Pattern for Romance by Carla Gade - REVIEWED!

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Pattern for Romance Abingdon Press (August 20, 2013) by Carla Gade

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Carla Olson Gade has been imaging stories most of her life. Her love for writing and eras gone by turned her attention to writing Inspirational Historical Romance. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, American Christian Writers, and the Maine Fellowship of Christian Writers. She is represented by Chip MacGregor of MacGregor Literary.

Her publishing credits also include a variety of newspaper articles, newsletters, and web content. She also enjoys developing discipleship materials for women. She has been a book judge for the Inspirational Reader's Choice Contest (RWA), and ACFW's Genesis Contest.

In addition to writing, Carla is a freelance website designer and webhost and an advocate for adult literacy. An experienced event and program planner/promoter, Carla designs marketing materials for her writing group, women's ministry, and other functions. Carla has also spoken at several women's events and facilitated many workshops and classes through the years.

An autodidact, creative thinker, and avid reader, Carla also enjoys genealogy, web design, and photography. A native New Englander, she lives in beautiful rural Maine with her "hero" husband and two young adult sons, and a new grandson.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Honour Metcalf’s quilting needlework is admired by a wealthy customer of the Boston Mantua-maker for whom she works. In need of increasing her earnings, she agrees to create an elaborate white work bridal quilt for the dowager’s niece. A beautiful design emerges as she carefully stitches the intricate patterns and she begins to dream of fashioning a wedding quilt of her own. When Honour is falsely accused of thievery and finds herself in a perilous position, merchant tailor Joshua Sutton comes to her aid. As he risks his relationships, reputation, and livelihood to prove her innocence, the two discover a grander plan—a design for love.



My Thoughts:

“Each stitch was but naught, yet strung together, part of a unique pattern.  Her stitches were purposeful, sometimes pleasant and other times tedious, yet, one stitch at a time she pressed on.”       (pg . 210)

I think this quote captures the heart of Carla Olson Gade’s novel, Pattern for Romance.  This book totally captured my imagination in a very unique way, and when the intrigue began to be revealed….I couldn’t read fast enough!  Truly, this is a book that contains unexpected and very satisfying surprises.  By the time you reach page 210 and read Honour Metcalf’s thoughts about her quilt work, you honestly feel the strength with which she has had to press through some very trying circumstances!

However, the pages from that point on are filled with so many twists and turns you are almost relieved to get to the final page of the story!!  I love a good surprise, and Pattern for Romance contains several!!  I won’t give anything away, but I will tell you that the bad guy is hidden well and you will be picking your jaw off the floor when you finally figure out how everything is connected! 

I loved this book!  I loved the characters, I loved the community, I even loved Joshua’s crusty old dad by the end!  Romance abounds right alongside the intrigue, so your heart received quite the workout!  A perfect balance if you ask me!

If you would like to read the first chapter of Pattern for Romance, go HERE.