Yet another book in Chiaverini's extensive quilting series. However, unlike the last book I was gushing over in the series (Circle of Quilters) this one didn't capture me as that one did. Its not that Chiaverini didn't write a good novel, its only that once again, this novel departed from the usual cast of characters and instead told a story from the past. As there are so many books in the series and they mostly can be read as a stand alone, I'm not going to describe them here, but instead just give a review on how this novel reads as a stand alone.The story follows Elizabeth, a young woman who enjoys most her visits to Elm Creek Manor. The Manor is owned by relatives and is a successful horse farm. Here she quilts with them and enjoys the holidays. She also enjoys the company of Henry, the son of a local farmer. When he asks her to marry her and come West to California to start a new life on the farm he's bought, she says yes.When they arrive, nothing is as it seems. The farm they bought was a sham and instead of owning it, they find themselves working for the owners. Also troubled by the farm is Rosa. It had once belonged to her family but they had to sell it many generations back when a terrible drought swept through the land. Now Rosa dwells with her unkind husband, slowly watching he children die from an unknown disease. She and Elizabeth strike up a tentative friendship and Elizabeth becomes determined to help her even though her own situation is not so good. There is much in store in the future for both of them.While this was a quilting novel, the quilting played a very small role. Elizabeth restores a few quilts and makes mention of some wedding quilts, but that is the extent of it. This in itself was a little disappointing as I expect a good quilting story when ready a novel titled "The Quilter's Homecoming".The writing as usual was good. Not as descriptive as it normally is, but still adequate. Her characters were nicely done and it was easy to see them as real people. They had enough flaws to be believable but not too many to make you dislike the character. Despite this, I was not really drawn to any of the characters. It might be selfish of me but I just can't bring myself to care about these characters when I enjoy the other ones so much.I wish there would have been more quilting in this book. Since it already had the lack of my favored characters, it would have made up for my disappointment. I really enjoy the books that are in the present time more than the ones in the past. Its not that they're bad books, its just that I feel they don't fit in with the rest of the Elm Creek series. I'll continue to read the series of course, but secretly hope they get back to my favorite characters and story line.The Quilter's HomecomingCopyright 2007309 pages
In the Quilter's Homecoming, there is a roaring twenties adventure. When Sylvia was a child she had a favorite cousin, Elizabeth Bergstrom, whom she always, always wanted to spend all her time with whenever she was at Elm Creek Manor. However, Elizabeth was in love with a neighbor, Henry Nelson. Sylvia was upset when Elizabeth and Henry were to marry. She tried her best to make Henry not like Elizabeth. She was unkind to Henry to say the least.Henry had purchased a ranch, Triumph Ranch, in California. He and Elizabeth were off to California after they married to start a new life. Upon reaching their destination, Henry and Elizabeth discover they were scammed. There was no such place as Triumph Ranch. Where upon they need to get jobs. They each found a position at the Jorgenson farm; Henry to work the fields and the orchard and Elizabeth to help in the house.Elizabeth had befriended the daughter-in-law of the Jorgenson's and before long also made friends with Rosa Diaz Barclay, a neighbor. Rosa's life was not a pretty one, having lost a number of children to a genetic disease and an abusive husband.Elizabeth finds out that Rosa's first love was not her present husband, but a man from her past- a Jorgenson. Rosa's family had been against the Jorgenson boy and wanted Rosa to marry John Barclay. A lot happens to Rosa and her family. And, there are many surprises ahead for Elizabeth and Henry also.
What do You think about The Quilter's Homecoming (2007)?
After almost over a month I've finished reading this book. I enjoyed the mentions of the different places we know in Ventura County and some of why they have the names they do. I enjoyed the happy parts in the beginning of the story and the hope and love the couple felt for each other. The stories about the quilts and the different kinds there were was very interesting. My father always said he didn't like it when the bad guys won in the end and I felt this ending reflected this sentiment in my
—Annette
This one is cousin Elizabeth Nelson's story. It begins just after her wedding to Henry. We are on the train West, they are so much in love and can't wait to get to California and their new Ranch. Henry has saved and given all of his money to buy the new ranch, and he can't wait to get there. His dreams are being fulfilled. He has all the proper paper work, and knows he is going to be a success..with his Triumph Ranch! How things work out is devestating. Going from owners, to workers in a few days.They end up at the Jorgensen Ranch, Henry and Elizabeth both get jobs. Henry helps on the rance and Elizabeth in the house. They also are given an old cabin to live in. At first when we see it through the author's eye, it looks and feels horrible. Elizabeth works wonders and does turn it into a home.Love looking around at the country side, what a beautiful area! We also meet some sweet and loving people, and some down right nasty individuals. Like the Post Master, John Barker who beats his wife Rose. His jealousy is almost his undoing. Enjoyed how we go back in time about the history of the Jorgensen Ranch, and them back to the present time [the 1920's and '30's]. My heart ached for poor Rosa, and her horrible life. Also loosing to death so many children. Terrible!The ending is a dream come true. Enjoy your visit Nelson's, Jorgensen's and Barkers, a real page turner!
—Maureen Timerman
Listening to this entry in the Elm Creek Quilters cycle is like returning to a comfortable room after a long absence - it is familiar, but with differences both subtle and major.This book is set in southern California, not Pennsylvania. Sylvia is a petulant child here -- series followers will smile at the roots of the imperious yet vulnerable adult she will become. Yet the main action follows Elizabeth during the first months of her marriage.I enjoy it, would not have missed it, and definitely will be looking for the next Chiaverini title. But this is not the one to get started on. The warm charm of the earlier books is missing here.The audio is nicely done. The narrator has a matter of fact tone that fits the story well.
—Debra
