Cover Image: Knot on Her Life

Knot on Her Life

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Martha Rose answers the door to find her neighbor’s foster child asking for help when she believes the woman is dead. Luckily Sonia has had a diabetic medical emergency that she survives. Rather than placing the child in a new home, Martha gets the social worker to agree to let her keep the girl until the woman can return home to care for young Poppy.

While staying with Martha, Poppy builds a relationship and eventually comes to trust her and shares that her parents were murdered and she saw the man who did it. It’s up to Martha, her
fiance, Crusher, and his fellow FBI agents to keep Sonia and Poppy safe and alive as the murdered is looking to eliminate the final witness to his crime.

This is the first book in the series that this shiksa has read and I enjoyed it. I found Martha to be smart and a fierce champion for those she cares most about and the rest of the characters are a great mix that any of us can find in our own lives. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.

Was this review helpful?

This is the seventh book in the Quilting series. Martha's friend and next door neighbor is a foster parent to a Jordanian-Jewish orphan named Poppy Halaby, whose parents were violently murdered. When her foster mother suffers what appears to be an insulin-induced medical emergency, Martha decides to step in and take emergency care of the child. She learns Poppy has roots to prominent families on both her maternal and paternal side so why has she fallen into the foster care system?

I have read the previous book in the series so it was helpful to have a bit of background information but it can easily be read as a standalone. I liked that the women in the book were the ones whose actions ultimately led to solutions, even though both cultures were male-dominated from the outside looking in. The book focused on the similarities between the Arab and Jewish cultures, not their differences. The romance between Martha and Yossi continues to progress and one that begins in this book brings a nice ending; however, neither overshadowed the mystery.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for a digital ARC of this book. My review is voluntary

Was this review helpful?

This is a new to me author. It was a very well written cozy. I'll be honest and say that the cozy mystery is hands down my favorite genre. I loved the main character, Martha Rose and the little girl, Poppy, stole my heart. I was a bit nervous about reading #7 before I had read #1, but the characters are so well developed that I didn't feel lost. I also enjoyed the fact that when Martha was quilting, she was very detailed in her explanations. I'm not a quilter, so that helped me to understand it a little better. I'm also not Jewish, which the majority of the characters are, and a couple of the characters are Islamic, so I was fascinated by that aspect of the story. I like learning about different religions and their customs. The mystery was wrapped up very well and it wasn't until one suspect was eliminated that I even guessed who it was! I will now be reading 1-6, just to get back stories on everyone. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

WOW that was exciting. I just finished and my emotions are still running high as I write this review.
While this is a crime story, it is just as much a love story. It is abut family and secrets and hopes and dreams and learning to live when life does not turn out as planned.

When two people marry against their families wishes, the ripple effect is massive. No one could predict all the people affected. Then there is the greed aspect underlying motivations. Caught in the center is a little girl, wiser beyond her eight years.
A deeply complicated mystery involving murder, secret communications, and more than one very determined woman.

Along the way we learn ethnic and religious customs, get some fabulous quilting tips and enjoy delicious food. Some of it has the potential to be heartbreaking yet there is underlying hope.
Overall - EXCITING. And you can follow along even if you have not read previous books in this wonderful series.

Was this review helpful?

An entertaining, engrossing and somewhat unusual cozy mystery that kept me hooked till the end.
It was the first I read in this series and I loved the unusual characters and the originality of the plot.
The cast of characters is well developed, the plot keeps you hooked and the mystery is clever and full of twists and turns.
I look forward to reading other books in this series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Was this review helpful?

Fans of crafting cozys might pick this up because Martha, the main character, is a quilter but they will seek out installments in the series because Marks always adds an element which is educational and relevant to the mystery. In this volume, Martha agrees to help Poppy figure out what happened to her parents, who were murdered, leaving her a foster child. Her mom, Rachel, was Jewish and her father Ali was Muslim. There are some secrets Poppy did not know (she was a kid) and Martha carefully untangles a web of lies. Don't worry, this never gets too serious but there is an intriguing underlying mystery. As always, the characters are great- Martha's smart and her sister G (who she did not know growing up) is terrific as well. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is fine as a standalone but you'll be like me- looking for the next one!

Was this review helpful?

A touching story. I do skip over the quilting information and Jewish rituals, the tale keeps me intrigued. The characters are not the typical ones. Interesting family issues. Surprising conclusion to the murder mystery.

Was this review helpful?

I found the first book in this series by accident and stuck with series on purpose! The books are clever, the dialogue witty, the mysteries are smart, and the characters are relatable and lovely. The quilting club premise with mature members seems like it would pigeon-hole a specific demographic, but I have found that this series is appealing to all kinds of cozy mystery readers.

In this offering (book #7 in the series) has Martha waiting for the birth of her first granddaughter. She’s making the baby a quilt (obviously) when Poppy Halaby, the foster daughter of her neighbor, shows up needing help. Her parents were murdered and the killer was never caught, and it looks like Poppy is in danger. Martha and gang are willing to help unravel the mystery.

I have read the books in this series in order and recommend that it be done that way. The character development, relationships, and background stories are important. But if you pick this one up first, that’s fine, just make sure to catch up with the other books so you don’t miss out on anything!

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC of this book.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book!

This book had a few unexpected twists and turns, and although it had a really 'wholesome' feel all the way through, it didn't bother me for some reason. I think it was because the characters were more rounded and fleshed out than others I've read, and I was really caught up in Poppy as a character. I wanted what was best for her too, and struggled with all the decisions that had to be made. I learned a lot about Jewish culture in particular, something I haven't really come across before. That part was really interesting!

This follows the established family unit but also adds in fresh characters and I feel like you could pick up any in this series and not be confused. They are easy characters to relate to and the writing flows really well, giving you just enough to make you want to keep reading. The mystery is solid as well, and although the violence might turn off an avid cozy reader, it doesn't get over the top graphic.

Keep this on on the radar, people! Five stars.

Was this review helpful?

Martha Rose is relaxing at home while quilting when her neighbor’s foster child, Poppy Halaby, shows up on her doorstep. Something is wrong with Sonia Spiegelman, and Martha immediately jumps in to help. Martha, along with her fellow quilters, hopes to locate a family member for Poppy to live with but there are complications. Not only is there a deep religious divide between the two sides of the family, but Poppy’s parents were murdered, and Martha soon finds herself smack in the middle of things. Can Martha and her friends stay safe and help Poppy?

I love Martha’s loyalty to her friends and neighbors! I have to admit that my faith in her wavered a bit as she struggled with her feelings about Crusher versus Arlo (see prior books for details) but her willingness to help others is steadfast. I also like that a social worker was included in the story line, albeit minimally, as Martha tries to help Poppy. My favorite scenes are when Martha shares her love of quilting with Poppy, as we get to see how quilting can bring people together.

Mary Marks gives us wonderful tips and insights into quilting. I love how we see the history and tradition of quilting through the eyes of the characters. It makes me wish I had a local quilting group with folks like Martha and Lucy Mondello to help me learn the skills necessary to attempt this beautiful artwork. Tips and tricks, as well as history, are cleverly interwoven into the story line and each book concludes with some information on quilting.

I love how Mary Marks incorporates Martha’s Jewish faith into the story line as well. This knowledge is particularly helpful with the religious divide between Poppy’s grandparents, as one side is devout Jewish while the other side is devout Muslim. The details of both religions are skillfully woven into the story line, particularly Martha’s own religious observations.

KNOT ON HER LIFE is the seventh book in <i>A Quilting Mystery</i> series and can be read as a standalone. Mary Marks gives readers enough back story on the various characters in order to enjoy the story line. However, I’m not sure why anyone would want to miss a single book in this fabulous series! KNOT ON HER LIFE may be my favorite book yet, although I say this after each installment as <i>A Quilting Mystery</i> series only gets better and better with each new book. If you love cozy mysteries with spunky heroines, then KNOT ON HER LIFE and <i>A Quilting Mystery</i> series should be your next read!

*review is in the editing queue at Fresh Fiction*

Was this review helpful?

this is a good story, could not put the book down, if you like suspense and children you will want to read the story. she is a widow and loves to quilt, she is engaged to a younger man who rides a motorcycle and is in law inforcement her friend is a register to take in foster children and has a girl who was there when her parents where killed. love the mixture of faiths and traditions. I was given a copy by netgalley but this is an honest review. well written

Was this review helpful?

Martha Rose is a 50-something quilter with a penchant for sleuthing. With her burly biker/ATF agent fiancee and her "Quilty Tuesday" friends, she somehow finds herself in the middle of many mysteries. This time the murder has left an 8-year old girl in the foster system and Martha and her friends are determined to find out who killed this girl's parents and if there are any family members who could possibly save her from growing up a ward of the county.

This is the 7th book in the Quilting Mystery series and I've read them all. I adore the core group of characters and the new characters are always endearing. The wonderful descriptions add to the richness of the story. I love that Martha, her fiancee and uncle are Jewish as I get to learn all about their traditions and customs. Other religions are introduced and explained with tolerance and acceptance. Mary Marks is a gifted writer who easily weaves a narrative full of conflict and satisfying resolutions. Although not set in a small town, Marks has managed to create a cozy community in the suburbs of LA and I can't wait to visit again.

#NetGalley
#KnotOnHer Life

Was this review helpful?

Mary Marks has done it again! I've been reading this series for a while now and each book gets better and better.
The characters show tremendous growth in this installment. The storyline kept me turning the pages.
A very interesting and entertaining book that will keep you so engaged you'll forget the world around you.
5+ stars!

Was this review helpful?

Knot on Her Life is an excellent read. I liked the concept of the series and I really liked all the characters. Martha is a busybody who likes solving mysteries and this time she has a huge one. A little girl lost her parents and initially none of the extended relatives wanted her due to estrangement Martha contacts both sides and soon both sides want Poppy. I don't agree with the ending, but it didn't detract from the story. My favorite character is Crusher, a dreamy Harley rider, who is the fiancé of Martha.

Was this review helpful?

The 7th in the Quilter's mystery series this can be read as a standalone. I have read one or 2 of the other books but not all. I will remedy that soon. In this one, Martha Rose is making a quilt for her soon to be born great granddaughter when the foster daughter of her neighbor comes over asking for help as she cannot wake Sonia her neighbor. Sonia is near death and Martha agrees to help.. Poppy is the foster child of her neighbor whose parents were killed and the murderer never caught. Martha wants to help Poppy and finish her quilt (haha). Martha is determined to find out more about Poppy's family as she is a child of mixed heritage (Muslim and Jewish) and she was the witness to her parents murder. Martha is determined to help the young girl first no one wants her then everyone wants her then Poppy gets a bodyguard Milo. This was a fascinating read with lots of intrigue and I really enjoyed it. Will get caught up on this series and wait for the next one. Highly recommend.

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely loved this book. I haven't read the first six books in this series but I plan to. I highly recommend it, because the book is well written and the characters are described well. I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.

Was this review helpful?

"Knot on Her Life" the 7th installment in the "Quilting Mysteries" by Mary Marks. I wasn't sure if I had read any in the series but after a few pages it all came back to me. I am very glad I read this installment and thoroughly enjoyed visiting with Martha and her Tuesday quilting bee/group. I had no problem reading the book as a stand alone novel. But I am planning on reading the other 5 I haven't read in the series

While quilter Martha Rose awaits the birth of her granddaughter, a neighborhood girl appears at her door with a mystery that can’t be pinned down . .

Martha’s eager to finish the baby quilt she’s making for her new granddaughter, but she scraps those plans when a young girl rings her doorbell begging for help. Poppy Halaby, the foster child of Martha’s neighbor, is an orphan whose parents were murdered by a killer who was never caught. When Poppy’s doting foster mom falls suspiciously ill, Martha is determined to keep the child safe. But she’ll have to unravel more about Poppy’s parents to stitch a broken family back together again—and prevent another crime cut from the same cloth . . .

Protagonist Martha Rose, is a strong, educated woman, and the side characters are realistic, slightly quirky too like her sister Giselle and Sonia. The characters are/were well rounded.

I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it in one sitting. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises. I even learnt something about Jewish and Muslim customs and religious life along with quilting tips which is always a binus.

I look forward to reading the next installment in this series.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed this book. I was captivated by the story and Poppy. So sad at her parents death, but happy about the ending. #KnotOnHerLife #NetGalley

Was this review helpful?

Martha Rose is expecting the birth of first great-grandchild and she is working on a baby's quilt for the baby. She answers the doorbell and fines her neighbor's foster child, Poppy Halaby who tells Martha she cannot wake Sonia. Martha investigate and found her neighbor near death. That start of new adventure of the Quilt Club in the 7th book of this series.Poppy is a child of mixed heritage and witness the murder of her parents and her unborn sister. Her father is from Muslin royalty and her Mother of Jewish royalty. Nighter family will gave the child a home until Martha convinces her Muslin grandmother to take her. Suddenly every one wants Poppy. A bodyguard, Malo is hired to protect Poppy from the KILLER. Who Will the court decide can adopt Poppy? Will Poppy live to be adopt or will she be killed like her parents. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND SERIES.

Disclosure: Thanks to Kensington Books for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

Was this review helpful?

One night while Martha is working on a baby’s quilt, there is a knock on her door. An eight year old girl named Poppy asks for her help. They run over to Martha’s neighbor who is out cold on the floor. Martha finds out that her neighbor is Poppy’s foster mother. Can Martha find the truth about Poppy’s parents’ murder before someone else is found on the floor?
I loved this novel. It kept my interest and I couldn’t figure out whodunit. I loved learning about both Jewish and Muslim beliefs. I loved all of the characters and how they learned to respect Martha’s input and observations on the mystery. I can’t wait for the next installment to this series. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.

Was this review helpful?