An Amish Quilting Bee: Three Stories 

December 7, 2021

by Amy Clipston  (Author), Kathleen Fuller (Author), Shelley Shepard Gray (Author)

Three charming stories of cozy quilting circles and budding romance

 Patchwork Promises by Amy Clipston 

When Colin Zook and his beloved grandmother lose everything in a fire, their greatest loss is a beloved family heirloom quilt that helped keep her dementia at bay. When Joanne Lapp hears about the loss, she decides to re-create the quilt. Colin soon feels himself developing feelings for her, but he’s held back by the knowledge that a future with him would involve care of his grandmother and his farm. Will Joanne look past his list of responsibilities and see him for who he truly is?

A Common Thread by Kathleen Fuller 

Susie Glick returns from a shopping trip laden with beautiful fabric for her quilting group. On the bus ride, Alex Lehman—her crush from three years ago—sits next to her. Alex left Middlefield to explore the country, and now he’s back and ready to join the church. Susie was just a kid when he left, but now she’s a woman—and she definitely has his interest. The women in her quilting circle aren’t as excited about Alex’s return, assuming that he’ll leave again in search of adventure. Susie is convinced they’re wrong, but just as they start dating, Alex tells Susie he has to leave. He says he’ll return, but Susie must decide whether or not she can trust the man she fears has captured her heart.

Stitched Together by Shelley Shepard Gray 

Rosie’s joy is her yearly project for the Pinecraft Mennonite Quilt Sale, and she dreams of being the top earner. But she’s worried that she’s bitten off more than she can chew with her latest entry. To make things even more confusing, after coming to terms with her single state, she’s recently formed a friendship with Tim Christner. He’s only in town for a month, but he has Rosie wondering if she’s found love at last. Now all she has to do is figure out how to get the quilt done so she can concentrate on him. But with her once very organized life in total disarray, everything comes to a head just before the sale. Rosie is forced to reexamine her priorities before she loses not only her place in the quilt show but everything else she’s ever wanted.

• Sweet Amish novellas with happily-ever-afters
• Book length: 75,000 words
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs

Marilyn's thoughts:

 

 

This collection of novellas are centered around quilt making, assisting others and finding romance in the mix.

 

Patchwork Promises by Clipston found Colin Zook caring for his aging grandmother after a tragedy that was adding increased pressure to his life. A young maiden offer to assist him with his grandmother with finding a solution for her longing of a beloved quilt could be beneficial in several ways.

 

Fuller tale A Common Thread centered around Alex Lehman returning to his community, where he had broken the heart of Susie Glick. A shopping trip together could bring a new appreciation for the art of quilt making and all that is involved.

 

Stitched Together by Shelley Shepard Gray was my favorite tale.  Rosie’s and Tim’s story gave way to finding that self imposed goals may not be the ones that are the most important ones in life.

 

Each tale is set in different Amish communities where assisting others, faith and romance is a common thread in Amish tales. This collection will have readers wanting to snuggle under a handmade quilt or even try their hands at making a quilt.

 

I was blessed to receive a complimentary copy of this book from one of the authors without any obligation to write a review. I have expressed my own thoughts.