A Grand Design by Amber Stockton - REVIEWED

A getaway on a charming island may be just what Alyssa needs—if only she can let go of her past.

When Alyssa Denham, a single career woman, wins a fun getaway for two on Mackinac Island where her grandmother lives, she gives her carefree best friend a call. Together, they tour the old shops and hidden treasures of the quaint island while helping Alyssa’s grandmother piece together an heirloom quilt. Their quest gains them entrance into the homes of many longtime residents of the island, parts of the city that are otherwise off limits to tourists.

As the quilt’s story takes shape, Alyssa gains amazing insight into her grandmother’s life . . . and attracts the attention of the handsome Scott Whitman, an island resident in charge of hotel transportation. Will memories of her past keep Alyssa from letting go? Or will the quest to piece together the heirloom quilt restore Alyssa’s fractured heart—and bring healing to her entire family?

My Thoughts:

“Life’s a grand adventure, and we’re all just along for the ride.”  (p. 176)

Alyssa Denham’s  life is anything but an adventure when you first meet her in the opening scenes of Amber Stockton’s novel  A Grand Design.  Hard-working and alone, she watches as, one by one, her friends marry and begin their lives with their beloved.  Then, there is a sudden change – a gift of a trip for two to Makinac island – and island she hasn’t visited since she was a young girl.  The island home of her grandmother.

Alyssa does something a bit out of character and makes a sudden decisive move toward this two-week island adventure, and she invites her best friend Libby along.  Libby is a bit of a guy magnet, but that doesn’t deter Alyssa.  She just wants to explore her misplaced relationship with her grandmother and get away from her very unadventuresome,  single life.

Alyssa’s grandmother creates a very unusual challenge for the two best friends, and she sends them around the island collecting pieces of her own past – never dreaming of all the things that would be healed and restored in her life and the life of her granddaughter.  Alyssa’s  life takes a transformational path during her two-week island stay that sets her upon the adventure of a life time!  Family, friends and a solid plot are tools Amber Stockton uses to create a touching and memorable tale that will leave your heart sighing in contentment! 

Another stellar addition to the Quilts of Love series!

About the Author:

Amber Stockton is an award‑winning author, a national speaker, and a direct‑sales brand partner with Nerium International. She lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, in Colorado. They have a daughter and a son, and an Aussie/retriever mix named Roxie. Three of her novels have won annual reader’s choice awards. Find out why readers love her by visiting her website AmberStockton.com.