I actually did get some sewing done this weekend, but this week my blog will be about books! Following my love for quilting, close behind is reading!!
I was asked if I'd be interested in reviewing Jennifer Chiaverini's newest book to be released Tuesday, February 21st. I think this is my first "official" book review. If anybody knows me at all, you know I'm honest. Just don't send me any terrible books to read, and you'll be OK. LOL
The publicists writes to me about the book:
Rosa Diaz Barclay is touched by the criminality surrounding Prohibition when she discovers that her husband, John, has given over the duties of their Southern California rye farm in favor of bootlegging. Fearing the safety of her four children, Rosa flees, carrying only a case of John’s ill-begotten cash and her mother’s two quilts. Lars Jorgensen, her true love and the father of two of her children, aids in her escape, and together the six travel north to San Francisco. Under assumed names, they are hired to work at a Sonoma vineyard, where Rosa creates a personal and professional identity that she would never have dared imagine at the opening of her tale, and one that brings great honor-and beauty-to all who surround her.
Read Amazon's review here.
The idea of a historical fiction intrigued me. I'd probably never pick up the book by reading Amazon's review as it sounds like way too much love story for me.
I didn't get the book until Feb 14th and I am not finished with it yet. I do feel like I can give a review on it though. I admit I went into it thinking I wouldn't really like it. The first two chapters didn't pull me in. I even told me friend I thought it would be a bit fluffy. But, I am pleasantly surprised at how much I am enjoying it!! Jennifer does an excellent job of going back and forth from present day to previous years and so far I feel she is weaving a wonderful fictional story with an accurate view of prohibition in the wine regions of California. I've never given a second thought to what happened to all the wineries when our government decided we need to stop drinking alcohol, including wine. I'm thinking about this when I'm not reading the book! I think that is a sign of a good book when we'd like to know more about a particular era.
If you would like to win this book (when I'm done with it!) please leave a comment and I'll draw a winner next Sunday. That should give me some time to be close to the end. If you have read any other of Jennifer Chiaverini's books, I'd love to know which one has been your favorite.
105 Click here to leave me a message:
I have not read any of her previous books, but many have encouraged me to do so! I'd love to win you book. Just like you, in addition to quilting, reading stacks right up there at the top of my favorite things, too. Thanks for the opportunity!
I read a few of her books a long time ago and remember them as good. I would love to read a fictional story tied to historic facts. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Jennifer Chiaverrini is one of my favorite authors - I've rally enjoyed her Elm Creek Quilter books and am looking forward to this one!
I read one of Jennifer C.'s books that was more of a historical story. I liked that one very much.
I am a Jennifer Chiaverini fan. I have read all of the Elm Creek books that have been released and I am excited to hear that a new one is about to be released. As for a favourite--I loved them all. Great author and wonderful stories.
I was never much of a reader growing up. Jennifer is definately my favorite author...she truly draws you into the story. I wasn't really into history either growing up so these books have been a great way to think about different things that have occured throughout history.
I've never read any of this author's books before, but this story line sounds really interesting. I've been interested in this time period ever since seeing the Ken Burns series on Prohibition on PBS.
I've read a few of Jennifer's novels, and have enjoyed them. This one sounds promising. Thanks!
I LOVE this series of books!!!! My all time favorite is "The Runaway Quilt"!! I've read it three times!!! And I would love to have a chance to win this book!!!
I just finished reading "The Wedding Quilt" and it's one of my favorites, a few time I shed some happy tears. I hope Jennifer continues with the Elm Creek series, but am intriqued to read something different she has wrote.
I think Jennifer's first book was my favorite, but I've enjoyed ALL of them!
I'm pleased to see she has a new book coming out. I have enjoyed most of her books - I don't think I could choose a favorite. I'd love to win a copy - thanks for the chance!
I'd love to read Jennifer's new book. It sounds interesting.
I'd LOVE to win the book! I've read all of her books, except for the Wedding Quilt, which was her most recent one before this one I think. My favorite is the Union Quilters, for much the same reasons as you stated, it's steeped in civil war history and the underground railroad. Loved it!
Reading is right on the heels of quilting as favorite ways to spend time. I've enjoyed 5 or 6 other books by Jennifer C (especially The Runaway Quilt), and I'm sure this book would entertain me and keep me out of trouble.
Lucky you for getting the chance to review it!
I love the Elm Creek books. I'm not sure that I have a favourite, they're all good in their own way. This one sounds great! I hadn't thought about the vineyards during prohibition either, how interesting.
i've not read any of her books as i too thought that they looked a bit "fluffy".
this one does sound interesting though.
:-)
libbyQ
WooooHoooo , how generous of you, dear Lori! I just LOVE Jennifer Chiaverini's books and my favourite one, up to now, is "A Circle of Quilters".
Now crossing my fingers (AND toes!) that I could be the lucky winner...
XOXOXO
NADINE
I just Love the Books of Jennifer Chiaverinni, so YES! I´d like to win this book. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to win this book!
Oh, and my favorite book is very difficult to say, i like them all so much!
When i have to choose i will take the christmas Quilt because you learn so much about the family of Sylvia.
I haven't read any of her books, yet! can't wait to hear what you thought of the book and yes if its great I would love to read it as well and then I will giveaway too so the book can continued to be past around blogland ;)
Have a great week!
Kathie
I love her books but don't have a favorite. I'd love to read this one!
Love A chance to win Jennifer's lastest book.....I have all her novels....no favourite...enjoyed each book as the story unfolded...Warm Regards, O'faigh
I am currently reading number 15 of her books. I discovered them about 5 months ago.My favorite book of hers is The Lost Quilter. I am a sucker for history and her books just tie in my favorite things, quilting and history! Have always loved to read and this has been an enjoyable series to me.
I've read the entire Elm Creek series and I'd love to read this one too.
Reading is my best friend at the moment. Thanks for the opportunity to win, Lori.
I read a her first books and thoroughly enjoyed them. I would love to give this one a try.
I love to read also, so please add me to the drawing. I have read a couple of her books and liked them, but don't remember which ones I read.
I have read many of her books and so far my favorite one is "The Runaway Quilt",would love the chance to add this new book to my collection.Thanks for the opportunity!!!!
I love the Elm Creek Books, I haven't read them all yet, but love how she intertwines the quilts into her novels.
I've read many of Jennifer's books and my favorite is The Sugar Shack Quilt (I think that's the title). It, too, had a lot of history to it. I'd love to win the book when you're through reading it.
I have read lots of Jennifer Chiaverini's books and always find something in them to inspire me to make a new quilt. I would love to read the new one and I am interested to learn about what happened in the prohibition era in the US. Take care.
Hi Lori!
I have not read any of her books but this one sounds like it would be right up my alley!! Right now I am reading 'Water for Elephants'...a VERY good read!! Thanks for the chance!
Paulette
I've read quite a few of her books, but can't remember enough to know my favorites (is this a sign of things to come!?) - but I know that I enjoyed them - I obviously should go back are re-read!
I've been to the beautiful Sonoma area, recently a friend suggest a book about the area and now a chance to win a novel about Sonoma by one of my favorite quinting authors is too much of an opportunity to pass up. I'd be just so very happy to win and read Sonoma Rose.
I'd love to win a quilt book written about the Sonoma area, I've just been there on a visit. Kathie L in Allentown
I love books - new books, used books, mystery books, quilt books, history books, kid books, ... well you get the idea. Thanks for the chance to win! Jennifer's are up there at the top of the list.
I have enjoyed every one. The one set in Maui brought back all the colorful memories of when I visited there.
I've read Jennifer's first 3, and so far I liked the first one best. I saw her at a book signing last fall and she talked about the research she did for this book. She is very thorough and I like that about her work--it isn't just fluff, as I suspected it would be, too. : )
I'd love to read it. My favorite was the Master Quilter (so far).
I have read all of Jennifer's books. I have been a fan since the beginning of her writing career. Many of the books include historical events which enhance her stories. I am not able to pick a favorite.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Charlotte S.
Can't type this a.m. trying again!
Have read most all of Jennifer's books - she lives in southern Wisconsin, not all that far from our quilt guild and we have had her as a guest speaker...a very sweet, down-to-earth person.
My favorite book? The Aloha Quilt.
Fabric, books and garden catalogs...which stack is higher?
I have read all her previous books and love them, one more then the other. Of course I would love to read this book too!
I haven't read her books yet but I love both historical fiction and a good mystery. They're my favorite genres. Winning this would be fabulous!
Sounds like a good read. I've read a bunch of hers when they first came out, then a f/t job became my reality and I"ve just now got back into reading.
Ilove all of her books!!! I have gotten a bit behind and would love to catch up with this book. thanks
Lizzie
I have read most of her books and enjoy them. My favorite changes with my moods but I recently finished listening to Round Robin Quilt. I have several of her books as audio because my guilty pleasure is sewing while listening to stories that feature quilting. That and Harry Potter books. Am I a dork or what?
I would love to win this book. I have really enjoyed reading her other books. I'm like you, quilting and reading - my two favorite things to do!
Conny from Red Deer, Alberta
I have read many of Elm Creek series books. I don't have a favorite. I did make Sylvia's Bridal Sampler quilt fr my daughter as a wedding gift. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of Sonoma Rose.
quiltnannyx2@metrocast.net.
I too love to read. I have read all but the "Wedding Story" in Jennifer's series. My favorite was the first book where we met all the quilters at Elm Creek.m I also love the "Aloha Quilt" because I lived in Hawaii and loved reading about the history of the Hawaiian quilt.
I am an Elm Creek Quilter fan. Thanks for a chance at this book.
jleibfried@aol.com
Harleyetta@aol.com
Hey I have read all her books. I am favoring her earlier works at this time but really like the concept of going back in family timeline and seeing what happened to the part of the family who went out west.
Would nejoy having the books and know there are a bunch in my small group who would "stand in line" to read it after me.
Thanks for the drawing.
Jane NJ
Thanks for a chance to win a copy of the book. Hugs
If I win this book, it will be my first Elm creek novel. Thanks for the chance.
After seeing Paulette's blog about the charm book...your previous post makes sense! How fun!!
I'd love a chance to win this Sonoma Rose book...please count me in!!
I have never read any of her book! Thanks for the chance to win.
I have enjoyed the Elm Creek series, thank you for the opportunity.
~Love Jennfer Chiaverini's quilt novels.~ I've read eight so far and they were hard to put down while reading. Thanks for the chance to win her latest.
Thanks for the giveaway. I hear lots of great things about Jennifer's books and would love to win one.
Choosing a favorite Elm Creek book is like being asked to choose your favorite child.... I love them all! Pick me! I have ordered this one yet....
Thanks for the opportunity to win this book. I've read all the other Elm Creek books. Although I had to wait for what seemed like forever on the one published last November ... the waiting list at my library was looooong. ;-)
I have enjoyed all the Elm Creek books, but I do think the Runaway Quilt is my favorite.
I haven't heard of this author before, but I do enjoy hisotrical fiction.
I am so waiting to read this, and would love to be the lucky winner. I read Jennifer's books in order as they come out. Only other one I haven't read yet; but have purchased is The Wedding Quilt. She is definitely one of my favorite authors; but cannot pinpoint a book of her's that is my favorite. I enjoyed them all.I hope she never runs out of ideas for a "next one".
I haven't read any of her books, but from what I've heard, it sounds like I'd really like them! :)
I love historical fiction. Tracy Chevalier is my favorite author. I've not read anything by Jennifer Chiaverrini, so would love to win. Thanks for the chance.
I have them all and enjoyed reading each one. Of course, my favorite has to be "Union Quilters". I've been waiting for her new one to come out. Maybe I'll win and save myself a trip to Barnes and Nobles!lol
I have the first three books so would be nice to add the new one to my collection.
I haven't read one of this author's books in a while. The story line sounds interesting.
Thanks for the giveaway!
I love Jennifer's books!
I haven't read her books yet, but love historical fiction. Thanks for the review and the chance to win!
I would love to read this book without having to wait months and months for my library to get it in,and work through their waiting list. I've read all the Elm Creek books so far.
Glenda
I haven't read one of her books in years, but I loved the Elm Creek ones I did read. Loved the characters.
I've read every book and look forward to new ones. Would be fun to win this one.
I've read all of her previous books and I don't think I can say that just one would be my favorite. I enjoyed them all. Thanks for the giveaway.
I have read Jennifer's entire Elm Creek Manor series and really enjoyed them. My favorite is probably the one set in Hawaii.
Linda Kay
lksmith47@gmail.com
Hi Lori, I have read all of Jennifer's Elm Creek books and love them all, but if I had to choose a favbourite, it would be "The Lost Quilter".
I love her books, when I read them I feel like I have been transported back in time.
Thanks for sharing
I also haven't read any of Jennifer Chiaverrini's books, although I've been tempted to buy some before. I love a good romance and when it's mixed with quilting... all the better. Hope to win this book. Thanks for sharing. Siena
I love reading Jennifer's books and this sounds like another good one! Thanks for the chance!
I think "The Quilter's Apprentice" was my favorite book, but gosh, I read this series about eight years ago - and haven't read any of Jennifer's books since - so it's difficult to remember. I know for sure that I liked them, though! Thanks for the chance to win.
I've seen these books in quilt stores but haven't read any yet. Just got one from the Library on Monday so will look forward to reading it.
The book sounds very interesting. Thanks for a chance to win it!
Christine
I love her books......I owned a bookstore for 30 years and I retired last year...I miss all the new books that come out....I did not know she had a new book......If I won...I could read it and if you let me know the next one who wanted to read it I could send it off to the next person and then she could send it onto the next one. Whoever wanted to play...put a list of names in the book and we just keep sending it along...and if everyone signed the book it would be interesting to see where it goes.
Would love to win the new book. I've read severl of her previous ones and enjoyed them all!
I recently read one of the author's short stories in a quilting magazine and enjoyed it. I'd love to get one of her novels.
I love these books, my favourite so far (and I can't actually remember the name of it just now!) is the one about slavery and the underground railroad. I love that these books combine fiction and historical facts. A lovely giveaway, thank you!
Sounds like an interesting setting for a story, I haven't read one of her books. I am taking a trip next month and this would be good for reading on my flight and layovers.
I'd never read ANY of her books but have been trying to win a copy on blogs for awhile now. Thanks for the chance.
I enjoy her books, but I don't really have a favorite. I think I like the community of sewers idea that is represented by the books and the way quilts have a part in history.
I love her books and LOVE your blog. It would be great to win. Linda in Alabama
I have read seven of her books and loved them all, so I'd like to discover this new one . Thanks for the chance to win.
Hugs from France
I have read two of her books and enjoyed them tremendously, would love to read more. (hint hint to hubby) Thank you for an inspirational blog.
Marge
I have read all of Jennifer's books and especially enjoyed the original Elm Creek Quilters series. I would love to win her new book. Thanks for the opportunity! I love reading your blog too! Joan
I would love to win this book ~ I have all of Jenifer's other books!
Our quilting group has been sharing Jannifer's books for the past couple of years. One of our members has all of them and I know she would love to have a copy of this one. So on behalf of my friend Ros, I would love to win a copy.
I've read quite a few of Jennifer C's books, but it's starting to look like I've missed a few. Time to catch up!
I would love to win this book! I have all of the other books and will be buying this one if I don't win it. I love Jennifer's Elm Creek books!
I'd love to win, put me in the draw please! I've read most of her other books and enjoy the ones set in the past the best.
Her books are on my "to read" list.
I've enjoyed all of the Elm Creek Quilts books. Thanks for the give-aways!
The historical books are my favorites. I hope I win. Thank you.
I would love to be entered in this giveaway!!! I aman avid reader, and know I would enjoy this book!!! I have just become a member of your blog,thank-you!!
Ellen S
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