After the Storm: the Story of Hannah Applegate Benson Stone

by Cary Flanagan

The second edition of “After the Storm” contains added content and a new cover. This historical novel shares the unforgettable story of a 19th-century quilter through some of the most challenging times in American history. This story is told “in her own words” through a lifetime of diary entries and a memoir she dictated to a grandchild shortly before her death.

Hannah Applegate Benson Stone weathered many personal storms in her life yet found strength in her family, friends, and her own resilience. Orphaned at four years old during the Civil War and raised by a caring aunt in a small New England farming community, she grew from a frightened child to a confident woman and successful quilt pattern designer. At a time when women had few opportunities available to them, she witnessed and participated in sweeping changes as her small world expanded.

This fictional memoir is based on many of the author’s own life experiences and those of her family transposed to another time. These “memories” bring Hannah’s story to life. Readers will experience for themselves what it was like to grow up without any of the modern conveniences we take for granted and the excitement of discovering one’s own abilities and strengths. They will mourn and rejoice with Hannah as she loses her first love but finds new love with her second, in this timeless story of loss and renewal.

326 pages, Paperback

Published November 18, 2021

About the author

I have been creating my entire life in many forms, including as a professional quilter, quilt pattern designer, teacher, writer, and business owner.
I hold a BA in Sociology and Anthropology, as well as an M.Ed. in Counseling. I spent twenty years working in Social Services, primarily at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Manchester, NH. I worked with children who came from one-parent families who needed extra attention, guidance, and support.
Much of my writing is rooted in my personal experiences and family history. I enjoy conducting research and have incorporated historical elements into my stories. For example, my first novel, "After the Storm - the Story of Hannah Applegate Benson Stone", is set in and around the part of New Hampshire, where my family has been spending our summers for more than eighty years. I took that setting and transposed it, along with my story, to the 19th century.

Please visit :

www.caryflanagan.com for more information and to order the three novels of my trilogy: "Hannah's Legacy"

Reviews

[Carole at From My Carolina Home · Rating 4 out of 5]

Told in memoir form as a series of remembered events, this is the story of a woman growing up poor in rural New Hampshire in the late 19th century. It has the joys and heartbreaks of a life of hardship and loss, but also perseverance and strength. It is apparent that the author did significant research, and weaves facts of the time into this work of historical fiction. Very well written, and enjoyable to read, and I learned some things along the way about the history of quilting. I hope she does a sequel! Recommend.

[Rebecca Freitag · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading After the Storm felt like sitting at the knee of a grandmother who finally decides to share the stories that shaped her life. Hannah’s voice is so tender, strong, and painfully honest that I often found myself forgetting this was fiction. The details of her early childhood—losing both parents so young, moving into Aunt Rebecca’s home, and struggling with feelings of abandonment—were heartbreaking, but Cary Flanagan has a way of telling it that makes Hannah’s journey less about sorrow and more about resilience.

What I loved most was the sense of heritage running through the pages. The way quilts, sewing, and simple acts of homemaking become symbols of survival and creativity was incredibly moving. By the end, I was left reflecting on my own family stories—those told and untold—and how much we inherit from those who came before us. This book is a gift.

[Benito Leatherwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our book club picked After the Storm, and I’ll admit I didn’t know what to expect. Within a few chapters, I was completely transported into rural 19th-century New Hampshire. The blend of diary entries, family heirlooms, and Hannah’s dictated memoir created such an intimate portrait of her life that I often felt like I was flipping through a family scrapbook. Flanagan captures not just the external hardships of the time but also the inner strength of women who carried entire families and communities through storms of grief and change.

In our discussions, what struck many of us was how current the themes felt. Hannah’s resilience, her reliance on creativity, and the way quilting connected generations felt like a mirror of how we find healing in our own lives today. I came away with a deep appreciation for both the story and the craft of storytelling itself

[Kathryn Dodson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful look at life in New England in the 19th century. Told through life-long diary entries, Hannah is born poor but ends up wealthy both through marriage and her own ingenuity. The novel shows the struggle to exist in that era, and the strong bonds of family and community. As a bonus, Hannah, the main character, is a quilter, and this special bit of Americana adds to the fabric of the story.

[Gene McCormick]

I love how Flanagan uses the frame of Becca receiving the antique treadle sewing machine and quilt to connect the present with the past. That opening pulled me in immediately—I could feel Becca’s shock and awe, almost as if I had been the one unwrapping the quilt. Then, to dive into Hannah’s memoirs was like finding a hidden treasure chest of family stories.

The transitions between past and present were seamless, and I found myself reflecting on my own family heirlooms. Who made them? What stories do they carry? By the end, I was not only invested in Hannah but also deeply aware of how much history sits quietly in our homes. This novel makes you want to ask questions, to listen, and to remember.

[Matthew McCandless]

Our book club found ourselves talking about Aunt Rebecca as much as Hannah! She’s such a complex figure—rigid in some ways, but also fiercely protective and loving. We debated whether her bitterness made her stronger or lonelier, and that conversation stayed with me long after.

[Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cary Flanagan weaves such a tender story of love loss, and survival Through Hannah s voice I felt the struggles of a young woman navigating grief and hardship in rural New Hampshire The quilting thread that runs through the book gave it a unique texture binding the story together like pieces of fabric into a larger whole. Truly moving.

[Scot 22]

Beautifully written and heartfelt After the Storm transported me into 19th century New England Hannah s resilience and love for family really touched me. A quiet powerful read.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Looking at this book as a snapshot of life in a tiny town in the White Mountains of New Hampshire from 1862 through 1906 it is an interesting read. As an added bonus, the main character, Hannah, is a quilter who uses a treadle machine to create her quilts. I was impressed with the grit and fortitude that Hannah and her fellow residents possessed in carving out a life in this mountain environment. The resilience that Hannah had when confronted with storm and fire was outstanding. After completing the novel, it gave me a new appreciation for these early settlers of the White Mountains.

[Sandra Pipitone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book

[Nalongo Achen · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the Storm” is one of those novels that lingers with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Cary Flanagan has taken the story of Hannah Applegate Benson Stone and crafted it into a rich tapestry of love, loss, and resilience. Told partly through Hannah’s voice as dictated memoir and partly through her descendants discovering her legacy, the structure makes the novel feel both personal and historical. I was particularly impressed by the authenticity of the setting. Life in 19th-century New England is described with such care that I could see the villages, smell the kitchens, and feel the cold winters. Hannah’s early losses losing both parents and later enduring the hardships of farm life were heartbreaking, yet her passion for sewing and quilting gave her both purpose and identity. The quilt itself, “After the Storm,” becomes a symbol of endurance, beauty, and the act of passing stories through generations. I loved how the book bridges the gap between past and present through Becca’s discovery of the family heirlooms. What makes this novel shine is its emotional honesty. Hannah’s sorrows are heavy, but her spirit never breaks. The themes of legacy, creativity, and family resilience are woven seamlessly together, just like a quilt. By the end, I felt deeply connected not only to Hannah but to the generations who carried her memory forward.

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books entertain, and others quietly change you “After the Storm” belongs to the latter. Cary Flanagan has created not only a story, but a legacy, breathing life into Hannah, a woman whose strength is stitched into every page like the seams of her beloved quilts. Reading Hannah’s journey felt like sitting at the knee of an elder, listening to truths both tender and hard. The hardships losing her parents, surviving through war and loss are told with honesty, but never without hope. Quilting becomes more than craft here; it becomes memory, therapy, and inheritance. I could feel the texture of fabric in my hands, hear the treadle machine’s rhythm, and see colors glowing in candlelight. What struck me most is how Hannah’s resilience is carried forward, not just in fabric, but in family. The framing story of Becca inheriting her great-great-grandmother’s quilt brought tears to my eyes. It reminded me that every family has untold stories, waiting to be rediscovered.
This book is tender, powerful, and profoundly human. I finished it feeling grateful for the women who came before us, and for writers like Cary Flanagan who remind us not to forget them. An absolute five-star treasure.*

[Mildred Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cary Flanagan’s After the Storm transported me into a world I didn’t know I needed. Hannah’s story—woven between hardship, love, and the solace of quilting—felt like listening to an ancestor’s memories by the fireside. I was moved by the early scenes of her childhood, especially the moments of loss and resilience that shaped her character. The descriptive passages of rural New Hampshire were so vivid that I could smell the wood smoke and see the glimmer of the lake outside her window.

What struck me most was how quilting wasn’t just a hobby but a lifeline, a way of stitching together broken pieces of life into something beautiful. Flanagan writes with such tenderness that I felt Hannah’s strength reaching across time, reminding me of my own grandmother’s sacrifices. This book is more than historical fiction—it’s a tribute to women who carried entire families on their shoulders with quiet courage.

[Emma Colins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished “After the Storm” by Cary Flanagan, and wow, what a powerful read. The story follows Hannah, a young girl in 19th-century New England who loses her parents early in life but finds strength through her aunt, her faith, and her love of sewing. What I loved most was how quilting was not just a hobby in the book it was Hannah’s way of surviving, creating beauty, and leaving something lasting for her family. The book’s framing Hannah’s memoir being discovered by a modern descendant made me feel like I was opening a family trunk and finding forgotten treasures. It felt very real, almost like reading someone’s true family history. If you enjoy historical fiction with a lot of heart, this one is worth your time. It’s not just about survival, but about finding joy, love, and creativity in the hardest circumstances. Definitely a 5-star read for me!*

[Vivian Kish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our book club chose After the Storm on a whim, but it turned out to be one of the richest discussions we’ve ever had. Hannah’s voice, both as a child and an elder looking back, sparked conversations about loss, resilience, and the role of women’s crafts in preserving history. We were especially fascinated by the idea of a quilt being not only a practical object but also a vessel of memory and legacy.

Each of us connected differently—one member compared Hannah’s journey to her own grandmother’s immigration story, while another related to the theme of starting over after tragedy. Personally, I found myself reflecting on how everyday acts of creation, like sewing or gardening, can carry deep meaning. Flanagan’s storytelling is gentle but powerful, and I can see this book staying with me for years.

[James Segun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is a true gem. Hannah’s journey from loss to strength captured my heart from the very first pages. Cary Flanagan has created a heroine who feels so real—her voice through diary entries and stories passed down makes you feel like you’re hearing from a real ancestor. As someone who loves quilting, I was delighted by the way quilts and sewing are used as a symbol of survival and love. But even if you’ve never touched a needle, the story speaks universally about resilience, family, and finding joy after hardship. The historical details are rich without being overwhelming, and the emotional depth is incredible. It reminded me of how much women before us endured, and how they built beauty out of struggle. A moving, unforgettable story.

[Thresa Powers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel feels like sitting with someone’s great-grandmother as she pours out her life story. Hannah’s early losses—the death of her parents, her struggles with loneliness, her reliance on Aunt Rebecca—were heartbreaking, but never melodramatic. Instead, they were honest, raw, and told with a child’s confusion that made it even more moving.

By the end, I realized I wasn’t just reading about Hannah, I was walking beside her through each storm she weathered. Her quilt, “After the Storm,” became such a beautiful metaphor for endurance. The combination of historical detail, emotional depth, and the artistry of quilting make this book stand out. It’s a piece of storytelling that honors women’s voices in a time when they were rarely recorded.

[Jennie Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cary Flanagan’s writing is gentle but unflinching, which makes Hannah’s voice unforgettable. I loved how the novel shifts between Becca’s discovery in the 21st century and Hannah’s dictated memories from the 19th century. That layered perspective made the story feel both timeless and deeply rooted in a specific place. The interweaving of quilts, family heirlooms, and storytelling gave the whole book a tangible, almost tactile beauty.

I’ve read many historical novels, but this one felt unusually personal. Instead of focusing on grand events, it brings us into kitchens, sewing rooms, and farms—reminding us that history is lived most intimately in daily life. For anyone who values family history or creative legacies, this book will touch you deeply.

[Robert Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the Storm was a revelation for me and my book club. We were struck by how Hannah’s personal tragedies—losing her parents, the cruelty of a father, the hardships of war—never completely broke her spirit. Instead, she found ways to create beauty, first in small stitches and later in her remarkable quilting business. The resilience of women is a theme we kept circling back to in our discussion.

Personally, I couldn’t stop thinking about Aunt Rebecca. She was stern but loving, scarred by loss yet determined to give Hannah a home. She reminded me so much of my own grandmother, who also raised a child not her own. Stories like this remind us that family is as much about chosen devotion as it is about blood.

[Andre Faulkner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this in my book club made it even more meaningful because we all approached the story from different life experiences. One of our members, a quilter, pointed out details in the sewing descriptions that I wouldn’t have noticed, while another talked about how the generational themes resonated with her family history.

For me, Hannah’s determination and faith stood out. Even when everything seemed to be falling apart, she found beauty and hope in her quilts, her garden, and her community. Discussing those themes with others made me appreciate how universal this story is—it’s about survival, creativity, and love, no matter the century.

[Doris Franklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the most powerful aspects of this book was the way it captured grief through the eyes of a child. I will never forget the scene where Hannah, just a little girl, finds her mother’s body during a thunderstorm. That moment was both devastating and tenderly written—it set the tone for Hannah’s lifelong determination to survive storms both literal and emotional.

At the same time, the book never wallows in sadness. It honors joy, creativity, and the love that binds families across generations. The quilt called After the Storm becomes not just an heirloom but a metaphor for piecing life back together. For me, it was an emotional and spiritual journey as much as a historical one.

[Joshua Jeremiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cary Flanagan has created a novel that feels part memoir, part history, and part love letter to the art of quilting. The attention to detail in describing both daily village life and Hannah’s creative process made the story incredibly immersive. What stood out most to me was the emotional honesty Flanagan doesn’t shy away from portraying sorrow, yet she balances it with community, creativity, and hope. This is the kind of book that leaves you reflecting on your own family stories long after turning the last page.

[Joaquim Nassim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story felt like stepping into an old family album, where each page held a piece of someone’s life you didn’t know you needed to hear. Hannah’s voice is gentle yet strong, and her journey through hardship and quiet triumph reminded me of my own grandmother’s stories. The quilt became more than just fabric; it was a thread connecting generations, and by the end, I felt part of that lineage. It’s the kind of book you linger over, letting the warmth of it stay with you long after the last page.

[Hanna Wyllie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing in After the Storm is so evocative that it almost feels like a memoir rather than fiction. I could feel Hannah’s grief when she lost her parents, and later, her joy when she discovered love and built her family. The emotional highs and lows made her incredibly real to me.

What I appreciated most was the pacing. Flanagan never rushed through Hannah’s life, giving space to the quiet, ordinary moments that shaped her just as much as the dramatic ones. By the last page, I felt I had lived a full lifetime beside her, and it was bittersweet to say goodbye.

[Scotliteboost · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the Storm" is a beautiful story of resilience and legacy. I was instantly drawn into Hannah’s life and her struggles in 19th-century New England. The blend of quilting, family, and history made the book feel intimate yet universal. Cary Flanagan’s writing is warm, emotional, and unforgettable. I finished the book with tears in my eyes and admiration in my heart. Highly recommend for historical fiction lovers!

[Larry Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading After the Storm felt like discovering an old family trunk in the attic, filled with stories waiting to be told. Hannah’s life, her trials, her devotion to family, and her passion for quilting made her feel so real. I especially loved the way the book weaves together history and creativity it reminded me of my own grandmother’s stories. A gentle but powerful book I’ll be recommending to friends.

[Modern bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don t often find myself this absorbed in historical fiction but this book stole my heart Hannah s childhood grief her bond with Aunt Rebecca and her journey of becoming a strong independent woman were written with so much authenticity that I often forgot this was fiction The way quilts became a symbol of hope survival and creativity was simply brilliant By the time I finished I felt as if I had sat by Hannah s side hearing her tell her life story A tender unforgettable read.

[Tracy Axford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book touched me more than I expected. Hannah’s story of loss, love, and resilience during some of the hardest times in American history felt deeply personal. I especially loved how the story captured the strength of women who had so few opportunities, yet still managed to leave a legacy. It reminded me of my own grandmother’s stories, and I felt both joy and sadness alongside Hannah. Truly unforgettable.”

[Estelle Gaia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading After the Storm was like being wrapped in a warm quilt passed down through generations. Cary Flanagan has created a touching portrait of Hannah’s life that blends hardship, love, and the art of quilting with incredible authenticity. I felt like I was sitting beside her as she recounted her past. The details of 19th-century New England life were vivid without feeling heavy. I finished the book feeling grateful for the resilience of the women who came before us.

[Olivia Maroth · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the Storm is one of those rare historical novels that feels like sitting beside a grandmother as she unfolds her memories piece by piece. Hannah’s voice through her diary entries and dictated memoir feels incredibly authentic. Her resilience, grief, joy, and quiet strength make her a character you can’t help rooting for. The added content in this second edition enriches the story even more. Absolutely lovely.