Book Review ~ A Grand Design by Amber Stockton

 

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Blurb:

 

When Alyssa Denham, a single career woman, wins a fun getaway for two on Mackinac Island where her grandmother lives, she gives her carefree best friend a call. Together, they tour the old shops and hidden treasures of the quaint island while helping Alyssa’s grandmother piece together an heirloom quilt. Their quest gains them entrance into the homes of many longtime residents of the island, parts of the city that are otherwise off limits to tourists.

As the quilt’s story takes shape, Alyssa gains amazing insight into her grandmother’s life . . . and attracts the attention of the handsome Scott Whitman, an island resident in charge of hotel transportation. Will memories of her past keep Alyssa from letting go? Or will the quest to piece together the heirloom quilt restore Alyssa’s fractured heart—and bring healing to her entire family?  

My Thoughts:

 

Years ago, I saw a commercial advertising Mackinac Island.  The images from that commercial have stuck with me all this time.  It seems like it would be like stepping back in time.

 

It was really interesting to read a book set on Mackinac Island and also feature quilting.

 

This was a sweet book that was a joy to read.  Alyssa's grandmother was quite the character.  I was glad that Alyssa was able to heal from past hurts and move on with her life.

 

I've read many of the "Quilts of Love" series.  I can't say that this was my favorite but they all have been good reads.

 

I want to visit Mackinac Island more than ever!

 



Colletta

Book Review ~ Rival Hearts by Tara Randel ~ 12/14/17

 

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Blurb:

 

They both want the promotion. But will they find out that it is worth the cost?

Molly Henderson and Ben Weaver have been rival magazine writers for the same publishing group for years. When both come up for the same promotion, they find themselves in an unexpected competition to win the spot. Molly, editor of Quilter’s Heart, and Ben, editor of Outdoor Adventures, must switch roles, each working for the other for one month, then submit an article at the end of their quests.

Can girly-girl Molly survive the outdoor adventures that Ben has planned? Can Ben navigate the perils of the social dynamics of quilting events without destroying a valuable quilt in one short month? More importantly, in this he-said, she-said situation, will Molly and Ben give in to their attraction and fall in love, no matter who wins?

My Thoughts:

 

 I've been in another serious reading slump.  I hadn't read a book in probably 2 months or more even though I had a few book reviews scheduled out.

 

I finished a large crocheting project and decided I'd really like to spend some time reading but I needed a book that would draw me in.  In the past, the Quilts of Love Series has been met this criteria for me.

 

It took me a week to get it read (lots of Christmas preparations and life) but I'm so excited that I actually read a book!  It is a step in the right reading direction :)

 

I really enjoyed the premise of this book.  Two magazine editors vying for the same promotion and their boss throwing in a challenge or, you might say, competition.

 

It was so much fun reading about an indoorsy quilter learning to kayak and an outdoorsy manly man learning to quilt.

 

This was a fun, great read!

 

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Linking up to:  Share Your Cup;  Grandma Ideas, Literacy Musings and Saturday Situation, Booknificent. Party at My Place , Saturday Review of Book , Book Nook, Hearts for Home, The Monday Review, Homemaking Party,  Favorite Things

Book Review ~ Tempest's Course by Lynette Sowell ~ 6/15/17

 

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Blurb:

 

  Kelly Frost, a textiles conservator, is invited to the Massachusetts coastal city of New Bedford to restore a more than 150-year-old Mariner's Compass quilt. But there is one stipulation: she must live and work in Gray House, a former whaling captain's home, where the quilt is stored.

 

There she meets Tom Pereira, the caretaker of Gray House, whose heart seems as hard as the rocky Massachusetts coastline. Over the long-lit months as Kelly works to restore the quilt, she is drawn out of her self-imposed shell and embraces the family God has given her after her own family failed her.

 

As Kelly reads stories in a journal penned by Mary Gray, she learns there is no transgression beyond God's forgiveness, but the real obstacle is forgiving herself. During her and Tom's journey to grace and love, an unknown force works to keep both of them from discovering a long-buried truth that will change their lives forever.    

My Thoughts:

 

 I've enjoyed every "Quilts of Love" book I've read.

 

They are so interesting and intriguing.  This book was both of those things!  From the beginning it was mysterious and suspenseful.

 

The quilt aspect was very interesting as it is in all the books of this series.

 

Another really cool aspect of this book was Mary Gray's Journal from the 1850's that Kelly finds in Gray House.  I really enjoyed the excerpts spread throughout the book.  Each excerpt divulged a little more to the mystery.

 

I enjoyed the characters and the setting of this book greatly.  Kelly was an interesting Leading Lady and Tom was an intriguing Hero, each with their own past and frailties.

 

I loved how quickly I flew through this book!

 

On to the next!

 

For the Biblical "Way of Salvation" please see my header or click HERE.

 

Linking up to:  Share Your Cup;  Grandma Ideas, Literacy Musings and Saturday Situation, Booknificent. Party at My Place , Saturday Review of Book , Book Nook, Hearts for Home