SISTER'S CHOICE

Author: Judith Pella ISBN: 9780764201349 3/2008 HISTORICAL Publisher: BETHANY HOUSE
Time Period: 1882 Oregon

She had thought he was the one... Now she's not sure of anything. When it comes to quilting, Maggie Newcomb is all thumbs. And nobody rubs it in more than Emma Jean Stoddard. But Maggie swallows her ire for one simple reason: she has a crush on Emma Jean's handsome son, Colby, and doesn't want to ruin her chances. So she works hard to become the best quilter in Maintown. Her plan seems to be working—until Tamara Brennan comes to town. Tamara is wealthy, poised, and beautiful. Several of the local boys are immediately smitten with her, including Colby Stoddard. Desperate to keep Colby's attention, Maggie devises an elaborate plan with her friend Evan. But her scheme brings unexpected consequences, and before long Maggie isn't sure what her heart truly desires.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

SISTER'S CHOICE by Judith Pella has as many layers as an heirloom quilt and is just as appealing. There are stories nestled beneath stories in this one, and characters who are much more than they appear to be on the surface. SISTER'S CHOICE is an enchanting glimpse at love and life in a time that was, although somewhat rugged and wild, still about home, hearth and the joys of family.

Ellie Newcomb is engaged to marry a handsome man, and while her sister is pleased for her she is also a bit blue. Maggie is the sister who wears overalls. Her best friend, Tommy, hardly remembers she's female. And the women in Maintown smirk when it's time for a quilting circle, because Maggie's stitches are so unsightly they need to be removed almost immediately after she's placed them in the fabric. Maggie is tired of being the "lump" sister, the one whose matrimonial prospects seem nonexistent. She sets out to change the way others view her and sets her sights on a man who makes her heart flutter. Maggie's smart enough to know that in order to hook a man, she must enchant his mother. The mother in question takes particular pleasure in her quilting abilities, so Maggie is determined to learn to quilt properly.

SISTER'S CHOICE is wonderfully well written. The author's style and her use of language makes the reading of this tale feel like a yarn that's shared over a cup of tea, between friends and in a room filled with love. I loved this book. It is the second in a series by this author called PATCHWORK CIRCLE. I will pick up a copy of the first book, BACHELOR'S PUZZLE, knowing that if it's half as good as this one was it will be an enjoyable read. And an added bonus to SISTER'S CHOICE is the quilt pattern at the back of the book! I can't wait to test this pattern out for myself. A great book, with the promise of more to come, and the pattern block as a reminder of a relaxing afternoon's reading... what more could anyone ask for?

Kay James