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Christmas Stitches: An Historical Romance Collection

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Christmas Stitches: An Historical Romance Collection
By Various
This collection of novellas was stitched together perfectly creating a wonderful cozy Christmas read. I enjoyed each of the stories and would recommend this to a friend.

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This is a wonderful collection of Christmas romances set in the late 18th and early 19th century. In the first story, 'A Seamless Love' , Daniel broke Hannah's heart when he declared that he didn't want to ruin a friendship by starting a romance. Five years later, Daniel is finishing his apprenticeship and planning to move back to Pullman. Unfortunately, Hannah is being courted by another man. Daniel has suspicions of the other man. One of the things that I liked in this story was Hannah trying to find a balance between her personal life and her career. In 'Pin's Promise', Pin has been waiting six years for Jonathan to return home so they can be married. Jonathan, a new doctor, is not ready to settle down to marriage and working in his father's practice. They both find that they have a lot to learn. For me the best part of this story was the strong secondary character, Annie, who is struggling in life. In 'Mended Heart', the two main characters have lost people and have learned to look forward rather than dwelling in the past. The Book of Job is used in helping them heal. Although I enjoyed all three stories, 'Mended Hearts' was by favorite story. All of these authors were new to me and I plan to look for more of their work in the future. I was given a free copy of this book from the publisher through Netgallery. This is my honest and voluntarily given review.

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Christmas Stitches is a compilation of 3 Holiday stories by Christian Fiction authors Judith Miller, Nancy Moser, and Stephanie Grace Whitson. All 3 authors write beautiful stories that incorporate following the Lord’s word without being preachy and historical romance.

A Seamless Love by Judith Miller 4 stars
This story is a quick read with a good storyline and a likable hero and heroine. Judith Miller focuses on the theme of dedication priorities - first God, then family, and then employer. Hannah struggles with the family-work balance and she struggles with romance. She has been in love with her best childhood friend, Daniel, for many years, but he doesn’t feel the same way. For a short story, the author does a great job with character development and keeps the story moving at a good pace. I do feel like it ended rather abruptly as she spends a lot of time on how her work may be overtaking her priority over her family, but it is never resolved.

Pin’s Promise by Nancy Moser
This story is also a quick read that keeps your entertained until the very end. This is my first book by Nancy Moser and I really enjoy her writing style and the storyline of the book. Pin’s Promise is about Jonathan, a new doctor, and Pin (Penelope), his 1st love as well as Anne who has a difficult home life. I like how the characters seem so real - they are compassionate and caring, but also have their own faults.

Mended Hearts by Stephanie Grace Whitson
This 3rd story in the book is just as entertaining as the other two. The author touches upon grief and how we often look for answers from God, but we don’t always feel that he is listening to us. This is something that I believe many people can identify with. The characters are very likable and well developed and the story moved at a good pace. I also really liked the secondary characters - Anna, Nel, Aunt Jennie and Aunt Lizzie.

Overall, I enjoyed this book by these 3 amazing authors. I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley and I voluntarily leave this review. All thoughts and opinions are that of my own.

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What a sweet collection of Christmas stories by three terrific authors! These stories are just the right length for reading during the holiday season and each stands beautifully on its own. Each story has great characters and a wonderful storyline. I’m glad to have this collection on my Christmas bookshelf.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Enjoyable set of novellas around the theme of seamstresses, sewing/stitching, etc. It’s always hard to rate a book when it is really 3 different stories and I enjoy some more than others. I think my favorite was Whitson’s “Mended Hearts”. It was nice getting a little of Annie’s backstory from Moser’s book, The Pattern Artist.

If you are looking for some quick, inspirational reads, then this is the book for you. I’m giving it a 4.

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I really liked this book. I love the anthology type books for quick reads while waiting for doctors and such. I loved all three stories . My mom was a professional seamstress and I thought of her as I read. Thank you netgalley and Barbour Publishing for the complimentary Arc in exchange for this honest review

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Christmas Stitches is a collection of three novellas. These novellas include:
A Seamless Love by Judith Miller - set in Pullman, Illinois in 1894
Mending Hearts by Stephanie Grace Whitson - set in Nebraska in 1899
Pin’s Promise by Nancy Moser - set in Summerfield, England in 1900-1906
I loved all three of these stories by the very talented authors. I highly recommend this collection for any reader who love Christmas stories.
5 stars.

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I just love when a Publisher comes out with a Historical Romance Collection. Especially when the authors are as talented as Judith McCoy Miller, Nancy Moser and Stephanie Grace Whitson. These Christmas stories are all different, but have similar threads. The heroines are all strong seamstresses trying to follow God's plan for their lives. The three stories cover Illinois, England and Nebraska. All taking place between the late 1800's until the turn of the century.

The first story, A Seamless Love, Hannah and David have been best friends from their youth. At Christmas, Hannah believes they are on the same page and are ready to take their relationship to the next level. She is finally able to get David alone and pulls out a sprig of mistletoe. I can't image how she must have felt when he rejected her. David said he doesn't want anything to get in the way of their wonderful friendship. So she moves forward and five years later, she has a boyfriend and David is jealous. Hannah is confused by David's mixed signals.

Pin's Promise by Nancy Moser the second book of the trilogy. Summerfield, England early 1900's This story is about Penelope (Pin) and her boyfriend Jonathan. He is getting ready to go off to school to become a doctor. She said she would wait for him, not necessarily patiently, but when he came home he would propose. Life is never simple, so when Jonathan comes home, he is scared and starts making excuses. Will he ever ask Pin to marry him?


Mended Hearts our third story by Stephanie Grace Whitson, takes place in Lost Creek,York County, Nebraska, in the late 1800's. Rachel's father has just passed away and she has no place to go. She believes her boyfriend is going to propose, but that doesn't happen. She unexpectedly receives a letter from her lost aunts. She thinks she is only going to be with them temporary, so off she heads to her Aunt's.
If you enjoy a sweet Christmas read, I would recommend this collection.
I received a copy of this book from Barbour Books through NetGalleys. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

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Christmas Stitches: An Historical Romance Collection is three stories of seamstresses with Christmas wishes; each story is set in the late 1800’s.
A Seamless Love by Judith Miller begins in Pullman Illinois on Christmas Eve 1883. Hannah Cooper has just let Daniel Price know she is interested in more than friendship but is rebuked. They have been friends since childhood when Daniel visited his Aunt and Uncle and he thinks that is enough. This story spans several years as the two of them remain friends and build their lives and careers. Daniel eventually returns to live in Pullman. Will Daniel and Hannah discover more than friendship?
Pin’s Promise by Nancy Moser begins in Summerfield England on New Year’s Eve 1899. Penelope “Pin” billings is in love with Jonathan Evers but he on his way to London to study to become a doctor. Fast forward six years and Jonathan is coming back to join his father in his practice. Pin is sure he will immediately propose and impatiently tries to move him along more quickly when he doesn’t. As they work to help those in their community will they learn the years apart has changed them too much or will they grow closer? I will say the story did not end as I expected.
Mended Hearts by Stephanie Grace Whitson is set in York County Nebraska beginning in January 1890. Adam Friesen’s wife, Esther died in childbirth. He is left with their four-year-old daughter, Anna and infant son. The ladies of the town step in to help him; the children spend most of their time with Aunt Jennie and Aunt Lizzie; no actual relation to Adam. His sister Molly helps but also has six children of her own. April 1890 finds seventeen-year-old Rachel Ellsworth alone and penniless after her minister father passes away. Her late mother’s sisters, Jennie and Lizzie, invite her to come stay with them until she turns eighteen in November, can marry Landis and move back to St. Louis. Rachel helps care for Anna and her brother and becomes friends with Adam. Will it lead to more? What will happen when it is time for Rachel to return to St. Louis.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

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Christmas Stitches is one of the better written Christian books I've had the pleasure reading in some time. Authors Judity Miller, Nancy Moser and Stephanie Grace Whitson write Christmas short stories using sewing as a theme. One of the most haunting stories was titled Pin's Promise in which a young girl and her brother are subjected to child abuse. Never fear there is a somewhat happy ending as the young girl finds love and an opportunity for a better life. The rest of the stories did not tear at my heart as much as Pin's Promise.

If you are looking for a Christian book to read with a holiday theme, I would recommend this book.

Review written after downloading a galley from NetGalley.

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Christmas Holiday Anthology with a 3 stories that cover the world from England, Illinois and Nebraska spanning three decaseds from 1888 to the turn of the century and beyond. Three women find love through their skills as seamstresses. God bring them the men of their Christmas dreams. Two couples who've known each other all their lives and one who just met follow the pathes that God has laid out for them to follow to each other's hearts.

A Seamless Love Judy McCoy Miller Pullman, Illinois September 1888
Hannah and Daniel hace been best friends since they were young. At a Christmas ball Hannah reveals her feellings for Daniel but he rejects her and just wants to be friends. Five years later Hannah is working in the company town milliner shop and has a beau. Daniel is in an apprenticeship in Chicago and about to come home. He's jealous of the man courting Hannah and wants to try and win her back because he doesn't trust her beau. Hannah wants out of Pullman and to work for a bi department store in Chicago. Thnkining she's getting fired she goes to see her boss only to be given a promotion to work directly and exclusively with Mrs. Pullman. Hannah is disappointed that her boyfriend always cancels at the last minute. When she does the same to him he gets angry and tells her he won't possibly be available to escort her to an upcoming ball. Hannah and Daniel meet when she comes to meet with Mrs. Pullman in Chicago. He gets his dream job of working in Pullman. Hannah wonders about Daniels feelings for her. She's been holding back her feelings for him these past years. Hannah thinks he's courting a co-worker's sister. They don't see much of each other because she's so busy with her job. Her mother is anxious to know all about the Pullman mansion but Hannah can't tell her much. Hannah's long hours affect her time with her family.She begins to wonder about her relationship with her beau. When Hannah is called to Chicgao to meet with Mrs. Pullman she meets a woman in the store she'd love to work in. They begin a conversation over the woman's reticule . Hannah realizes that her beau is the same man as this woman's husband. She goes to his office and confronts him and breaks things off with him. She's devestated but reveals the truth to her family and friends including Daniel. Hannah and Daniel meet and she explains what happened and he explains he wasn't courting the woman, but doing a favor for a friend. Daniel's famly is to join Hannah's family.for Thanksgiving. After the meal they take a walk and Daniel talks to Hannah's father and asks to court Hannah. A Christmas proposal is made and accepted.

Pin's Promise Nancy Moser Summerfield England December 1899-1906
Penelope aka Pin to family and friends has grown up with Jonathon as her best friend. At the turn of the century they take themselves off from the celebration to say goodbye to each other. Jonathon is leaving to go off to school to become a doctor. They hide their love tokens. In 1906 Jonathon has returned to practice with his father. Pin has impatiently been waiting for them to get married. She wants to marry right away but Jonathon wants to wait until he's more settled into the practice. Pin takes his statement to do what she wants as a go ahead and looks at a local cottage. Pin becomes involved in the life of a young woman in the area by teaching her to sow, Jonathon is having trouble settleing into the practice and thinks he knows best. Pin and her young friend go to Jonathon for help with the girl's brother. They bring the boy to the office for surgery only the boy dies before he can help. Realizing that there is more going on with the children than they knew, Johnathon takes action. And arrests are made. Pin doesn't realize he's actually helping get angry and lashes out at him. She apologizes when she realizes what he's done. Pin's family takes in the young woman and find her a job. Advice is given to Pin about her situation with Johnathon y her mother. They exchange Christmas presents and Johnathon realizes that Hannah is giving him time he in return works on Hannah's gift. He gets the love tokens and adds to them then takes her to the cottage for a marriage proposal. The young lady decides to visit her parents in jail and reallizes that her life is better than it's ever been.

Mended Hearts Stephanie Grace Whitson York County, Nebraska 1890
Rachel's father has just died and she thinks her beau is going to propose because she has no where else to go. Instead she's given a letter from her long lost maiden aunt. Thinking that it's a temporary place to stay until she can marry her fiance' she heads to her aunts's house. Adam has been greiving for his wife you he lost in child birth. He's given the care of his two children to Rachel's aunts until he can figure out how to handle the situation. Rachel arrives in Lost Creek and starts helping her aunts with the children and settleing into the community. She starts to worry when her fiance' does't stay in contact with her. She's about to send a telegraph when she receives a letter from his mother announcing that he's engaged to some one else. Rachel is devestated. Adam has been spending more time with his children and has them brought out to the farm a few times a week. Rachel's new best friend thinks she's going to marry Adam, so she's constantly talking about him. It gets on Rachel's nerves and she stops spending so much time with her. They come up with a plan to use Adam's wife's quilt material to finish a quilt for his son. His unnamed son finally gets a name when Adam finds a list of names. Adam thinks that Rachel's friend wants him to court her but he has no interest in her at all. When she plans a party at his farm without consulting him he makes his feelings for her known. Rachel's aunts giverher advice about her broken hearr and she gets a peek into their past. Rachel is slowly getting over her heartbreak and realizes she's attracted to Adam. He's been having feeling for Rachel and is encouraged by his sister and the aunts. Adam starts helping to build the church, which lets him see more of his children. They all make plans to attend the county fair. They all have a lot of fun and Adam takes the kids home overnight. His daughter tells him who she'd like to have as a mother. Adam must tend to an injured horse and the kids are worried but bad weather keeps them from coming out to the farm. As Rachel and Adam spend more time together they realize they have feelings for each other. On a sliegh ride at Christmas he takes Rachel to see his family's home and reveals his feelings as does she. A proposal and acceptance are made as Rachel reveals her feelings for Adam.

Three stories of love of God and each other shows the true meaning of the Christmas spirit. These couples whether they've known each other all theire lives or just meet find out that they can have the life of their dreams if they believe in God and each other. Christmas is a special time of year and these stories will make it all the more special for these 3 couples who find their way to each other and realize that God is always there for them.

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Three novellas about sewing in one form or another, three well-known authors who have honed their craft and produced some of the best novels I've read. What surprised me most is reading a pre-quel to a series of books I've already read.

Barbour Books has really hit the right button with these three stories. There are characters to love, characters to be annoyed with, characters who surprise, characters who touch the heart, and characters who turn you upside down.

These novellas take a bit more than an hour each to read. The time era is late 1800s to early 1900s. Each of the heroines are portrayed as talented with a needle and thread and because of that they have more opportunities in their worlds--marketable skills.

This is a five star book, two thumbs up, and a well sewn garment.

My thanks to Barbour Books for allowing me to read and review this book. I received it through NetGalley.com

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Christmas Stitches is a very good collection of historical romance stories. I enjoyed each selection and enjoyed the common theme of seamstresses. I recommend this book to fans of historical romance. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy. This is my unbiased review.

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What a fantastic trio of novellas by three well-known Christian authors. Each story stands-alone. Each author brings her unique writing style to the mix, but the stories blend together very well. They are hard to put down because they are SO good!!! This is sure to become a Christmas classic collection. VERY well written.

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Was supposed to do laundry today but got all stitched up and engrossed by Christmas Stitches: An Historical Romance Collection, featuring three totally wonderful stories of love and hope at the holidays. Guess we’ll have to wait one more day for clean jeans. It’s worth it! 5/5

Pub Date 01 Oct 2018

Thanks to Barbour Books and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are fully mine.

#ChristmasStitches:AnHistoricalRomanceCollection #NetGalley

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Every year I look forward to the Christmas collections! Like others, this book was adorable and a quick read for Christmas. I will say that I thought Pin's promise dragged quite a bit. With it being the center novella it was a bit difficult to push past it. The story was good and moving but it took a bit to long to get to where it needed to go.

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I love the fact the three stories all reaffirmed that God has a plan for every life - it was lovely to be in England for a Christmas historical romance! The stories are perfect length and get you in the Christmas spirit. I have one question: is it too early to get my Christmas decorations out in August?

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A wonderful collection of new stories by three stellar authors! A delightful way to start the holiday season, these quality reads hook the reader and leave something uplifting to think about. I recognized the historical settings of the first two stories, as they added on to previous series; the Pullman series by Judith Miller, and the Summerfield series by Nancy Moser. I loved reading more of Annie Wood's backstory (from The Pattern Artist)! The last one was excellent too, set in the author's state of Nebraska, with new characters and a tender romance leading to a sighworthy moment.
"God has a plan for each of us."
Plenty of inspirational threads are woven through each tale, as characters struggle with loneliness, difficult circumstances, betrayal and loss. I especially liked the way the author used Rachel's character in the last story to walk through steps of grief and get to a place of hope. "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."
Highly recommend for historical Christian romance fans!

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I really enjoyed the 3 stories in this book. Grab you a cup of hot cocoa and relax with 3 touching Christmas stories. Thank you NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the ARC copy of this book. This is my own opinion of this book.

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Christmas Stitches contains three very well written historical Christmas stories.
I went to Pullman, Illinois with Hannah Cooper and Daniel Price in the year 1883 as they worked though A Seamless Love by Judith McCoy Miller.
Then I headed to Summerfield, England as Penelope and Jonathan Evers started the year 1900 with a promise hidden in a stone wall. Annie and Alfie Wood enter the story in 1906. Nancy Moser brought me through both joy and heartbreak in Pin's Promise.
Stephanie Grace Whitson took me to York County, Nebraska as the year 1890 started with tragedy for Adam Friesen of Lost Creek as Rachel Ellsworth faced her own tragedy in St. Louis, Missouri. Lizzie and Jennie Meeker offer their home to help those who are hurting and in need of Mended Hearts.

I don't want to retell these stories but I do want to encourage you to enjoy some good Christmas themed reading.

I received this book for review from NetGalley and Barbour Publishing.

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