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Plain Patterns #2
A Patchwork Past
When wild child Sophie Deiner--the daughter of an Amish bishop--is forced to return to Nappanee, Indiana, quilt-shop owner Jane Berger is one of only a few who welcome her back. It's the last place she wants to be, but Sophie's recent illness requires that she recover for a while.
As Sophie heals, she befriends a group of migrant workers and is appalled to learn of the wretched living conditions they're forced to endure. Sophie begins advocating on their behalf, but soon finds herself opposed by an ex-boyfriend who is the farm foreman.
Jane begins relating the story of an Amish couple who rescued survivors of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, many of whom were Irish immigrants. And Sophie is more convinced than ever that she needs to fight for the powerless. But when digging deeper makes conditions even worse, has she chosen a fight she can't win?
As Sophie heals, she befriends a group of migrant workers and is appalled to learn of the wretched living conditions they're forced to endure. Sophie begins advocating on their behalf, but soon finds herself opposed by an ex-boyfriend who is the farm foreman.
Jane begins relating the story of an Amish couple who rescued survivors of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, many of whom were Irish immigrants. And Sophie is more convinced than ever that she needs to fight for the powerless. But when digging deeper makes conditions even worse, has she chosen a fight she can't win?
334 pages, Paperback
Published March 30, 2021
34 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Gould
77 books595 followersLeslie Gould is the #1 bestselling and Christy Award-winning author of fifty novels. She received her MFA in 2009 and has taught writing on the university level. Leslie enjoys traveling, hiking, and history. She and her husband, Peter, are the parents of four adult children and two grandbabies. Visit her at http://www.lesliegould.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
March 13, 2022
A Patchwork Past is the second book in the Amish based series Plain Patterns.
What I enjoyed about the book is it is a unique Amish book and covers topics I've never seen covered in Amish books before.
Another thing that drew me to the book is not only is it a unique topic but it's based on true events.
It has two stories told that are intertwined.
Sophie Deiner left the Amish faith before she joined the church, never feeling as though she fit in with her community. She has lupus and needs to rest and recuperate so she heads back to her family farm hoping her parents will let her stay for a little bit. Her father is the bishop and she has never felt like she has had her mother's approval but she'll put up with that uncomfortable feeling to get the rest she needs.
It was an interesting spin to experience the Great Chicago fire through Jane the local historian and see the kindness of those helping others in need.
I did not know about the immigrants in Indiana and their backstory so that was interesting reading about it and the immigration law. I learned a lot from this book.
This is part of a series but can easily be read as a standalone.
Published March 30th 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
What I enjoyed about the book is it is a unique Amish book and covers topics I've never seen covered in Amish books before.
Another thing that drew me to the book is not only is it a unique topic but it's based on true events.
It has two stories told that are intertwined.
Sophie Deiner left the Amish faith before she joined the church, never feeling as though she fit in with her community. She has lupus and needs to rest and recuperate so she heads back to her family farm hoping her parents will let her stay for a little bit. Her father is the bishop and she has never felt like she has had her mother's approval but she'll put up with that uncomfortable feeling to get the rest she needs.
It was an interesting spin to experience the Great Chicago fire through Jane the local historian and see the kindness of those helping others in need.
I did not know about the immigrants in Indiana and their backstory so that was interesting reading about it and the immigration law. I learned a lot from this book.
This is part of a series but can easily be read as a standalone.
Published March 30th 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
April 8, 2021
A Patchwork Past by Leslie Gould is the second novel in the Plain Patterns series. A Patchwork Past can be read as a standalone. I found A Patchwork Past to be a unique Amish novel. It is not like other Amish novels. I like how it tells two stories and ties them together. Sophie Deiner needs rest from a Lupus flare-up and returns home to the family farm. She never felt that she fit into her Amish community. Jane, the owner of Plain Patterns, is kind to Sophie. While working on Jane’s garden and quilting, Jane tells her the story about Mary, a woman who traveled to Chicago with her father and ends up in the middle of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. While at home, Sophie becomes involved in the lives of migrant family who work on the farm next to her family. I was quickly drawn into the historical part of the tale. I wanted these sections to be longer. I thought A Patchwork Past was well-written with developed characters. The story moved along at a good pace. I could tell the author did her research for this book. I like how she incorporated the information into the story and wove parallels to Mary’s story. Both Sophie and Mary want to help people and do the right thing. Faith, friends, and family are woven throughout the story. I thought Sophie’s story will give people a better understanding of autoimmune diseases like Lupus and Fibromyalgia. Many people do not understand these diseases and, unfortunately, believe the person is faking it. I appreciated that we are given an epilogue that nicely wraps up the story. The author blended the various storylines together into one inspiring tale.
May 15, 2021
A Patchwork Past is the second book in the Plain Patterns series. I have not read the first one and I had no problem following this one so definitely can be read as a stand alone. When this book came up for review I jumped at the chance just because I really enjoy Amish stories. It is the genre that started me reading Christian Fiction so I have a soft spot for it and although I tend to stick to my favorite Amish writers I do like to try new ones. This was my first by this author and her writing is very good even though this was not my favorite I thought parts of the storyline were quite unique and interesting.
In this story we meet Sophie Deiner who has left the Amish community but returns as she is battling Lupus and needs some much needed help to rest and recoup. Her relationship with her parents, especially with her mom is quite broken. I felt bad for Sophie as it felt like her parents really don't believe that she is sick. While there she helps out Jane who is kind to her and while there Jane tells her the story of Mary, a woman who traveled with her father to Chicago and ends up in the middle of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. The story now goes back and forth between timelines and they somewhat correlates to what is happening in the Amish community as Jane befriends a family of immigrants and tries to fight for their social justice.
You can tell that the author has done a very good job in her research for the Chicago Fire and the Amish community. It is obvious she has a gift for writing Amish stories. This is definitely not your typical Amish story of marriage or hope of marriage. It's the story of Sophie finding herself and what God's calling for her life is.
My personal thoughts on some of the storyline is that it felt a bit too political. The issue of immigration is such a huge hot topic that it wasn't something I was expecting from a book and honestly it's not something that I would have picked up had I known it was going to be such a dominant part of the story. I read stories to escape the realities of the world. That's just me. When I read fiction I don't want to step into the news world or any political aspects of it I just want to delve into a different world and get lost in the story. I read non-fiction for a reason. To learn and educate myself in such topics but when it comes to fiction stories its an escape, a vacation if you will from the busyness of the day.
Overall it was a good story and if you like reading fiction that are based on current events then this may be the book for you. Again I thought the author did a phenomenal job in her writing I just wasn't keen in the topic mixed with my fiction.
I received this book from the publisher Bethany House. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
In this story we meet Sophie Deiner who has left the Amish community but returns as she is battling Lupus and needs some much needed help to rest and recoup. Her relationship with her parents, especially with her mom is quite broken. I felt bad for Sophie as it felt like her parents really don't believe that she is sick. While there she helps out Jane who is kind to her and while there Jane tells her the story of Mary, a woman who traveled with her father to Chicago and ends up in the middle of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. The story now goes back and forth between timelines and they somewhat correlates to what is happening in the Amish community as Jane befriends a family of immigrants and tries to fight for their social justice.
You can tell that the author has done a very good job in her research for the Chicago Fire and the Amish community. It is obvious she has a gift for writing Amish stories. This is definitely not your typical Amish story of marriage or hope of marriage. It's the story of Sophie finding herself and what God's calling for her life is.
My personal thoughts on some of the storyline is that it felt a bit too political. The issue of immigration is such a huge hot topic that it wasn't something I was expecting from a book and honestly it's not something that I would have picked up had I known it was going to be such a dominant part of the story. I read stories to escape the realities of the world. That's just me. When I read fiction I don't want to step into the news world or any political aspects of it I just want to delve into a different world and get lost in the story. I read non-fiction for a reason. To learn and educate myself in such topics but when it comes to fiction stories its an escape, a vacation if you will from the busyness of the day.
Overall it was a good story and if you like reading fiction that are based on current events then this may be the book for you. Again I thought the author did a phenomenal job in her writing I just wasn't keen in the topic mixed with my fiction.
I received this book from the publisher Bethany House. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
April 3, 2022
I love the way this author tackles tough topics while keeping her Amish characters believable and relatable. In the case of A Patchwork Past, the complexities of immigration and prejudice propel both the contemporary and historical plots.
Sophie is our present day heroine, who has been living Englisch for three years when chronic illness forces her home. Her transition with her family and the community isn't an easy one. Love the way the author feeds us bits of her past leading up to the catalyst that caused her to flee in the first place.
And I so appreciated reading about a heroine with an autoimmune disease. There are so many layers to Sophie's story and so many challenges she faces as she comes to grips with where God is leading her. And in the midst of all her own struggles she becomes involved with a migrant family's legal issues which bring more conflict...and new possibilities. What a gripping, emotional roller-coaster of a ride!
The historical timeline is told through stories quiltmaker and local historian, Jane, tells Sophie by way of encouragement. Mary Landis is a young Amish woman who becomes caught up in the Great Chicago Fire and becomes the impetus for her entire community to help those devastated by the fire.
This is the second book in the Plain Patterns series but can be read as a standalone. Amish Historian, Jane, is the carryover between books and it's her storytelling that brings clarity and truth to modern day heroines who need a boost.
Sophie is our present day heroine, who has been living Englisch for three years when chronic illness forces her home. Her transition with her family and the community isn't an easy one. Love the way the author feeds us bits of her past leading up to the catalyst that caused her to flee in the first place.
And I so appreciated reading about a heroine with an autoimmune disease. There are so many layers to Sophie's story and so many challenges she faces as she comes to grips with where God is leading her. And in the midst of all her own struggles she becomes involved with a migrant family's legal issues which bring more conflict...and new possibilities. What a gripping, emotional roller-coaster of a ride!
The historical timeline is told through stories quiltmaker and local historian, Jane, tells Sophie by way of encouragement. Mary Landis is a young Amish woman who becomes caught up in the Great Chicago Fire and becomes the impetus for her entire community to help those devastated by the fire.
This is the second book in the Plain Patterns series but can be read as a standalone. Amish Historian, Jane, is the carryover between books and it's her storytelling that brings clarity and truth to modern day heroines who need a boost.
April 6, 2021
A Patchwork Past is a detailed and exciting story about Sophie, who has left her Amish community. She has a serious autoimmune disease that drains her energy, so she returns home to her parent's home to get rest. While home, she reconnects with old friends and makes new friends, A well written story that has very little romance to it. Good read!
May 6, 2021
A Patchwork Past is the second book in the Plain Patterns series by Leslie Gould. I enjoy the Amish genre, love Gould's books, and when I realized the book had a timeslip element to it as well, it was a win, win, and win! I'll admit I was up till the wee hours of the morning finishing the book. Gould writes such a great story, making her characters real and likable with strong emotions and convictions as they deal with real-life issues and mend and strengthen relationships. As Sofie returns home after three years of very little contact with her family she is quickly drawn back into the Amish culture. She also becomes immersed in the controversial issues of illegal immigrants and their precarious situation in the community. Shedding light on this issue was thought-provoking for me. Will this time of respite not only be a time of physical restoration but a time to heal relationships and resolve past hurts and misunderstandings? The dual-time story is told by the owner of a local quilt shop and relates the life of Mary, a young Amish girl, who experiences the drama and tragedy of the great Chicago fire. I enjoyed this historical aspect of the book as I was easily drawn into the scenes of the fire and its aftermath. As always with this author's stories, there are strong themes of family, friends, and faith woven throughout. Readers who enjoy stories about family and friends set in the Amish community will not want to miss A Patchwork Past.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a review and the opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a review and the opinions are my own.
March 5, 2021
I read the first book in this series and loved it, this one left me want to leave before I finished. I did finish, and was happy how the book wrapped up, but if I had know it was so political I never would have chosen to read it.
Again, Jane the local historian tells a story, and this is part of the book I did like, we we get to experience the great Chicago fire, and those who helped.
When all is said and done, I like that we are given an epilogue, and know how things turned out.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
Again, Jane the local historian tells a story, and this is part of the book I did like, we we get to experience the great Chicago fire, and those who helped.
When all is said and done, I like that we are given an epilogue, and know how things turned out.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
April 12, 2021
Sophie has come back to her Amish roots to heal spiritually and physically. Her relationship with her parents and especially her mother has terribly unraveled. Coming home has also opened wounds to a relationship with the Amish man she once loved. She has come back to simplify but instead opens a new world of social justice. In the Amish community is a family immigrants that she has befriended and is longing to help. She learns of what the family escaped and the injustice that they are now facing. Sophie is learning about her world being bigger. Her Amish community of friends are also sharing the past. The story of Mary and her Amish community that helped the people of Chicago during the Chicago Fire. The propaganda about how the fire started and Mary's fight to help the people of Chicago. The poor and the forgotten. Mary's story is also Sophie's story.
The prose is not about marriage or the hope of marriage but Sophie finding her place between two worlds. Her Amish family was hurt from Sophie's choice to go English and how that pain opened doors for Sophie to know God's calling.
A special thank you to Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
The prose is not about marriage or the hope of marriage but Sophie finding her place between two worlds. Her Amish family was hurt from Sophie's choice to go English and how that pain opened doors for Sophie to know God's calling.
A special thank you to Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
July 12, 2025
A Patchwork Past
by Leslie Gould
Pub DateMar 30 2021
Bethany House |Bethany House Publishers
Christian
Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley gave me a copy of A Patchwork Past to review:
Is the past a patchwork we can use to fix the present?
When Sophie Deiner--the daughter of an Amish bishop--is forced to return to Nappanee, Indiana, quilt shop owner Jane Berger is one of the few to welcome her home. It's.Sophie doesn't want to be here, but she's been sick recently and needs rest.
When Sophie recovers, she befriends a group of migrant workers and is shocked when one is detained and threatened with deportation. The farm foreman's ex-boyfriend opposes Sophie's advocacy on their behalf.
Jane starts telling Sophie the story of her Amish ancestors who rescued survivors of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, many of whom were Irish immigrants. Sophie's more convinced than ever she needs to fight for the powerless. When digging deeper makes things worse, does she choose a fight she can't win?
I give A Patchwork Past five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
by Leslie Gould
Pub DateMar 30 2021
Bethany House |Bethany House Publishers
Christian
Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley gave me a copy of A Patchwork Past to review:
Is the past a patchwork we can use to fix the present?
When Sophie Deiner--the daughter of an Amish bishop--is forced to return to Nappanee, Indiana, quilt shop owner Jane Berger is one of the few to welcome her home. It's.Sophie doesn't want to be here, but she's been sick recently and needs rest.
When Sophie recovers, she befriends a group of migrant workers and is shocked when one is detained and threatened with deportation. The farm foreman's ex-boyfriend opposes Sophie's advocacy on their behalf.
Jane starts telling Sophie the story of her Amish ancestors who rescued survivors of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, many of whom were Irish immigrants. Sophie's more convinced than ever she needs to fight for the powerless. When digging deeper makes things worse, does she choose a fight she can't win?
I give A Patchwork Past five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
April 26, 2021
Politics….
PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW ON MY BLOG: http://bookreadingtic.com/2021/04/26/... THANK YOU!
Sophie left the Amish community three years ago because of a love affair gone bad, and the sting of her parents blaming her for everything that went wrong. Now suffering with an autoimmune disease, she has to swallow her pride, return home, and ask her parents if she can stay with them. As a result of her leaving, a lot of mean gossip occurred which most of the community, including her parents, believe. She must face that as well.
Sophie befriends an immigrant family that came here to seek refuge from certain death in their native land. Their oldest son, a dreamer who was not born here, has been put in jail. Believing the charges are untrue, Sophie works tirelessly with his family to get him released. She also strives to convince everyone that all foreign people that come here will be a boon to the community. It is only prejudice, and nothing more, that causes fear of them.
A concurrent story is that of Mary, an Amish woman who finds herself in the great Chicago fire of 1871. Her heart goes out to all the suffering afterward, and she tries to help. She faces evil people, prejudice towards immigrants, and the lack of community help—at first.
In the past, I have loved this author and her books. However, I wasn’t expecting a story that is used as a vehicle for a current political hot potato. In today’s climate, a book that is an escape from all the turmoil and political unrest is highly valued. Unfortunately, this tale does not do that, making this a 3-star story.
Bethany House Publishers has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, A Patchwork Past, for the purpose of review.
PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW ON MY BLOG: http://bookreadingtic.com/2021/04/26/... THANK YOU!
Sophie left the Amish community three years ago because of a love affair gone bad, and the sting of her parents blaming her for everything that went wrong. Now suffering with an autoimmune disease, she has to swallow her pride, return home, and ask her parents if she can stay with them. As a result of her leaving, a lot of mean gossip occurred which most of the community, including her parents, believe. She must face that as well.
Sophie befriends an immigrant family that came here to seek refuge from certain death in their native land. Their oldest son, a dreamer who was not born here, has been put in jail. Believing the charges are untrue, Sophie works tirelessly with his family to get him released. She also strives to convince everyone that all foreign people that come here will be a boon to the community. It is only prejudice, and nothing more, that causes fear of them.
A concurrent story is that of Mary, an Amish woman who finds herself in the great Chicago fire of 1871. Her heart goes out to all the suffering afterward, and she tries to help. She faces evil people, prejudice towards immigrants, and the lack of community help—at first.
In the past, I have loved this author and her books. However, I wasn’t expecting a story that is used as a vehicle for a current political hot potato. In today’s climate, a book that is an escape from all the turmoil and political unrest is highly valued. Unfortunately, this tale does not do that, making this a 3-star story.
Bethany House Publishers has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, A Patchwork Past, for the purpose of review.
April 5, 2021
I enjoyed this split-time story. I really liked how the author weaved the stories together. I have been enjoying Jane's character and how she has these stories that benefit someone in need. I liked how this book touched on a topic that isn't very common, but is relevant in today's culture.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
May 6, 2021
5 Stars: 5/5 Star Rating
What a refreshing novel! The illness, lupus, is explored as the main character, Sophie Deiner, has it. I learned a great deal about lupus from the character's life trials with it. I came to greatly admire Sophie for her strength and courage. Facing her parents again after not being on the best of terms with them requires great strength and courage. I really enjoyed the switching back and forth between present day and 1871. I was not familiar with so many details about the Great Chicago Fire and developed a great admiration for Mary as well.
I highly recommend this book. While it is the second book in the Plain Patterns series, it can easily be read as a standalone.
I received a copy of this book from the author and Bethany House. All opinions expressed are my own.
What a refreshing novel! The illness, lupus, is explored as the main character, Sophie Deiner, has it. I learned a great deal about lupus from the character's life trials with it. I came to greatly admire Sophie for her strength and courage. Facing her parents again after not being on the best of terms with them requires great strength and courage. I really enjoyed the switching back and forth between present day and 1871. I was not familiar with so many details about the Great Chicago Fire and developed a great admiration for Mary as well.
I highly recommend this book. While it is the second book in the Plain Patterns series, it can easily be read as a standalone.
I received a copy of this book from the author and Bethany House. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 17, 2021
I was fortunate to have Leslie approve me to review this book!
She is an amazing author and I am so waiting for he next book to be published.
After many problems with ordering from Amazon she told me to cancel my order and she would send me one to review.
I will forever be grateful to her for that.
If you don't read any books about the Amish lifestyle I can tell you one thing you are missing a great opportunity there.
I started with the Guidepost series of Of the Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries and loved the. It even made my last trip with my husband a dream come true by going to Sugarcreek. I loved everything about the place and would love to live there.
I even look forward to Black Buggy Days in Chouteau, OK, because I love the series written by Amy Lillard, The Well's Landing series. They are so peaceful and treat seniors like they should!!
She is an amazing author and I am so waiting for he next book to be published.
After many problems with ordering from Amazon she told me to cancel my order and she would send me one to review.
I will forever be grateful to her for that.
If you don't read any books about the Amish lifestyle I can tell you one thing you are missing a great opportunity there.
I started with the Guidepost series of Of the Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries and loved the. It even made my last trip with my husband a dream come true by going to Sugarcreek. I loved everything about the place and would love to live there.
I even look forward to Black Buggy Days in Chouteau, OK, because I love the series written by Amy Lillard, The Well's Landing series. They are so peaceful and treat seniors like they should!!
January 7, 2023
This author brings scenes and characters alive with her vivid details. Her characters become real as they deal with problems that have been present throughout history.
March 3, 2021
I've read a lot of Amish fiction novels over the years, and A Patchwork Past is truly unlike anything I've read before. I didn't personally read the first book, but I appreciated the fact that I never felt like I was missing out on anything by not doing so. This one was unique in the fact that a lot of the story focuses outside of the Amish community on immigration and migrant workers, and it definitely added a unique spin to the story.
I wasn't expecting this to be a timeslip novel when I picked it up, and I loved that it was. I always enjoy reading those kind of stories, and I especially loved how in this one the timeslip element is employed by the owner of Plain Patterns telling the main character Sophie a story about her relative's first hand experience with the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
Sophie's story is not easy to read; as she's been hurt badly by a previous boyfriend, and wasn't offered any love or support from her Amish family or community. She's now dealing with a Lupus diagnosis, and having to come home to the place she was sure she'd never return to. She finds solace with Jane, the owner of the local quilt shop, and in helping an immigrant family working on a nearby farm when their oldest son is wrongly taken into custody.
While A Patchwork Past has many different stories and elements woven throughout it, I never found it confusing and I enjoyed how every element blends together into a beautiful story. Amish fiction is one of my favorite genres, and I always appreciate when a story truly stands out among the others for its uniqueness.
I love learning tidbits of history I didn't know about from reading historical fiction, and that was an added bonus from picking this one up. There's so much information included about the Chicago Fire, and I appreciated how much I was able to learn about that horrific time period in the city's history from picking this one up.
Overall, I ended up loving this one and will be highly recommending it. I'll definitely be going back and reading the first book now, and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Final Rating: 5/5.
Thanks so much to Bethany House for allowing me to advance read and review this!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Bethany House) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I wasn't expecting this to be a timeslip novel when I picked it up, and I loved that it was. I always enjoy reading those kind of stories, and I especially loved how in this one the timeslip element is employed by the owner of Plain Patterns telling the main character Sophie a story about her relative's first hand experience with the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
Sophie's story is not easy to read; as she's been hurt badly by a previous boyfriend, and wasn't offered any love or support from her Amish family or community. She's now dealing with a Lupus diagnosis, and having to come home to the place she was sure she'd never return to. She finds solace with Jane, the owner of the local quilt shop, and in helping an immigrant family working on a nearby farm when their oldest son is wrongly taken into custody.
While A Patchwork Past has many different stories and elements woven throughout it, I never found it confusing and I enjoyed how every element blends together into a beautiful story. Amish fiction is one of my favorite genres, and I always appreciate when a story truly stands out among the others for its uniqueness.
I love learning tidbits of history I didn't know about from reading historical fiction, and that was an added bonus from picking this one up. There's so much information included about the Chicago Fire, and I appreciated how much I was able to learn about that horrific time period in the city's history from picking this one up.
Overall, I ended up loving this one and will be highly recommending it. I'll definitely be going back and reading the first book now, and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Final Rating: 5/5.
Thanks so much to Bethany House for allowing me to advance read and review this!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Bethany House) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 16, 2021
4.5/5 stars
This story was a pleasant surprise for me. At first, I thought it would be a quiet story about everyday life with common problems, but this author really added a lot of conflict in the story that was cleverly balanced and didn’t bog me down as a reader.
I enjoyed the character Sophie, who had a lot of issues surrounding her. First, the strained relationship with her mother. Second, an unresolved issue with her ex-boyfriend, Lyle. Third, a serious immigration case with the migrant workers in her town and a Latin family, who quickly became her friends.
A bonus was a second story, told by Jane, another friend of Sophie’s family, about Mary, an Amish young woman who helped displaced people in the 1871 Chicago fire.
The main theme of the story was the wrongful treatment of immigrants in the United States, now and in the past. I like how the author connected these two stories and pointed out how to regard and treat immigrants from a Godly perspective.
Though this story had multiple conflicts, to which Sophie was involved in, they were balanced realistically in the story and came to a satisfying conclusion. I didn’t feel like the story was rushed or something was missing.
I don’t have any significant negatives to the story, it held my interest from start to finish. The only thing that bothered me was one incident with Sophie when she threatened to expose an officer on social media if he didn’t help her (concerning Lyle’s harassment). I felt she may have been too harsh or jumping to conclusions that he wouldn’t help her.
Also, another issue that I can see being a problem for some is the discussion of immigration in the United States. Though I didn’t view the immigrants in this story from a political or controversial perspective, this is something that will polarize some readers.
But other than that, I’m glad I picked up the book and would recommend it to those who like Christian fiction centered on small towns, multiple conflicts, and human rights.
***This book was given to me by Bethany House for an honest review.***
This story was a pleasant surprise for me. At first, I thought it would be a quiet story about everyday life with common problems, but this author really added a lot of conflict in the story that was cleverly balanced and didn’t bog me down as a reader.
I enjoyed the character Sophie, who had a lot of issues surrounding her. First, the strained relationship with her mother. Second, an unresolved issue with her ex-boyfriend, Lyle. Third, a serious immigration case with the migrant workers in her town and a Latin family, who quickly became her friends.
A bonus was a second story, told by Jane, another friend of Sophie’s family, about Mary, an Amish young woman who helped displaced people in the 1871 Chicago fire.
The main theme of the story was the wrongful treatment of immigrants in the United States, now and in the past. I like how the author connected these two stories and pointed out how to regard and treat immigrants from a Godly perspective.
Though this story had multiple conflicts, to which Sophie was involved in, they were balanced realistically in the story and came to a satisfying conclusion. I didn’t feel like the story was rushed or something was missing.
I don’t have any significant negatives to the story, it held my interest from start to finish. The only thing that bothered me was one incident with Sophie when she threatened to expose an officer on social media if he didn’t help her (concerning Lyle’s harassment). I felt she may have been too harsh or jumping to conclusions that he wouldn’t help her.
Also, another issue that I can see being a problem for some is the discussion of immigration in the United States. Though I didn’t view the immigrants in this story from a political or controversial perspective, this is something that will polarize some readers.
But other than that, I’m glad I picked up the book and would recommend it to those who like Christian fiction centered on small towns, multiple conflicts, and human rights.
***This book was given to me by Bethany House for an honest review.***
April 7, 2021
I loved this book and found it difficult to put down. Leslie Gould is one of my favorite split time authors and I love that also includes an Amish storyline.
The book focuses on Sophie Deiner who finds herself living back at her parent’s Amish farm that she fled from 3 yrs prior due to a help scare. We soon discover Sophie is living with Lupus. Ms. Gould does an excellent job depicting what it is like living with an autoimmune disease and the misunderstanding from others.
Sophie finds herself at Jane’s quilting circle at Plain Patterns with her Mamm. The vivid picture that is painted of community and belonging makes you want to pull up a chair at the quilt and pick up your needle and thread to sow some stitches. It is at the quilting circle we are introduced to the story of the great Chicago Fire and it’s connection to the Amish community. It is here we meet Mary, her Dat, and Lemuel as they experience the fire first hand. It is written in such detail that the reader can picture what is happening and feels as if they are part of the story. This trip changes Mary’s life and sets it on a course for her future.
It is through the fire story that we are introduced into the subject of immigration and it’s many misconceptions and brings to light with what Sophie experiences with her friends that things have not necessarily improved a lot. Immigration is a subject at the forefront of our world currently and Ms. Gould does an excellent job bringing to light those issues.
We also learn that Emma from the first book in the series is Mary’s Mamm, I loved getting to see her evolvement into a woman and where life has taken her.
This book is a must read. I felt as though I was walking through the pages of it as I was reading. It flows seamlessly between the two time periods and connects the two perfectly.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
The book focuses on Sophie Deiner who finds herself living back at her parent’s Amish farm that she fled from 3 yrs prior due to a help scare. We soon discover Sophie is living with Lupus. Ms. Gould does an excellent job depicting what it is like living with an autoimmune disease and the misunderstanding from others.
Sophie finds herself at Jane’s quilting circle at Plain Patterns with her Mamm. The vivid picture that is painted of community and belonging makes you want to pull up a chair at the quilt and pick up your needle and thread to sow some stitches. It is at the quilting circle we are introduced to the story of the great Chicago Fire and it’s connection to the Amish community. It is here we meet Mary, her Dat, and Lemuel as they experience the fire first hand. It is written in such detail that the reader can picture what is happening and feels as if they are part of the story. This trip changes Mary’s life and sets it on a course for her future.
It is through the fire story that we are introduced into the subject of immigration and it’s many misconceptions and brings to light with what Sophie experiences with her friends that things have not necessarily improved a lot. Immigration is a subject at the forefront of our world currently and Ms. Gould does an excellent job bringing to light those issues.
We also learn that Emma from the first book in the series is Mary’s Mamm, I loved getting to see her evolvement into a woman and where life has taken her.
This book is a must read. I felt as though I was walking through the pages of it as I was reading. It flows seamlessly between the two time periods and connects the two perfectly.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
April 28, 2021
A Patchwork Past, by Leslie Gould, is the second book in her Plain Patterns series. It’s is not the type of story I usually read, so why did I chose it? Because though a book may not be in my usual genre, something else about a story might capture my attention. In this case, there were many things!
Sophie Deiner had not planned to return to her parents’ Amish home, but a flare up of her chronic illness requires rest she can only find there. Her return is not welcomed by everyone, however. Partially because not only does no one know the real reason she left and second, there are plenty of lies surrounding the true story.
Sophie doesn’t let that stop her from getting involved in helping an immigrant family living nearby or helping an old friend whose garden has sprung too many weeds. Through these relationships, she discovers more of herself and learns the story of an Amish woman who finds herself in Chicago during the Great Fire. Growing up near Chicago, I especially enjoyed those scenes.
As someone who also battles a chronic invisible illness, though a different one than Sophie, I also found myself relating to much of what she goes through in the story. The feelings, the challenges, the misconceptions. I admired her desire to help those around her despite her physical challenges.
If Amish stories are ones you love to read, then definitely pick up a copy of A Patchwork Past. If you’d like to read a story about a woman who put her past and present challenges aside to help those around her, you’ll love this story, too. It’s a heartwarming tale and I’m glad I stepped out of my usual choices to read it.
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
Sophie Deiner had not planned to return to her parents’ Amish home, but a flare up of her chronic illness requires rest she can only find there. Her return is not welcomed by everyone, however. Partially because not only does no one know the real reason she left and second, there are plenty of lies surrounding the true story.
Sophie doesn’t let that stop her from getting involved in helping an immigrant family living nearby or helping an old friend whose garden has sprung too many weeds. Through these relationships, she discovers more of herself and learns the story of an Amish woman who finds herself in Chicago during the Great Fire. Growing up near Chicago, I especially enjoyed those scenes.
As someone who also battles a chronic invisible illness, though a different one than Sophie, I also found myself relating to much of what she goes through in the story. The feelings, the challenges, the misconceptions. I admired her desire to help those around her despite her physical challenges.
If Amish stories are ones you love to read, then definitely pick up a copy of A Patchwork Past. If you’d like to read a story about a woman who put her past and present challenges aside to help those around her, you’ll love this story, too. It’s a heartwarming tale and I’m glad I stepped out of my usual choices to read it.
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
May 13, 2021
Recently I had an unexpected week of vacation come up and needed a good book to bring with me to read at the pool. I chose A Patchwork Past by Leslie Gould and I am so glad that I decided on that book. I highly recommend this five-star novel. It is the second novel in the Plain Patterns series. The equally wonderful first book is Piecing It All Together.
The main character is Sophie, a likable, but “wild” former Amish young woman, who suffers from flareups of an autoimmune disease, lupus. She is forced to leave her English roommates and go back to her Amish family home when she can no longer take care of herself during a bad flare. Sophie befriends a nearby family of migrant workers and helps them when a family member is falsely accused. The book also examines Sophie’s relationship with her family. Her parents have a difficult time understanding Sophie and are disappointed in her choices.
Woven throughout the book is the story of a young Amish girl, Mary, and her father who happened to travel to Chicago in 1871 to sell their farm produce. While waiting for payment on their produce, the Great Chicago Fire breaks out. Leslie writes so vividly; you almost feel the heat from the fire and the fear from the characters.
A Patchwork Past is two stories in one book, both incredibly captivating. Leslie deals with topical subjects in a manner that is forthright but not judgmental, yet very thought-provoking for the reader. She manages to juxtapose the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 to the immigration/deportation crisis facing our country currently. These are some weighty topics, yet the book does end both storylines in a happy manner. Truthfully, I was in tears at several points in this novel but relished the enchanted conclusion of the book. Pick this book for your summer vacation reading pleasure, you can thank me later.
The main character is Sophie, a likable, but “wild” former Amish young woman, who suffers from flareups of an autoimmune disease, lupus. She is forced to leave her English roommates and go back to her Amish family home when she can no longer take care of herself during a bad flare. Sophie befriends a nearby family of migrant workers and helps them when a family member is falsely accused. The book also examines Sophie’s relationship with her family. Her parents have a difficult time understanding Sophie and are disappointed in her choices.
Woven throughout the book is the story of a young Amish girl, Mary, and her father who happened to travel to Chicago in 1871 to sell their farm produce. While waiting for payment on their produce, the Great Chicago Fire breaks out. Leslie writes so vividly; you almost feel the heat from the fire and the fear from the characters.
A Patchwork Past is two stories in one book, both incredibly captivating. Leslie deals with topical subjects in a manner that is forthright but not judgmental, yet very thought-provoking for the reader. She manages to juxtapose the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 to the immigration/deportation crisis facing our country currently. These are some weighty topics, yet the book does end both storylines in a happy manner. Truthfully, I was in tears at several points in this novel but relished the enchanted conclusion of the book. Pick this book for your summer vacation reading pleasure, you can thank me later.
March 30, 2021
This is the second book in this series. I always look forward to reading a book from Author Leslie Gould. Although new to her stories, I enjoyed reading her first from this series. Needless to say I was excited to read this one when I heard it was coming out.
Author Leslie writes this story as a time slip. Having the owner of the quilt shop Jane, recounts things that happened before to the present time. Always with a message that is woven in the stories in each other, as the quilts they come to make at the quilt shop group gatherings.
A young girl who comes back home ill, and hurt she finds herself helping people that she sees being treated different. Quilt shop owner retells her the story of a young Amish girl who helps people as well after the Great Chicago Fire that happened in 1871. Now Sophie listens to the story Jane tells, she feels more in need to help but will this help of hers be of actual help or bring more conflict to her. Will misunderstandings that later clear up, Family unity and Faith help her through it all.
I always enjoy reading Amish stories, and time-slip ones are unique to me. Especially when they hold a part of historical information that I did not know about, or knew a little of. I also enjoy how though there is two stories going on Author Leslie finds a way to stitch them together in a way that they form a beautiful pattern at the end without getting thrown in confusion.
I recommend this book if you enjoy Amish stories, history, standing up for what you think/believe is wrong, this is the story for you. I loved the parts of history, reading about them and learning a little more.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book. All the details here are my own.
I received
Author Leslie writes this story as a time slip. Having the owner of the quilt shop Jane, recounts things that happened before to the present time. Always with a message that is woven in the stories in each other, as the quilts they come to make at the quilt shop group gatherings.
A young girl who comes back home ill, and hurt she finds herself helping people that she sees being treated different. Quilt shop owner retells her the story of a young Amish girl who helps people as well after the Great Chicago Fire that happened in 1871. Now Sophie listens to the story Jane tells, she feels more in need to help but will this help of hers be of actual help or bring more conflict to her. Will misunderstandings that later clear up, Family unity and Faith help her through it all.
I always enjoy reading Amish stories, and time-slip ones are unique to me. Especially when they hold a part of historical information that I did not know about, or knew a little of. I also enjoy how though there is two stories going on Author Leslie finds a way to stitch them together in a way that they form a beautiful pattern at the end without getting thrown in confusion.
I recommend this book if you enjoy Amish stories, history, standing up for what you think/believe is wrong, this is the story for you. I loved the parts of history, reading about them and learning a little more.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book. All the details here are my own.
I received
April 8, 2021
A Patchwork Past is the second amazing story written by Leslie Gould in her new series Plain Patterns. The characters are very likeable and well developed. I enjoyed this story for many reasons. The main character Sophie Seiner captured my heart right away. She left her Amish community under mysterious conditions and now she is forced back due to a serious illness. This is the last place Sophie wants to be knowing that her mother will not welcome her. While Sophie is recuperating she starts to attend a quilting group where she meets and befriends a family of migrant workers. When the son of the workers is arrested and detained Sophie gets involved helping the family find a lawyer to prove his innocence. While Sophie spends a lot of time with Jane Berger the owner of the local quilt shop helping her with her garden Jane tells her a story of a distant relative who helped save survivors of the Great Chicago Fire. I enjoy the way the author has a secondary story woven into the main story that relates to the main character. Can Sophie see the similarities? Will Sophie be able to mend her relationship with her mother? Does Sophie decide to remain Amish? The conclusion to this story may surprise you.
I did receive a complimentary copy of this book to read and review from the author and Bethany House Publishing Group. I was not approached to post a favorable response only an honest one. All opinions are my own. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to Leslie Gould for writing another fantastic story filled with family, love, friendship, and forgiveness for her readers enjoyment.
I did receive a complimentary copy of this book to read and review from the author and Bethany House Publishing Group. I was not approached to post a favorable response only an honest one. All opinions are my own. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to Leslie Gould for writing another fantastic story filled with family, love, friendship, and forgiveness for her readers enjoyment.
May 31, 2021
Sophie is now viewed by most of her former community as being rebellious, complicating her necessary return when her lupus flares up. She shows both vulnerability and fortitude as she re-enters the Amish community, willingly facing any judgement while she steps away from her Englischer life to take time to rest amongst family. Her viewpoint is one not often seen in Amish fiction, with ties entrenched both inside of the community and out, her perspective never one of proclaiming one way of life as more “her” than the other.
While staying with her parents, Sophie meets Jane, a woman with a generous and kind heart. Through her involvement with helping in Jane’s garden, Sophie becomes aware of migrant workers in the area being unfairly treated and, in some cases, targeted with threats of deportation. As desperate as she first felt to leave as soon as possible, she now feels a powerful calling to step in and do whatever she can to help, proving that sometimes entering a period of restlessness and discomfort is exactly what we need to find direction. She often feels overwhelmed and like her efforts toward change won’t be enough, but it never stops her from giving up.
Seamlessly integrated with Sophie’s story is that of Mary, one of Jane’s relatives who lived during the Chicago fire of 1871. Similar political events occurred during her lifetime, parallels drawn between then and now. Her side story was just as interesting and integral to the plot at Sophie’s, the weaving of the two time periods excellently accomplished.
Thank you to Bethany House for a complimentary copy. This did not affect my review.
While staying with her parents, Sophie meets Jane, a woman with a generous and kind heart. Through her involvement with helping in Jane’s garden, Sophie becomes aware of migrant workers in the area being unfairly treated and, in some cases, targeted with threats of deportation. As desperate as she first felt to leave as soon as possible, she now feels a powerful calling to step in and do whatever she can to help, proving that sometimes entering a period of restlessness and discomfort is exactly what we need to find direction. She often feels overwhelmed and like her efforts toward change won’t be enough, but it never stops her from giving up.
Seamlessly integrated with Sophie’s story is that of Mary, one of Jane’s relatives who lived during the Chicago fire of 1871. Similar political events occurred during her lifetime, parallels drawn between then and now. Her side story was just as interesting and integral to the plot at Sophie’s, the weaving of the two time periods excellently accomplished.
Thank you to Bethany House for a complimentary copy. This did not affect my review.
September 15, 2024
A Patchwork Past by Leslie Gould
Plain Patterns #2
+332-page Paperback
Genre: Christian Fiction > Amish Fiction; Inspirational
Featuring: Author's Bibliography, Epigraphs, August 2017, Nappanee, Indiana; Historian, Quilt Making, Store, Columnist, Gardening, Shopkeeper, Chicago Fire, 1871, Multiple POVs, Dual Timelines, English, Amish, Mennonite, Lupus Nephritis, Old and New Characters, Refugees, Community Garden, Single Mothers, Roommates, Estranged Family Trope, ICE, El Salvador, Secrets, Lies, Rumors, Racism, Story Trope, Acknowledgements, Author's Newsletter and Links, Advertisements for Piecing It All Together PLAIN PATTERNS #1, A Plain Leaving THE SISTERS OF LANCASTER COUNTY #1, Softly Blows the Bugle by Jan Drexler THE AMISH OF WEAVER'S CREEK #3; The Stone Wall by Beverly Lewis
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for adult situations and content
Documentary mentioned: Devil's Playground by Lucy Walker
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⅓🪡📰🇸🇻🚒
My thoughts: 📖 Page 29 of 332 Chapter 2 - It was nice to get an update on the characters of the last book, but this one feels too many characters too soon.
📖 71 Chapter 5 - This is going to be interesting, I haven't made it to the historical part yet.
📖 242 Chapter 19 Mary - This is very similar to the Amish Memories series, but this particular plot is just okay.
This took a long while to heat up but once it did I realized these books follow a pattern. The last couple of chapters were good.
Recommend to others: Sure. This series is very good. Especially if you enjoy dual timelines through storytelling.
Plain Patterns
1. Piecing It All Together (2020)
2. A Patchwork Past (2021)
3. Threads of Hope (2022)
Plain Patterns #2
+332-page Paperback
Genre: Christian Fiction > Amish Fiction; Inspirational
Featuring: Author's Bibliography, Epigraphs, August 2017, Nappanee, Indiana; Historian, Quilt Making, Store, Columnist, Gardening, Shopkeeper, Chicago Fire, 1871, Multiple POVs, Dual Timelines, English, Amish, Mennonite, Lupus Nephritis, Old and New Characters, Refugees, Community Garden, Single Mothers, Roommates, Estranged Family Trope, ICE, El Salvador, Secrets, Lies, Rumors, Racism, Story Trope, Acknowledgements, Author's Newsletter and Links, Advertisements for Piecing It All Together PLAIN PATTERNS #1, A Plain Leaving THE SISTERS OF LANCASTER COUNTY #1, Softly Blows the Bugle by Jan Drexler THE AMISH OF WEAVER'S CREEK #3; The Stone Wall by Beverly Lewis
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for adult situations and content
Documentary mentioned: Devil's Playground by Lucy Walker
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⅓🪡📰🇸🇻🚒
My thoughts: 📖 Page 29 of 332 Chapter 2 - It was nice to get an update on the characters of the last book, but this one feels too many characters too soon.
📖 71 Chapter 5 - This is going to be interesting, I haven't made it to the historical part yet.
📖 242 Chapter 19 Mary - This is very similar to the Amish Memories series, but this particular plot is just okay.
This took a long while to heat up but once it did I realized these books follow a pattern. The last couple of chapters were good.
Recommend to others: Sure. This series is very good. Especially if you enjoy dual timelines through storytelling.
Plain Patterns
1. Piecing It All Together (2020)
2. A Patchwork Past (2021)
3. Threads of Hope (2022)
May 6, 2021
This is a split time line story. We have the famous fires of Chicago in 1871, and we have a current time line. I have to pause here, and interject, that this book has a super neat texture to the cover, that just makes it also a tactile experience when you touch the cover reading, sort of like it's its own quilt piece. As a second book in the series, it stood alone just fine. You do not have to read the first book for this one to be good.
Sophie's illness is something I understand and connect to in the area of dealing with things out of the ordinary that are "invisible" to outside eyes. Her fight to help, warmed my heart. What all she learned along the way is what just makes this book amazing. Between the past and the present, illness and immigration, the Amish she left and her struggle when she returns, are all worked into a faith based message of love, forgiveness, and not judging others too quickly.
The author did use a very wide and forgiving tone with all immigration, which, does come off as political and not quite what I excepted. If you keep it in the light of the times, in the 1800's this was a huge part of our country's foundation. However, a good bit of that was pulled into the current time frame, in Sophie's fighting for justice for others that just left me confused and frustrated as to the impact or impression it left.
Thanks to Bethany House for my copy of this book. This review is my own, left freely.
Sophie's illness is something I understand and connect to in the area of dealing with things out of the ordinary that are "invisible" to outside eyes. Her fight to help, warmed my heart. What all she learned along the way is what just makes this book amazing. Between the past and the present, illness and immigration, the Amish she left and her struggle when she returns, are all worked into a faith based message of love, forgiveness, and not judging others too quickly.
The author did use a very wide and forgiving tone with all immigration, which, does come off as political and not quite what I excepted. If you keep it in the light of the times, in the 1800's this was a huge part of our country's foundation. However, a good bit of that was pulled into the current time frame, in Sophie's fighting for justice for others that just left me confused and frustrated as to the impact or impression it left.
Thanks to Bethany House for my copy of this book. This review is my own, left freely.
April 2, 2021
Thank you to Bethany House Publishing for a gifted copy of A Patchwork Past by Leslie Gould. All opinions are my own.
Do you ever pick up a book and have certain expectations? I thought A Patchwork Past would be a light and fluffy Amish story...which is exactly what I was looking forward to reading. This book was not light and fluffy but it did tell a very serious and well researched story. The dual timelines both center around immigration.
Sophie's story takes place in the present. She grew up Amish and needs to return home to deal with her Lupus and rest. The author did a good job introducing an autoimmune disease that is pretty much invisible and sharing Sophie's fears that others may not believe she is sick. While home she steps up to help a local immigrant family. Jane tells Sophie Mary's story which takes place in 1871. It centers around the great Chicago fire and Irish immigrants.
One person can make a big difference in many lives if they are brave enough to step up and give a helping hand.
This is the second book in the Plain Patterns series. It worked as a standalone but I do wonder what I missed in the first book. Jane was my favorite character and I wanted to know more about her. The book deals with some very heavy subjects including ICE, detention camps, treatment of immigrants, etc.
Christian
Release Date: March 30, 2021
Do you ever pick up a book and have certain expectations? I thought A Patchwork Past would be a light and fluffy Amish story...which is exactly what I was looking forward to reading. This book was not light and fluffy but it did tell a very serious and well researched story. The dual timelines both center around immigration.
Sophie's story takes place in the present. She grew up Amish and needs to return home to deal with her Lupus and rest. The author did a good job introducing an autoimmune disease that is pretty much invisible and sharing Sophie's fears that others may not believe she is sick. While home she steps up to help a local immigrant family. Jane tells Sophie Mary's story which takes place in 1871. It centers around the great Chicago fire and Irish immigrants.
One person can make a big difference in many lives if they are brave enough to step up and give a helping hand.
This is the second book in the Plain Patterns series. It worked as a standalone but I do wonder what I missed in the first book. Jane was my favorite character and I wanted to know more about her. The book deals with some very heavy subjects including ICE, detention camps, treatment of immigrants, etc.
Christian
Release Date: March 30, 2021
April 30, 2021
I enjoyed A Patchwork Past by Leslie Gould.
This story follows Sophie through a time of “rest” at her parents house. This might seem simple but she ran away in the middle of the night and has been living out of the Amish community for 3 years... it’s not simple! Sophie left home under a tough situation and earning her parents trust back took a lot of patience and effort. The healing that went on in this book was beautiful. Sophie finds new friends and rekindles old friendships when she’s home resting. Sophie joins her new friend in a passionate journey of helping a migrant worker from being deported.
Sophie also develops a wonderful bond with an older lady, Jane, and helps her garden and run her shop. During Jane and Sophie’s time together Jane tells Sophie a story of her ancestors and the Chicago fire. I’ve always loved Chicago architecture that came out of the rebuilding, but hadn’t researched much about the fire. It was interesting to learn more about the fire and see it from an insiders perspective. The story of the fire tied right in with Sophie’s current circumstances and gave her lots of hope.
I do wish the romance was explored a bit more, but overall I enjoyed the story, passion and learning more about history in an interesting way!
Thank you @bethanyhousefiction for the copy of the book!
This story follows Sophie through a time of “rest” at her parents house. This might seem simple but she ran away in the middle of the night and has been living out of the Amish community for 3 years... it’s not simple! Sophie left home under a tough situation and earning her parents trust back took a lot of patience and effort. The healing that went on in this book was beautiful. Sophie finds new friends and rekindles old friendships when she’s home resting. Sophie joins her new friend in a passionate journey of helping a migrant worker from being deported.
Sophie also develops a wonderful bond with an older lady, Jane, and helps her garden and run her shop. During Jane and Sophie’s time together Jane tells Sophie a story of her ancestors and the Chicago fire. I’ve always loved Chicago architecture that came out of the rebuilding, but hadn’t researched much about the fire. It was interesting to learn more about the fire and see it from an insiders perspective. The story of the fire tied right in with Sophie’s current circumstances and gave her lots of hope.
I do wish the romance was explored a bit more, but overall I enjoyed the story, passion and learning more about history in an interesting way!
Thank you @bethanyhousefiction for the copy of the book!
January 16, 2023
I liked the dual storys in the book and even liked the characters what I didn't appreciate was the political activism thrown in. As a resident of Portland Mrs. Gould has no idea the toll out of control illegal immigration is haveing on our border communities. Also the story line about the deputy arresting Mateo was rather unrealistic and unbelievable. I think Mrs. Gould could have done more research if she wanted to write about law enforment. The deputy was risking his career by lieing about Mateo signalling. This senario is unbelievable because the deputy would have realized there was dash camera fotage and picked something else if he in fact wanted to lie to pull over an innocent person. Additionally it is not true that drug field tests are unreliable. The results are quite reliable and do not often give false positives. I did not appreciate the anti-police retoric poulting the story line. I read Amish fiction to relax and get away from the news. I do not read it to be informed about political issues. And thank goodness I don't because after consulting with an expert on police procedure and field drug tests I find there are quite a few holes in Mrs. Gould's argument. I will not be recommending this book to anyone.
March 30, 2021
A Patchwork Past is book 2 in Leslie Gould's new series, Plain Patterns. We return again to Jane and the quilting circle where we are introduced to Catherine's wayward daughter, Sophia. Sophia, after a very unhealthy relationship to Lyle, has left the Amish faith and moved to Elkhart to start fresh. After a diagnosis that turns her world upside down, she returns home to focus on rest and recouperation. Sophia rekindles old friendships and forges new ones with immigrant farm workers on a local farm. When threats of deportation knock on her new friend's door, Sophia calls on an acquantiance in Elkhart to help. Jane once again tells the perfect story of her ancestors to help Sophia connect with her situation and help her focus on what is best for her future.
I loved this book. It was truly a beautifully written novel within a novel. I enjoyed both Sophia and Mary's stories. Gould has done a wonderful job with this new series. I love the historical tales she spins in order to help her heroines.
I was given an advance copy by author and publisher in return for my honest opinion. All thoughts are my own.
I loved this book. It was truly a beautifully written novel within a novel. I enjoyed both Sophia and Mary's stories. Gould has done a wonderful job with this new series. I love the historical tales she spins in order to help her heroines.
I was given an advance copy by author and publisher in return for my honest opinion. All thoughts are my own.
April 7, 2021
Sophie Deiner has to return to her parents’ home in Nappanee, Indiana—a home she fled three years ago with no plans to return. The reception she receives leaves no doubt in her mind that she shouldn’t have come back, despite her doctor’s advice that she must rest.
Jane Berger, owner of a quilt shop, is one of the few people who seem happy to see her. When Sophie meets a group of migrant workers at a local farm, she’s torn between advocating for them and wishing to remain in the background. As Jane relates the story of an Amish ancestor who helped survivors of the Chicago Fire of 1871, told in sections throughout the novel, Sophie’s conscience is stirred to boldness.
A Patchwork Past gripped my attention from the beginning. Gould has written an absorbing novel about love and forgiveness. I loved this quote from the book: “A quilt told a story, but only a glimpse. Women, on the other hand, lived and breathed stories that could shape generations to come.” This book is one of them.
I highly recommend A Patchwork Past—I hated to see the story end!
My thanks to Bethany House and the author for my review copy.
Jane Berger, owner of a quilt shop, is one of the few people who seem happy to see her. When Sophie meets a group of migrant workers at a local farm, she’s torn between advocating for them and wishing to remain in the background. As Jane relates the story of an Amish ancestor who helped survivors of the Chicago Fire of 1871, told in sections throughout the novel, Sophie’s conscience is stirred to boldness.
A Patchwork Past gripped my attention from the beginning. Gould has written an absorbing novel about love and forgiveness. I loved this quote from the book: “A quilt told a story, but only a glimpse. Women, on the other hand, lived and breathed stories that could shape generations to come.” This book is one of them.
I highly recommend A Patchwork Past—I hated to see the story end!
My thanks to Bethany House and the author for my review copy.
May 27, 2021
A Patchwork Past is book #2 in the Plain Patterns series, but it’s an easy standalone for those who haven’t read book #1 (I didn’t.) You can get caught up very quickly as the story takes place in the same town as book #1.
This is one of those story-within-a-story type books, and there’s an interesting connection to the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. I enjoyed the trip to the past. I liked that the modern-day main character Sophie had an unusual backstory. She had a foot in the Amish world, but was trying to live as an Englisch person. I could relate to her passion for gardening. Though there was a touch of romance in the book, it wasn’t overwhelming at all. I much prefer when romance takes a backseat to a well developed plot.
The only thing I didn’t like about this book was the heavy political agenda it pushed. There was a strong bias about immigration, and a very negative tone about police. I understood the message the author was trying to promote; however, reading is my escape from the world. Unfortunately, I just didn’t get that from this book.
Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book. Opinions shared are mine.
This is one of those story-within-a-story type books, and there’s an interesting connection to the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. I enjoyed the trip to the past. I liked that the modern-day main character Sophie had an unusual backstory. She had a foot in the Amish world, but was trying to live as an Englisch person. I could relate to her passion for gardening. Though there was a touch of romance in the book, it wasn’t overwhelming at all. I much prefer when romance takes a backseat to a well developed plot.
The only thing I didn’t like about this book was the heavy political agenda it pushed. There was a strong bias about immigration, and a very negative tone about police. I understood the message the author was trying to promote; however, reading is my escape from the world. Unfortunately, I just didn’t get that from this book.
Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book. Opinions shared are mine.
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