BOOK THOUGHTS: THE NEW YEARS QUILT

 

NEW YEAR’S QUILT An Elm Creek Quilts Novel by Jennifer Chiaverini, the eleventh of the twenty-four books in the Elm Creek. The beauty of this book and the others is the ability of the writer to blend the life of one woman, the life lessons of others, and the art of quilt making in a historical setting. When does a book stop being historical? 

It is the making of a New Year’s Quilt by Silvia, the main character, that is the basis of this novel, upon completion it will be presented to her step-daughter who is against her father, Andrew, marrying Sylvia. They know she will be very angry when she learns they are married.

If you have been reading these books in order of publication, starting with THE QUILTERS APPRENTICE, you know that each book reveals information regarding Sylvia’s past that sheds life on her present personality.  I appreciated learning the story behind the New Year’s Quilt; readers of the other books will go “ooohhhh!”  Will the quilt be finished in time, to present it to her new step-daughter? 

The bigger question:  How does Andrew and Sylvia get past an adult daughter’s rejection of their marriage?  Especially since she does not know, the purpose of the visit is to reveal the wedding which occurred Christmas.  So what happened?  The reader may like it or not like it, depending on how they feel about senior citizens getting married and how much influence children should have in their parents’ lives. 

I will be reading The Winding Ways Quilt next, after I finish a few others. Will I be able to read the other 13 books before the end of the year? My reading list gets longer and longer. 

WRITTEN by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

THE QUILTER'S HOMECOMING by Jennifer Chiaverini

 I am writing this though I am only half way through the book because it has taken me a while to actually get into THE QUILTER’S HOMECOMING by Jennifer Chiaverini and I just reached the point in which I am looking forward to the next page. There seems to be two unique narrative occurring with people I know from previous individuals in the series and people I don’t know, it took me a while to adjust to the way the plot was being revealed. 

The story unfolds around 1920 with Elizabeth and Henry, characters I am familiar with from the Elm Street Quilt series, preparing  to move west but then the story goes back in time, around the 1870’s, and I am introduced to Isabel and her grandparents. As the storyline regarding Isabel moves progresses in time Isabel does not know Elizabeth thus Iknow they have to meet but not yet.

And, I don’t like Elizabeth, the main character. Why? Her personality, based on what I read in the series, is not meeting my opinion. 

I am two-thirds of the way through the book and things are starting to come together, I still am not fond of Elizabeth. But a character that was introduced at the beginning of the book is now in the picture. She was interesting then, let’s see what happens now? This is not our standard Elm Creek Quilting story line, for sure.

Midway through the book I wanted to learn more about Isabel and was guessing how Rosa would fit into the plot. I began to accept Elizabeth as a necessary ‘evil’, to be fair she was not a bad person. The good news: things were starting to make sense. 

It was around two-thirds of the way in the book that I realized what my problem was. This was not  traditional  Elm Street Manor novel, it was about someone who left Elm Street Manor. TOf course the lifestyle and people would be different, this is why this book is good and why Jennifer Chiaverini is such a phenomenal writer. Fromm the moment I started reading I knew I had to finish the story, I was not disappointed in the end

The book reads like a mystery that, but it is not a mystery, you may solve the who, what, and why. But in the back of your mind you may be wondering: WHEN? When is Elizabeth going home? After all the book is called:  THE QUILTER’S HOMECOMING? Elizabeth makes quilts and Henry said she was going home. I finally got it on page 309, the last page! The book is like a jigsaw puzzle, it is not really finished until you put the last piece in, it is that last piece that helps you see that the homecoming.  Yes, I recommend this book. You will like Elizabeth. 

FOOTNOTE: As in with many of her books the author takes on an issue that affects women. This book addresses abuse.

Written by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

CIRCLE OF QUILTERS by Jennifer Chiaverini

 

The Elm street Quilt series is officially not  “historical fiction”. CIRCLE OF QUILTERS by Jennifer Chiaverini brings fans of the series to another level and proves that the author deserves the title “Best Seller”.  Yes, I have the next book in the series but let me tell you about this one first.

HELP WANTED

CIRCLE OF QUILTERS is six mini-stories of individuals applying for the same job. The job is at Elm Street Quilt Camp. Jeniffer Chiaverini successfully approaches the camp in reverse, by introducing new characters and sharing their quilitng journey. As I read each mini-story: I cried, I called someone a jerk, and I was caught off gurad but pleased with one particular applicant. I was mad when I cried and as I read about the jerk, I was disappointed but then pleasantly surprised. Yes you have to get this book.

Technically, you can read this before you read the other 8, I think this is the 9th in the series, but it makes more sense if you start at book one THE QUILTERS APPRENTICE, that way when you become surprised at how Diane behaves you will simply say “ooooooh!” when you find out why. 

If you read my other reviews in this series then you will know, I can’t tell you much because not knowing is what makes the reading great.

Written by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

ELM CREEK QUILTS - QUILT PROJECGTS INSPIRED BY THE ELM CREEK QUILTS NOVELS

 

ELM CREEK QUILTS - QUILT PROJECTS BY THE ELM STREET CREEK QUILTS NOVEL  by Jennifer Chiaverini and Nancy Odom is the “workbook” that could accompany the first four Elm Street Quilt historical novels; The Quilters Apprentice, Round Robin, The Cross Country Quilter, and The Runaway Quilt. If you are not a quilter, this book will not interest you, if you are a quilter you will love this book. 

This book of projects includes a chapter for beginners, Quilting 101. Each chapter includes: a brief story behind the quilt, the templates and directions. I ordered the book because I am reading the series and for the pictures BUT, The Runaway Quilt is now on my list of potential projects. 

I purchased this book from THRIFT BOOKS, a used book store with great deals. I cannot imagine anyone letting go of such a book with such beautiful projects, there are 12 in all.  You do not have to read the series to appreciate this book but if you do I can see a quilter sewing along as he or she reads along! 

Written by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

THE CHRISTMAS QUILT by Jennifer Chiaverini

 

Jennifer Chiaverini  is skilled at presenting family dynamics that we all can relate to. In the historical fiction THE CHRISTMAS QUILT she takes the reader back, if you have been reading the books in order, to Christmases celebrated in the Bergstrom home. The Christmases covered the family coping with the depression, a war and an ongoing sibling rivalry; it also address death of various individuals.

The quilt; yes there is a quilt, a very unique one that is introduced at the beginning of the story and is created block by block during the Christmas holiday. The difficulties associated with completing the quilt represents the hopes and hindrances in maintaining family cohesiveness..

Each book in the Elm Street series has given me a glimpse into history through the lens of family. ISo far I am glad I am reading the books in order, the novel itself is a stand alone story line. When you read the first book: THE QUILTER’S APPRENTICE, you are introduced to the characters, with every book you get to know more about them. Like most relationships, the longer you know a person the more you know about that person. We learn more about Sylvia and Sarah in this novel.  

Note: Up to know I have been listening to the stories via audiobook. I am now changing to prin. I am waiting for CIRCLE OF QUILTERS to be delivered. In addition I anticipate reviewing Mrs. Chiaverini’s quilting projects book in the upcoming weeks as well. 

Written by Marsha L Floyd

THE SUGAR CAMP QUILT

 

My first impression a historical fiction novel the includes slavery. Jennifer Chiaverini already talked about the underground railroad in a previous novel but this had more. As I continued listening to THE SUGAR CAMP QUILT by Jennifer Chiaverini I thought: This is slavery from a White person’s perspective, not just a White person(s) but one(s) who were anti slavery. 

I have said on more than one of my reviews regarding the Elm Street Quilt series that the stories are cumulative. I also alluded to the idea that there were stories within the stories which is why the reader, or listener, must pay attention to the characters. THE SUGAR CAMP QUILT could be read out of sequence but it is best when read in order of release.

Have you ever researched your family tree? You have to go back in time, dig up the names, dates and places but the personalities, character traits of each individual you may not ever know. THE SUGAR CAMP QUILT, is different in that Sylvia and her team are not even born and racism was not politically incorrect. This is the story of Sylvia’s family. And how they dealt with slavery.

This is a much needed story because it not only discusses the pains of slavery but the sacrifices White people made in order to assist Black people. America needs to understand what non-Black people did to help others appreciate the bigger picture, beore the civil war.

The question you might ask: What about the quilt? There is a quilt, it is the catalyst that reveals the mindset of many people. 

Of course I recommend this book. 

I The Christmas Quilt, Circle of Quilters and a Quilt Project book by the same author

Written by Marsha L Floyd

THE MASTER QUILTER by Jennifer Chiaverini

 

If you are following the Elm Street book series then you know that life is not all about quilts. (Did I, a quilter just write that!) THE MASTER QUILTER (2004) is about planning the unique gift for Sylvia and Andrew  but family drama may ruin everything. Do you remember the competition / animosity between a member of the Elm street group and the other group? Do you remember all the things there children were going through?  (That’s why we get print copies of books and not audio!) Oh and the financial drama! As I have said in previous reviews the book series is not just about making quilts.

The Elm Street Quilt series has very believable plot lines and with Jennifer Chiaverini the one story is the foundation for the next, you never know when a marriage is going to fail or succeed. You don’t know what is going to happen do the children and you, at least I am, curious as to how a quilt is going to get made with so many busy lives. 

The Master Quilt is almost like a family reunion, I am glad to know what happened to various individuals. 

I had not planned on writing book reviews on this series, I usually review non-fiction, thus I had to write back to back reviews so that I could start writing as I read.  This is the last of the books I listened to before I started writing the reviews and so I am all caught up. I am looking forward to telling you about THE SUGAR CAMP QUILT so I can tell you about THE CHRISTMAS QUILT Iwhen I am finished that one! 

Written by Marsha L Floyd

THE QUILTERS LEGACY by Jennifer Chiaverini

 

The Quilter's Legacy (2003)is book 5 of the 6 books I have listened to. By the time you read this I will probably be on book 8 or 9 since I just finished listening to book 6. Let’s take a quick peak at the author Jennifer Chiaverini before I tell you how awesome this book is! 

Jennifer Chiaverini is a best selling author of historical fiction, I discovered her through her Elm Street quilters series however she writes more. She is a college graduate (University of Notre Dame and University of Chicago) and has received rewards related to her writing. She is a wife and mother residing in Wisconsin. 

In my research I discovered she has written a novel about John Wilkes Booth: FATES AND TRAITORS; I am adding the book to my list but at this point my list of books by this particular author will have me reading  well into 2027! I also discovered her books on quilting patterns, there are 4 that I remember, I ordered one when I ordered the print copy of CIRCLE OF QUILTERS, the book I will be reading after listening to THE CHRISTMAS QUILT. 

THE QUILTERS LEGACY continues to bring the past into the present, as it relates to the time the characters are living, Sylvia wants to find “the quilt”. This story hit home because somewhere among one of my family members storage of stuff is a quilt made by my great grandmother, I just want to see it. In searching for the quilt, Sylvia learns more about her family history. 

But wait! There’s more! This book is why I am a strong supporter of reading the series in order because there are always stories developing within the story as the lives of the various women are presented. And of course a quilt is made. 

The one thing I want to say because I did finish reading  book 7; This book is part of a story line but it is foundational for what is to come. 

Written by Marsha L Floyd

THE RUNAWAY QUILT by Jennifer Chiaverini

Now she has gone and done it! Author Jennifer Chiaverini has introduced America’s ugly history with The Runaway Quilt (2002). But like all of her other books in this series, she shares with the reader just what needs to be known to complete the novel. Most readers are aware of abolitionist in times of slavery, they know that hundreds of black men, women and children attempted to escape and they know that their was this thing called the underground railroad; in addition, most people are aware that quilts played a key roll in the underground railroad. 

Sylvia, The Elm Street quilters and a woman named Gerda are the basis of this novel.  What I have learned thus far, Jennifer Chiaverini has a way of introducing new characters in one book that play important rolls in the next. (Gerda will visit again!)

Now, don’t think this book is all about slavery and the underground railroad, it’s not.Life goes on outside of Elm Creek, thus: the journey continues!

One of my take- away’s form this book was the importance of appreciating the elder members of your family. There is more to a family history than the date of birth and date of death. Even the elders in the community of family origin may be able to shed a story or two. 

Another take-away from this Historical Fiction is the significance of quilting throughout history. 

Yes, life still goes on within the Elm Street quilters community. 

Written by Marsha L Floyd
 

ROUND ROBIN by Jennifer Chiaverini

 

By the time I finished listening to ROUND ROBIN by Jennifer Chiaverini I was hooked or the series.

I was still learning the characters within the series but, as a quilter, I became distracted by the quilt discussions A Round Robin quilt has a center piece focal point and surrounding blocks. Each quilt block, within the story line, was attached to the story of a particular character.
Love marriage, life struggles including past hurts are concepts introduced in this book.  Because I have now listened to the next three books, I am struggling to separate each plot.
Unlike other sequences I think, with this particular novel, the book can br a stand alone but it has enough unanswered questions to leave the opportunity for another book. Jennifer Chiaverini has revealed her gift of writing historical fiction, incorporate the art of quilting, and discuss life issues in an informative and entertaining way. 

Yes, I recommend the series.

WRITTEN BY: Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

THE QUILTERS APPRENTICE by Jennifer Chiaverini

 As a child I became addicted to novels set within a particular time period, looking back the common theme was: women who overcame obstacles. At some point in my life I transitioned to reading only non-fiction. I am back to appreciating and reading both. Never did I ever consider listening to a book.  Two books convinced me that audio books were not that bad: Ministry of God’s Word by Watchman Nee, I started reading it in 2003 and finaly completed it by listening to the entire book in 2025;and Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe, I purchased this book around 2020 and put it on my reading list May of 2024 and finally listened to the audio book in 2025. Then I discovered FREE audio books on YouTube. It was with a book on YouTube that I discovered “Letters of a Woman Homesteader by Elinor Pruitt Stewart that I recalled my love for Historical Fiction and I ventured into the writings of  Jennifer Chiaverini.

I chose to listen to The Quilter's Apprentice by Jennifer Chiaverini because I am a quilter and it was a historical fiction. I love the book because of the plot, the infusion of quilting and it does not end with “and they lived happily ever after”, yes I am being “snarky”. 

I am writing this review after having listened to six of the Elm street series books , because the story lines are cumulative and the characters have become my friends I cannot give much of an overview for fear of giving away to much. 

You must read this book first because it is, in essence, Act 1 of a story that may or may not end, I do believe there is a book that will be released in 2026; this book was published in 1999. You can read each book out of order but everything will make more since if you read them in publishing order.

1.  The Quilter's Apprentice (1999)
2.  Round Robin (2000)
3.  The Cross-Country Quilters (2001)
4. The Runaway Quilt (2002)
5. The Quilter's Legacy
6. The Master Quilter (2004)
7. The Sugar Camp Quilt (2005)
8. The Christmas Quilt (2005)
9. Circle of Quilters (2006)
10. The Quilter's Homecoming (2007)
11. The New Year's Quilt (2007)
12. The Winding Ways Quilt (2008)
13.  The Quilter's Kitchen (2008)
14. The Lost Quilter (2009)
15. A Quilter's Holiday (2009)
16.  The Aloha Quilt (2010)
17. The Union Quilters (2011)
18. The Wedding Quilt (2011)
19. Sonoma Rose (2011)
20. The Giving Quilt (2012)
21. The Christmas Boutique (2019)
22. The Museum of Lost Quilts (2024)
23. The World's Fair Quilt (2025)

Since I am reading book #6, I can really appreciate reading them in order. It is important that the reader develops a relationship with the various characters, and there are many. I have learned by book four that, they don’t go away.

The story in this book introduces the reader to a couple who is having difficulty, the husband, Matt, is working, the wife, Sarah, gave up something to accommodate him. Sylvia, the Matriarch of sorts, presents herself and we, the readers, are introduced to Elm Street and quilting. The first book becomes the readers first quilt.

As the readers becomes involved in Matt and Sarah’s marriage, we become interested in Sylvia, like Dorothy when she lands in Oz and encounters Glinda,we must know: “Are you a good witch or a bad which?”.   

The reader gets an ending, but like a good dessert, you want more. I wanted more. Unfortunately for me I was a newbie to audiobooks and I had already purchased a book after getting THE QUILTERS APPRENTICE free. S, after mentioning the book to a group I belonged to on Facebook and learning that there was not only a sequel but a series I joined another audio book program and ordered ROUND ROBIN! 

       Written by Marsha L Floyd

 

    

 

Matt , Sarah sylvia family secrets 1st quilt