Monday, April 1, 2013

Book Review and Giveaway

UPDATE:  Sorry for the delay, I was feeling a bit under the weather for the past few days,
I put all the eligible names in a hat and the first name drawn was Lisa Lisa, second name was Sandie, and the third name Crafter1953.  Thank you to all who commented!
 

 I received two paperback copies from the publisher last month of Jennifer Chiaverini's newest Elm Creek Quilts book, The Giving Quilt in exchange for a review. [The paperback version goes on sale April 2.]  I also have three sets of pins to give away, one with each book and a set by themselves and as this is a quilting blog and the book is about quilting,  I think a fat quarter might find its way into each winner's package! So let's get started.

This is the first Elm Creeks Quilts novel I have read so I can't compare it to Ms. Chiaverini's other books.  I don't really read this genre (historical women's fiction) that often. Briefly, Elm Creek Manor is hosting a free "Quiltsgiving" retreat for a group of volunteer quilters where quilts will be made to be given to Project Linus.  The novel delves into the lives of five of the participants:  Pauline (my favorite character), Linnea (a librarian), Michaela (a college student), Jocelyn (a teacher), and Karen (a quilt shop clerk).  The reader learns of the adversities each character has had to overcome.  The staff of Elm Creek Manor is not addressed much but I get the idea the reader already knows them from prior books.  I enjoyed reading about the quilting retreat whether it be about the participants getting to know each other, the extensive sewing time, and my favorite, being served three meals a day of delicious food without having to cook a thing!  I must say all the characters sounded like nice people, a few I'd like to spend some time with as long as we don't discuss politics.  An off-putting fact for me was that all the characters were left-leaning and a few promoted their views rather heavyhandedly.  For example, talk radio gets bashed while left-leaning NPR is promoted.  Another character instructs her budding journalist students "...to shine the light of truth upon injustice and inequity, and to never ignore an opportunity to make their community and the world a better place."  Somewhere along the way the purpose of the media has been lost or I should say taken over by people who want to further their agenda and not simply report the news.

I think the theme of the book is how we all encounter difficulties in life or as Jocelyn says, "Life wasn't fair, and sometimes goodness wasn't rewarded, and sometimes the wrong people won."  But no matter how bad your situation is, there is always someone having a worse time than you.  Helping other people ends up helping ourselves through the positive feelings generated by our actions.  We all have different motivations for charity, as different as we are as people, it seems. I think the book does a fine job of exploring this idea.

More info about the quilt pattern made in the book and Ms. Chiaverini's other books can be found here.  

If you're interested in winning a book,  just leave a comment and answer the following questions:  what quilting fiction (if any) do you read? What are your favorite books?  How you ever made a quilt to donate to Project Linus?

Sorry, I can't send international on this giveaway.  I'll pick 3 winners on Wednesday, April 3.  Please make sure I have a way of getting in touch with you.
 Almost forgot, here are the pins,
Thanks for visiting.




16 comments:

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

I would love to win a copy~ I have read her other books and enjoyed most of them. I have also read a lot of Earlene Fowler's books and liked them too. My favorite books have some suspense in them~ so Earlene's books fit that well. I also like JA Jance. And yes I've donated to project Linus and other charities. Thanks for the chance!

Anonymous said...

I'd love to win a copy, too! This one sounds a bit different than the others I have read.
Thanks.
Jane

Lisa said...

I love the pins. I've never read any of the Elm Creek books. Thank you for the chance.

Anonymous said...

I would love to win a copy. I have read Wild Goose Chase by Terri Thayer. Have Ocean Waves to start by same author. I love mystery historical romance some sci fi, pretty much read anything. I have donated a lot of fleece and flannels to project Linus. The last batch they made blankets for the humane society with.
reach me at sewingisfun2@gmail.com

Lisa's Designs said...

I would love this book. I belong to a group called, "Sisterhood of the Traveling Book". My turn hasn't come yet.

I haven't made anything for Project Linus but I have been making isolette blankets for the hospital where he was born since he was born prematurely 8 yrs ago.

Cindy said...

I have made 3 quilts for Project Linus. I haven't been reading much lately, but would love to win a copy! Thanks

Janna said...

Oh my, I'd love to win a copy! I just started quilting and the book sounds really good. Thanks!

Anna said...

I heard this book was coming and I've been eagerly awaiting it for ages. I'd love to win a copy. I've just started to get involved with Project Linus, so I definitely think I'd like this book.

Dolores said...

I have all these books up to the Aloha Quilt and would love to add this to my set.
I make quilts for my local childrens hosp and have made a few for project linus too. Thanks for the opportunity to win one.
Dolores

Mickey8854@aol.com

Andee said...

Thanks for the chance!

barbara woods said...

I would love to read one thanks

Lisa Lisa said...

I love Jennifer's books. I've read three of them, but have not read The Giving Quilt. Thanks for the chance to win!

barb said...

I have read some of her earlier books and really enjoyed them. Emily harris has some great books out they are mysteries centering on a quilt. I love to read all books but really enjoy amish books. Thank you for this giveaway. babscorbitt@gmail.com

crafter1953 said...

Hi, I don't read much of that kind but I have won and read a few books about parer crafting and a book about a jewelry artiest. I would love to win and read one of those thanks for a chance.

Anne at Film and Thread said...

I'm not entering the giveaway, but just wanted to say how refreshing it was to read a product review that was expressed honestly. In the blogger world, that is rare and makes the value of most reviews pretty minimal.

Love seeing all the quilting you are doing!

Bev said...

Oh, great giveaway! Glad to find your blog! Sadly, I've never read any quilting fiction. I've spent all my money on quilt pattern books. I do love Jennifer Chiaverini's books that include patterns though. I would have to say my favorite books are non-fiction quilt pattern books. For me, it's all about having time! I've never made a quilt to donate to Project Linus but it seems like such a sweet idea. You have a fun blog! Thanks!
Cheery wave from Bev
topinsales@gmail.com