Lives are transformed... one stitch at a time. As Amish widow Emma Yoder contemplates the task ahead, her thoughts center on one: What if she fails? Longing to remove a burden from her family by becoming self-sufficient, Emma has offered to hold quilting classes in her home. But when she sees the patchwork of faces assembled for the first lesson, her confidence dwindles as doubt threatens to take hold. There’s Star Stephens, a young woman yearning for stability; Pam and Stuart Johnston, a struggling couple at odds in their marriage; Paul Ramirez, a widowed father hoping to find solace in finishing a quilt; Jan Sweet, a rough and tough biker looking for something creative to do; and Ruby Lee Williams, a preacher’s wife seeking relaxation amid mounting parish problems. While Emma grows to realize her ability to share her passion for quilting and her faith, the beginning quilters learn to transform scraps of fabric into beauty. And slowly, their fragmented lives begin to take new shape — some in unexpected ways — with the helping hands of each other and the healing hand of God.
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"Amish widow Emma Yoder decides to conduct lessons on how to quilt- so she put notices around of her classes. First Star Stephens a troubled young girl- finds her grandmother had signed her up for the quilting lessons just days before she had died. Star decides as a tribute to her grandmother to go on and take the quilting lessons. Jan Sweet a big - tough biker- has been in trouble with the law- driving under the influence. Jan Sweet is on probation and his probation officer recommends to Jan that he find a creative outlet. When Jan sees Emma's quilting classes advertised he signs up. Then we have Pam and Stuart Johnson - a married couple with problems. Pam feels Staurt doesnt spend enough time doing things with her that she likes. She makes a deal with Stuart- if he goes to the quilting classes with her- she will go camping with him (Which Pam absolutely hates camping)!!! Ryby Lee WIlliams signs up for the quilting class because she feels kinda restless- her husband is a preacher and Ruby Lee thinks that maybe quilting will be a way to release her problems and emotions she is going through!!! Then last of all we have Paul Ramirez- who is a widower- left with a small baby (11 months old)!! Paul had a quilt for his little girl that his wife had started before she was killed in an accident. Paul takes the quilting class - first thinking he would just go long enough to find someone to finish the quilt for him!! Paul quickly discovers he would rather take the classes and finish the quilt himself!!!Such an odd assortment of people lead to quite a site!!! However Emma Yoder feels a connection with each and everyone of her quilting students!!! The students soon find out not only does Emma Yoder know how to quilt bus she has some good advice to offer as well!!!I laughed and cried through this whole book- the whole story just so wonderfully written as only Wanda Brunstetter can do!!! I have read all of Wanda Brunstetter's books so far - and this has been my favorite one- although I love ALL her books!!!! Definetly a five star rating!!!!"
— Helen (5 out of 5 stars)
“A feel-good novel with memorable characters…Brunstetter has outdone herself with this novel. Reading it is pure fun. Even though the characters have problems, they learn to overcome them and become the people God wants them to be.”
— RT Book Reviews (4½ stars)“This is an endearing tale about turning around the troubles in our lives and making good come from them. It is a story about letting past hurts shape who we are today and seeking forgiveness from those we truly love. This group of half-stitched quilters will truly touch your heart and give you plenty to think about. Don’t miss this one!”
— Fresh Fiction“Brunstetter’s fans will…have some fun as their favorite character resolves his or her crisis with a stitch in time.”
— Publishers Weekly" Somewhat dreadful, but I couldn't stop reading it. Morbid curiosity. This book is trying too hard to be relevant. "
— Mary, 2/12/2014" It was OK. The writing was adequate, but the plot and the characters were predictable and stiff. I finished it so it must have been OK, but I don't think I would read another book by her. "
— Andrea, 2/11/2014" Excellent book. 6 very troubled people answer Emma ad for quilting lessons. Emma helps learn to quilt and to make their way with God's help through life's troubles. "
— Pat, 2/2/2014" This was a very enjoyable read. I thoroughly enjoyed all the characters, even when they appeared to be unloveable or argumentative. Wanda Brunstetter is, in my opinion, very skillful at making me feel as though I could live the life of an Amish woman and still be content. "
— Jennifer, 1/27/2014" Everything turns out just as you know it will. "
— Cheryl, 1/18/2014" This book was so bad that I couldn't finish reading it... "
— Cathie, 1/7/2014" I have read several books by this author. I like this book the best so far. the mixture of characters make you want to read to find out what happens next. I can over look some of the things that don't sound right about the Amish life. I think that the author puts to many modern conveniences in to play for the Amish. "
— Caryn, 1/4/2014" It was predictable, but cute without being sappy. "
— Mel, 12/24/2013" OK. Predictable. Unbelievable. My eyes hurt from rolling back in my head. Maybe I live too close to Shipshewana where real people live. Sorry. "
— Elaine, 12/14/2013" Very interesting and funny book. Shows how people from all different backgrounds relate to and can help each other deal with issues in life. I liked it. Very clean book. "
— Crkirk, 12/12/2013" Not Wanda B's typical book, but a fun read. Quick as usual. It was interesting to see a new side to the English world. "
— Michelle, 11/21/2013" Just finished reading the Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club. Was Great. Sounds like I would have loved being a character in this book. A little bible, A little Amish lore, A little quilting history. Bravo. "
— Ann, 11/18/2013" Liked this quick read book. Always enjoy reading about the Amish culture. "
— Pam, 11/15/2013" This was a fun read! There were some plot twists, but they weren't very difficult to figure out. I'm not sure if this is going to be a series, but it set itself up where that is possible. Being a beginner at quilting I like how quilting brought others together. "
— 'Chele, 11/15/2013" A good book with well developed characters. At times I felt it dragged "
— Kelly, 11/8/2013" Predictable, but I enjoyed it. It is amazing what God can do through other people. "
— Ann, 10/5/2013" A grocery store impulse buy that I ended up enjoying. Light and uplifting. "
— Judy, 8/12/2013" A fun, fast read for times when one needs a little reminding about how to live with faith. While Brunstetter's narratives can be a bit predictable and her message a bit overbearing, her tone and characters are endearing and enjoyable. "
— Kristin, 8/2/2013" An enjoyable story. Hoping to see the play next year at Bird In the Hand Restaurant. I enjoy Amish stories. "
— Dawn, 6/15/2013" This book was an awesome read. "
— Marcie, 5/9/2013" I enjoyed this book. It's quick read. Found out that the book has been made into a musical. "
— Martha, 3/27/2013" i have enjoyed brunstetter's work for several years, and this is definitely a favorite. it is an easy, enjoyable if at times sobering, read. True to life, relatable characters, great development, and excellent pacing. i could not put it down! "
— Cody, 2/26/2013" I like the message in the book. No matter who you are or your walk in life, everyone needs love and respect. "
— Nadine, 2/16/2013" The cover of the book is what caught my eye in the beginning. Very cleverly done. The story itself was okay, told from each character's viewpoint. Nothing spectacular about it, just a nice, light read. Sometimes that's just what you need. "
— Deb, 2/2/2013Wanda E. Brunstetter became fascinated with the Amish way of life when she first visited her husband’s Mennonite relatives living in Pennsylvania. She has written numerous Amish romance novels, including the Daughters of Lancaster County series, the Sisters of Holmes County series, Lydia’s Charm, and many others. Brunstetter and her husband live in Washington State.
Renee Ertl is an audiobook narrator and actress with more than a hundred voice-over, print, on-camera commercial, and corporate video projects to her credit. She started working in the industry as an actress in summer stock and dinner theater, and she has traveled extensively, performing on cruise ships and touring with “Up with People.”