Part of Elm Creek Quilts, book 6
First published 2005
Sylvia Compson has just married her longtime sweetheart, shocking her friends at the Elm Creek Quilts retreat. The other quilters decide to create a surprise bridal quilt celebrating their beloved mentor's wisdom and skill. They work in secret, keeping Sylvia unaware of their tribute project. The quilting retreat depends on openness and shared trust among the women who gather at Elm Creek Manor. But as the quilters focus on capturing what they treasure about Sylvia in their stitches, they begin hiding more than just their surprise gift. Personal crises emerge throughout their circle. Two women face relationship troubles while another confronts serious money problems. Two others must choose between staying at Elm Creek Manor or pursuing distant dreams. The secrets they keep from each other begin damaging the friendships that have sustained them. What started as a loving gesture threatens to unravel the community they have built together.
Genres: fiction, family-life, friendship, contemporary
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, secrets
Setting: Elm Creek Manor
336 pages · Paperback · Plume