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The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club #1
The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club
Join the club of unlikely quilters who show up for Amish widow Emma Yoder’s quilting classes. A troubled young woman, a struggling couple, a widower, a rough and tough biker, and a preacher’s wife make up the mismatched lot. But as their problems begin to bind them together like the scraps of fabric stitched together in a quilt, they learn to open up and lend a helping hand. Is this what God had in mind to heal hurting hearts and create beauty from fragments?
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
222 people are currently reading
1762 people want to read
About the author
Wanda E. Brunstetter
215 books2,325 followersNew York Times bestselling and award-winning author, Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to 90 books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nations most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.
Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.
When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.
Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.
When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 507 reviews
July 29, 2019
..
I read this book in the distant past, but I believe it was before I joined Goodreads, since I have not reviewed it as yet.. It introduces an Amish woman, Emma, and 6 students from different walks of life. Each of the students was each conflicted with life-changing personal conflicts in their life. Some of them really grated on my nerves, which caused me to consider why I was reading this book. I simply had to be patient, since I knew that there would be positive changes before the conclusion finally arrived.
Lives are transformed... one stitch at a time. As Amish widow, Emma Yoder, contemplates the task ahead, her thoughts center on one: What if she fails? Longing to remove a burden from her family by becoming self-sufficient, Emma has offered to hold quilting classes in her home. But when she sees the patchwork of faces assembled for the first lesson, her confidence dwindles as doubt threatens to take hold. There's Star Stephens, a young woman yearning for stability; Pam and Stuart Johnston, a struggling couple at odds in their marriage; Paul Ramirez, a widowed father hoping to find solace in finishing a quilt; Jan Sweet, a rough and tough biker looking for something creative to do; and Ruby Lee Williams, a preachers wife seeking relaxation amid mounting parish problems. While Emma grows to realize her ability to share her passion for quilting and her faith, the beginning quilters learn to transform scraps of fabric into beauty. And slowly, their fragmented lives begin to take new shape some in unexpected ways with the helping hands of each other and the healing hand of God.
I listened to this Christian/Amish book in audio form this time. To be honest, I wasn't impressed with the execution, which is probably because it was difficult to identify with the woman narrator's lack of ability to differentiate a male's voice from a female's voice. Don't get me wrong, the narrator has a pleasant voice and annunciated pleasantly.
BAM Goodreads Review:
A pleasant, heart-warming story about an elderly Amish woman named Emma Yoder from Shipshewana, IN, who decides to hold quilting classes in her home to earn extra money after her husband's death. Her first six students (three men, three women) are 'half-stitched'--they reveal quickly that they have some serious problems in their lives. Over the course of the six-week class, these issues are worked out through friendship, wisdom, and faith--one of those 'God-works-in-mysterious-ways' kind of things that can perhaps bother the more cynical reader. The author is obviously very knowledgable about the Amish lifestyle and is herself a woman of great faith. Having visited Shipshewana myself many times over the years, I found it interesting to see the Amish mixing with the 'Englishers' in this personal way.
This is a clean and wholesome treat with a blend of Christian input. There were some inconsistencies regarding the Amish ways and the ways this played out. But this is fiction, so . And it is absolutely able to stand on its own.
.
I read this book in the distant past, but I believe it was before I joined Goodreads, since I have not reviewed it as yet.. It introduces an Amish woman, Emma, and 6 students from different walks of life. Each of the students was each conflicted with life-changing personal conflicts in their life. Some of them really grated on my nerves, which caused me to consider why I was reading this book. I simply had to be patient, since I knew that there would be positive changes before the conclusion finally arrived.
Lives are transformed... one stitch at a time. As Amish widow, Emma Yoder, contemplates the task ahead, her thoughts center on one: What if she fails? Longing to remove a burden from her family by becoming self-sufficient, Emma has offered to hold quilting classes in her home. But when she sees the patchwork of faces assembled for the first lesson, her confidence dwindles as doubt threatens to take hold. There's Star Stephens, a young woman yearning for stability; Pam and Stuart Johnston, a struggling couple at odds in their marriage; Paul Ramirez, a widowed father hoping to find solace in finishing a quilt; Jan Sweet, a rough and tough biker looking for something creative to do; and Ruby Lee Williams, a preachers wife seeking relaxation amid mounting parish problems. While Emma grows to realize her ability to share her passion for quilting and her faith, the beginning quilters learn to transform scraps of fabric into beauty. And slowly, their fragmented lives begin to take new shape some in unexpected ways with the helping hands of each other and the healing hand of God.
I listened to this Christian/Amish book in audio form this time. To be honest, I wasn't impressed with the execution, which is probably because it was difficult to identify with the woman narrator's lack of ability to differentiate a male's voice from a female's voice. Don't get me wrong, the narrator has a pleasant voice and annunciated pleasantly.
BAM Goodreads Review:
A pleasant, heart-warming story about an elderly Amish woman named Emma Yoder from Shipshewana, IN, who decides to hold quilting classes in her home to earn extra money after her husband's death. Her first six students (three men, three women) are 'half-stitched'--they reveal quickly that they have some serious problems in their lives. Over the course of the six-week class, these issues are worked out through friendship, wisdom, and faith--one of those 'God-works-in-mysterious-ways' kind of things that can perhaps bother the more cynical reader. The author is obviously very knowledgable about the Amish lifestyle and is herself a woman of great faith. Having visited Shipshewana myself many times over the years, I found it interesting to see the Amish mixing with the 'Englishers' in this personal way.
This is a clean and wholesome treat with a blend of Christian input. There were some inconsistencies regarding the Amish ways and the ways this played out. But this is fiction, so . And it is absolutely able to stand on its own.
.
August 1, 2012
I avoid Amish fiction, and yet I let myself get sucked into checking this one out because the cover intrigued me. An Amish fiction book that does not feature a young, pretty Amish girl gazing plaintively across rolling fields? Do tell.
Well, Half-stitched is certainly an appropriate description for the book and it reminded me of one of the biggest reasons I avoid Amish fiction...the writers often coast on the popularity of the genre rather than actually doing the crazy task of writing a good book.
The first few chapters felt like character sketches written for a college creative writing class, only with less interesting characters. Not one really likeable person among the lot of them. No one I was rooting for. The book did not improve greatly from there and I only finished it because I didn't have anything else to read at the moment.
The only real star of the book was Emma's Angel Cream Pie that she kept making for her class. I finally decided I wanted to know what this was, so I googled it. Don't. Angel Cream Pie returns one recipe and a bunch of links that...well, that aren't recipes. On the plus side, if you make it to the end of the book you will find that the author has actually included a recipe. This may be the only bright spot in the entire book.
Well, Half-stitched is certainly an appropriate description for the book and it reminded me of one of the biggest reasons I avoid Amish fiction...the writers often coast on the popularity of the genre rather than actually doing the crazy task of writing a good book.
The first few chapters felt like character sketches written for a college creative writing class, only with less interesting characters. Not one really likeable person among the lot of them. No one I was rooting for. The book did not improve greatly from there and I only finished it because I didn't have anything else to read at the moment.
The only real star of the book was Emma's Angel Cream Pie that she kept making for her class. I finally decided I wanted to know what this was, so I googled it. Don't. Angel Cream Pie returns one recipe and a bunch of links that...well, that aren't recipes. On the plus side, if you make it to the end of the book you will find that the author has actually included a recipe. This may be the only bright spot in the entire book.
August 27, 2013
Six loose threads and an Amish widow come together when a woman loses her husband and decides to teach a quilting class to make a little extra money as to not feel like a burden to her family. The group of people couldn't possibly be anymore opposite... but does God have a greater purpose for this group other than to learn how to quilt?
There is Star, birth name Beatrice, she hides behind a black hoodie and dreams of one day being a star. Star's life at home is rough, and she is mistrustful of men in general. Then there is Paul Ramirez, a single Hispanic father who is newly widowed. Paul takes the quilting class hoping to learn how to finish the quilt his deceased wife started for their baby. Then there is Pam and Stuart, a couple who constantly bicker and are taking the quilting class as suggested by their couples counselor. Next there is Jan, a seemingly rough and tough biker who is on probation,and looking for something creative to do. Lastly, there is Ruby, a preacher's wife who is having problems with her church and struggling with her faith in God.
This group originally came together to learn to quilt but they learn so much more... and their lives are changed further on, all because of this quilting class.
I wasn't sure how good this book would be, but I was pleasantly surprised and read it rather quick. A lot of tear-jerker moments, and surprises along the way. I would recommend this book to a friend, and I give it four stars!
There is Star, birth name Beatrice, she hides behind a black hoodie and dreams of one day being a star. Star's life at home is rough, and she is mistrustful of men in general. Then there is Paul Ramirez, a single Hispanic father who is newly widowed. Paul takes the quilting class hoping to learn how to finish the quilt his deceased wife started for their baby. Then there is Pam and Stuart, a couple who constantly bicker and are taking the quilting class as suggested by their couples counselor. Next there is Jan, a seemingly rough and tough biker who is on probation,and looking for something creative to do. Lastly, there is Ruby, a preacher's wife who is having problems with her church and struggling with her faith in God.
This group originally came together to learn to quilt but they learn so much more... and their lives are changed further on, all because of this quilting class.
I wasn't sure how good this book would be, but I was pleasantly surprised and read it rather quick. A lot of tear-jerker moments, and surprises along the way. I would recommend this book to a friend, and I give it four stars!
July 23, 2012
I wanted to like this book - I really did. I love the premise, and thought that it would be like my beloved Yada Yada Prayer Group series. Alas, it wasn't. The writing was stilted, and the author seemed out of touch with how young people speak. I finally set it aside without finishing it after reading about Pam bemoaning her "spoiled blouse". No thirty-something housewife I know talks like that. I couldn't suspend disbelief any longer & couldn't justify the time spent reading it.
I will confess to reading the past few pages to see how things turned out. As I suspected, everything come together tidily, and all lived happily ever after. Ugh.
I will confess to reading the past few pages to see how things turned out. As I suspected, everything come together tidily, and all lived happily ever after. Ugh.
June 19, 2012
The only reason I finished this book is because we will be discussing it for book club and I wanted to give it a full chance to redeem itself.
There was zero character depth. They all bled together into the author's voice rather than having their own language and personality. (Honestly, what dark and very angry teenage girl calls her father a "mangy cur" and is extremely polite to others?) It was unbelievably ridiculous.
And the extent of the Amish perspective of the book was limited to things like throwing in the words "battery operated" before appliances.
It read like a badly scripted play that I honestly believe a middle school child could have written.
Awful.
There was zero character depth. They all bled together into the author's voice rather than having their own language and personality. (Honestly, what dark and very angry teenage girl calls her father a "mangy cur" and is extremely polite to others?) It was unbelievably ridiculous.
And the extent of the Amish perspective of the book was limited to things like throwing in the words "battery operated" before appliances.
It read like a badly scripted play that I honestly believe a middle school child could have written.
Awful.
January 7, 2018
This book is about putting your life back together, at least it is for Emma as she is trying to live out her years after her husbands passing.
She has an idea to supplement her income and decides to teach quilting classes, and surprises abound as to who shows up to the lessons. What begins as strangers, soon leads to very intimate relationships, and a few very big surprises.
This book will warm your heart and you will love Emma, she is a very caring woman, but does she have room in her heart for another man?
This is a quick and sweet read, and it will linger with you. Enjoy!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.
She has an idea to supplement her income and decides to teach quilting classes, and surprises abound as to who shows up to the lessons. What begins as strangers, soon leads to very intimate relationships, and a few very big surprises.
This book will warm your heart and you will love Emma, she is a very caring woman, but does she have room in her heart for another man?
This is a quick and sweet read, and it will linger with you. Enjoy!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.
May 12, 2012
I checked this out because it looked like it might be a good book with a humorous twist. It wasn't really very humorous but it was an ok book.
There are several characters and you get to read parts of each chapter from each of the characters veiwpoint. Even with knowing there viewpoints, none of the characters really struck home with me, they just all came off as complainers.
Emma is the Amish widow who starts a weekly quilting class to raise money so she won't be a burdon on her family. She is a nice lady but in her effort to be self-sufficient she came off as a bit mean.
Star is a young lady who grew up with just her mom and occasional visits to her gradma. Her single mother hooked up with deadbeat after deadbeat all the while telling her what a loser bum her dad was for deserting them. Star is an aspiring song writer/musician, I think you're supposed to be sorry for her bad life but I mostly just thought she was a hateful brat.
Jan is a biker on probation who has been told to find something creative to do by his probation officer. He is the "big guy who's a softy inside" type. I actually did enjoy his character even though there wasn't a lot of depth there.
Pam & Stuart are a married couple who are having problems. Pam is an uptight shrew and Stuart is a slobby casual guy who's rather rude.
Paul is a single father who's wife recently died in a car crash, he joined the class to finish the quilt his wife had been making for there baby daughter. He is a good character, wasn't whiny like the other characters, but he is the one that you read the least of.
Ruby Lee is a preachers wife who is having problems with her church because she feels they are treating her husband shabbily and this in turn leads to questions about her faith. I like Ruby Lee as she seemed the most realistic and handled her problems without being a whine ass through the entire book.
Of course all there problems are quickly solved all at once in one rush ending after reading of them complaining for most of the book which was a bit of a disappointment. I hate rushed endings.
Also, I don't know a lot about the Amish lifestyle but with other books that I read things like them going to the bakers for donuts and reaching for the jar of mayonaise to make a tuna sandwich and roasting marshmollows were very much the oposite of every other Amish involved book I have read so they just really stood out and kinda jarred me from the moment in the book a bit. I'm not saying they are inaccurate they are just very differnt from everything else I've read about.
There are several characters and you get to read parts of each chapter from each of the characters veiwpoint. Even with knowing there viewpoints, none of the characters really struck home with me, they just all came off as complainers.
Emma is the Amish widow who starts a weekly quilting class to raise money so she won't be a burdon on her family. She is a nice lady but in her effort to be self-sufficient she came off as a bit mean.
Star is a young lady who grew up with just her mom and occasional visits to her gradma. Her single mother hooked up with deadbeat after deadbeat all the while telling her what a loser bum her dad was for deserting them. Star is an aspiring song writer/musician, I think you're supposed to be sorry for her bad life but I mostly just thought she was a hateful brat.
Jan is a biker on probation who has been told to find something creative to do by his probation officer. He is the "big guy who's a softy inside" type. I actually did enjoy his character even though there wasn't a lot of depth there.
Pam & Stuart are a married couple who are having problems. Pam is an uptight shrew and Stuart is a slobby casual guy who's rather rude.
Paul is a single father who's wife recently died in a car crash, he joined the class to finish the quilt his wife had been making for there baby daughter. He is a good character, wasn't whiny like the other characters, but he is the one that you read the least of.
Ruby Lee is a preachers wife who is having problems with her church because she feels they are treating her husband shabbily and this in turn leads to questions about her faith. I like Ruby Lee as she seemed the most realistic and handled her problems without being a whine ass through the entire book.
Of course all there problems are quickly solved all at once in one rush ending after reading of them complaining for most of the book which was a bit of a disappointment. I hate rushed endings.
Also, I don't know a lot about the Amish lifestyle but with other books that I read things like them going to the bakers for donuts and reaching for the jar of mayonaise to make a tuna sandwich and roasting marshmollows were very much the oposite of every other Amish involved book I have read so they just really stood out and kinda jarred me from the moment in the book a bit. I'm not saying they are inaccurate they are just very differnt from everything else I've read about.
April 18, 2021
2.5 stars
January 15, 2012
The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Emma hopes to share her love of quilting as she teaches strangers how to quilt.
Since her husband had passed away over a year ago, her daughter and all the
children had sent money back home to help with the finances. Emma hoped to supplement
the income by selling her quilting items. She placed an ad around town and got
one that wanted to learn. She outlined what she'd need to teach them.
The way the author introduces the people who will be attending the classes is done makes
it easy to keep them straight, as to who they are and what they do for work.
Paul is the 2nd grade teacher and his wife has passed away and he takes care of the little girl. Thanks to his sister she invites them for dinner often.
Ruby Lee is the pastors wife and she needs something else to do besides choir and things at the church.
Beatrice/Star found a letter from her grandmother and it was for quilting class, already paid for.
Star was writing song lyrics and had piercings and dyed hair.
Pam and Stuarts marriage counselor said they should do something that the other does already. She's been fishing with him 2 times now, so it's now his turn to learn quilting with her.
Jan was a biker who got caught speeding, lost his license and now his PO wanted him to take up something to unleash his creative abilities and maybe help him relax. He is a roofer and notices the ad at the store.
They all see or hear about the ad for quilting lessons and get signed up.
Verses of scripture are throughout the book.
The people in the group start talking about losses of their loved ones and many chimed in with their grief.
Others spoke to console them and to just listen. Other weeks there are different topics and all talk about their problem and/or how to overcome them.
Love the quilting itself, Emma is easy to understand.
Recipe for angel cake is included!
Emma hopes to share her love of quilting as she teaches strangers how to quilt.
Since her husband had passed away over a year ago, her daughter and all the
children had sent money back home to help with the finances. Emma hoped to supplement
the income by selling her quilting items. She placed an ad around town and got
one that wanted to learn. She outlined what she'd need to teach them.
The way the author introduces the people who will be attending the classes is done makes
it easy to keep them straight, as to who they are and what they do for work.
Paul is the 2nd grade teacher and his wife has passed away and he takes care of the little girl. Thanks to his sister she invites them for dinner often.
Ruby Lee is the pastors wife and she needs something else to do besides choir and things at the church.
Beatrice/Star found a letter from her grandmother and it was for quilting class, already paid for.
Star was writing song lyrics and had piercings and dyed hair.
Pam and Stuarts marriage counselor said they should do something that the other does already. She's been fishing with him 2 times now, so it's now his turn to learn quilting with her.
Jan was a biker who got caught speeding, lost his license and now his PO wanted him to take up something to unleash his creative abilities and maybe help him relax. He is a roofer and notices the ad at the store.
They all see or hear about the ad for quilting lessons and get signed up.
Verses of scripture are throughout the book.
The people in the group start talking about losses of their loved ones and many chimed in with their grief.
Others spoke to console them and to just listen. Other weeks there are different topics and all talk about their problem and/or how to overcome them.
Love the quilting itself, Emma is easy to understand.
Recipe for angel cake is included!
January 21, 2020
The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club is the first novel written by Wanda Brunstetter in her wonderful series. This first book sets the stage for two more amazing books. The storyline is delightful with it's cast of quirky characters. Each character adds great depth to the story by revealing what brings them to join this quilting class. The characters start out with nothing in common but by the conclusion of the story things change.
The cover to this novel shows a group of people from all walks of life and makes you wonder how this story will go. The cover itself will draw the reader in. There is a couple struggling with problems within their marriage, a widowed father longing to finish a quilt, a young woman struggling with what her life holds in store for her, a preachers wife finding it difficult to deal with problems with her husband's church, and yes even a strong, tough biker dude. What could these people have in common to join this newly started club? This story will amaze you and show you how people can find common interest no matter their life styles. This story will bring you to tears, have you laughing, and feeling very satisfied at the end.
The added bonus to this book is that there is an actual Amish quilt pattern included with colorful pictures. This could inspired you to make your own quilt or possibly start a quilters group.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that readers from all genre can fully enjoy.
Congratulations to Wanda Brunstetter for writing this incredible story for her readers enjoyment.
The cover to this novel shows a group of people from all walks of life and makes you wonder how this story will go. The cover itself will draw the reader in. There is a couple struggling with problems within their marriage, a widowed father longing to finish a quilt, a young woman struggling with what her life holds in store for her, a preachers wife finding it difficult to deal with problems with her husband's church, and yes even a strong, tough biker dude. What could these people have in common to join this newly started club? This story will amaze you and show you how people can find common interest no matter their life styles. This story will bring you to tears, have you laughing, and feeling very satisfied at the end.
The added bonus to this book is that there is an actual Amish quilt pattern included with colorful pictures. This could inspired you to make your own quilt or possibly start a quilters group.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that readers from all genre can fully enjoy.
Congratulations to Wanda Brunstetter for writing this incredible story for her readers enjoyment.
April 13, 2012
The first "Christian Fiction" book I read was by mistake. Once I realized what I had, my expectations (unfairly) lowered. Now, even though that book didn't work for me in terms of editing (unnecessarily choppy), I was blown away by the intensity and overall storytelling. Which led me to request another Barbour book. This time, I knew exactly what I was getting into and my expectations were very high.
The cover won me over. I'm not a fan of Amish books or quilting, but I love the idea of misfits together getting over first impressions and I thought The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club was just the ticket.
It should have been, but unfortunately, it wasn't.
I found the prose cumbersome, the dialog stiff and unrealistic, and the storytelling to be repetitive. One of my biggest problems was the show and tell on several scenes. We see (active) two characters fighting, then we are told (passive) that the characters are fighting via internal monologue. This happens several times throughout the book, including different characters coming to the same conclusion in the exact same manner. It felt like I was reading, "Last week on..." rehash every other chapter. Now, add that some of the characters lacked the misfit charm (unlikeable on the surface but redeemable) and this turned into a very slow read that totally didn't work for me.
ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.
The cover won me over. I'm not a fan of Amish books or quilting, but I love the idea of misfits together getting over first impressions and I thought The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club was just the ticket.
It should have been, but unfortunately, it wasn't.
I found the prose cumbersome, the dialog stiff and unrealistic, and the storytelling to be repetitive. One of my biggest problems was the show and tell on several scenes. We see (active) two characters fighting, then we are told (passive) that the characters are fighting via internal monologue. This happens several times throughout the book, including different characters coming to the same conclusion in the exact same manner. It felt like I was reading, "Last week on..." rehash every other chapter. Now, add that some of the characters lacked the misfit charm (unlikeable on the surface but redeemable) and this turned into a very slow read that totally didn't work for me.
ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.
May 26, 2013
I just couldn't finish this book. The characters were stereotypes and the plot was contrived and unbelievable.
Read
December 2, 2018I picked this solely on the cover art - how could you not? I know Amish fiction is a big genre, it just never appealed to me. This is amateurish and weakly written, especially the dialogue and barely fleshed out characters (yet there were so many repetitive reminders about our characters’ paper-thin backstories....reminding me of that backstory chapter copied nearly verbatim in every Babysitter’s Club novel, as if this was written for 11 year olds).
But, this picked up steam into “so bad it’s good” territory and I. couldn’t. stop. Literally every English woman is ‘crazy’ or a terrible nag (regardless of the terrible behavior of the men in their lives, it’s on them!) A character is just called “Mom” throwing all grammatical logic out the window. Two characters turn out to be father/daughter but still can’t stop reminding us in their internal dialogues that they’d wanted to date. There’s questionable woodworking that somehow converts initials that had been carved in a tree into a table? And you should marry someone if they just wear you down with kind-enough gestures.
I’m probably going to read the sequels and I hate myself for it 😂
But, this picked up steam into “so bad it’s good” territory and I. couldn’t. stop. Literally every English woman is ‘crazy’ or a terrible nag (regardless of the terrible behavior of the men in their lives, it’s on them!) A character is just called “Mom” throwing all grammatical logic out the window. Two characters turn out to be father/daughter but still can’t stop reminding us in their internal dialogues that they’d wanted to date. There’s questionable woodworking that somehow converts initials that had been carved in a tree into a table? And you should marry someone if they just wear you down with kind-enough gestures.
I’m probably going to read the sequels and I hate myself for it 😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2022
Sweet story.
It's a lovely story that intertwines the lives of student quilters and their sweet Amish teacher. Life is never easy. We all have to deal with the good, the bad, and the ugly. With God leading the way and good friends beside us, we learn to be thankful for our blessings.
It's a lovely story that intertwines the lives of student quilters and their sweet Amish teacher. Life is never easy. We all have to deal with the good, the bad, and the ugly. With God leading the way and good friends beside us, we learn to be thankful for our blessings.
August 24, 2013
I’d love to be able to give this book more than 5 stars!
I really like to read Amish fiction. The whole lifestyle is so much slower paced than mine. I find them to be not only entertaining but relaxing as well.
I enjoy Wanda Brunstetter’s books very much. She has a very clear writing style that adds to my enjoyment. This book is no different. I love the cast of characters that she has developed for it. They are all vastly different and yet most of them are very likeable right from the start. Even those that annoyed me at the beginning eventually turned out to have some wonderfully redeeming qualities and I liked them all by the end of the book.
Each family represented has their own problems that they are dealing with. Wanda does a fabulous job of working each of them through their problems individually and yet with the support of the others in the quilting class. She shows that it very possible for those who are struggling to be just what someone else needs to help them through their own difficulties.
I really like to read Amish fiction. The whole lifestyle is so much slower paced than mine. I find them to be not only entertaining but relaxing as well.
I enjoy Wanda Brunstetter’s books very much. She has a very clear writing style that adds to my enjoyment. This book is no different. I love the cast of characters that she has developed for it. They are all vastly different and yet most of them are very likeable right from the start. Even those that annoyed me at the beginning eventually turned out to have some wonderfully redeeming qualities and I liked them all by the end of the book.
Each family represented has their own problems that they are dealing with. Wanda does a fabulous job of working each of them through their problems individually and yet with the support of the others in the quilting class. She shows that it very possible for those who are struggling to be just what someone else needs to help them through their own difficulties.
September 27, 2023
Read in June 2017 and September 2023.
Per My Original Review i still feel the same way about this book.
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
This is my 2nd time reading this book in the series cause I won it from a contest on the authors Facebook Page :)
Loved it as much this time around as I did the 1st time I read it. Star was my favorite character and I loved how it set during a Quilting Class ESPECIALLY since my Grandma taught me how to quilt when I was a teen, I only wish she was here to read the story with me cause I think she'd really enjoy it as much as I did :D
Per My Original Review i still feel the same way about this book.
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
This is my 2nd time reading this book in the series cause I won it from a contest on the authors Facebook Page :)
Loved it as much this time around as I did the 1st time I read it. Star was my favorite character and I loved how it set during a Quilting Class ESPECIALLY since my Grandma taught me how to quilt when I was a teen, I only wish she was here to read the story with me cause I think she'd really enjoy it as much as I did :D
November 24, 2012
Somewhat dreadful, but I couldn't stop reading it. Morbid curiosity. This book is trying too hard to be relevant.
January 19, 2016
Conversations between characters was horrible. (The biker talked just like the amish woman.)
October 11, 2024
Sweet book with some great lessons, though the characters were stereotypical, a bit predictable and dialogue didn’t seem natural. Finished for a reading challenge.
May 29, 2023
I read this a few years ago. In fact, I read the entire series. It’s rare to have any fiction, let alone Christian fiction with the main characters over 60. The whole series was a hoot. I loved this one because of the characters, and I do mean characters. It’s a very fun read. This is a stand alone, but reading them in order is a way to get to know the characters and build on the relationships from book to book. This is book one. A great place to start.
December 15, 2024
After seeing the stage version at a dinner theater, reading the book seemed like the logical next step. The book discloses far more or each character than the play could. The characters are more alive and engaging. The story features a discouraged and sad young woman, named Star, who feels unloved by all those around her. The only person who ever demonstrated love to her was her recently deceased grandmother. Star is interested in the other members of the quilting club and measures their behavior against society's standards. Emma, the Amish teacher, is a perceptive and loving believer who seeks to do more than just teach quilting.
September 17, 2020
I have never hated a character more than Pam.
March 10, 2023
It was a great light read you can read this as a light read. I loved Starr getting to know her Dad.
September 25, 2025
Good read. Never know where life going to take you from your life’s situations. Trust in faith
December 17, 2015
About this book:
“Join the club of unlikely quilters who show up for Amish widow Emma Yoder’s quilting classes. A troubled young woman, a struggling couple, a widower, a rough and tough biker, and a preacher’s wife make up the mismatched lot. But as their problems begin to bind them together like the scraps of fabric stitched together in a quilt, they learn to open up and lend a helping hand. Is this what God had in mind to heal hurting hearts and create beauty from fragments?”
Series: Book #1 in “The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club”. {I’ll be reviewing #2 and #3 this coming month!}
Spiritual Content- Psalm 34:14 is in the dedication; Mary says her Mother (Emma) has an unwavering Faith; Emma witnesses (& prays for) to all of her students; Paul has a strong faith and Ruby Lee is a Pastor’s wife; Many Scriptures are quoted, a hymn is sung and many Prayers are said.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a form of ‘shut up’, the phrase "like a heel" is said twice, a few ‘jerk’s, four ‘crummy’s, ten ‘dumb’s, and 29 ‘stupids’ (or a form of); An unintelligible word is said but not written; Jan lost his license because he was drinking & driving (prior to the opening); Star says she hated her stepdad; Pam & Stuart argue/fight a lot; Drinking is mentions but not done; Talks of dead animals & ones dying by being hit by a car (semi-detailed for sensitive animal lovers).
Sexual Content- Star doesn’t know her birth father (Her mother got pregnant at age 18, more to the story is added her the end); A friend suggests to Pam that she & Stuart need to get away and be by themselves and that “a little romance wouldn’t hurt either”.
-Emma Yoder / -Pam Johnston / -Paul Ramires / -Ruby Lee Williams
-Star Stephens / -Stuart Johnston / -Jan Sweet
P.O.V. switches between them.
313 pages (with a Quilt Pattern & recipe inside)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
A fun storyline! I personally didn’t think it would need to be a series as I thought it ended well. (But after reading #2, I liked them together!)
Link to review:
Coming 8/27/14
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
“Join the club of unlikely quilters who show up for Amish widow Emma Yoder’s quilting classes. A troubled young woman, a struggling couple, a widower, a rough and tough biker, and a preacher’s wife make up the mismatched lot. But as their problems begin to bind them together like the scraps of fabric stitched together in a quilt, they learn to open up and lend a helping hand. Is this what God had in mind to heal hurting hearts and create beauty from fragments?”
Series: Book #1 in “The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club”. {I’ll be reviewing #2 and #3 this coming month!}
Spiritual Content- Psalm 34:14 is in the dedication; Mary says her Mother (Emma) has an unwavering Faith; Emma witnesses (& prays for) to all of her students; Paul has a strong faith and Ruby Lee is a Pastor’s wife; Many Scriptures are quoted, a hymn is sung and many Prayers are said.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a form of ‘shut up’, the phrase "like a heel" is said twice, a few ‘jerk’s, four ‘crummy’s, ten ‘dumb’s, and 29 ‘stupids’ (or a form of); An unintelligible word is said but not written; Jan lost his license because he was drinking & driving (prior to the opening); Star says she hated her stepdad; Pam & Stuart argue/fight a lot; Drinking is mentions but not done; Talks of dead animals & ones dying by being hit by a car (semi-detailed for sensitive animal lovers).
Sexual Content- Star doesn’t know her birth father (Her mother got pregnant at age 18, more to the story is added her the end); A friend suggests to Pam that she & Stuart need to get away and be by themselves and that “a little romance wouldn’t hurt either”.
-Emma Yoder / -Pam Johnston / -Paul Ramires / -Ruby Lee Williams
-Star Stephens / -Stuart Johnston / -Jan Sweet
P.O.V. switches between them.
313 pages (with a Quilt Pattern & recipe inside)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
A fun storyline! I personally didn’t think it would need to be a series as I thought it ended well. (But after reading #2, I liked them together!)
Link to review:
Coming 8/27/14
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
January 16, 2016
After the death of her husband Amish widow, Emma Yoder has become quite dependent on her family to help make ends meet financially. To ease some of that burden she decides to start teaching a quilting class. She posts notices and puts an ad in the local newspaper. She is very surprised as the students show up for their first class.
A young widower with his infant daughter is hoping to find someone to finish a quilt his wife started for their daughter before she died.
A couple in marriage counseling who were told to find something they could do together.
A preacher’s wife looking for an outlet outside her church to help ease her stress as the church board and her husband disagree on the direction of the church.
A Harley riding construction worker who has lost his driver’s license arrives on a bicycle after his probation officer suggests he find something creative to do.
A young woman who is struggling in life with a mother not always there for her and dealing with the death of her grandmother.
This group of misfits is brought together like the pieces of a crazy quilt where they learn much more than quilt making. God works in mysterious ways.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
This may be my first Wanda E. Brunstetter novel but it won’t be my last.
The Amish live a “simple life” and inviting Englishers into their homes is not easy. Brunstetter has created a lovely story bringing the two groups together. The students have vast differences among them and other than knowing that the Amish live in the area they really don’t know much about the culture. They gather together each Saturday morning for 2 hours and take away so much more from the classes than how to make a quilt. Lifelong bonds are formed. There is also a very cool surprise near the end.
God puts people in our paths for a reason. The author has taken that premise and built a heartwarming story around it.
The is a light, fast, inspiring and delightful story that everyone will enjoy, no quilting knowledge required.
A young widower with his infant daughter is hoping to find someone to finish a quilt his wife started for their daughter before she died.
A couple in marriage counseling who were told to find something they could do together.
A preacher’s wife looking for an outlet outside her church to help ease her stress as the church board and her husband disagree on the direction of the church.
A Harley riding construction worker who has lost his driver’s license arrives on a bicycle after his probation officer suggests he find something creative to do.
A young woman who is struggling in life with a mother not always there for her and dealing with the death of her grandmother.
This group of misfits is brought together like the pieces of a crazy quilt where they learn much more than quilt making. God works in mysterious ways.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
This may be my first Wanda E. Brunstetter novel but it won’t be my last.
The Amish live a “simple life” and inviting Englishers into their homes is not easy. Brunstetter has created a lovely story bringing the two groups together. The students have vast differences among them and other than knowing that the Amish live in the area they really don’t know much about the culture. They gather together each Saturday morning for 2 hours and take away so much more from the classes than how to make a quilt. Lifelong bonds are formed. There is also a very cool surprise near the end.
God puts people in our paths for a reason. The author has taken that premise and built a heartwarming story around it.
The is a light, fast, inspiring and delightful story that everyone will enjoy, no quilting knowledge required.
February 13, 2021
The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club by Wanda Brunstetter is the first book in a charming trilogy. Emma Yoder is a widow who doesn’t not wish to rely on her children to pay her bills. Emma has decided to host quilting classes. She is surprised at the diverse group of people who sign up for her first class. Jan Sweet, Paul Ramirez, Star Stephens, Pam and Stuart Johnston, and Ruby Lee Williams are her first students. Each person signed up for a different reason and it looks like it will be an interesting six weeks. They learn to stitch fabric together into a beautiful wall hanging, but, along the way, they gain friends and new insights. God has his reasons for bringing them together.
The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club is a heartwarming and engaging story. I was immediately drawn into the book with the writing. Ms. Brunstetter has a way of capturing my attention and keeping it until the very last page. I enjoyed the varied group of characters in the story. Seven dissimilar people brought together. Each individual has a problem in their life and the group provides a safe place for them to talk. I like that we get to know each character and their struggle (or life complication). The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club has a steady pace and the transitions between sections are smooth. The star of the book is Emma. She is a sweet, caring woman who is adjusting to life without her husband, Ivan. Emma is not sure what to make of her neighbor, Lamar who keeps stopping by. Is she ready for a second chance at love? There are lovely life lessons in this book. Forgiveness, communication, having faith, trust, being true to yourself are just a couple. The Christian element is present, but it is not overpowering. The author weaved it beautifully into her story. I am eager to read the next book in The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club Trilogy. If you are looking for a light, uplifting novel, then look no further than The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club.
The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club is a heartwarming and engaging story. I was immediately drawn into the book with the writing. Ms. Brunstetter has a way of capturing my attention and keeping it until the very last page. I enjoyed the varied group of characters in the story. Seven dissimilar people brought together. Each individual has a problem in their life and the group provides a safe place for them to talk. I like that we get to know each character and their struggle (or life complication). The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club has a steady pace and the transitions between sections are smooth. The star of the book is Emma. She is a sweet, caring woman who is adjusting to life without her husband, Ivan. Emma is not sure what to make of her neighbor, Lamar who keeps stopping by. Is she ready for a second chance at love? There are lovely life lessons in this book. Forgiveness, communication, having faith, trust, being true to yourself are just a couple. The Christian element is present, but it is not overpowering. The author weaved it beautifully into her story. I am eager to read the next book in The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club Trilogy. If you are looking for a light, uplifting novel, then look no further than The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club.
February 20, 2017
Wanda Brunstetter never fails to disappoint and as you read this book you will see that Emma Yoder will not only teach her students to quilt but together they all work not only on their quilting projects but find God has a strong hand in bringing them together to work on their faith, love, and life.
Emma has loved and lost but will she find love again with Lamar?
Star (Beattice) is looking for the love she never felt from her mother and longs from her long lost run away father that took off shortly after she was born, as her mother as alway told her. The only person she ever felt loved her was grandma who has passed, and now she wanted her to take Emma's quilting class. Will the class help her heal?
Paul a single father after he lost his wife in a car accident is struggling to cope with life and being a single parent, can he finish a quilting project his wife started for their daughter?
Jan Sweet a tough biker needs a creative outlet after his probation officer suggest it, he has is own business but made some bad life choices can he get is life on track?
Pam and Stewart a married couple that are going down a rocky road, will they be able to find their way back together by taking steps together? And finially Ruby Lee a pastor's wife struggling to keep her faith during difficult times in their church, can she find her peace again?
I found this book extremely well written and I would recommend it very much so. Not only will you find the message of faith and love in this book but you will see God does work in special ways to bring those together if you only look and see.
Emma has loved and lost but will she find love again with Lamar?
Star (Beattice) is looking for the love she never felt from her mother and longs from her long lost run away father that took off shortly after she was born, as her mother as alway told her. The only person she ever felt loved her was grandma who has passed, and now she wanted her to take Emma's quilting class. Will the class help her heal?
Paul a single father after he lost his wife in a car accident is struggling to cope with life and being a single parent, can he finish a quilting project his wife started for their daughter?
Jan Sweet a tough biker needs a creative outlet after his probation officer suggest it, he has is own business but made some bad life choices can he get is life on track?
Pam and Stewart a married couple that are going down a rocky road, will they be able to find their way back together by taking steps together? And finially Ruby Lee a pastor's wife struggling to keep her faith during difficult times in their church, can she find her peace again?
I found this book extremely well written and I would recommend it very much so. Not only will you find the message of faith and love in this book but you will see God does work in special ways to bring those together if you only look and see.
July 3, 2014
It was so nice to finally read a book that doesn't talk about sex and every other word is cussing. I really enjoyed reading this book. The cover is what caught my eye. The story of an Amish woman Emma decides to make some extra money so she doesn't feel like a burden on her family since her husband Ivan passed away. She decides to give quilting classes. By doing so she comes across a diverse group of characters who are taking the class for various reasons. Star a young girl who was given classes by her grandmother who has passed away learns to let her guard down, but learns about a secret that has made her a hard person. Stuart and Pam who were told by their marriage counselor to find a common thing to do together. Jan Sweet who was told by his probation officer to find a creative outlet, Ruby Lee a minister wife who thought taking the class would be a wonderful thing to make for her new home, and Paul who has recently lost his wife in a car accident. Paul's wife had started a quilt for his precious little girl and is hoping to find someone to finish the quilt for him at the class. These six people learn how to quilt, but learn a lot about themselves. A few surprises are in store for them, but a wonderful learning lesson.
This Christian book was wonderfully written and I would definitely recommend this to others who like this type of literature. It is just a nice feel good book. I can't wait to read the second book in the series.
This Christian book was wonderfully written and I would definitely recommend this to others who like this type of literature. It is just a nice feel good book. I can't wait to read the second book in the series.
July 28, 2012
Well, this was a Godawful book. I was looking for an easy, cozy read, but not one whose plots made me want to throw the book into the nearest bonfire. The big reveal three-fourths into the book? Come on now, that's just lazy. Now, don't get me wrong, I like the occasional Hallmark movie that I know the plot of before I even turn the movie on, but the characters here were just insultingly stupid and Star and Jan, the most 'hardened' of the characters, rang so false it made my teeth hurt. There were tiny bits of real feeling in the story that made me hope the book would get better, stuff that rang true, only to be hammered down by stupid in the pages to follow. I'm pretty easy going on books, but man was this bad.
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