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

MORNING AND EVENING by CHARLES SPURGEON

 

I purchased MORNING AND EVENING by Charles Spurgeon for two reasons: I am reading books and listening to audio teachings by him and, I like the idea of morning and evening prayers. I was able to purchase this hard cover copy, 3rd printing published in1992, for about $5 from my favorite bookstore: Thriftbooks. 

I really thought the book was a collection of prayers, it is not, it is a collection of reflections / devotionals. The difference between these words of wisdom and others, I have quite a few, they are not as simplistic as many of the modern day books are, which are often given as gifts. 

I do like the collection, I have gone over a few of the  days both morning and evening, I subsequently  downloaded the FREE audio version, which is in 5 parts, via YouTube @Liborvox Audiobooks. If you like daily devotionals I would suggest you purchase this book, if you can get a copy, I think there is a revised version.

The reason why I am switching to the audiobook is because I don’t want to add more to my morning and evening routine than what I have. I will not be able to consistently read the reflections in the morning and evening but, I will, probably, be able to listen to them twice a day. I will have the book if I hear something that I feel compelled to read and make notes about.

Currently I am reading Praying Successfully by Charles Spurgeon. I am really interested in the writings of Charles Spurgeon and though neither book was on my reading list, he is worth the read.

Written by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

 

LETTERS OF A WOMAN HOMESTEADER by Elinore Pruitt Stewart

 

LETTERS OF A WOMAN HOMESTEADER by Elinore Pruitt Stewart (1876-1933) is a historical in it’s significance biographical collection of letters originally published in 1914; it is one of the first audio books I listened to. I have since listened to it at least three times in the past 2 years. The letters were originally  printed in the Atlantic monthly, 1914. 

 The letters date from April 1909 to November 1913, a time when railroad travel was not as comfortable as it is today and there were no 2026 motel or hotels to stay in if there was a layover. Upon arrival at your destination you will not look forward to an air conditioned or central heated home, there may be a tub but there is not a spigot to allow the hot water to fill it.  Life in the early 1900’s was harsh, moving to the west was not an opportunity to live a ‘better’ life. This author had made arrangements to work for a man as a housekeeper upon her arrival, even though she brought a young child with her.. 

My interest in the book began quickly and continued to the end book. There are so many tales; so many amusing, heart wrenching, gut gripping, or funny stories found in these letters that I don’t know where to begin to help you understand how interesting this book is.  there is even romance! This book is why I love historical fiction.

The story is inspirational and demonstrates how a strong independent woman can maintain her femininity and fulfill her dreams. It also reveals how hard work and determination is the key to true success. I cannot tell you how much I love this book, and as an audio it was perfect. I suggest you grab a cup of tea, sit in your comfy chair and do some needle work, sew, knit, crochet, or even spin,  while you listen to this enjoyable story: LETTERS OF A WOMAN HOMESTEADER by Elinore Pruitt Stewart. 

The print version of this book is available for free thanks to Project Gutenberg, see link below. Even though I listened to the audio on YouTube and Audible, I plan to purchase the print copy. The good news is you can download it for FREE! (see link below)  es! I recommend this book.

Written by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

FREE PRINT COPY: PROJECT GUTENBERG

FREE AUDIO: YOUTUBE 

LET'S READ TOGETHER

I am determined to read more in 2026 for pleasure, for information and to share my thoughts regarding various books with readers. I particularly want to share the works of independent authors, we need every boost we can get. When I first came up with this idea I had a list of about 22 books and 2 audio books as well as reading the Bible, I got books for Christmas!This is a challenge for me because I am a slow reader and I have crafts that I am working on, (Check out my blog: MARSHA SEWS),and I have a part-time job. That said, I believe, with less television and social media, I can accomplish my goal, particularly after April 15th. 

What is important is that I read. Because I want everyone to read, more than my blogs, I am challenging those of you who are book buyers to start reading what you have. Check out this that convinced me to not buy any more books, not counting the ones I got for Christmas.

And for those of you who once read but got out of the habit, this video is for you, as well as those who don’t read:: 

DON'T FORGET TO LIKE THOSE VIDEOS! PLEASE

Reading is fun! 
Written by: Marsha L Floyd

THE EASY ART OF APPLIQUE - Techniques for Hand, Machine, and Fusible Applique, by Mimi Dietrich and Roxi Eppler

 

Sunday, December 14, 2025 3:34:20 PM

I reviewed a quilting book not to long ago and I gave it lots of praise, however I kept thinking of the applique book that I spent money to have the templates printed. The book: THE EASY ART OF APPLIQUE  - Techniques for Hand, Machine, and Fusible Applique, by Mimi Dietrich and Roxi Eppler,  is fabulous. 

How unfortunate that it too is a book I purchased from THRIFTBOOKS and may be hard to find. This book was published in 1994, they don’t make books like they used to”! The newer books are great for their images but I have yet to find one with directions I can learn from.

THE EASY ART OF APPLIQUE - Techniques for Hand, Machine, and Fusible Applique is all things applique! This booklet is a total of 63 pages which includes 10 pages of templates this in addition to the larger templates that were folded within the book as an insert.

Within the pages of the book, like the quilting book I like, is very bottom of the line directions, helping the reader learn how to either Hand or machine applique. The steps are detailed  and easy to follow. The thing about applique is applying the design onto the fabric, curves are the most difficult for me.  The directions are printed in a font that is easy to read and the accompanying diagrams make sense. Even the needle position is easier for me to follow, this is important.  The last few pages are dedicated to taking the applique lesson and applying it to making a quilt top, after all that is the ultimate goal. 

WRITTEN by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED  

QUILTS! QUILTS! QUILTS! THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO QUILTMAKING by Diana Mcclun and Laura Nownes

 Saturday, December 13, 2025

I found my new favorite quilt book QUILTS! QUILTS! QUILTS!!! THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO QUILTMAKING by Diana Mcclun and Laura Nownes
a book published in 1995. Since I started taking my quilting to the next level and I discovered THRIFTBOOKS.COM I have been purchasing books about my hobbies there, hand embroidery and sewing; I have ordered a few from other online stores. I like all of my quilting books but it seems older books are more helpful to me.Newer quilting books promote products that are helpful but not essential, the older books discuss the basics of quilting which is what I want; I am interested in technique.  I am a self taught quilter not a beginner but not an advanced quilter. YouTube, Google, and most of the books I have read are excellent resources but even the simplest of patterns in the books are not what I am looking for. We all need motivation and this book sets the stage for success. QUILTS QUILTS QUILTS THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO QUILTMAKING begins with the possibilities, using beautiful images of quilts displayed as art, before you read the Table of Contents.  Chapter one The Essentials  begins with what you need to make a quilt. The authors did present a list of supplies that a quilter could have but does not need, including a sewing machine. You don’t need a sewing machine to make a quilt and if it is your first quilt I do not recomend purchasing a very expensive machine.  A $150 Brother sewing machine from Walmart will do, my opinion. If you learn the basics any sewing machine will do.
The directions on how to make a quilt, the patterns provided and the measurements for various size quilts are included in an order that makes sense to me. Everything is in the order of  the creating process. The book concludes with chapter 9- Quilting and chapter 10- Binding;  follow the order and your quilt is done. However, in the back of the book there are 8 pages of templates needed to create the quilt blocks.
I have another book on quilting that I love, but this one is what I need because it does have a chapter on appliques that makes sense! Unfortunately, for you it is not a new book thus you might have to search thrift stores and other used bookstores 

     WRITTEN by Marsha L Floyd
     ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

THE READING LIST

 Saturday, December 6, 2025 2:58:39 PM

Every year I have reading plans that are greater than my time and reading speeds and every year my list gets more challenging. Starting this month: I am reading THE QUILTER’S HOMECOMING and listening to the KJV audio- Bible, I will continue my tradition. Add more to the list and increase the challenge, what I don’t finish in 2026 will give me something to look forward to in 2027!  

THE LIST

BIBLE 

KJV audio
NASB

FICTION
THE QUILTERS HOMECOMING
THE NEW YEARS QUILT
A SINGLE THREAD  Tracy Chevaliar
A SINGLE THREAD Marie Bestwick
THE WINDING WAYS QUILT
THE QUILTERS KITCHEN
ELCOME TO SPICE TOWN
THE BLACKSMITH’S WIFE
MURDER ALL SEWN UP

AUDIOBOOK - THE BOOK OF LOST NOTES 

NONFICTION
SLEEPING WITH THE ANCESTORS: How I Followed the Footprints of Slavery by Joseph McGill Jr. Herb Frazier
THE IRON TRIANGLE  VINCE EVERETT ELLISON
25 LIES VINCE EVERETT ELLISON
CRIME INC.  VINCE EVERETT ELLISON
THE END OF TOLERANCE VINCE EVERETT ELLISON
EXPOSITORY APOLOGETICS VODDIE BAUCHMAN JR
THE EVER-LOVING TRUTH VODDIE BAUCHMAN JR 

I CAN’T WAIT TO CALL YOU MY WIFE: AFRICAN AMERICAN LETTERS OF LOVE AND         FAMILY IN THE CIVIL WAR ERA

THE MINISTRY OF INTERCESSION by Andrew Murray

BIOGRAPHIES

AUDIOBOOK- 
    HUDSON TAYLOR

CLASSICS
THE HEART OF THE MATTER Graham Greene
AUDIOBOOK- GRACE ABOUNDING by John Bunyan

CRAFT

- Marsh L Floyd