May ~ The Quilter's Apprentice by Jennifer Chiaverini

Thanks to Linda for hosting April's book club. We had a great discussion and everyone enjoyed getting to know the author of The Contract, J.L. Rasmussen. We're looking forward to reading more from her as she is in the process of writing her second book. But don't expect it to be anything like The Contract - You'll have to stay tuned to find out!

Ursula will be hosting the book club on May 16th. We will be reviewing:

The Quilter's Apprentice (Elm Creek Quilts #1)

by Jennifer Chiaverini

 3.81  ·   rating details  ·  3,669 ratings  ·  584 reviews

After moving with her husband, Matt, to the small college town of Waterford, Pennsylvania, Sarah McClure struggles to find a fulfilling job. In the meantime, she agrees to help seventy-five-year-old Sylvia Compson prepare her family estate, Elm Creek Manor, for sale. As part of her compensation, Sarah is taught how to quilt by this cantankerous elderly woman, who is a master of the craft.

During their lessons, Mrs. Compson reveals how her family was torn apart by tragedy, jealousy, and betrayal, and her stories force Sarah to face uncomfortable truths about her own alienation from her widowed mother. As their friendship deepens, Mrs. Compson confides in Sarah the truth about why she wants to sell Elm Creek Manor. In turn, Sarah seeks a way to bring life and joy back to the estate so Mrs. Compson can keep her home -- and Sarah can keep her cherished friend. The Quilter's Apprentice teaches deep lessons about family, friendship, and sisterhood, and about creating a life as you would a quilt: with time, love, and patience, piecing the miscellaneous and mismatched scraps into a beautiful whole.

April ~ The Contract by J.L. Rasmussen

Sometimes, what we think are our best decisions can become our worst. Dacie had everything she ever wanted, a marriage to her best friend and a baby on the way and yet the decision that made it all possible also became the decision that haunted her. Every smile, every look, every memory became a nightmare. If she could only undo The Contract.

We will be reviewing The Contract by J.L. Rasmussen on Wednesday, April 18, 7 p.m. at Linda's house. I believe this will also be attended by the author. We've been really spoiled these last months with the authors coming to share their insight and answering our questions.

Last month the author of Hunchback, Randall Wright, came. He told us how he came to be an author and what inspired him to write the story of the young, hunchbacked boy, Hodge. We were even able to give him some advice on his writing: Write a sequel to Hunchback! Thanks again, Fay, for not only hosting the club last month but for raising such a talented and imaginative son. We look forward to reading more from him.