The Message on the Quilt

GIVEAWAY

WHITSON, STEPHANIE GRACE
THE MESSAGE ON THE QUILT

Unravel the message behind a treasured quilt...

Emilie Rhodes had been taught to think for herself. But thinking for herself soon leads her to want to write 'real news.' Her newspaper editor father won't hear of it and fires her. When Emilie begins writing anonymously for her father's competition, interviewing speakers at the 1890 Chautauqua series, she meets and falls in love with "The Man of Many Voices."

Noah Shaw is unsettled and feels adrift, even though he is a well-respected lecturer and dramatist. He's never felt that he belongs anywhere. His professional life is only one reason he's now in Nebraska. Noah is on a quest to find answers. Everyone always said Grandma's quilt stories were just that -- stories. But Noah's not so sure...and he's anxious to discover a piece of his past.

But will the truth Noah discovers about his heritage and a treasured quilt prove to bear a message of brokeness -- or hope and healing?

My Review:

published in 2013 -- this went out of print fast. I found a copy on the clearance table at my local bookstore so the winner of this giveaway will receive a gently read copy of The Message on the Quilt.

Two heroines, decades apart in age struggle to make their way in an ever changing world.

While largely Emilie's story, the secondary plot involving Grace captivated me. I didn't know what to make of her at first and then, slowly, Whitson peels away layers until an astonishing story comes to light. Loved that unexpected gem in the midst of a 'young' love story.

And I say young because Emilie is eighteen. Full of ambition, with suffragette leanings. This is very much a coming of age story. Emilie strives for independence as she feels increasingly confined by  parental restrictions. And like every mama in the late 1800s, Emilie's mother just wants her to settle down and marry (because, eighteen is on the verge of spinsterhood...snicker.)

A chance meeting with "The Man of Many Voices" may just be the answer to a mother's prayers. Noah's profession totally intrigues me...and has left me yearning for simpler times when people viewed poetry recitations and bible readings as lively entertainment.

And can I just say that the Chatautauqua campground angle totally fascinated me? Acres of parkland on the outskirts of the city with an impressive building called the Tabernacle which was used to host a variety of lecturers and musicians on a summer circuit (our hero Noah and his many voices being one of the most anticipated acts.) Love it when a historical fiction read inspires me to do my own after-story research!

A sweet summer romance is interrupted when family secrets are brought to light, threatening young love's future. A truly captivating read!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a gently read copy of The Message on the Quilt, leave a comment below ore email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 29 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck.