An Elm Creek Quilts Sampler: The First Three Novels in the Popular Series (Elm Creek Quilters Novels)

By Jennifer Chiaverini

Book Overview

Three Complete Novels, The Quilter's Apprentice, Round Robin, and The Cross-Country Quilters, from The New York Times Bestselling Author, Jennifer Chiaverini Here's where it all began -- the three novels that first made beloved friends of the Elm Creek Quilters, who stepped out of Pennsylvania's idyllic Elm Creek Manor and into the heart of America. The Quilter's Apprentice: Master quilter Sylvia Compson shares the secrets of her creative gifts with her young assistant, Sarah McClure. During their lessons, the intricate, varied threads of Sylvia's life begin to emerge. It is the story of a young wife living through the hardships and agonies of the World War II home front; of a family torn apart by jealously and betrayal; of misunderstanding, loss, and a tragedy that can never be undone. As the bond between them deepens, Sarah resolves to help Sylvia free herself from remembered sorrows and restore her life -- and her home, Elm Creek Manor -- to its former glory. In turn, Sylvia helps Sarah confront her own troubled past. Out of their shared triumph is born a lifelong friendship and a fledgling business called Elm Creek Quilts. Round Robin: To celebrate the beginning of Elm Creek Quilts, Sarah, Sylvia, and their circle of friends name themselves the Elm Creek Quilters. As a gift to Sylvia, the others have begun a round robin -- a quilt created by sewing concentric patchwork to a central block as it is passed around a sewing circle. As each woman makes her creative contribution, she adds her story to the history of Elm Creek Manor. Resplendent in green, blue, and gold, the quilt serves as a symbol of the complex, lasting ties that unify mothers and daughters, sisters and friends. As they stitch together the sometimes harmonious -- often discordant -- scraps of their crazy-quilt lives, the Elm Creek Quilters learn that friendship is a most precious gift and that even in the darkest of times, love illuminates the way home. The Cross-Country Quilters: Five women arrive at Elm Creek Manor, hoping to find in their quilting lessons an escape from the problems they have left at home. This far-flung group becomes fast friends who pledge to complete a "challenge quilt" -- symbolic of each woman's personal goals -- in one year's time. Although the Cross-Country Quilters share a common creative goal, as the year goes by, their bonds are tested by the demands of daily life. But despite differences in age, race, and background, the friends' love for quilting and affection for one another unite them in a patchwork of caring and acceptance. The quilt they make reminds them of an everlasting truth -- friends may be separated by great distance, yet the strength of their bond can transcend any obstacle. "Endearing characters and pleasant vignettes render this series as charming and cozy as a favorite blanket," said Publishers Weekly of the Elm Creek Quilts books. Jennifer Chiaverini is at her heartwarming best in these three novels that launched a bestselling phenomenon.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 074326018X
• ISBN13: 9780743260183
• Release Date: October 2003
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Length: 736 Pages
• Weight: 2.19 lbs.
• Dimensions: 2.3" x 6.4" x 9.8"

Customer Reviews

Elm creek series is my new favorite

Loved all three. I’ve read a few of the series but not in order. Was great to read how it all began.

I have read the first ten books in this series and I can't put them down, I love this series and jus

Three wonderful novels!

"An Elm Creek Sampler" is a wonderful introduction to the world of Elm Creek quilts seeing as it is the three first novels together in one book! In "The Quilter's Apprentice" we are introduced to the women who are central figures for the series - the wonderful and knowledgeble master quilter Sylvia Compson and the ressourseful young woman Sarah McClure, and how they start the transformation of Elm Creek Manor from a run down sales item to the idea of a quilt retreat. We are also introduced to the Tangled Web Quilters - who in "Round Robin" become the staff of Elm Creek quils. In Round Robin we follow their everyday struggles, their ups and downs - this is my favorite among this wonderful series. In the last book in the sampler: " Cross Country Quilters" the quilt retreat is really up and running, and here we follow a group of quilters who meet at the manor and how they together find the strength to conquer their problems in life and how they form a wonderful friendship! Read them and you'll love them!!!

Outstanding author Jennifer Chiaverini

Great book, love it when an author draws you in within just a few pages, Jennifer Chiaverini certainly knows how to do this. Enjoyed all 721 pages, did without sleep to keep reading, just had to know what happened next. Now reading the next 3 in the series, keep up the good writing J.C.

Carrying friends in your pocket

Before my purchase, I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. Though I don't know anything about quilting, the description of the book seemed like it might hold my interest while I was on vacation. I started reading it right away snd I felt like I really got to know the characters. The setting happened to be near where I was vacationing, so it seemed a very appropriate book to read. I almost felt like I had these women as friends with me during vacation (I even developed a little interest in quilts). After vacation, I promptly looked for the next in the series.

Charming, gentle stories

You don't have to be a quilter to enjoy these touching, gentle stories about the quiet lives that people live. Although, after reading a few of Jennifer Chiaverini's charming novels, you may find yourself tempted to give quilting a try! These novels are a perfect gift to give to anybody who enjoys quilting, or anyone who simply enjoys pleasant stories about the small trials and successes in the lives of ordinary people.