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26 March 2013

A Quilt for Jenna by Patrick E. Craig Reviewed by Marian Baay

A Quilt for Jenna


Reviewed by Marian Baay

Jerusha Springer is known for her excellent quilting skills in her Amish community. Her grandmother taught her how to quilt and often reminded her not to be proud of her work. 
About a year ago Jerusha has lost her little girl, Jenna. Shortly after that her husband, Reuben, disappeared and nobody knows where he went. She became bitter and is drowned in hate towards God. She decides to make a beautiful silk quilt, with which she hopes to win the first prize at a fairand that would be her way out of the Amish community. A local Englisher, Henry, is going to drive her to the fair, but they end up in a horrible blizzard. The car hits a stray cow, gets into a ditch, and can’t get out. Henry leaves Jerusha in the car and goes out for help, but something happens to Henry and help doesn’t come…

While Jerusha is waiting in the car she’s thinking back to conversations she had with her grandmother when she was growing uphow she promised to never leave the Amish faith. This is the beginning of a spiritual battle.
When help doesn’t come and Jerusha is ready to give up, she finds someone who gives her determination to carry on. They must get out of the terrible weather before hypothermia sets in. Will she find a warm shelter in time?

This book also tells the story of Jerusha’s husband Reubenfrom his best friend Bobby’s point of view. Reuben left Jerusha after their daughter died. Now that Jerusha is missing, Bobby feels that he must find her. While searching for her, he has also a lot of time to think. He remembers how he became friends with Reuben – how Reuben wasn’t sure about the Amish faith – how they served as Marines and fought against the Japanese in 1942 – how much Reuben was changed after the war – and what made him decide to leave Jerusha.

The author really surprised me with this book! It was so different from what I had expected it to beand that is meant as a compliment!

After reading the blurb I had no idea the story would go into this direction and I was pleasantly surprised! This is an emotional story of loss and redemption. Be sure to have the tissues ready! Nicely done, Patrick!

*Thanks to the publisher for providing me an ARC through NetGalley.*

You can find Patrick's books at Amazon, CBD and other bookstores.




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GIVEAWAY: Patrick has graciously offered to give away two copies of A Quilt for Jenna. To enter the giveaway answer the question. This week, we are also giving away a copy of winner's choice of any of his books in choice of format.

QUESTION: Have you ever made a quilt, or would you like to do so? What is your favorite quilt pattern?



111 comments:

  1. i make quilts all the time, my family members all have one,my favorit is the bow tie
    i would love to be a winner of the give away

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    1. Shirley, how cool that you have made so many quilts. We will enter you in the drawing. Good luck.

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  2. I have never made a quilt but love to make one. Double wedding ring is my favorite pattern. Sharma Darby rdarby@roadrunner.com

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    1. I have never made on either, but I love to look at them. Good luck in the draw, Sharma.

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  3. I have never made a quilt. My skills in that dept. are limited to making and quilting cloth Christmas ornaments. One year, I did sweatshirts with matching ornaments for both of my sisters. Please accept my entry in this giveaway. Thank you, meashy@verizon.net

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    1. How nice that you made those sweatshirts! Thanks for stopping by, Mary Ellen.

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  4. Have you ever made a quilt, or would you like to do so? I started a quilt about 30 years ago but never finished it. :(

    What is your favorite quilt pattern? I truly can't say that I have a favorite pattern. There are so many that I love.

    cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com

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  5. I have not made a quilt, but I have several family members who have made beautiful ones! I have always admired the Log Cabin pattern. My late husband and I admired many Amish quilts when we visited Lancaster, PA. Great memories...
    susanlulu@yahoo.com

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  6. I have never made a quilt but would love too! I love the double wedding ring quilts!

    Ramblesahm at yahoo dot com

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    1. Maybe someday you will make a double wedding ring quilt. :) That would be fun!

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  7. Yes I have pieced several and One of the ones I like best is the one I am doing now Shooting Stars..Have also made an Alabama & an Auburn Quilts for the daughters. I would love to be entered in the contest . Thank you
    Quilting Blessings,
    Elizabeth
    lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com

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  8. I've never made a quilt but would love to try to make a "Stain Glass" quilt pattern.

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    1. Please leave your email to enter the contest, or we won't be able to contact you if you win.

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  9. Really a great review, Marian! You know how much I love my Amish books so this sounds right up my alley! I have never made a quilt and will never make a quilt. lol I also love the double wedding rings quilt! Gorgeous!

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    1. When was the last time you read an Amish book, Diana? I can't remember you telling me that you were reading one...

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    2. I have a bunch on my Kindle and some new ones in paperback and I won about three Amish books, too. Probably the last one I read was Serena Miller's, An Uncommon Grace, but I would sure enjoy reading A Quilt For Jenna!

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  10. Thanks for today's review. Amish fiction is by far my favorite genre for books. I love quilts but I have never tried to make one. I'm not sure I'm that skilled :). My favorite quilt pattern I've seen is a diamond patch.

    Katie J.
    johnsonk133[at]yahoo[dot]com

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Katie! Maybe you should just try to make a quilt. Start with a small one. :)

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  11. I've only made quilted pillow tops but I would love to one day make a full size quilt. I come from a long line of quilters, too, but I never had the desire until later in life.

    Not entering for the book as I already have a copy.

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    1. I admire people who make quilts. I wouldn't know what to do with a needle. ;)

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    2. Yes, she would, ANNE! She would poke me with it! ;)

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    3. Don't give me ideas, DIANA!! :P

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  12. I've never quilted before. I have made blankets with cross stitch though. I'm not sure what it's called, but my favorite is the star design! I have been wanting to read this book! It's one of the next on my book buys list! makeighleekyleigh at yahoo dot com OWG

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    1. Maybe you will win this week and don't need to buy the book. Good luck in the drawing, Megan!

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  13. I have never made a quilt, however, I have been sewing since I was a child. I am very interested in quilting, and have tried my hand at making a wall hanging. It turned out very well, and I would enjoy doing more of them.
    This book sounds great. I will be adding it to my 'to be read' list!
    Betti

    bettimace(at)gmail(dot)com.

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    1. It's nice to be able to decorate your house with a selfmade wall hanging. Maybe one day you will make a quilt as well.

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  14. I've made a few in my life. Working on one for daughters graduation this spring right now.

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  15. I once cut out blocks when I was a teenager but must admit my mother set it together and quilted it. :( I love them but am too involved in other pursuits and my mother-in-law left probably 25 when she passed away. Actually many of them decorate my house and my children have taken oh, so many. My favorite quilt pattern would be the double wedding ring I think [especially the baby wedding ring]. Great review Marian. I'd love to win!! Blessings! Darlene
    spangldlady[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Can you believe I don't have a quilt in my house? And you have 25!! Wow!

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  16. Hi Marian . good review of Patrick's book. I have never quilted the regular way, except a small part of one in a group quilting for the Eastern Star group when was in KS. I told them then I couldn't help more unless they wanted a bloody quilt. This from a person who has sewn since I was about 9. I made 2 tied quilts that I was very proud of. 1 was a baby quilt and the other a queen sized quilt for my son's wedding. ( Which he lost when leaving it the storage place of a mobile home when it was sold.) (Cry!) I embroidered joined wedding rings with names and date in it. And drew animal pictures and embroidered them on every other block on the granddaughter's baby quilt. That we still have. I used to watch my grandmother and mother spend evenings quilting. Wish I had been able to own one of them. There are so many patterns that I love. But, especially the weeding rings. Please put me down for the drawing. MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com Love OWG

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    1. MAXIE, I'm sorry the quilt was lost! They are so much work. :( It sounds lovely...I love the wedding rings quilts as well!

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    2. So glad that you love OWG. :) We love you, too, and we love to read your comments. Sometimes I feel sorry that I never learned quilting, but I don't really like to do any sort of needle work. I have knitted some, but that's all. :) We will enter you in the drawing. Good luck!!

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  17. I have never made a quilt. I started one years ago but never finished it and have since lost the scraps somewhere. I would have loved to finish it. Thank you for the chance to win

    griperang at embarqmail dot com

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    1. ANGELA, at least you made a start. I have never even done that as far as quilting goes. But, I did make a dress, MARIAN BAAY!

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    2. That sounds like my mom, Angela...she also starts things to never finish it.

      DIANA, I'm impressed and speechless!!!

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  18. I have made MMMAAANNNYYYY quilts. My favorite patten is Mariner's Compass. Thanks for asking!

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    1. Oh, SUSAN! I sure would LOVE to see them! I imagine they are quite beautiful!

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  19. I just commented (see above) here is my email (oops) jksfamily5@gmail.com

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  20. Yes I have made a couple of quilts, the simple nine square and some baby quilts. My Mom used to quilt a lot and she used the log cabin and the drunkards path a lot because there was such a variety of them.

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. WENDY, that is so cool! I would not even know where to start! The drunkard's path?...I'm not sure I know what that is. :/

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  21. This review and giveaway brought back some great memories of growing up- quilting,baking,sewing,canning and cleaning(OK, maybe not the last two so much)!
    I used to make quilts w/my grandmother when we were both much younger and before she passed away. We made many, many different designs that we mostly made up to accommodate the fabric scraps we had left over from sewing projects but never crazy quilts for some reason.
    My favorite(don't know correct name)was a little girl in a bonnet w/a basket of flowers. I loved pretending I was the little girl-I had so many different dress and flowers!! Unfortunately most of the quilts were lost in a flood.
    Thanks for jogging a wonderful memory!

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    1. Thank you for sharing those childhood memories, Robbye!

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  22. Forgot to leave my email.
    robbyefaye(at)gmail(dot)com

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  23. I've only taught & made crayola quilts to my high school home ec Seniors.

    missionwife@hotmail.com

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    1. That sounds nice, Melody. Good luck in the drawing.

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  24. I love quilting. I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite pattern. Great post. Blessings, Susan Fryman susanngarrylee@yahoo.com

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    1. I thought you like doing that, Susan! Good luck in the draw!

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  25. I have always hoped to learn how to do quilting, but until recently I have been too busy to do it. I love the quilting with the French Ribbon Embroidery on them, which is my favorite.

    Thank you for this giveaway of the book "A Quilt For Jenna". I would really love to read it.

    hmmbailey@live.ca

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    1. Maybe you will learn it later. You're never too old to learn. ;)

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  26. Good (early) morning! :)

    Although I haven't been able to take up quilting, my Mum and I are beginner knitters!! Knitting, quilting, spinning, rug hooking, and felting are the old world arts and crafts that I want to master at some point! :) I'd love to be able to put together quilts as easily as I am finding that I am picking up knitting patterns! I enjoy giving back through charity, as I knit more for others than I do for myself -- enso, my favourite quilt would be a patchwork quilt of all my old t-shirts that I'd love to help my Mum piece together! We've been dreaming of doing this for a very long time, and I look forward to when we can begin! We always seek out yarn or fabric indie shoppes on our travels, as its always a lovely afternoon discussing possible future projects and ironing out which project we each want to knit for a friend or what new prayer shawl to attempt for the prayer shawl ministry! :) Likewise, I would presume the same will ring true for quilting! Until then, I am deeply attached to Jennifer Chiaverini's Elm Creek series which is a multi-generational family saga that is stitched together by a passion for quilts!!

    Although, I haven't yet stumbled across this particular author,... one of my favourite theme threads are Amish fiction stories that weave together a humbling life affirmation and story of redemption by including the nearly lost art of quilting! I have appreciated them mostly through Heartsongs, but there are others, and I am sure if I were to win, I'd appreciate this story as well! :)

    Thank you for offering the bookaway!
    inkand-bookaways(at)usa.net

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    1. Thanks for telling, Jorie. I hope you will be able to master the old world arts and crafts at a time. Meanwile enjoy doing the things you are doing right now. Sounds great! I hope you will enjoy this book when you get to reading it.

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  27. No, I have never made a quilt. I would like to attempt to try and learn how to make a quilt. What type of quilt style do I like? Well, to tell you the truth I like all the different design of quilts. I am clueless to the different names of the quilt patterns.

    Thank you, strgth4yu@hotmail.com

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    1. You are like me -- also clueless to the different names and quilt patterns. I have looked up some of the names mentioned in earlier posts. I like them all!

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  28. Ooh great review MARIAN!! You've made it sound quite intriguing as to what is going on and what happens next! :)

    I've never quilted and I rarely touch a needle these days except to sew on buttons! I have a friend however who loves to quilt and is extremely good at it. I wouldn't mind learning, but first I'd need a sewing machine and then I'd need time! So I don't think it'll be happening! :)

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    1. That almost sounds like my life, Noela. The only times I pick up a needle is to sew on buttons... and to poke Diana. ;)

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  29. great review !! first quilt I ever made was when my dad passed away.....I cut his flannel shirts into 9 inch squares and put them together as a cover for my mom... I used every shirt, including the ones he worked in, a couple had paint on them... it was a full size quilt, and it was just randomly put together, just squares with the backing in floral fabric. I used the smaller pieces to put on a mat for a 5 x 7 picture for each of us, using his flannel shirts gave us a great memory... will be doing one for my mom that passed in 2011.. thanks, and have a blessed day... Rosemary

    rfoley@salemstate.edu

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    1. That is a great way to remember, Chicki!
      Blessings!

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  30. I have never made a quilt but own several of them. I think quilting in beyond my talent.
    Thanks for the opportunity to win a book!!!
    jewitty@sbcglobal.net

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Jane. Good luck in the drawing!

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  31. I don't sew at all, but think hand made quilts are beautiful!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. They are beautiful indeed. Good luck in the drawing, Patty!

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  32. I've never quilted and wouldn't know what type I'd prefer. My husband's grandmother gave us a quilt when we got married in1977. It was a white quilt with purple and green embroidery. She also made him a red patchwork quilt when he was a boy. Sadly when she died she didn't indicate who should receive the quilts she had made up in advance. There were not enough for all her grandchildren. I'm not sure what happened since we were away in college and tried to stay out of this fight.

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    1. At least you got the wedding quilt. Do you still have it?
      Please leave your email so we can contact you if you are the winner.

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  33. I've never made a quilt before but I sure would like to try. It looks like alot of fun! I have alot of favorite patterns, there all so pretty.

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    1. my email is northerncountrygrl26@gmail.com

      forgot to put that!

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    2. Liz, maybe someday you will make a quilt. Who knows...
      Good luck in the draw.

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  34. I love to quilt and I am just finishing one now. It is my own design, I have made some with patterns but like doing my own thing. Would love to win this give away.

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    1. That sounds inventive to make your own design, Pamela. Please leave your email address.

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  35. I love quilts, but I am not able to make them. A friend of mine does and they are beautiful She makes wall hangings and runners too. My favorite is lone star. Id love to win!

    terri shea
    terrikem@aol.com

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Terri. Lots of luck to you.

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  36. I never made a quilt before but i'm interested in learning how to make one. I love all different kinds of shapes of quilt. please make me a winner i love very much reading amish books.

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    1. Nancy, please leave your email address, so we can contact you if you are the winner.

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  37. Marian, I've never made a quilt but I'd like to. I don't think I'll be able to because of my health and vision problems, though. My mother made many gorgeous quilts and I appreciate them so much. We have several we use and some that are hung on the wall. I know every stitch was done with love. Was thinking that although I won't have a quilt to leave behind I hope my stories/books will be something tangible to mark my days. I like to do beading but that is hard, too. Blessings!

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    1. Leaving your stories/books surely is a legacy, Carrie.

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  38. Hey Noela, the old timers didn't use sewing machines It was all handwork. :) But, I had a friend with such tiny stitches that it could be as good as a sewing machine. Her quilts were very popular. Maxie All of the things I sewed when I was a child were done with a needle and thread and a lot of want to. :)

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    1. It's hard to imagine that all the beautiful gowns of old were sewed with a needle and thread, Maxie!

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  39. I can't wait to get this book and read it. Sounds like it will be a good one.
    Shirley Culpepper bluebell5071@yahoo.com

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    1. We'll put you in the drawing and who knows...maybe you'll win, Shirley.

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  40. I love quilts...I have always wanted to learn how,but so far I haven't.I love all the patterns,I guess because of my love for quilts.I would love to be able to make a memory quilt.If I had to pick a favorite,I guess it would be the wedding ring quilt.Thanks...jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com

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    1. I think that is really cool to make a memory quilt. I hope you will get the chance to make one someday, Jackie.

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  41. I knitted my daughter a 'crazy quilt' a few years ago, but I've never sewn one. I do love to admire them though.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  42. I once made a flying geese quilt for a neighbor, it was a lap-quilt for her made of fabrics she had collected from down in Lancaster co PA. I like the double wedding ring or the Texas Star myself. I would love to read A Quilt for Jenna.
    Thank you for sharing and for offering a giveaway !
    Blessings
    Linda Finn
    faithfulacres7@gmail.com

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Linda Marie.
      Blessings to you as well.

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  43. I've never made a quilt or anything else of substance. If it involves a needle and thread, I avoid it since I have absolutely no talent whatsoever in that area. None. I remember a Home Economics class I took in high school. We were supposed to make a dress, a straight shift of sorts. I sewed the back to the front so many times that my teacher took pity on me and finished it herself.
    I do, though, have 2 beautiful quilts made by my great-grandmother in the hills of Tennessee. The quilts are brightly colored (even after all these years) and very soft. I love them.
    Good job, Marian Baay, on the book review. Joy Ross Davis

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    1. You always bring a smile to my face with your needle and thread stories, Joy. :) Glad you have those quilts from your great-grandmother and that they are still so beautiful. Blessings!

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  44. Hi,I would like to be entered in your contest fir the book tour offering.I love Amish books.They are my favorite books.I have made a small YoYo quilt for my niece for a baby gift and I made just a block quilt for my oldest son and I have actually started on a Cathereal quilt for myself.Excuse the spelling.I also have started another YoYo quilt for one of my great granddaughters.Blessings to all that enter.Thanks Linda

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, my new friend Linda. :) Good luck in the drawing.

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  45. I tried to make a quilt once with an instructor but it didn't come out the way it was supposed to. I was trying to make a Trip Around the World quilt. I still have it sitting in the bag with all the fabric and quilting stuff. I would love to try and make a quilt the right way someday.

    Karen G.
    kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

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    1. What a pity that the quilt didn't come out the way it was supposed to. It sounds so interesting a Trip Around the World guilt. Maybe someday in the future you will succeed, Karen.

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  46. I do make quilts. Have made close to 50 now.
    I would love to read this book, thank you.

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  47. I have always wanted to learn how to make a quilt. I would have to start out small since my sewing days go all the way back to Home Ec in High School.
    Happy Easter to You & Yours,
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. It would be a nice challenge to try to make one, Janet! Happy Easter to you as well.

      Delete
  48. oops forgot
    majik47(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  49. Oh Wow! What a perfect contest for me to enter. I learned to quilt four years ago and found it makes my heart so happy! I also love reading about the Amish! Thank you for the opportunity!

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    1. That is cool, Karen! I hope you will make many more quilts with a happy heart. :)

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  50. I have never made a quilt, but I did get to tie a quilt once, when the church ladies made some quilts and then had a quilt tying party--they were then given to missionaries, I believe. As to what is my favorite quilt, I have a friend who has made several quilts including some Thomas Kinkade, and I would LOVE to have one of those...

    Amish books are fun to read, and my mom & her sister also enjoy them, so I would love to win this and then pass it on to them...
    Vicki OWG
    vmarney(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. I love Thomas Kinkade's paintings, Vicki. A quilt of it would be wonderful!

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  51. First of all, great review Marian! This book is on my wish list and now because of your review I can't wait to read it.

    I have never made a quilt but I would love to do so. I was not gifted with a sewing talent of any kind! I do love quilts though. We have seen some beautiful quilts at the flea market in Shipshewana, Indiana. Do you think it is cheating to just buy one of the beautiful creations we have seen on display in Shipshe?! :)

    I would be thrilled to win a copy of, A Quilt For Jenna!

    Blessings!
    Judy B
    judyjohn2004(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Thank you, Judy. I would definitely buy one. Then you know for sure you'll get a beautiful one - lol.

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  52. I've never made a quilt. But I do admire the Amish quilts and hope someday to buy one. I was in Lancaster County looking at some in an Amish store and couldn't believe they were hand-stitched. They were all beautiful. It was a long time ago that I was in that quilt store that I have forgotten where it was. Maybe someday I'll get back there if I can back track where it was!

    msbookwormlady(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. Maybe someday you will buy one of these beautiful quilts, Kay. Good luck in the draw.

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