Bachelor's Puzzle (Patchwork Circle Series #1) [Paperback]

Judith Pella (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2007

He never intended to stay... The women of the Maintown church ladies society eagerly await the arrival of the new circuit-riding preacher--a bachelor, they've been told. To welcome him, they and their eligible daughters decide to make him a "welcome" quilt. The project turns into a fierce competition as each young woman tries to outdo the other in creating a quilt block so exquisite that it--and she--will gain the young minister's attention. Zack Hartley is unlike any preacher the church has ever seen. He bumbles about in the pulpit, and when he visits the sick, instead of praying for them he hangs laundry, washes dishes, tends children--does whatever needs doing. His inexperience and humorous blunders, however, eventually prove endearing and only further encourage the young ladies in their obvious attempts to snare him. But Zack is hiding something, and if his deception is found out, disappointing the Maintown ladies may be the least of his worries.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...a pleasant way to pass a few hours.... once the plot twists started coming, I couldn't put it down." -- Roseanna White, christianreviewofbooks.com

"Engaging characters and a brilliantly portrayed sense of time.... a fine addition to the Inspirational genre. Very nicely done!" -- RomanceDesigns.com

"Fans of historical romance and of Judith Pella will not want to miss this newest book." -- AromanceReview.com

"...a funny, charming story and well worth the read." -- Jill Hart, blogcritics.org

"Set in a post-Civil War frontier town, this sweet story is sure to charm your romantic side." -- Angie Hodapp, Quilter's Newsletter, March 2008

About the Author

Judith Pella is a bestselling, award-winning author whose writing career spans two decades. Her in-depth historical and geographical research combines with her skillful storytelling to provide readers with dramatic, thought-provoking novels. She and her husband make their home in Scapoose, Oregon.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (June 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764201336
• ISBN-13: 978-0764201332
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 7.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,021,720 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars delightful post Reconstruction Era novel, June 11, 2007

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bachelor's Puzzle (Patchwork Circle Series #1) (Paperback)

In 1882, the female members of the Mainland Church look forward to the new unmarried circuit riding preacher Zack Hartley who will live in the small Oregon town even though he will be on the road more than home. The women work together on a welcoming quilt that turns into a somewhat acrimonious rivalry once everyone meets the handsome minister.

Zack fumbles with his religious chores, but no one cares. He visits the sick, but does not pray for a miracle; instead he does women's chores like the wash and the cooking. This only endears him further in the hearts and minds of the female practitioners who see a caring man who would make a good son-in-law. However, none of the women know that this eligible bachelor has secrets involving Portland crime rings and dangerous thugs that will make most of them withdraw their opinion that he is a prized spouse.

The first "Patchwork Circle" historical tale is a delightful post Reconstruction Era novel starring likable townsfolk and a devilish minister. The story line is lighthearted fun as the women compete to gain the attention of the newcomer whose earthly ways endear him with the sewing circle females. Yet with all the rivalry friendship that abounds as the women teach Zack (perhaps too easily) what caring for others mean; he has a serious chance for redemption and love if he can go through the eye of the Lord's needle.

Harriet Klausner

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bachelor's Puzzle, June 25, 2007

By 

Bunny J. Bassett - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bachelor's Puzzle (Patchwork Circle Series #1) (Paperback)

Bachelor's Puzzle, book one of the Patchwork Circle Series, is Pella at her best!

Set in a fictional town, Maintown, Oregon, in 1882, she combines diverse characters and a plot with a twist. The reader is not sure which young woman will win the heart of the new minister. Could it be refined Ellie Newcomb or her tomboy sister, Maggie, or, one of the other eligible yung women?

I personally have difficulty keeping track of too many characters in a book. Therefore, I made notes on each character which I found unnecessary. Pella kept her characters consistent with smatterings of description throughout the book.

An added bonus for quilters is the Bachelor's Puzzle Quilt Pattern at the end of the book.

Pella sprinkles hints throughout the book like what happened between Ada Newcomb and Florence Parker in the past to cause their rivalry? Will we discover the answer in future books in the Patchwork Circle Series?

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't Put This One Down, April 30, 2008

By 

Jana Tether "Author, And God Created Human" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bachelor's Puzzle (Patchwork Circle Series #1) (Paperback)

I was hooked from the first page.The characters and plot are well developed, touched a cord in my heart and grabbed my attention. This town is in need of a preacher and welcomes Zack with open arms. He's not who he claims to be. The story is well executed and flows beautifully, as the relationship with the townspeople and Zack unfold. Maggie Newcomb, a tomboy spit-fire of a girl, and her family, are central in this wonderful story of suspense, friendship, trust and redemption.