The Quilting Circle by Amy Lillard is a collection of three novellas that surround different members of a quilting circle.
MORE THAN FRIENDSHIP
Clara Rose Ytuzy, the youngest member of the quilting circle is happily planning her wedding. When Obidiah, her best friend for many years, asks her not to marry, she beings to question everything. Clara Rose cannot understand how she feels about Obie and also about her fiancée. Will Clara Rose go through with the wedding or will God show her a different path?

MORE THAN A PROMISE
Mariana Miller and her husband have prayed for a child throughout fifteen years of marriage. When he falls ill and eventually passes, she discovers she is with child. When she is placed on bed rest, she is grateful to her community and her husband’s best friend, Reuben Weisel. As a relationship blooms, how will Mariana deal with these new-found feelings?

MORE THAN A MARRIAGE
Tess Smiley has only been married three years, but it isn’t the union she envisioned, nor is it what she perceives that her friends have for a marriage. Tess loves Jacob but can’t seem to communicate well enough for him to understand what is going on. When she has had enough and decides to leave, will it be too late or will they be able to work things out with God’s help?
I received this book from the publisher and netgalley in return for my honest opinion.

The Quilting Circle is a delightful collection of three originally released stand alone stories: More than Friendship, More than a Promise and More than Marriage. Upon starting The Quilting Circle, I realized I had previously read these stories, and actually had reviewed each as a stand alone. However, I enjoyed the opportunity to re read these charming and uplifting stories.
In More than Friendship, Clara Rose is torn between her love for her life long best friend Obie, and what she feels is her love for her betrothed, Thomas. Obie keeps begging her not to marry Thomas, but will not tell her why. Clara doesn't want anything to change in her friendship with Obie even with her upcoming marriage. She faces challenging decisions and truths about what she seeks in marriage and friendship.
In More than a Promise, when Mariana's husband passes from cancer, she finds herself pregnant after many childless years, and struggling to determine how she will raise a baby- then she learns she's carrying twins! While on forced bedrest, her late husband's best friend, Reuben, devotes considerable time to keeping her company and caring for her farm. Her closest friends encourage her to look at Reuben as a potential mate, especially when he expresses feelings for her that go beyond longtime friendship. As when I read this story the first time, I was deeply touched by the special relationship between Mariana and Reuben.
In More than Marriage, readers get a glimpse, through Tess's frustration about her husband Jacobs' cell phone, about why the Amish are so deeply reluctant to allow cell phones in their communities. Jacob spends considerable time on his phone when not at work, and Tess feels ignored and that Jacob doesn't wish to spend time with her. She's also frustrated because he won't spend time away from Wells Landing for them to visit her parents. She starts comparing what she feels is lacking in their marriage, to what she views as the perfect marriages of her friends. It's a valuable lesson that comparisons are not wise to make between relationships.
I really enjoyed this collection and look forward to future novels from Amy Lillard.

Three of the authors Amish stories in one book, each will tug at your heart, and keep you page turning, and then in the end wanting more.
Sometimes you cannot see what is right before your eyes, and then again sometimes what is before your eyes is what is really meant to be.
These stories make you realize that we don’t always get what we want, but God knows his plans, we just need to live our lives. These are just the right size to snuggle down with and enjoy, but you might not be able to stop with just one.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.

Back to Wells Landing with Amy Lillard for a fun three part book. Three individual stories which all blend together for one great whole.

The three featured women in the stories all had their own story of hope and faith which they share with their quilting group. These ladies support one another and give one another strength. I think we all need support from one another as life gives us difficult times to go through.

I loved reading the stories and they were just the right length to carefully develop each character so that the reader could understand their feelings and their desires for their lives.

An excellent read. Highly recommended!


Book Blurb:

MORE THAN FRIENDSHIP
Youngest quilter Clara Rose Yutzy is planning her wedding to her longtime beau—which is why she resolutely ignores newly warm feelings for her best friend, Obidiah. But Obie is certain God intends them to be together. With the Lord’s help, he’ll prove to Clara Rose how much he loves her . . .

MORE THAN A PROMISE
Mariana Miller prayed for a child throughout fifteen years of marriage. But now, newly widowed, Mariana discovers she’s pregnant—with twins! She’s more grateful than ever for her caring community—especially Reuben Weisel, her late husband’s business partner and best friend. Reuben’s quiet strength comforts her—until he proposes marriage . . .

MORE THAN A MARRIAGE
Tess Smiley is new to Wells Landing and newly married. But her marriage isn’t the harmonious union she envisioned. Tess loves Jacob with all her heart, but her heart tells her she must take a stand—and ask for support. Only then does Jacob see how he has hurt her. But is he too late? . . .

I received a copy of this book from the author and NetGalley for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.