A Thread So Thin

Cobbled Court Quilts #3

by Marie Bostwick

“An endearing tale” of friendship, love, and the choices we must make in their name from the New York Times bestselling author of A Thread of Truth ( Manic Readers ).
 
While New Bern, Connecticut, lies under a blanket of snow, the Cobbled Court Quilt Shop remains a cozy haven for its owner, Evelyn Dixon, and her friends. Evelyn relishes winter’s slower pace—besides, internet sales are hopping, thanks to her son Garrett’s efforts. In addition to helping out at the shop, Garrett has also been patiently waiting for his girlfriend, Liza, to finish art school in New York City. But as much as Evelyn loves Liza, she wonders if it’s a good idea for her son to be so serious, so soon, with a young woman who’s just getting ready to spread her wings . . .
 
Liza’s wondering the same thing—especially after Garrett rolls out the red carpet for a super-romantic New Year’s Eve—complete with marriage proposal. Garrett’s the closest thing to perfect she’s ever known, but what about her own imperfections? The only happy marriage Liza’s ever seen is her Aunt Abigail’s, and it took her decades to tie the knot. Soon, Liza is not only struggling with her own fears, but with the mixed reactions of her friends and family. And when she finds herself torn between a rare career opportunity and her love for Garrett, Liza must grasp at the thinnest of threads—and pray it holds . . .
 
Praise for Marie Bostwick’s A Single Thread
 
“A big-hearted novel filled with wit and wisdom.” —Susan Wiggs, New York Times bestselling author
 
“Bostwick’s warmly nourishing, emotionally compelling novel is quiet yet powerful.” — Chicago Tribune

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Quilting, Audiobook, Romance, Contemporary, Christian

354 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Marie Bostwick is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of uplifting historical and contemporary fiction. She lives in the state of Washington and travels frequently to sign books, speak to reading groups, and meet her readers. Keep up with Marie, her travels, new releases and lifestyle blog, Fiercely Marie, at www.mariebostwick.com.

Reviews

[Betty Hesaltine · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading this third book it suddenly hit me that this series reminded me of The Mitford Series books. Friendships, faith, and searching to find their individual lives while strengthening their ties to each other can be applied to each of our lives. All different but needing each other whether they like it or not. Not a book for the artsy fartsy, just a solid, descriptive writing that I enjoy.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third book in the Cobbled Court series revolves primarily around Lisa. She is shocked when a fancy night out leads to a proposal. While she initially turns down Garrett, she does give in and withdraws into herself. While Evelyn is worried about them being to young, she doesn't say anything about it after Lisa hears her initial dismay. Also out of character is Abigail's way over the top response to create the wedding of the century and her bullying ways.Also worrying Lisa is the opportunity to work at a museum in Chicago which she keeps secret. Evelyn is contending with a continued proposal of her own. The out of character behavior was grating through a good portion of the book, although the author was able to turn things around by the end where each character gets back to a more normal state with many changes in their lives.

[book_livre~shū-libro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! This book was just as good as book one and that was my favorite. Author is great, fun, sweet.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marie Bostwick is my new favorite author. I read her three pre- Cobbled Court series books and loved them all. This is the third in the CC series, and my least favorite so far. I found it dragged on a bit, and I got so frustrated with people not speaking their minds. The Liza that we know from the first two novels in this series, in my opinion, would not have tolerated her aunts overblown spending, and for her to step back and let Abigail take over to that extent was out of character and not that believable. Anyhow, the book did have a satisfactory ending, and I mostly enjoyed it, but it certainly wasn't my favorite.

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I am reading a series, I hate when the author suddenly and inexplicably changes the personality of a character that we have grown to know. In this book, three of the main characters suddenly turn into different people. At first, I thought that it was to create a “theme“ around a mental illness, but apparently this was not the case – – it was just to drive the plot, and I hated it. It all turned out OK and everybody reverted back to their normal selves, but that doesn’t make me like it any more. I am very disappointed when this happens.

[Nan Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not so good as the first two in the series, but then it picked up in the end. It seemed like the first 250 pages were either re-telling the first two books or talking about the various methods of quilting.

The first 2 books I read fairly intently. This one caused me to skip and skim - just didn't keep my attention.

And there were hints of upcoming physical/medical problems which never came to fruition nor completion. That overshadowing without some sort of conclusion was frustrating.

[Glenda L · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series ... I feel a little envious of the people living in New Bern, Connecticut. The characters in the book are so real and genuine ... love the quilt shop and the homey feel of it all ... a worthwhile read.

[Barbara Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much enjoying this series! It’s just pure, clean and realistic stories about life that we can all relate to. Can’t wait to see what happens next :)

[Michelle Kitto · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are just nice, light reading. I can just enjoy the story and not have to think too hard. And I love a good story featuring a quilt shop!

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story continues into commitment and weddings.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cobbled Court quilt shop setting in winter is a perfect setting for a quilter such as myself. Each character is someone I would like to meet. Very good series.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series its emotional but also very uplifting

[Mandolin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Does love ever last forever? How can we know for sure? How can we guarantee that the love we feel today will stand the test of time, will be a foundation for a lasting and permanent relationship? In the third Cobbled Court book, Liza and Evelyn are both confronted with these questions and respond in drastically different ways.

Liza, in her senior year in art school, feels overwhelmed by the decisions she faces. Thrust too early into adulthood when her mother died, Liza hasn't had time to discover who she is and what she wants from life. She's let life slip by without making serious plans...until now. Should she take the risk and marry Garrett, the love of her life, settle in New Bern and hope that it lasts? Or should she focus on her art career and on pursuing a glamorous job in Chicago? Liza finds that it's much easier to let everyone make her decisions for her, so she does just that, ceding all control of her life to her aunt and fiance and hoping for the best.

Evelyn, meanwhile, simply stalls on making decisions, aware of the terrible risk they pose despite the depth of her love for Charlie. Still holding on to the pain of her former husband's desertion, she just can't help but believe Charlie isn't cut from the same mold. Evading his every question of matrimony is easier than making an actual decision and Evelyn tries to do that, hoping to avoid breaking his heart while saving her own.

Making their decisions (or lack thereof) even more complicated are the tension that develops between Evelyn and Liza when Evelyn expresses her doubts about the upcoming nuptials. Abigail, too, is struggling with her own demons and uses Liza's wedding as an outlet for her frustration, pouring herself into its planning and execution with a fervor that confuses and worries her friends. Watching them all from her wiser and older viewpoint, Evelyn's mother joins the growing quilting circle and helps the women as they work through these difficult issues, lending much needed advice and wise council.


Every visit to Cobbled Court is one fraught with emotion and filled with reminders of the things that make life so special: faith, friendship and forgiveness. The author has a talent for pulling on heartstrings and creating comforting books that are just right for reading on cozy winter nights next to a blazing fire. Though this book doesn't sparkle quite as much as its predecessors, it is still worth the read. My favorite quote reminded me of the importance of my relationship with my own mother: "Daughter-in-love can be an honorary title or a hereditary one, but either way, come age and arguments, fights and forgiveness, it's a lifetime appointment." How true!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liza is just about to finish her senior year of art school. Her professor, for whom she's been assisting, has offered her a job of a lifetime in Chicago. When Garrett, her longtime boyfriend, proposes on New Year's Eve, she struggles with making decisions about what she wants for her future. She would normally turn to Evelyn for advice, but Evelyn is Garrett's mother. Evelyn is uncertain about Liza and Garrett's engagement feeling they are too young. Evelyn is also worried about her elderly mother and is grateful when she comes to New Bern for a long term stay. Evelyn and Charlie are finding it hard to find time together and Evelyn keeps putting Charlie's proposals on hold. When Abigail, Liza's wealthy aunt, steamrolls Liza with her gregarious plans for the wedding, Liza is left reeling. Yet she complies so as not to disappoint Abigail or have to think of her future. Can Liza find the spunky, headstrong young woman she has always been and stand up to Aunt Abigail? Can Evelyn find the courage to release the hurt from her divorce and marry Charlie? What is the future for Garrett and Liza?
Another great installment in the Cobbled Court series. I wish I could join their quilting circle.

[L Y N N · Rating 5 out of 5]

The theme of this book is timeless with no absolute answers provided, nor could there be... None of us knows for certain the implications or long-term consequences of our decisions, period! There are no guarantees in life!

Ms. Bostwick gives us a good look at many different lives with many different opinions, attitudes, and experiences regarding long-term intimate relationships. She reflected reality accurately as each character's doubt, prejudice, or misplaced expectation regarding such relationships is disproven or expanded upon by another character's life experience. That is so very true! Each of us has our own unique situations and we should not "judge" or evaluate others!! We can all learn so much by simply listening effectively and respectfully and allowing each person to fully express themselves.

In this third installment, I felt there was much less "preaching" about Christianity and just references as people would normally make in their everyday lives and interactions...a bit of a relief for me. I found this to be compelling read; guess that's obvious since I completed it in less than 24 hours and I'm not a particularly fast reader!!

[Norma · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sorry to say, I didn't enjoy this book nearly as much as the other two. Lisa, the central character in this book, is now no longer the person she was in the first 2 books. The other people were close to those developed in prior books which I enjoyed very much. So just right in the middle, I gave up and read the book from 'Between Heaven and Texas.' That book was great by the way. I so enjoy much of the quilting as it reminds me of being a kid/pre teen working with others making quilts on Sundays for a community member after church services. After I was eight, I always got the 'fine hand work' part knowing embroidering the person's name made a big difference to the gift-ees. The introduction of Evelyn's mother was a breath of memories, she was SOOOOO like the people I knew. Thank you Marie for the wonderful memories !!!!! Anyway , finally did finish the tale which turned out well perhaps I simply needed a break.

[Chelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Cobbled Quilt Shop series. This time we are focusing on Liza the niece of heiress Abigail Burgess Wynne Spaulding and friend to Evelyn Dixon owner of Cobbled Creek Quilts. Liza is just begninning to get her life together when her boyfriend Garrett surprises her with a New Years Eve proposal of marriage. It was a wonderful read and I was sad to see it end knowing the next installment is a year away.

This book has made me want to start quilting to get a group of friends who are almost like sisters.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started reading this series I thought the books were romances. While there is romance, where people get to know each other, the stories are really about community. The transformative power of love when people surround themselves with others who are loving is at the heart of the town of New Bern and the Cobbled Quilts shop. The main thread is this story is about Liza and Garret. The progression of their relationship is believable as they and others confront demons due to past hurts. Ms. Bostwick continues to deliver cozy, feel-good stories that perfect for summer.

[Bonnie Eldridge-labaff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book. As the third book in the series the author pulled together the characters so beautifully . I am so glad Liza decided to follow her heart and did what she wanted to do with her life. I was glad to see Charlie and Evelyn finally got married, it is hard to believe in love again when you have been hurt but sometimes you have to take a chance.

[Diana · Rating 2 out of 5]

So disappointed! What the heck happened to the strong female characters of the previous books? One of the strongest characters turns into a whiny mess. While the writing was very good, I would skip this book from the series.

[Donna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Learned more than I really wanted to know about quilting. The plot was really weak, too.

[Neva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so caught up in the lives of these wonderful characters in the Cobbled Quilt series. These books are interesting, thought-provoking and so easy to read and love.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read

Enjoyed this story about quilting. The characters were very relatable and very well meaning. A story about girlfriends across generations is always a nice story for me!

[Avid Series Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Thread So Thin by Marie Bostwick is book 3 of the Cobbled Court Quilts series set in contemporary New Bern, Connecticut. Abigail's niece Liza is shocked and dismayed by Garrett's super-romantic New Year's Eve proposal. Of course she loves Garrett, no question about that, but she had assumed that after graduation her life would just continue as it was. She loves living at her aunt's house in a beautifully redecorated suite, painting in her very own private studio after work at the quilt shop, dating Garrett. Marriage is too serious and scary a decision to make. She is much too afraid of making the wrong decision - in all aspects of her life. Her deepest, darkest fear is to lose those she loves (Abigail, Garrett), so she gives in to what they so obviously want. Yes to marriage, and yes to an over-the-top expensive wedding that would bankrupt almost anyone (but not Abigail).

Evelyn loves her son Garrett and wants the best for him. She loves Liza as a daughter, but is worried that Liza is too uncertain about her own goals and desires for life, to make a happy marriage at this time. Evelyn also resists change: she puts off her boyfriend Charlie's proposal, wanting to enjoy their time together just as it is. Each of them own their own businesses, have very little time for much else. Evelyn worries that marrying Charlie will mean giving up her dream, the quilt shop she owns. Evelyn also worries about her widowed mother, living alone in Wisconsin. Evelyn goes to visit Virginia, and brings her back to New Bern for a visit (secretly hoping she can convince her to stay).

Liza has an unexpected chance for a fantastic career opportunity after graduation - but it requires moving to Chicago. Liza is too scared of the change to even discuss it with Garrett. Meanwhile Abigail bulldozes her way through everyone's lives, out of character with her harshness and duplicity. All her friends in New Bern are dismayed at the change, wondering what is driving her.

Both Abigail and Liza are out of control, desperately need some tough love; their nearest and dearest finally dare to provide it. A happy-tears resolution follows much soul-searching and retelling of enduring truths about the bonds of friendship, family and love.

[Diane Ferbrache · Rating 4 out of 5]

This third book in the series is focused on Liza and Garrett as they plan their wedding...or rather as Abigail plans their wedding. Those familiar with the series will recognize the characters and understand quickly that all will not go well. The beauty of this series is that you don't necessarily need to read them in order, or even read more than one, to enjoy the story. Liza is an independent minded 22 year old about to graduate from the university. Is she ready for marriage? What about the amazing job offer in another city? Can she keep from being steamrolled by all of Abigail's outlandish (and expensive) plans?

I really love this series. No, it's not Pulitzer material. The stories are simple and somewhat predictable, but the characters are consistent in their actions and they have grown over the course of the series. They are easy to love and admire, and I'm totally connected to them and their adorable small town (and, of course, the Cobbled Quilt Shop). I can see that some readers will be put off by the descriptions of quilts and quilting and the occasional religious references, but I think that's part of the appeal for me. I'm a quilter, so the sewing/quilting references only add to the story for me. The religious (Biblical) references are appropriate for the character, and I don't think they come off as "preachy". This could be considered Christian fiction, but not overwhelmingly so. The real story is about two young people in love, facing the reality of what marriage is & is supposed to be, and making decisions that are best for themselves. Good story!

[Nanci · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as well liked as other books of hers that I’ve read

I like Marie Bostwick’s books, but this one was tedious and tiresome with what I felt was a bit of male bashing and so many women so against marriage or relationships, mostly based on their past bad experiences. And those experiences were discussed several times, ad nauseam. Add to that the inability of two of the main characters, Evelyn and Liza, to make up their minds on so many things. I don’t know.

Although, as usual, there were decent resolutions to the multitude of issues and problems portrayed in the story, by the end…it didn’t get rid of the bad taste in my mouth of so much negativity and indecisiveness and the inability of so many women to get out of their own way, in order to let go of their pasts and embrace their lives in the now.

I have a few more of Bostwick’s books purchased on my Kindle. Since this is the first one to disappoint me, I hope that I’ll enjoy the rest in my queue, as much as I’ve enjoyed the other books of hers that I’ve read.

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. I like this author, and I like the world she has created.. I didn't think it was as good as the first two, though. Something about the characterizations was not as deep as the earlier ones - I'm sorry but I don't always buy that a character who has struggled with a major issue, a major deep down personal issue that has ruined many relationships and brought much grief and loneliness, (and I could cite 3 different characters who would fit this description and that is without even pausing in my typing so I know there are more) suddenly in a moment (literally, a moment) sees the light, realizes in a sudden burst of clarity that this is what is wrong, and this is where they went wrong and this is how life will be lived wonderfully from this moment on. Maybe one person. Not everybody all in the final pages. But it was a sweet interesting fun read, wholesome and fun, and I am putting the next book in the series on my library hold list.

[Ann Boytim · Rating 3 out of 5]

The members of the Cobbled Court Quilt Shop enjoy each others company even though it's winter and snow on the ground. Evelyn the owner of the shop relishes the slow pace after the busy summer season. Internet sales have been going well thanks to her son Garrett's efforts. Garrett is in love with Liza who is in New York City attending art school and makes plans to propose. Liza is uncertain what to do when he proposes but finally accepts and then her Aunt Abigail takes over and becomes a nightmare to the couple as she plans a lavish over the top wedding which neither really wants. Liza is struggling with many things and is undecided about a job offer in Chicago. This couple life goes haywire.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cobbled Court Quilts #3, read by Pam Ward and Julia Whelan, 2010. New Bern, Connecticut. Liza and Garrett plan their wedding. Or, do they? Sees Aunt Abigail is planning the wedding og Her dreams. Lavish and over the top preparations and an expensive wedding planner troupe is hired. Liza never speaks up but dreams haunt her regarding what she would like to do. Also, her professor accepts a new job in Chicago and asked Liza to come a hold an important position there. She should really talk things over with Garrett, right??? And, Charlie keeps asking Evelyn to marry him. And Evelyn's mom is set on returning home. What a mess. Who is finally going to break the ice and say something intelligent?

[Shellie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I listened at 1.5 just to make it through, because I do intend to finish this series, and yes, I know how sad that statement sounds.

The only thing a value I got from this book was the quilting ‘Hunting Star’ pattern, which was fun to Google and stare at for a while.

So much rambling and thinking out loud to move the story and learn some backstory, it was so dull. The characters and conversations and events in the lives of these (mostly) women is unbelievable. Or maybe it’s me living in my universe, maybe in this small town people really are this single minded and uninformed.

I’m sure I’m being far too critical but seriously in what world with some of these conversations happen? In what world would some of these events happen? I clearly do not understand.