Monday, April 1, 2013

The Giving Quilt



“The Giving Quilt”.  I can’t think of a more appropriate name for this book written by Jennifer Chiaverini. 

I had the opportunity to review Ms Chiaverini’s latest novel, carrying me through to another segment of the Elm Creek Quilters.  I’ve read several of the previous books, and found this one to be equally enchanting. 

Admitting that I was totally captivated with “The Giving Quilt”  would be a little bit of an understatement.  Becoming reacquainted with Sylvia Bergstrom and the Elm Creek Quilters was like reuniting with old friends.  Even reminiscing about the quilt teachers that have moved on, it felt like I just walked in the back door, poured a cup of coffee, and picked up where we left off..

The ladies that we meet at this Quiltsgiving retreat each have a fascinating story to share.  Most of them teachers in their own way, having shared their love of quilting, books, athletics, and children, yet each one walking through a painful highway leading up to the entrance of the stately Manor where the quilt retreats are held.   In many ways, it was real life played out as each of these strong women waged a battle overcoming what appears to be insurmountable odds.  Do they all overcome these odds?  I think you need to read “The Giving Quilt” to find out for yourself.

What I enjoy most about Ms. Chiaverini’s books is her ability to draw you into the lives of her characters.  In many ways, it’s as if she has walked in their very shoes.  But that is what all good writers are supposed to do, right?

As a bonus, Plume books has offered to share two copies of The Giving Quilt with my readers.  They are including quilt pins representing the last three Elm Creek Quilters novels in this prize giveaway. If you would love to read this book please tell me if there is a  Project Linus in your area.  One comment per person.  I will leave this giveaway open for one week.  And be sure that I have a way to contact you.  If you are a no-reply blogger, please leave your email address.  If there is no way to contact you, I will draw another name.

In any case, I’d encourage you to obtain a copy of The Giving Quilt to add to your library.  There is nothing like sitting down with old friends.   

Except when we make new ones. 
 

37 comments:

Stitched With Prayer said...

Oh my gosh, I have read every Elm Creek Quilts book except this one and listened to them over and over again on audio as I work in my sewing room. Your absolutely right about feeling like they are old friends, very dear to our hearts. I know several ladies that make Project Linus Quilts, most of which are taken to local Fire Dept and Police Dept. Many of the quilts done in my area are sent to Primary Childrens Hospital to the Pediatric Cancer Unit and to the lovely new Veterans retirement/nursing home for those veterans without families, many of whom have been homeless for years until this facility was opened.Thanks so much for a chance to win this wonderful book.

kutiequilter said...

Love the Elm Creek Quilters and yes they are dear friends! I do believe there is a Linus group within 30 miles. (I live in a rural area...). I belong to a quilt group that gives quilts to people who need a hug from God. It may be due to illness, injury, flood(I live in an area the had a 100 year flood about 18 months ago. We gave out and are still giving out quilts), etc.

Laurel said...

ooh - i love the elm creek books! yes, there's a project linus here in town!

Jo said...

There is a drop off site in our area that is coordinated with the domestic abuse shelter. Our church gives quilts, etc to the domestic abuse shelter all the time.

Unknown said...

I haven't read any of the Elm Creek quilters but I'm going to request them now from my library. To my knowledge, there is not a project Linus in my area. In fact, I know of only one other lady who quilts. The closest fabric shop is over an hour away and the closest quilt shop is 1 1/2 hrs away.

Renea said...

These are my favorite books. I have read all of the books. We have an organization that accepts quilts for the Univ. of Iowa hospital and the Childrens Hospital in Des Moines. Not sure if it is exactly Project Linus but I have donated quilts. Thanks for the giveaway.

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

I haven't read this book (yet). I like her books. There is a Linus group (several, I think) near here. I'm currently making 2 blocks for a Linus project, that I will mail off later this week. The blocks are for a Harry Potter, The Project of Doom charity quilt for Project Linus, that will be raffled off. Thanks for the giveaway.

Debra said...

These books are popular at my library. My quilt guild does Project Linus. Thanks for the chance to win!

Amy Friend said...

You know, I have read all of her books but didn't finish this one. I didn't find it nearly as interesting as her earlier books. I hope I love the next one though as I have enjoyed reading them all till now!

Kristy said...

I haven't read that one yet. Yes we have an active Project Linus chapter having reached 50,000 blankets given away! K-

Gill said...

Don't know if I can join in from England??? we have 'project linus' locally and I have made several quilts for them!

Maxine said...

Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of this book. I love the Elm Creek Series.

Terry said...

I've already read this, so don't inlcude me in the giveaway. But yes...we have a project Linus here that I've made quilts for before. I think it's about time I made another one for them! :0)

Susan said...

I will put it on my reading list. The title brought tears to my eyes as I'm trying to finish a quilt my daughter started for her son before she passed away; very hard to do. Thank you for the review, XOXO

Pam said...

There is not a project Linus near me, to my knowledge, but we have a local charity "Scotty's Little Soldiers" which offers treats and support to children of service men killed and maimed on active service. This was our company charity last year. This years is Young Helpers" for children who are registered as carers for a parent.

Lady of the Cloth said...

I just love her books and have been waiting for the library to get in in and now that they have it, it is reserved for eons. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
I enjoy your blog and visit every morning to help get my day started.

Denise in PA said...

I love Jennifer's books - and this one sounds terrific from everything I've heard! Thanks so much for the chance to win. We do have Linus Quilts here near Philly and I've donated some in years' past. Such a great cause. We also have Quilts for Kids near us too - another very worthwhile cause. o:)

Crispy said...

I've only read the first few books by her. One of these days I will start with the first one and work my way through them all in a marathon of reading LOL.

Crispy

PS - Leave me out of the give away. It should go to someone who has been reading all her books.

IHaveANotion ~ Kelly Jackson said...

How fun....a good book to keep you entertained. I need some brain candy too! LOL

Smiles,
Kelly

GrammyK said...

There is a Project Linus chapter about an hour away from me. Thanks so much for offering this giveaway-love all of Jennifer Chiaverini's books-does make you feel like you are catching up with old friends. Would love to win this book and pass it on to my quilt group buddies when I'm finished reading it. Have a great day!

barbara woods said...

i would love to win, thanks

scottylover said...

I love her books and am so far behind on them! I don't know of a project Linus in our area, but there may be one out there.

Sandy A

Andee said...

Thanks for the chance!

Anita said...

Yes there is a project Linux in our area - east bay, California. Thanks for the giveaway :)

JustPam said...

There is no project linus in my area, however, I have participated in a different charity that makes quilts for hospitalized children.

Lori said...

I have not been able to locate a project linus close to where i live. I love to read. I will have to see if this is in our library.

Unknown said...

We do have Project Linus groups in and near where I live in Gresham, Oregon.

How wonderful to be able to pour a cup of coffee and be with friends through the pages of Jennifer's books.

I would love to have this one to add to my library.

hueisei said...

I am new to her books and I bought two last weekend. It's The Aloha Quilt and The Winding way quilt. I am reading The Winding now. I love to win this new book. Thanks for the chance to win.

Karrie said...

I'd love to read that book! I'm not sure where there is a Project Linus in my area, but i"m going to look into it.

Susan said...

I am not much of a reader (I have a hard time sitting still long enough to read a whole book) but this sounds like a book that I might actually read! I have lost track of the number of quilts that I have donated to our local chapter of Project Linus. I have even filled in for our local Project Linus' coordinator while she goes on vacation.

Karen O said...

My favorite books of all time. I would love to add this one to my collection! And to have the pins also! I just looked and there is a Project Linus chapter in my area. I will have to check it out!

Kindred Quilts said...

The local chapter of Project Linus covers Polk and Story county in central Iowa. My quilting gal pals and I donate baby quilts to a local hospital NICU, because one of our members has a grandson that spent many days of his early life there. He's an active 5 year old today! Shamefully, I haven't read any of the Elm Creek books...no time like the present!

Darlington Delights said...

Thanks for the review. I live in western rural Kentucky. It doesn't look like there is a chapter in my area. The closest is probably about 2 hours away in Nashville, TN. Sadly, I haven't been blessed with child's of my own, but I always wanted children to love and spoil and swaddle in homemade quilts. Maybe this is a great opportunity for me to reach out to some children in need of a little extra love right now.

Mary said...

I would love to read this book. Thank you for the chance to win. We have a Project Linus in Petaluma. Our mini quilt group contributes to them regularly.

Mary

Sandy said...

I would love a copy of this book.. I also quilt along with many other
crafts but quilting is special.
Thank you for the opportunity and thank you for your visit to my blog. You said, "We live in the same area".. must be Tampa Bay. Cool!
Happy April
Sandy

The Mayo Family said...

I've never been able to have any of these books...sure they are interesting & enjoyable.
How sweet of you for the chance!
My girls and I spoke about our lil-hospital here in our town...doesn't do any blanket/quilt type thing it's the next town 30mins away. However, why can't we start up something....
we are getting in on what are the needs, as well as you know you can always find some one who can use a quilt hugs...no matter who we are, live, work etc. there are needs every where you look! Thanks for bringing this up & posting it for us to really think about.
Praying for this & blessings~
Lori

The Thimblemouse of Country Crossroads said...

Thanks for the chance to win this book. There are several area quilt guilds that make and collect quilts for Project Linus. I support them as well as an online Project Linus coordinator that I've had the pleasure of becoming friends with thru FB.