There’s something about cooler weather that always brings back memories of my youth snuggling under big, thick quilts handmade by my grandmother. The elements of love, caring and family that went into her quilts can also be found woven into author Jennifer Chiaverini’s New York Times bestselling Elm Creek Quilts series.
I’m delighted to share with you today a look at Jennifer’s latest installment in the Elm Creek Quilts series, THE GIVING QUILT. In time for Thanksgiving, THE GIVING QUILT is a heartfelt tale that celebrates the joy of generosity.
I’m also happy to announce that Jennifer will be visiting my home state next week on your book tour. She will be heading to Atlanta for her first time ever on Wednesday, Nov. 7. The setting is the Georgia Center for the Book at the DeKalb County Public Library at 7:15 p.m. on Nov. 7. The library is located at 215 Sycamore Street in Decatur (GA).
A modern master of contemporary and historical fiction, Jennifer’s Elm Creek Quilts series has topped the bestseller list twice in the last year alone. In THE GIVING QUILT, Jennifer takes a page from her own life to deliver an emotional and poignant story very close to her heart. As a long-time member and advocate of Project Linus, an organization dedicated to providing quilts and blankets to children in need, Jennifer decided to donate a very unique and special gift—a prime spot in one of her bestselling novels.
At Elm Creek Manor, the circle of quilters is hard at work preparing for
“Quiltsgiving.” Held annually the week after Thanksgiving, expert and novice quilters from near and far gather for a special winter session of quilt camp to make pieces for Project Linus.
As the week unfolds, the quilters respond to the question, “Why do you give?” in ways as varied as the life experiences that drew them to Elm Creek Manor. Each of the quilters, including a librarian, a teacher, a college student, and a quilt shop clerk, uses her unique talents to teach, inspire, and give back to her fellow campers.
Once again Jennifer delivers the complex characters and rich descriptions of setting and mood that fans and critics have come to expect. Featuring not only well-loved characters but intriguing newcomers, THE GIVING QUILT will remind us all that it is truly better to give than to receive.
Jennifer is also the author of five collections of quilt projects inspired by her novels. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the University of Chicago, she lives with her husband and sons in Madison, Wisconsin.
For more on Jennifer and her writing, visit her website at www.elmcreek.net.
Are you a quilter? Do you enjoy reading novels where quilting is woven into the story? Thanks so much for stopping by today. Don’t forget, if you’re in Decatur (GA) next week stop by for Jennifer’s book tour.
Where does the time go? I can’t believe it’s been a
year since I wrote a similar post. You see, today is the third anniversary of Thoughts in Progress.
Three years ago on Oct. 31, 2009, I wrote my first post and began my adventure into blogdom. It has been a fun and wonderful journey. I have found great books to read, listen to and share with y’all.
And that’s the best part - I have gotten to know some amazing and delightful people through blogging. Mere words can’t express how grateful I am for the friendship and support each and everyone of you has shown me. Y’all continue to visit even though I’ve been limited in my ability to visit with you. I am eternally grateful. I am also thankful for those who follow this blog through all the different means.
While the blogging is a great way for me to express myself and my thoughts, I also want to make Thoughts in Progress a place you enjoy visiting time and time again. For that reason, I’m always open to suggestions for changes to the layout and the blog content. If there’s something you’d like to see or not see here, let me know in the comments. If you
prefer, drop me an e-mail and share your thoughts.
Looking at other blogs I’ve tried to include a number of things I hope are enjoyable and/or helpful. I’ve added a list to my sidebar of the wonderful publishers and their links who graciously provide materials for me to review. I’ve also added the various blog tour promoters I’m associated with and their links. If I’ve left someone out, please let me know as this is a work in progress.
I try to highlight the books of authors guest blogging during the month with the slideshow, as well as providing a calendar showing when the authors will visit. Since most of the blog tours are now featuring banners, I’ve though about also including a slideshow just highlighting the banners. Do you think the banners displayed on the sidebar with a link to the tour promoters would be better? Or no banners at all? Readers and authors tell me what you’d like to see.
Another question for you. Are buttons important? I know a lot of bloggers have buttons that are quickly associated with their blog. If buttons are important, what image would make the best button for Thoughts?
Before I forget, today is the last day to access Riffle from this link. I hope you will check it out and join me there.
Again I want to say a huge and heartfelt THANK YOU for your support of Thoughts in Progress. It’s been a fun three years getting to know y’all and I look forward to the coming year to see what new adventures we can share together.
For those celebrating today - HAPPY HALLOWEEN. Hope everyone has a safe and fun time trick-or-treating and gets lots and lots of chocolate.
I also hope all our blogging buddies on the East Coast are safe and warm. Sending prayers and hugs to those involved in Superstorm Sandy.
I hope y’all will join me tomorrow to leave more about author Jennifer Chiaverini’s latest installment in her Elm Creek Quilt Series, THE GIVING QUILT. I leave you with a virtual hug, a glass of your favorite beverage, and a sincere THANK YOU!
