BOOK THOUGHTS: THE LOST QUILTER by Jennifer Chiaverini

 

I read the Elm Street Quilt series because it is historical fiction, a genre I prefer, and its’ quilting theme with a introduction to a variety of quilting patterns that I am not familiar with. This book was more of a historical fiction with quilting mentioned. 

Unlike The Runaway Quilt in which slavery was alluded to this book was about slavery. THE LOST QUILTER by Jennifer Chiaverini is a heart wrenching novel about a woman who seeks not only her freedom but that of her family.

I struggled listening to this book though I have the print copy. There were parts in which I had to take a break, days not hours. With many  of Mrs. Chiaverini’s books I can read it emotionally but change gears when I have reached the end of a chapter, I could not do it with this one. I talked to God a lot, really! 

The horrors of slavery were describe so vividly that I saw the rape, the beating, the abuse and disrespect. I was exhausted when she ran and fearful as she hid.I was trying to figure out how she could kill her master and get away with it and slap her mistress just because. This book is excellent,it truly pulled me into the pages of American history and the beginnings of the civil war. 

I was thinking, as I finished the book: Everyone needs to read THE LOST QUILTER.  It is an American History lesson that  we are all aware of but hate talking about. I will tell you there is a happy ending.  

Grab a cup of tea and a cookie you will get to the good parts!

WARNING: This is book is not a reason to hate White people, it is about overcoming despite the odds.

When I think about my family tree I appreciate the struggles my ancestors had to go through to get to where many of us are today. What many in my family understand is what the main character understood EDUCATION IS THE FIRST STEP TO FREEDOM / SUCCESS. THE LOST QUILTER will be placed on my bookshelf with my special fiction books. 

WRITTEN by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

LISTENING TO A YOUTUBE AUDIOBOOK produced by THE WILD WEST VAULT

My print books are taking second place to audiobooks because I cannot embroider or sew and read a book.  It seems that there are quite a few audiobooks available to choose from  many with similar themes which is why narration is very important. 
What is important to note is the increase number of Ai generated stories. Ai is not the best content creator or graphic facilitator. 

The following video is the 3rd video I have listened to produced by THE WILD WEST VAULT.  It is historical fiction with faith, inspirational. The theme is in the title: "The Sheriff Only Wanted a Housekeeper for Winter—The Polish Girl Changed His Entire Life" .  You could listen to the story while you are driving on errands or to work or, like I do, wile sewing; it is 56 minutes and 45 seconds long.

I have discovered these "historical fiction like, mail order bride" tales are relaxing, they are non-violent,  "G" rated plots worth listening to. I find these stories inspirational and motivational as well as entertaining.  I have decided to share other audiobook channels that I enjoy. 

 by Marsha L Floyd

BOOK THOUGHTS: A SINGLE THREAD by Tracy Chevalier

 I purchased A SINGLE THREAD by Tracy Chevalier because I had purchased another with the exact same title, my intent was to read both books and then write a review making note of the differences, because of the title not the content. Unfortunately, I stopped reading this book and so instead of a book review this is a commentary as to what I will not to read.

A SINGLE THREAD is a historical fiction taking place in the 1930s. What interested me was the expectation, based on the  marketing, of a novel that was historical and discussed embroidery during that time. As I was reading about the cigarette smoking character moving out of her mother’s home and into her own place I was introduced to feminism. Yes, women who hand embroidered was mentioned but then the main character began remembering. Why is it important that I learn of her first sexual experience, not in-depth detail but enough to know she was being unashamedly promiscuous? I thought this is to much information for a historical fiction book. 

I am a prayer “warrior”, I use that term because many people are familiar with the term, though the process has been perverted; an intercessor. In any given period of time a thought may come to my mind which leads to me praying, talking to God, about something. The introduction of leaven into my mind becomes a hindrance.

Galatians 5:9 (KJV)   A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

Words, and behaviors, that are not pleasing to God becomes a hindrance in my relationship with my heavenly Father. “It doesn’t take all that!” You are saying, for me it does. People who see me think I could be doing more with my gifts and talents, making big bucks; people who know me realize the things I do are impossible based on my income. I use leaven for baking bread not for entertainment or personal pleasures.

I stopped reading the bestselling author’s book because she inserted sexuality in novels where it was not really needed. Some words are page fillers, marketing strategies, and financially beneficial but God sees them as idle words.

Matthew 12:35-37 (KJV) 

35  A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. 

36  But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 

37  For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

I have to monitor the idle words I speak and those I accept from others. I do not recommend this book for the above mentioned reason. 

Written by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Philippians 4:8-9 (KJV) 

8  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 

9  Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

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

THE DOCTOR'S BRIDE by Celia Dowdy

THE DOCTOR’S BRIDE is book 2 of the 3 in the romance bride series by Celia Dowdy. It is a “historical clean and wholesome inspirational Christian romance novella” (approximately 101 pages), which makes it a quick read. As with the first novella I was attracted to the book because it is historical fiction, the reason why I am going to read book 3 is because it portrays Black people in America in roles other than slaves. Slavery ended in 1865 this book takes place in 1870 in the state of Pennsylvania and though, as in the previous book, it does not ignore the prejudice that existed that is not the focal point. The story is about an educated woman who wants to go to college against her mother’s desires. She is a school teacher, an acceptable profession for unmarried women who do not work on the farm during that time period. She is also a woman who is interested in plants used for medicinal purposes which is why she wants to go to college. After the death of her twin sister her brother-in-law returns his home town where he grew up with Deborah and his late wife, to get the assistance in raising his daughter. And that, dear reader is all of the plot I am going to share with you, it’s a novella! The beauty of this book is that it is non-sexual, non-violent and captivating. Based on the title you know there will be a bride but when you first start reading the book, at least for me,I was , focused on Deborah getting that degree! What a challenge. It was a time in which women were not encouraged to think let alone go to college and an educated Black woman was not an expectation. Most men did not marry educated women. Spoiler alert! I loved the ending but it was like going to a restaurant and eating a desert that was out of this world good, once it is gone it is gone. The ending was fabulous but, it was so good and there was no more. :( I am so glad I have book 3, THE BLACKSMITH’S BRIDE, ready to read. Go ahead and buy all three books at the same time, and then you can join me crying, over a cup a tea, realizing that there is no book 4! Written by Marsha L Floyd ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

THE BAKERS BRIDE by Cecelia Dowdy

I ordered the e-book version of THE BAKER’S BRIDE by Cecelia Dowdy is a novella (short novel) that is also available on audio  and paperback (118 pages). I chose to read this book because it is a historical fiction featuring  Black Characters. After I began reading the book, I learned the book is promoted as a “Historical, Clean and Wholesome Inspirational Underground Railroad Romance Novella”, this is exactly what it is.  

The story is about a woman who was given her freedom and moved to Philadelphia and worked for a rich Black family. Yes there were wealthy, free Black men and women in the 1800’s.

“Numerous wealthy Black Americans prospered in the 1800s, accumulating fortunes in the face of systemic racism and obstacles. They built their success through entrepreneurship, investment, land ownership, and inheritance. Some were former slaves who achieved great success, while others were born free.”  Google Ai

Within the narrative the discussion of the underground railroad and the abolitionist movement is discussed. Historically the abolitionist movement and the church played a key roll in helping slaves seek freedom. What I appreciated in THE BAKER’S BRIDE is the fact that Black Americans  were presented in a positive manner and the focus was on the unity White and Black individuals were presented. Far to many individuals talk about Whites who owned slaves but neglect the fact that many Whites did not own slaves and some helped slaves escape.

THE BAKER’S BRIDE by Cecelia Dowdy is a pleasant historical fiction  to read.  It is a quick read that I chose to stretch over 3 days. The next book in the 3 book series is THE DOCTOR’S BRIDE which I will read via e-book  as well as book 3 when it is released: THE BLACKSMITH’S BRIDE. 

For me this book was a great break in between the other books I am reading which includes a few non-fictions. biographies, in depth readings and work.  I am putting the series on my Christmas list because I do love print books! 

The author: Cecelia Dowdy is a wife, mother and a successful author. She is also the author of The Candy Beach 5 book  Series.  

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
 

THE CROSS COUNTRY QUILTERS by Jennifer Chiaverini

 Elm’s Creek is the place to go if you want to learn how to quilt. The Cross-Country Quilters (2001) written by Julia Chiaverini is the third is a series of over twenty books that talk about quilting and people.  If you have read the other books you now understand that everything takes place at the Elm Street estate, or does it?

This is the gathering of 5 women, the one I latched on to was Julia, because she is the first Black character, that I know of for sure, that has been introduced by the author. Julioa has a secret but the other women have issues too. So let’s make a quilt!

Spoiler alter, if you are reading the Elm Street Quilt series and have not come across an issue in life that you personally are going through- KEEP READING! This book had me going through an emotional roller coaster, like when I was addicted to soap-operas back in the day. 

Should I cry; hould I be angry; “What in the world?”; “”No, she diddn’t!”; all of these emotions I wwent through is what makes a good book great. My next review: The Runaway Quilt. 

Written by Marshs 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