An Elm Creek Quilts Novel
Simon & Schuster
November 2003
On Sale: October 21, 2003
736 pages ISBN: 074326018X EAN: 9780743260183 Hardcover Add to Wish List
Here's where it
all began -- the three novels that first made beloved
friends of the Elm Creek Quilters, who stepped out of
Pennsylvania's idyllic Elm Creek Manor and into the heart of
America.
The Quilter's Apprentice: Master quilter
Sylvia Compson shares the secrets of her creative gifts with
her young assistant, Sarah McClure. During their lessons,
the intricate, varied threads of Sylvia's life begin to
emerge. It is the story of a young wife living through the
hardships and agonies of the World War II home front; of a
family torn apart by jealously and betrayal; of
misunderstanding, loss, and a tragedy that can never be
undone. As the bond between them deepens, Sarah resolves to
help Sylvia free herself from remembered sorrows and restore
her life -- and her home, Elm Creek Manor -- to its former
glory. In turn, Sylvia helps Sarah confront her own troubled
past. Out of their shared triumph is born a lifelong
friendship and a fledgling business called Elm Creek Quilts.
Round Robin: To celebrate the beginning of Elm
Creek Quilts, Sarah, Sylvia, and their circle of friends
name themselves the Elm Creek Quilters. As a gift to Sylvia,
the others have begun a round robin -- a quilt created by
sewing concentric patchwork to a central block as it is
passed around a sewing circle. As each woman makes her
creative contribution, she adds her story to the history of
Elm Creek Manor. Resplendent in green, blue, and gold, the
quilt serves as a symbol of the complex, lasting ties that
unify mothers and daughters, sisters and friends. As they
stitch together the sometimes harmonious -- often discordant
-- scraps of their crazy-quilt lives, the Elm Creek Quilters
learn that friendship is a most precious gift and that even
in the darkest of times, love illuminates the way home.
The Cross-Country Quilters: Five women arrive at
Elm Creek Manor, hoping to find in their quilting lessons an
escape from the problems they have left at home. This
far-flung group becomes fast friends who pledge to complete
a "challenge quilt" -- symbolic of each woman's personal
goals -- in one year's time. Although the Cross-Country
Quilters share a common creative goal, as the year goes by,
their bonds are tested by the demands of daily life. But
despite differences in age, race, and background, the
friends' love for quilting and affection for one another
unite them in a patchwork of caring and acceptance. The
quilt they make reminds them of an everlasting truth --
friends may be separated by great distance, yet the strength
of their bond can transcend any obstacle.
"Endearing
characters and pleasant vignettes render this series as
charming and cozy as a favorite blanket," said Publishers
Weekly of the Elm Creek Quilts books. Jennifer
Chiaverini is at her heartwarming best in these three novels
that launched a bestselling phenomenon.