What do You think about The Master Quilter (2005)?
I have read other books by author Jennifer Chiaverini. I know I have read at least one other in this Elm Creek Quilts series. This one took me longer to get into. The chapters were often devoted to a different character and some of the same events were rehashed over and over. I found this confusing when a chapter about each character would go back in time and then move forward to explain how that particular character reacted to the same events. And I did think the ending was conveniently arranged. However, this was a lovely story about a group of good friends who got caught up in their daily personal lives. As was mentioned in the story line, they used to spend at least one day together quilting and would share their personal lives. They all got so busy and caught up in other issues that most of them did not share what was going on. This caused some confusion and hurt feelings among the group until they finally told each other what was happening. Whether you have followed the Elm Creek Quilts series or not; this is a good story to read.
—Terri Tinkel
The Master Quilter (Elm Creek Quilts Series #6) by Jennifer ChiaveriniAmazon.comEdition: PaperbackA Cozy Quilt On A Cold Winters Night, September 8, 2008 The Master Quilter I'm sure I skipped ahead with this book, since Sylvia is now married and I didn't see it coming. I still enjoyed jumping into this story. Quilt Camp has been established at Elm Creek Manor. Each of the quilters, from the Tangled Web Quilters, takes part in teaching classes on different aspects of quilting. Sylvia Compson, the owner of the manor, is able to share her vast knowledge of quilting, with both new and experienced quilters. Sarah and Matt McClure live year-round at the manor. Sarah is the bookkeeper, while Matt is the groundskeeper. This story is woven in with the lives of the quilters. Sylvia got married to Andrew, and the Elm Creek Quilters want to make her and her husband a wedding quilt. Sarah sends out letters to Sylvia's friends and those who have attended quilt camp at the Elm Creek Manor, so they can make a special square for the quilt. Each camper writes a story along with the square, to tell what Sylvia means to them.In this story, Gwen Sulluvan, the hippie mom, is passed over for a position at the college, where she works, for a younger colleague. Her daughter, Summer, has moved in with her boyfriend, Jeremy, without even telling her mother. Judy, who is from Viet Nam, and also a professor, is given an opportunity to teach at a larger college, but she is hesitant to let anyone in on her secret.Diane, who is sometimes mouthy, and her neighbor, Mary Beth, who is the head of the Quilter's Guild, are feuding, but their boys are best friends. The feud has gone too far, and now the boys are involved.Bonnie's quilt shop, Grandma's Attic, is losing money. Bonnie is trying to keep the business going, when her husband, Craig, secretly meets with a realtor to sell the business. Bonnie is ashamed to let her friends know her business is in trouble, not to mention her marriage. Agnes and Sylvia, who are sisters-in-law, have been estranged for many years. They are able to pick up the thread of friendship and become better friends than ever before. Will the Elm Creek Quilt Camp survive the changes in the lives of these friends? Will Bonnie ever be able to recoup her losses from Grandma's Attic and get her life back on track? Will Sarah be able to get enough squares to finish Sylvia's wedding quilt? Will the ladies be able to remain friends, with Judy moving away?Reading about the love and friendships of the Elm Creek Quilters is as cozy as a warm quilt, on a cold winters night. Jill Ammon Vanderwood author: Through the Rug Through The Rug 2: Follow That Dog (Through the Rug) Stowaway: The San Francisco Adventures of Sara, the Pineapple Cat
—Jill
I am trying to work my way through the Elm Creek Quilts series, and I have to say that is is my least favorite so far. It all centers around secret-keeping, starting with a special wedding quilt that the Quilters want to give Sylvia as a belated wedding gift. From there, each chapter focuses on a different Quilter and updates us on each of their lives. I found this to be a great thing because by now I've sort of lost track of who is who and what they're up to. I liked the continuing drama between Diane and her combative neighbor, Mary Beth. The battle escalates! I liked the different points of view.What I didn't like, however, was the repetition of telling the same story over and over again from the different points of view of the different quilters. It was very annoying having to slog through the whole thing this way. For this reason, It would have been better to write from third person in a linear fashion, in my opinion. I listened to the audio version, and I wasn't to crazy about the narrator's version of Summer. She's supposed to be this dynamic, strong-willed, go-getter, but the personification of her sounded like a bored, half-asleep dimwit. I hope her "voice" in future volumes is better.I also was annoyed with all the secret-keeping. These women are supposed to be the best of friends (and in my experience best friends tell each other EVERYTHING), but because of pride and fear of what the others will say, they all have something that they are keeping from the others. Everything could have been solved in the first chapter if they just talked to each other. I hate when the solution is so OBVIOUS, but the characters in the book are suddenly out of character and bumble along acting oblivious to the solution. Ugh! I wanted to reach out and slap all of them. Except Sylvia, who was out of the loop on this one.Again, I give points for lack of foul language and all that negative stuff. I generally very much enjoy this series, but this particular volume was pretty annoying, so I have to take off a couple of stars.
—Maria
