A Lifelong Love for Quilting Starts in 1967, Arthur, Illinois
Despite the best efforts of Emma Bontrager’s mother, Emma hasn’t learned much of anything that will prepare her to be an Amish wife. Therefore, she’s sent to Arthur, Illinois, to be taught by her paternal grandmother. Though she would rather be fishing, hiking, or playing baseball, Emma finally listens to her grandmother and even finds she enjoys working on a Tree of Life quilt. Having met a nice young man, she now feels more prepared for marriage. But rumors swirl around his character, and it looks like she’ll be returning to Indiana with a broken heart. Even so, her time in Illinois has ignited a new passion for quilting that will last for years.
- A stand-alone prequel to The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club and Half-Stitched, the musical.
Despite the best efforts of Emma Bontrager’s mother, Emma hasn’t learned much of anything that will prepare her to be an Amish wife. Therefore, she’s sent to Arthur, Illinois, to be taught by her paternal grandmother. Though she would rather be fishing, hiking, or playing baseball, Emma finally listens to her grandmother and even finds she enjoys working on a Tree of Life quilt. Having met a nice young man, she now feels more prepared for marriage. But rumors swirl around his character, and it looks like she’ll be returning to Indiana with a broken heart. Even so, her time in Illinois has ignited a new passion for quilting that will last for years.
- A stand-alone prequel to The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club and Half-Stitched, the musical.
MY THOUGHTS.....
Many fans of Wanda E. Brunstetter are familiar with Emma Yoder Miller and her impressive quilting skills, but we now get to learn how young Emma was introduced to this wonderful tradition. Emma Bontrager's lack of interest in cooking and quilting prompted her mother to send Emma to spend the summer with her grandparents. Hopefully, Emma would learn the skills she would need as a young Amish wife. What followed was Emma's introduction to cooking, quilting, and a special young man in Arthur, Illinois. What a summer 1967 turned out to be!
I loved this prequel to Brunstetter's Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club, and two other books featuring Emma Bontrager Yoder Miller. Emma and Ivan Yoder exemplify all of the special qualities we expect of people raised in the Amish faith, and I was especially impressed by Ivan's commitment to doing what was right at the risk of losing something he dreamed of and longed for. The Beginner's Quilt has wonderful characters, an intriguing complication that I didn't see coming, and a reminder that we must take responsibility for our actions. This lovely page-turner left me wanting to read the other books featuring Emma!
I received a copy of this book from the author and Barbour Books. There was no obligation for a positive review.
I loved this prequel to Brunstetter's Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club, and two other books featuring Emma Bontrager Yoder Miller. Emma and Ivan Yoder exemplify all of the special qualities we expect of people raised in the Amish faith, and I was especially impressed by Ivan's commitment to doing what was right at the risk of losing something he dreamed of and longed for. The Beginner's Quilt has wonderful characters, an intriguing complication that I didn't see coming, and a reminder that we must take responsibility for our actions. This lovely page-turner left me wanting to read the other books featuring Emma!
I received a copy of this book from the author and Barbour Books. There was no obligation for a positive review.
New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. With over 12 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nation's most prestigious bestseller lists and receive numerous awards.
When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and family ties. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club Series
The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club
The Tattered Quilt
The Healing Quilt
The Beginner's Quilt (Prequel)
