Do you love to quilt AND love to read? I invite you to join the free, online Quilters' Book Club. Each month, we read a book, discuss it through comments on my blog posts, and then make a quilt block to represent that book. I research several potential blocks to go with the book's themes, setting, main characters, and events. And I find the patterns free on the internet, making it easy for everyone to access. Each member can choose the block or blocks they'd like to make. I'll also make sure each book is available on Kindle since so many people use that format for reading.
To join, become a follower of my blog so you won't miss any blog post. Leave a comment, letting me know you'd like to join. I'd also recommend signing up for my posts to be delivered right to you via email. You will need to click through to my blog to be able read the comments and to enter comments yourself.
Our book to read and discuss during April 2013 is The Quilter's Apprentice by Jennifer Chiaverini. It is the first book of her Elm Creek Quilts novels. I realize that many of you may have read this book several years ago, but I thought it would be a good idea to read it again to remember how the Elm Creek Quilts story began.
"Master
quilter Sylvia Compson shares the secrets of her creative gifts with her young
assistant, Sarah McClure. During their lessons, the intricate, varied threads
of Sylvia's life begin to emerge. It is the story of a young wife living
through the hardships and agonies of the World War II home front; of a family
torn apart by jealously and betrayal; of misunderstanding, loss, and a tragedy
that can never be undone."
Get a copy of The Quilter's Apprentice from your local library and join us! If you'd like to learn more about the author, Jennifer Chiaverini, her website is http://elmcreek.net/
If you look at the top of my blog, you will find all the information you need about the Quilters' Book Club. It is never too late to join us! Tip: If you are reading my blog on an Iphone or Ipad, the links will not show up. Make sure you are reading the web version of my post.
This month I will be giving away Marie Bostwick's latest book to one lucky book club member. The book, Between Heaven and Texas, is a prequel to her Cobbled Court Quilts series, and is about Mary Dell, Evelyn's Texas friend we got to know in A Single Thread. Each time you comment on a post about The Quilter's Apprentice this month, your name will be entered into the giveaway. With each new post, your comment will give you another chance to win. The lucky winner will be announced May 1.
Have you read any of Jennifer Chiaverini's Elm Creek Quilts novels before, or will this be your first one? Please answer in the comments section below. And remember, if you comment, your name will be entered in the drawing for Marie Bostwick's latest book.
You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post: Christian Cross Quilt Block
No I have not read any of her books. In fact I do not think I have read any books of fiction about quilts or quilting... This sounds like it could be fun.
ReplyDeleteGwen Z. in Ga
I have read all of them and in order as published. Once you start each book is like a visit with old friends. The historic ones are really interesting. Joanne
ReplyDeleteI have read Jennifer's books as published and also have read just about every other author who uses the word quilt in her writing. Quilts and reading are up real high on my list.
ReplyDeleteI have not read any of her books and would love to.
ReplyDeleteI would love to take part in this... I have read one or two but not in order....sounds like fun..would love to take part. I also noticed I should update my blog...
ReplyDeletei haven't but would love to
ReplyDeleteI bought this book years ago, but have never read it. So pleased to have the excuse to read it this month.
ReplyDeleteI've read all of Jennifer Chiaverini's books. Just finished the latest one.
ReplyDeleteThis first one is one of my favorites.
I would love to join this book club.
Thanks for a great blog.
I've read many of Jennifer's first books. I need to read the last few books. I own most of the books, even the 'book' that is in 3 different magazines.
ReplyDeleteThis will be the first of her books that I will have read. I have not been an active discussion member the last little while as my husband and I are hiking the Appalachian Trail. I do enjoy the occasional updates that I get when I get online however and I like the comments/discussions so far. To date I have thoroughly enjoyed the previous books so am looking forward to this one. Hopefully I will have better cell coverage and tether connection than I have had to date. We are currently awaiting the snow to abate a little and hoping for no new snow.
ReplyDeleteRats - my library doesn't have The Quilter's Apprentice. I have no idea where I can find it but I guess the next step is to check the second hand book store and the regular book store (one of each) in town. I have read Jennifer Chiaverini's Sonoma Rose. I really enjoyed it. (Hubby still hasn't finished reading me A Single Thread) :)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Jennifer's Books! I've read all but the last three. In fact I've read most of them more than once. I was so excited that Susan chose one of these books!! You'll be hooked if you love a story about quilter's!!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings
I have read eight of her books. I'm not sure how many she has written but I saw some with patterns and I have too many pattern books on my shelf already.I am really excited to read the first book again. I can't remember much of the story other than it encouraged me to read more of her books ... maybe like those Nancy Drew books did so long ago.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of Jennifer's books. Last week before Easter, I ordered the book through our local library. Since they didn't have it on the shelf, they had to go out of network to get it. I'm still waiting. :( I hope it arrive soon so I can get started. Perhaps I should just forget it and buy the darn book already. Harumph!
ReplyDeleteI read this book in netherlands, there are 6 books from Jennifer in netherlands, noting in french, i can't read in english. I regret.
ReplyDeleteI just finished listening to The Quilter's Apprentice. I listen while driving back and forth from work. It's about a 45 min drive each way. This is the first one of her books I have read. I plan on listening to them in order as the budget permits. Audiobooks are handy, but somewhat expensive. But I have no time at home to be able to afford the time to sit and read.
ReplyDeleteI still have my original copy of "The Quilter's Apprentice", but when I picked it up yesterday, I noticed how yellowed and how small the print is (paperback)! Yikes!! Has my vision changed that much in the years since it was printed? I am trying to read it again, to keep up with the group, but it is hard! I think I have all but the last two of Jennifer Chiaverini's books.
ReplyDeleteI have read all of Jennifer Chiaverini's books and look forward to reading the first one again to refresh my memory of how the series started. Can't wait for the next in the series. By the way, I just discovered that she has also written another historical fiction book (not part of the Elmwood series) entitled "Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker". A must-read for me.
ReplyDeleteI read The Quilter's Kitchen.
ReplyDeleteI have never read any Elm Creek novels, but I'm ready to start reading this one!
ReplyDeleteI've read a couple of the books - but not all of them and definitely not in order :)
ReplyDeleteI have read all of Jennifer's book except the last one. I love her novels, but I also have made her quilts.
ReplyDeleteI am hooked on reading all of Marie Bostwick's books! Thanks for recommending her first book. I am almost done with her third book and should be ready for her new book by the time your give away date comes. I am looking forward to reading Elm Creek Novels. I am goign to see if the library has a copy. Keep reading and recommending!
ReplyDeleteI have read all of Jennifer C's books and most on Marie's. I'll check into the book club.
ReplyDeleteI have read several of Jennifer's books, but remember reading her first when it came out. Thanks for reminding me how much I enjoyed it and now look forward to reading it again.
ReplyDeleteI have just purchased Jennifer's latest book and am looking forward to reading it. I have all of her books and love them all,especially the historical ones.
ReplyDeleteI've read all the Elm Creek books as they were published, even though they're not in time order. I love them all! I live 15 miles from Waterford, PA where the neighboring town is Edinboro, PA, home of Edinboro State University. Does that sound familiar? My grandfather in 1920 built a large and lovely English Tudor home that would make a fabulous Quilting Retreat. Perhaps Jennifer knows me and is writing about my family!
ReplyDeleteThis will be my first book by this author. I look forward to it.
ReplyDeleteI too have read all her books and read anything I find with the word quilt in the title. Jennifer's books are my favorites. I feel like I know her charachters.
ReplyDeleteHave read most all of Jennifer's books...and enjoyed reading The Quilters
ReplyDeleteApprentice again...In fact have reread 3 or her books this month
I bought the book last week and loved it now I am hooked on the series
ReplyDelete