp on one of the islands there. In Hawaii she really appreciates the beauty of the islands and sets herself to developing a great camp and learning the Hawaiian method of quilting. Problems start arising with her ex and the splitting of assets though, and his rage terrifies her.
Bonnie is a decent character. A little judgemental at times, and easy to anger, but I suppose going through divorce proceedings wouldn't be the nicest thing to experience. Her friend Claire, who invited her to Hawaii I wasn't as fond of. I found her just a little too headstrong and abrasive. The ex-husband, Craig, was a little over the top. But in being so he made a great antagonist in the book. I did miss the original characters of the Elm Creek novels a little, but at least they were mentioned here and there and Bonnie was a part of everything.
I love the thought of a quilt camp in Hawaii. Well, I even just love the thought of Hawaii. But I do have to say, it just seems so unrealistic that that would be where Bonnie got to escape to. Or maybe that's just jealousy on my part. This book involved a lot of quilting too, which I was appreciative of as it's not always like that in these books. It really made me want to try to do a Hawaiian quilt of my own, although I don't think my skills are at that level yet. Regardless, it was a fun read and I couldn't put the book down until I had read it cover to cover.
As always, I look forward to more of Chiaverini's work. Good thing I have the next book in my to-read pile!
The Aloha Quilt
Copyright 2010
321 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2012
More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
June 6, 2012
If you are looking for a light fluffy read, that will not kill any brain cells in the process, this is a book for you.
What I liked about the book was the history it gave on Hawaiian quilting. I cannot fault the author for that. I have been to Hawaii several times and have tried my hand at Hawaiian quilting. I still have the unfinished pillow top I started in 2001. This book has encouraged me to pick it up again.
What I disliked about the book was how the author seemed to think she needed to create some conflict, and fell flat on her face.
Bonnie, the protagonist, is in the middle of a messy divorce. Enter the first manufactured conflict. She owns 1/10 of Elm Creek Quilters Camp. Her husband threatens to claim his marital rights to her share and shut the place down. Seriously! EVERYONE knows that he would only be entitled to 1/5 share and would be outvoted at every turn. Any strong woman would call his bluff. But, in the story, the drama over this continued ad nauseum. Tears, anxiety, worrying, fretting.
Surely, the author could have come up with something more believable. I have read two of her Elm Creek Quilt series, and this will be the last.
What I liked about the book was the history it gave on Hawaiian quilting. I cannot fault the author for that. I have been to Hawaii several times and have tried my hand at Hawaiian quilting. I still have the unfinished pillow top I started in 2001. This book has encouraged me to pick it up again.
What I disliked about the book was how the author seemed to think she needed to create some conflict, and fell flat on her face.
Bonnie, the protagonist, is in the middle of a messy divorce. Enter the first manufactured conflict. She owns 1/10 of Elm Creek Quilters Camp. Her husband threatens to claim his marital rights to her share and shut the place down. Seriously! EVERYONE knows that he would only be entitled to 1/5 share and would be outvoted at every turn. Any strong woman would call his bluff. But, in the story, the drama over this continued ad nauseum. Tears, anxiety, worrying, fretting.
Surely, the author could have come up with something more believable. I have read two of her Elm Creek Quilt series, and this will be the last.
June 21, 2017
2.5 stars. I've read most of the Elm Creek Quilts books and after a while they all just blend together. This one is different in that it takes place in Hawaii. There is a lot of good historical information about Hawaii, but as usual the characters are fairly shallow. Bonnie is almost unlikeable with all her self doubts and judgmental attitudes. She needs to grow a spine and get over herself. There is some manufactured drama from her divorce and an over the top spat with her friend Claire. But like all this author's books, everything works out in the end. No surprises here.
I enjoy light reads but Chiaverini's style borders on insipid. I don't know how I made it through all the other books in this series (though I'm giving away a couple that I'm just not going to bother reading.) I guess my reading taste has changed considerably since I started reading this series many years ago.
I enjoy light reads but Chiaverini's style borders on insipid. I don't know how I made it through all the other books in this series (though I'm giving away a couple that I'm just not going to bother reading.) I guess my reading taste has changed considerably since I started reading this series many years ago.
April 28, 2021
Shallow characters, slow story line and predictable. I am not sure if this book was meant to be a light read but it felt that way. The story line was so light it almost became hard to stay interested and I found myself not wanting to keep reading most of the book. However, I stuck with it thinking it must get better. It didn’t. I did learn a great deal of Hawaiian history that I never knew which was enjoyable and it shows the author really did her homework.
August 31, 2023
What a treat to be back with my friends from Elm Creek. I am rekindling my relationship with these friends by reading some of the books I have yet to read in the series and this book is set in Lahaina Maui. I happened to pick it up and then start reading it days after Lahaina burned in a climate disaster. This book incorporates some important Hawaiian history into the story and I wonder how things will be as they rebuild Lahaina. When we traveled to Hawaii and visited Iolani palace I was embarrassed I did not know the history, especially of Queen Lili. I wish someone would write a historical fiction book based solely on her life. Glad she was mentioned here tho.
Hawaii was a sovereign nation and in 1893 Queen lili’uokalani was deposed in a coup organized by Stanford Dole. Dole helped local politicians, businessmen, and sugar planters to create a constitution for the Kingdom of Hawaii that stripped Asians and all but the elite native Hawaiians of their voting rights.it shifted the power from the monarch to a privy council and then the wealthy had more power than the common people. The Kingdom of Hawaii was taken over by the US with full threat of military force so queen lili stepped aside to
Prevent loss of life. Two years after queen lili was forced to give up her rule of the kingdom and group of her supporters tried to restore her power. When their attempt failed she was arrested and forced to sign a document relinquishing her right to the throne forever. She was sentenced to
Imprisonment in her room for five years (which you can see on the tour at Iolani palace). Some people believe Hawaiian people should have the same rights to self-governance as Native American tribes on the mainland. Look beyond the resorts and you’ll see a host of social
Ills that are a direct result of native lands being colonized. People can’t find affordable housing. Knowledge is meant to be passed on, not hoarded.
Hawaii was a sovereign nation and in 1893 Queen lili’uokalani was deposed in a coup organized by Stanford Dole. Dole helped local politicians, businessmen, and sugar planters to create a constitution for the Kingdom of Hawaii that stripped Asians and all but the elite native Hawaiians of their voting rights.it shifted the power from the monarch to a privy council and then the wealthy had more power than the common people. The Kingdom of Hawaii was taken over by the US with full threat of military force so queen lili stepped aside to
Prevent loss of life. Two years after queen lili was forced to give up her rule of the kingdom and group of her supporters tried to restore her power. When their attempt failed she was arrested and forced to sign a document relinquishing her right to the throne forever. She was sentenced to
Imprisonment in her room for five years (which you can see on the tour at Iolani palace). Some people believe Hawaiian people should have the same rights to self-governance as Native American tribes on the mainland. Look beyond the resorts and you’ll see a host of social
Ills that are a direct result of native lands being colonized. People can’t find affordable housing. Knowledge is meant to be passed on, not hoarded.
January 11, 2018
True to her purpose of weaving American history and women's history into all of her books, Jennifer Chiaverini takes us to Hawaii with Bonnie, one of the Elm Creek Quilters. Though not a quilter myself, I find her presentation of the art form fascinating, and as a result, I immediately recognized two Hawaiian quilted cushions at someone's house the other day. So I can say I definitely learned something reading this book while also having fun.
The other thread running through all these books is female friendship, the importance of a support system a group of women can offer each other. Bonnie's sense of belonging is tested in more than one way in this book, and so was my relationship to the familiar characters. I found myself thinking more about them during the day than usual, struggling with my own tendency to feel morally superior and judgmental.
The writing is somewhat less engaging than in some books of the series. Still, it's a good read.
The other thread running through all these books is female friendship, the importance of a support system a group of women can offer each other. Bonnie's sense of belonging is tested in more than one way in this book, and so was my relationship to the familiar characters. I found myself thinking more about them during the day than usual, struggling with my own tendency to feel morally superior and judgmental.
The writing is somewhat less engaging than in some books of the series. Still, it's a good read.
September 29, 2024
This is by far my least favorite book of the series so far. Bonnie is honestly insufferable and I hope this much attention isn’t given to her character again.
Also, Jennifer Chiaverini has a gift for writing terrible, abusive men and it’s kind of the worst. I’m glad we won’t have to deal with Craig in any real capacity moving forward (hopefully).
Also, Jennifer Chiaverini has a gift for writing terrible, abusive men and it’s kind of the worst. I’m glad we won’t have to deal with Craig in any real capacity moving forward (hopefully).
September 2, 2018
Even though I don't quilt, I'm enjoying the books in this series that someone donated to my library. I'm definitely ready now to visit Hawaii!
April 24, 2019
I loved the education on Hawaii and their traditions; quilt and others. It was one of the best I’ve read in the series.
June 7, 2020
I love Jennifer Chiaverini’s books. Nothing heavy, but a pretty good story and lots of sewing.
October 11, 2024
3.5 stars
Loved the Hawaiian culture and history incorporated into the book
Loved the Hawaiian culture and history incorporated into the book
January 24, 2021
Interesting to get a different perspective on Hawaiian history, but was bugged by the idea that the Hawaiian quilting style is unique to those islands. Other Polynesian styles have developed in a very similar way, notably Tivaevae in the Cook Islands and Tifaifai in French Polynesia.
Did want to give Craig a really good smacking!
Did want to give Craig a really good smacking!
October 27, 2018
This book was chosen for our newly reorganized neighborhood book club! It tells the story of a woman losing her husband to divorce and how she is able to go forward with life again because of her quilting friends, who lend much support and help to her. I also especially loved all the descriptions of Hawaiian traditions and history. Makes me want to visit there again!
February 21, 2013
3.5 Stars.
As this book came to me as a "must read recommendation," I checked it out. It went quickly enough and I did enjoy reading about the historical tidbits of Hawaiian quilting mixed into the plot. But teh book was also a bit weird for me too. Typically I read books where the main character's age is closer to my own rather than my mother's. When I'm not partaking of my library's Teen Department (where I work) collection, that is. It was also a different genre than I would normally pick up. My Chick Lit standards tend more toward Stephanie Plum than what we librarians here call "gentle reads. Also, since it was part of a series (and a later par"t at that), there was a lot of backstory I didn't know--and that was a touch confusing.
Overall, though, a decently good book. Definitely something I'd give my mom :)
As this book came to me as a "must read recommendation," I checked it out. It went quickly enough and I did enjoy reading about the historical tidbits of Hawaiian quilting mixed into the plot. But teh book was also a bit weird for me too. Typically I read books where the main character's age is closer to my own rather than my mother's. When I'm not partaking of my library's Teen Department (where I work) collection, that is. It was also a different genre than I would normally pick up. My Chick Lit standards tend more toward Stephanie Plum than what we librarians here call "gentle reads. Also, since it was part of a series (and a later par"t at that), there was a lot of backstory I didn't know--and that was a touch confusing.
Overall, though, a decently good book. Definitely something I'd give my mom :)
May 16, 2025
I bought this at the Maui Aquarium to read on the plane. At first it was disappointing because another divorced woman sob sob. I ended up loving it. I learned so much about quilting, especially the unique Hawaiian method. I also enjoyed all the background History of Maui and the overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy. I especially loved the remembrance of the Queens Quilt which was so unbelievably beautiful. The story of her overthrow is so sad. This just might be my next book club selection.📚
second read- I have outgrown the aElm Street Quilter books. I do enjoy still read about Hawaii, but divorce- blah!
second read- I have outgrown the aElm Street Quilter books. I do enjoy still read about Hawaii, but divorce- blah!
July 2, 2011
Another great book in the Elm Creek Quilts series. I really liked that this book included a lot of history about the Hawaiian Islands -- I haven't checked, but I'm thinking most, if not all of it is really true, and it made me want to learn a bit more about how Hawaii became a state, etc. The story line was good as well, and the reader also learns a bit about how quilting/quilts are different in Hawaii than they are on the mainland. Everytime I read one of these books I think "someday I will learn to sew and make a quilt ..."
March 2, 2020
I liked the info on Hawaii as i just visited there but i do agree with another reader that the plot was so apparent plus I thought the main character, Bonnie, was a bit of an baby. She gets all bent out of shape because her best friend had an affair. Not sure if it was in part because the friend didnt tell her but considering her response, it was probably a good thing not to tell her. It wasnt like the friend was cheating on her, she cheated on her husband but the book went on and on about how horribly wronged this woman thought she had been.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2010
This book focused on Bonnie. She takes a temporary job setting up a quilt camp in Hawaii as she tries to put her life back together after her marital problems. It was interesting to see one of the characters in a different setting than Elm Creek Manor and we got to meet some new characters. The story was about coming to terms with life changes and having an aloha spirit of caring and forgiveness. I liked it and I really loved all the Hawaiian history in it and she discovers the islands.
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