The Cross-Country Quilters

Third book in a series. Needed an editor. Needed a copy editor, too. I counted at least three Capital “A”s missing. Maybe 4. Three of them were the beginnings of the name Adam. My first clue was when the sentence began “dam” did or said such-and-so. The second clue was when a different sentence began “res” said blah blah. Ares, the agent...

But the really sad piece of writing that deserved a decent editor was that surrounding the character of Grace, who was attempting to deal with MS. This should have been one of the strongest segments of the book, but was ruined because suddenly, with no introduction, after spending a full week at Quilt Camp with the character, we are told Grace is African American. What a great idea—but show more how poorly executed. Flash forward three or four scenes, and we find out that although Grace should be used to being stared at because she is Black, she can’t handle being stared at because she uses Canada braces. It really seems like having this powerful character was mashed up with a person of color as an afterthought—perhaps 5 minutes before the book went to the printer. Shame on Simon & Schuster! show less

In this third installment of the Elm Creek Quilts novel, the focus is less on the staff of the quilting retreat and more on the campers. We are introduced to Sylvia's friend Grace, a renowned quilt artist who finds herself out of ideas for new projects because of a condition she is battling. We are also introduced to Internet friends Megan and Donna. Megan has won this trip because of a quilt contest and convinces Donna to join her. Megan as a single mother is dealing with a negligent father and the problems her son is having because of no male role model. Donna is struggling with her college daughter's sudden behavioral change due to a relationship in which she is involved. Then there is Julia, an actress who needs to learn to quilt show more for a role she will be portraying. Returning once again is Vinnie, a lady who is determined to find a match for her grandson who has just ended a long-time relationship. Before leaving the camp, they agree to create a challenge quilt but can only work on their piece when they have resolved or made efforts to resolve the problem. The book alternates between the women showing the progress they are making during the year and future meet-ups. This book is all about friendship and how friends can get you through the toughest of times. The characters are well-developed and quite likeable. I absolutely loved this installment in the series and am looking forward to the next installment. show less

I quite enjoyed this book. It's the first of the series that I've read, but I get the feeling the characters come and go, like real life. I had no problem picking up the returning characters and the author introduced the new ones so well I didn't really know who was returning and who was new. It was written in a friendly, homey, warm style that kept me turning pages (staying up until 3 in the morning to finish a book isn't always such a good idea). The storyline focused on forming and maintaining friendships, which involved overcoming personal issues. These were everyday personal issues that anyone could encounter (rather than earth-shattering issues that happen only in fiction and tabloids). The threads were all seamlessly connected show more via quilting. How could you go wrong? (That was rhetorical, don't answer.) show less

This is the third in a series about quilters. Yes I know it sounds boring and no one gets murdered, but Jennifer Chiarerini writes her characters with warmth and understand that you can't help but get drawn into the book. In The Cross Country Quilters she introduces new characters and explores their lives with such depth and understanding that you have to wonder if they are based on real people. My only complaint is that all but one of these new characters don't appear in the fourth book. I can only hope that she brings them back in future books.

The fifth in a series of fiction about quilting and relationships. When I started this series, the only thing which kept me reading were the insights I gained into my sister's facination with quilting. As the series and author develope, however, the books are becoming more interesting in and of themselves. The Runaway Quilt, dealing with the Underground Railroad and the flu epidemic of the 1918's was especially good. The stories are becoming better, the characters more interesting and the writing is quite readable now. Nice to see an author's growth. Plus, I do understand my sister's hobby now. It is historical, practical, comforting and less expensive (I think) than a therapist, not to mention beautiful and artistic. A pouring of one's show more self and love into a project. Although I enjoyed reading these, I won't be keeping them on my shelves. Not really in my read again list. show less

This book is easy reading about a craft I admire from a far. It's also about friends hips and family relationships. The conflicts and within these relationships seem real; the resolutions seem plausible.
"...a carpenter taught me it's possible to transform your life even when all manner of obstacles are placed before you." (p.355) observed one character. And the group of quilting friends support and encourage each other as they piece together their "challenge" quilt. Brava!

The unlikely friendship that springs up between this group of quilters is an inspiring one. Each of the women in this group faces their challenges with the support of each other. I liked that the challenges weren't easy, and the solutions were realistic.