Follow Here To Purchase The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club

Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter

Publisher: Barbour Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-60260-811-5

Anyone familiar with Wanda E. Brunstetter’s vast body of work will not be disappointed by her latest novel, The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club, in which she takes a patchwork cast of characters and weaves them together into a beautiful work of art.

At the outset, readers are introduced to Emma Yoder, an Amish widow who has decided to teach a quilting class in order to supplement her income. This class is comprised of six very different individuals, who would never have associated with each other in their regular lives – with the exception of a married couple who are barely associating with each other anyway. As the story ensues, relationships are formed, bonds are discovered and lasting memories are created.

The journeys undertaken by each character throughout the pages of this novel and how they affect everyone else, reminds us of how interconnected we are as human beings. While some of the characters are Christian, others are not; yet everyone experiences moments of faith and hope as well as doubt and despair. Many are dealing with loss and grief and they are able to find comfort in each other.

Brunstetter’s writing evokes a cozy country atmosphere in which neighbours look out for each other and family values are reflected in the wider community. Although it takes place in northern Indiana, USA, this resident of rural Ontario, Canada, can certainly relate to the small-town touches in the narrative.

Thought-provoking discussion questions make this edition a perfect choice for a book club. As readers explore the reactions of the various characters to their circumstances, they can articulate their own views on issues revolving around marriage, childhood, and parenthood.

The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club has moments of humour and lighthearted fun while also being cathartic and inspirational. Everyone will be able to identify with at least one of the characters – if not more – and to root for them as the pieces of their stories are stitched together. As an added bit of indulgence, one can always whip up a batch of Emma Yoder’s Angel Cream Pie – the recipe enjoyed by the characters is available at the back of the book.