Amish Fiction Novella Collection Book Review: An Amish Quilting Bee

About the Book

Title: An Amish Quilting Bee: Three Stories 

Authors: Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, Shelley Shepard Gray 

Genre: Amish Fiction 

Publisher: Zondervan 

Release Date: December 7, 2021 

Click here to purchase a copy of this book. 

Publisher's Book Description

“Three charming stories of cozy quilting circles and budding romance  

 Patchwork Promises by Amy Clipston  

When Colin Zook and his beloved grandmother lose everything in a fire, their greatest loss is a beloved family heirloom quilt that helped keep her dementia at bay. When Joanne Lapp hears about the loss, she decides to re-create the quilt. Colin soon feels himself developing feelings for her, but he’s held back by the knowledge that a future with him would involve care of his grandmother and his farm. Will Joanne look past his list of responsibilities and see him for who he truly is? 

A Common Thread by Kathleen Fuller  

Susie Glick returns from a shopping trip laden with beautiful fabric for her quilting group. On the bus ride, Alex Lehman—her crush from three years ago—sits next to her. Alex left Middlefield to explore the country, and now he’s back and ready to join the church. Susie was just a kid when he left, but now she’s a woman—and she definitely has his interest. The women in her quilting circle aren’t as excited about Alex’s return, assuming that he’ll leave again in search of adventure. Susie is convinced they’re wrong, but just as they start dating, Alex tells Susie he has to leave. He says he’ll return, but Susie must decide whether or not she can trust the man she fears has captured her heart. 

Stitched Together by Shelley Shepard Gray  

Rosie’s joy is her yearly project for the Pinecraft Mennonite Quilt Sale, and she dreams of being the top earner. But she’s worried that she’s bitten off more than she can chew with her latest entry. To make things even more confusing, after coming to terms with her single state, she’s recently formed a friendship with Tim Christner. He’s only in town for a month, but he has Rosie wondering if she’s found love at last. Now all she has to do is figure out how to get the quilt done so she can concentrate on him. But with her once very organized life in total disarray, everything comes to a head just before the sale. Rosie is forced to reexamine her priorities before she loses not only her place in the quilt show but everything else she’s ever wanted.”

 

My Review

An Amish Quilting Bee is a touching novella collection featuring stories by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, and Shelley Shepard Gray. Set in Amish communities in different parts of the country, these three stories are delightfully engaging and enjoyable. Filled with the relevant themes of family, friendship, service, love, and hope, this book offers stories that are thoughtfully written and truly endearing. 
 

In all three of these novellas, the authors introduce characters who are talented quilters. These characters endeavor to use their sewing skills to benefit others. Page after page, these characters are interesting and relatable. With faithful perseverance, they confront their own insecurities, misunderstandings, and heartaches. Their authentic struggles and their efforts to act with grace and kindness are very meaningful and encouraging. Their stories affirm the importance of honesty, compassion, generosity, and faith. 
 

Novella collections are always a special treat, and An Amish Quilting Bee is no exception. It is a genuinely special book with three uplifting stories that Amish fiction fans will undoubtedly enjoy. Memorable and moving from beginning to end, I sincerely recommend this book to all readers. 
 

*I was given a copy of this book by the author. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

About the Author: Amy Clipston

“Amy Clipston has been writing for as long as she can remember. Her fiction writing "career" began in elementary school when she and a close friend wrote and shared silly stories. She has a degree in communications from Virginia Wesleyan College and is a member of the Authors Guild, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Romance Writers of America. She is the author of the bestselling Kauffman Amish Bakery series with Zondervan, which is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. An advocate for organ and blood donation, Amy donated a kidney in 2011 at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Through her donation, her husband received a second kidney transplant. Amy and her husband matched another couple and swapped kidneys with them. Amy's memoir, A Gift of Love, will be available in early 2014. She hopes her story inspires others to become organ and blood donors. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, mother, and four spoiled rotten cats.” --Biography from Amy Clipston’s author page on Amazon.com.

Click here to visit Amy Clipston's website. 

About the Author: Kathleen Fuller

“Kathleen Fuller is a best-selling author of Amish fiction. She is also a wife, mother, crafter, coffee addict, football fan, and chocolate aficionado.” --Biography from Kathleen Fuller’s author page on Amazon.com.

Click here to visit Kathleen Fuller's website. 

About the Author: Shelley Shepard Gray

“Shelley Shepard Gray lives in southern Ohio and writes full time. A busy wife and mother of two, she spends her days writing and keeping track of her two teenagers. Her two dogs keep her company when she writes in her basement. 

Shelley enjoys writing about the Amish and visits Amish communities in Adams and Holmes counties several times a year. When not spending time with her family or writing, she serves on several committees in her church. 

She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.” --Biography from Shelley Shepard Gray’s author page on Amazon.com.

Click here to visit Shelley Shepard Gray's website.