Customer Reviews

Sister's Choice (Patchwork Circle Series, Book 2)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A continuation of book one is exciting to see the confusion and frustration of another young woman longing to be certain she marries the right man. A little bit of history, religion and a lot of family make for a sweet book, especially if you are an avid quilter!

In 1882 in Maintown, Oregon Maggie Newcomb feels good for her sister who fell in love with the circuit riding preacher and has his affection too (see BACHELOR'S PUZZLE). However, she is a bit envious as her heart is set on someone who does not appear to share her love. Still although she knows she is not that good at quilting and hears how bad she is all the time from Emma Jean Stoddard, she feels that is the way to her beloved. Maggie dreams un-Christian thoughts as she would like to not turn the other cheek and for once tell the woman to stick it where the sun don't shine. However, she fears alienating the woman she hopes will one day soon be her mother-in-law as she feels she is in love with Emma Jean's son Colby.

Maggie works extra hard to improve her quilting skills, but apparently all for naught when affluent beauty Tamara Brennan arrives. Colby joins the chorus line of admirers leaving Maggie stunned by his sudden disregard for her. She turns to her close friend Evan for help, which he reluctantly gives as he loves Maggie with all his heart, but understands how unrequited love hurts.

The second Patchwork Quilt inspirational historical romance once again brings to life the Pacific Northwest during the post Reconstruction Era. Maggie is magnificent as she holds the tale together with her campaign to win the heart of Colby, but soon begins to wonder if she is fickle as she begins to look at her aide differently. More character driven and less action than the first story, fans will appreciate this vivid late nineteenth century tale that picturesquely displays community living.

Harriet Klausner

I really enjoyed the second book, Sisters Choice. It had great heart. I do hate so much when there is a theme in a book, and at the end of the book the mystery isn't solved. The reason her mom and another lady were at odds with each other, and they would take it to the grave, should have been somehow revealed at the end of the book for is was a big part of the quilting club characters. It was only a disappointment, but by no way spoiled the book. You will enjoy seeing Maggie grow up.

This takes up where Book 1 left off with the main character in focus this time being Maggie and her hunt for a husband. Set in Northern Oregon in the 1800's, Maggie has her sights on Colby, but is going to have to impress his mother with her quilt making skills which are not up to par because she is much more of a tomboy. Maggie enlists the help of a former classmate Evan who is now a lawyer to help Tommy get out of jail on murder charges for killing his father. A good christian book with good moral standards and a few words of wisdom as a bonus. A must read for any quilter who likes the Jennifer Chiaverini books.

I read this book back to back with book one in the series. I enjoyed it and loved the plot twist in this book. The series also does a nice job of addressing social issues such as not fitting in, and family crisis. There are a few references that don't seem to fit with the period, but I could be wrong. Phrases such as "raid the cookie jar" or "raid the scrap bin" seem more modern. Names such as Colby seem out of place. But, if you can overlook these distractions, you'll enjoy these books.

This series has taken a different sort of turn for Judith Pella's writing. Her other books usually consist of international intrigue dealing with foreign affairs. This one however has that comfort feeling of America out west. I enjoyed learning about quilting as I have always found the art to be truly stunning. It's not something I could do but I greatly admire those that do make quilts. They are not just practical items for a household. Quilts are also pieces of highly skilled craftsmanship that tell a story within the stitches and fabric.

I really liked the characters in this story. Maggie is a good combination of a young woman who is both looking for love and to grow up but at the same time still enjoys the freedom of being single and being young. I really liked how she's grown up A LOT since the last book. That had been my one complaint and I was glad to see it rectified. She's very loyal to her family and she's a good friend to those in need. Evan is the smart, nerdy guy who's bumbling but caring and cute (I love guys in spectacles lol). I really liked how their friendship grew and evolved. Never do I get annoyed with either one of them throughout the entire story. It was also good to see Ellie and Zack from the first book and bring us up to date on what they've been going through and for their upcoming wedding. The romance is a bit Cyrano de Bergerac so it's like a romantic comedy where you know what's going to happen but you're happy with the results regardless.

As I said, I really love all the characters and I would love to see a third book in the series, at least to catch up with everyone one more time and tie up all loose ends. If you enjoy a relaxing fall read, love historical fiction and are also a big fan of quilting, this is the perfect book for you.

Not real "spell-binding" but good teaching and one when you lay it down, you're anxious to get back to it and see what choices are being made. And, I like quilting.

SISTER'S CHOICE is the second book in the Patchwork Circle Series. Picking up where we left off in BACHELOR'S PUZZLE, Maggie Newcomb has her sights set on the very available and good-looking, Colby Stoddard. Knowing she'll have to win over his possessive mother, Maggie sets out to improve her domestic skills, including the task she dislikes most ¯stitching. When Maggie finds out that Colby's mother is trying to set him up with town newcomer, Tamara Brennan, she enlists the help of Evan Parker ( who has his own affections set on Tamara) to be a distraction to Tamara while Maggie tries to gain Colby's interest. Evan, a local boy returning from Boston with a degree in law and little self-esteem is a bit bumbling, but that is what endears you to him. He feels his attempt at trying to sway Tamara's attention in his direction will be short of a miracle, but does it anyway to help out Maggie in her quest.
SISTER'S CHOICE was a great follow-up to BACHELOR's PUZZLE. Maggie's scheming is very entertaining, and of course, as you read on, you realize her own plot is going to backfire. But even with the predictable premise, you enjoyed following Maggie as she grows up and learns what is important in a person. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

Yes, I did enjoy this book. I liked how it ended. I love historical fictions and this book is an excellent read. It has several funny moments that pull you towards the characters. I had to read the ending twice b/c I enjoyed it that much.

I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next book in this series.