Th Christmas Quilt by Vannetta Chapman - REVIEWED

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Christmas Quilt Abingdon Press (October 15, 2013) by Vannetta Chapman

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word From The Author:

I hold a BA and MA degree in English, and I am proud to be represented by Mary Sue Seymour, AAR. I have published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, and have received over two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. I am honored to be a member of Romance Writers of America, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Faith Hope and Love.

I live and teach in the Texas hill country with my husband, cats, and a rather large herd of deer. Our four children have flown the nest; however, we are fortunate that they all live close enough to visit.

I have always felt that my faith was at the very center of who and what I am, and I am thrilled beyond words to be able to now write about something that is so near to my heart. At various times I have served as a pianist, teacher, church secretary, and worship team member. While living in the Dallas area, I served as an adjunct professor of English Literature at Dallas Baptist University. When we moved to a small town in Central Texas, I continued teaching for a few years, but I now write full-time and I play the keyboard in our church’s praise band.

My grandfather was born in Albion, Pennsylvania, and I am currently researching whether I might have Amish roots.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Annie's life is deliciously full as the Christmas season approaches. She helps her husband, Samuel, attend to the community's minor medical needs. She occasionally assists Belinda, the local midwife, and most days, she finds herself delivering the buggy to her brother Adam. Annie’s sister-in-law Leah is due to deliver their first child before Christmas morning, and Annie is determined to finish a crib quilt before the boppli arrives. With six weeks to go, she should have no problem . . . but God may have a different plan. Leah is rushed to the English hospital when the infant arrives early, and Annie discovers the Christmas quilt may hold a far greater significance than she ever imagined.


My Thoughts:

“Fears and needs cause folks to limp along emotionally, mush like my leg forces me to hobble.”  

(p. 67)

The Christmas Quilt isn’t a “plain” Amish story.  (pun intended – couldn’t resist)  The story is much like the quilt that is formed during the development of events – an intricate picture that is woven between the lives of the characters.  Annie and Samuel, Leah and Adam, Rachel and her two sons, Uncle Eli…each character has a need that – for the most part – they are unaware exists.  Through an ever-changing set of circumstances those needs, physical, emotional and spiritual, are brought into the light, and God begins to heal and mend and stitch together a community and family that reflects the love He has for His children.

I don’t want to give away the role that the quilt plays in this novel, because I think you will enjoy that discovery as it is revealed just like I did.  I found myself searching for my own real life events that reflected those same characteristics throughout my life story.  Although crisis knocks at each character’s door a bit differently, the results are the work of the Master Quilter!  You will enjoy this story very much and will feel like you’ve spent time among really good folks that leave you encouraged - encouraged to find those small details and blessings that surround us each and every day!  GREAT story!

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Christmas Quilt, go HERE.