A Quilt for Christmas - by Melody Carlson (Hardcover)

A Quilt for Christmas is a new story by author, Melody Carlson. This story is the fictional tale of a woman named Vera whose family is far away at Christmastime. Unique circumstances find her interacting with and caring for the children of her neighbors Josh and Kerry Allbright. One of the Allbright children, Fiona, sees a lovely quilt in Vera’s home and desires to make one for her mother in time for Christmas. Wanting to make Fiona’s Christmas wish come true, Vera and Fiona go around town with posters requesting help making the quilt. Three ladies respond to the request for help and come together to complete the quilt in time for Christmas and friendships forge along the way. This story is short and sweet and just fun to read. After reading A Quilt for Christmas, I learned that some of Melody Carlson’s books were turned into Hallmark Movies which was no surprise because the plot reads like one. If you are looking for a lighthearted, Christmas read, I recommend A Quilt for Christmas. I received A Quilt for Christmas compliments of Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Melody Carlson’s Christmas books have become a yearly tradition with me. The holiday is not complete without reading her latest one. Christmas is going to be hard for elderly Vera Swanson in more ways than one. She sold her family home with all the sweet memories and moved across the state of Oregon to be near her daughter and grandchildren. Shortly after her move, the family had to relocate to California. While her new condo was nice it didn’t hold a candle to her large home she had sold. The holiday there included lots of family, friends, Christmas baking and over the top Christmas decorations. To add to her sadness, she didn’t know anyone nor could any of her family could make it home to celebrate. Purposing to make the bests of things she decorated as best she could. While she was pondering over her dilemma, there was a knock at the door. Her neighbor’s daughter was standing there frantic. Her mother was sick and she needed help. Rushing over she finds the mother seriously ill. Vera takes over and drives her to the hospital. This leaves her to care for 4 year old Fiona and her siblings when they return from school. The father is working out of state and cannot come home. Fascinated by all the decorations the little girl explores condo. She spots a handmade quilt is in awe. She exclaims that it is exactly what her mother would want for Christmas. She asks if Vera can make one for her and no amount of explaining the logistics of time and labor deters her. Vera concedes and decides to advertise for other ladies to help. The group that responds not only has never quilted but was as diverse in background and personality as you could ever imagine. Suddenly her quite life is filled to the brim; teaching, quilting, and caring for 3 young children. The story expresses the true spirit of Christmas in such a warm and loving way. All the character’s involved moved past their heartaches and problems to truly give and care about others in need. Vera gave not only gave of her time but of herself and in the process influenced others by her actions to do the same. The ripple effect she had on the other lives made me smile. We may all picture what our perfect Christmas looks like and we know it seldom is a reality. Ms. Carlson shows that no matter how flawed our holiday appears, opening our hearts can make it better than we ever imagined. After all Christmas is about giving. A beautiful story. I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own.

A Quilt for Christmas by Melody Carlson is such a heartwarming story. Centered around Vera Swanson, a lonely widow who has just relocated to be near her daughter. However, son-in-law is soon transferred and they move out of the area. Moving into a new neighborhood, Vera knows no one. But a four year old little girl knocks on Vera's door, asking for her help for her ill mother. Soon little Fiona Albright finds Vera's beautiful Nordic Star quilt and wants to make one for her sick mother for Christmas. This story had so much heart. From Vera needing to recruit help to make the quilt, to the friendships that develop with three other women. Artist Tasha, empty nester Beverly and Eleanor, who is cold and apparently heartless, each joins the quilting group. What happens after the ladies start to work on the quilt for the Albright family is quite a lovely story. This story is perfect for someone who enjoys reading about family, relationships and friendships. Melody Carlson is an expert on writing believable characters. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

When little Fiona knocks on Vera's door begging for help, both of their world's change. Widowed Vera is a recent transplant who regrets her move and is horribly lonely. Five-year-old Fiona is desperate to know what to do for her sick mom. Before Vera knows it, she is pulled into caring for Fiona and her two siblings while their mom has surgery--which morphs into helping them daily. When Fiona discovers the patchwork quilt Vera spent lots of time making with the help of friends, she begs Vera to make one for her mom. Vera tells her it is impossible to make without help--and she doesn't know anyone in this new place--plus there isn't enough time to make it for Christmas. Despite that, Fiona tells her two siblings that they will have a wonderful quilt for their mom this Christmas. That is how Vera finds herself with three women: Tasha, Beverly and Eleanor, strangers who have agreed to help with the quilt in exchange for sewing lessons. When they first get-together, Eleanor was grouchy, but as time goes on, her surliness increases. Will Eleanor ruin the quilting group, preventing the quilt from being made? Is there enough time to have it finished by Christmas? What will Eleanor do when she discovers who her son is dating? This little Christmas tale will charm you, and usher in the Christmas spirit. The characters are so endearing, I hope the author will continue their stories in the future. Christian faith is not talked about, but can be seen in many of the people's actions. Anyone who is delighted by Christmas will enjoy this clean, five-star book. Revell Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, A Quilt for Christmas, for the purpose of review.

This is such a heartwarming, toasty feel-good book that I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys family stories, even if the family is not the traditional one. Vera Swanson moves to a new town to be near family, but her family moves away for a new job opportunity. When she befriends a young neighbor named Fiona, Vera’s eyes become open to the possibilities of new friends and a substitute family. The pace is perfect for a Christmas novella, moving along at a good clip and resolving all of the conflicts along the way. The characters were realistic and relatable, even curmudgeonly Eleanor who seems to have no heart for the holidays or anything else. There was even romance included between a young couple that was fun to get to know. I enjoyed the entire story and especially enjoyed how the group came together to help each other and a struggling family. The themes are having hope and reaching out to others to meet their needs. Faith is a theme here but it does not overwhelm the story. A lovely, sweet tale that deserves to be read any time of the year! Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”