I have always enjoyed this author's books and this one is no exception.
This is the start of a new series and takes place in near Nappanee, Indiana.
I enjoyed reading about the Indians that lived in this area many years ago and the author tells us about interesting research books to look at to further our knowledge of these Indians.
A young woman leaves California after a failed relationship going to her Amish grandmother's farm .
She's not planning on staying long, just to get herself together a bit after the breakup but becomes involved in a case of a missing Amish girl.
Presented with a hard choice she must make between her past and present life will she choose security or let past memories rule her?
I enjoyed getting to know quilt shop owner Jane Berger who is also the local historian. She is a smart woman and presented interesting facts about the Indians who lived in the area.
Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Pub Date 04 Aug 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

It is great to see that Leslie Gould is back with a new series called Plain Patterns. Book one, Piecing It All Together, was a great beginning. I loved it. Five stars.

This is a beautiful story that isn’t exactly the typical Amish story, even though the setting is in Amish county. It’s a split-time story, and the author does a great job of smoothly moving back and forth in the storyline. There are strong, memorable characters who bring this story to life. The themes of faith, hope, love, and forgiveness during difficult times was an encouragement. I enjoyed this author’s writing style and look forward to reading more of her books.

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

Savannah Mast goes home to spend much needed time away from the stress of the city and her broken engagement. But when an Amish teenager disappears and Savannah's childhood friend is implicated as a prime suspect, she offers to help, while a learning about a young Amish midwife decade before in a similar situation.

Savannah Mast grew up Amish adjacent, assisting her mother who also served Amish women as a midwife. She has a gift for helping others, and genuinely cares for their well-being. I liked how she clung to her faith in hard times, and was able to think realistically about her situation.

There are many supporting characters and members of the community and not much happens without the notice of others. I loved how Mammi, was like a Mammi to the whole community. There are a lot of things going on in this story, as well as a little mystery and family drama. While I did enjoy Emma's story I felt that it disrupted the flow of the story to introduce her 1/3 of the way through the book.

Overall, I really liked this Amish adjacent story, it had well developed characters that felt realistic in how their lives were far from perfect. I admired Savannah's character and faith. But I did feel the like the pace lagged for me through the middle parts. I great introduction as well to Jane and her stories from the past, I liked how this story was set in Amish country, with many Amish characters, but that there were also many who were not Amish and that was Ok, which I really enjoyed.


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

Leslie Gould writes time-slip novels that have become some of my favorite reads. She certainly knows how to weave a tale and always draws me into the lives of her characters.

Piecing It All Together is a perfect example as I became caught up in the lives of present-day Savannah, Jane .and the story of Emma from over 100 years in the past. The secondary characters are wonderful, too. I loved spending time with the ladies in the community, as they gathered in the quilt shop, talking, quilting and hearing the story of Emma. This novel is an emotional one as it deals with broken relationships, family, friends and a message of faith woven throughout. I highly recommend this novel.

This is the first book in a new series by the author and I’m already anxiously awaiting the second book. I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinion is completely my own.

I really enjoyed this book! I love Amish fiction, and always enjoy Leslie Gould's novels. While the main character is not Amish, her family is, and she returns after her fiancé calls off their wedding.

Piecing It All Together by Leslie Gould is the beginning of the Plain Patterns series. I thought Piecing It All Together was well-written with developed characters in a picturesque setting. Savannah Mast is at crossroads when her fiancé calls off the wedding a week before the big day. It inspires her to make a change and go back to the place she loved growing up which was her grandmother’s house. Her mammi, Dorothy Mast, welcomes her and introduces her to the quilting circle at Plain Patterns owned by Jane Berger. Besides running the quilting shop, Jane writes a column for the Nappanee News and is a local historian. Jane knows that God will send someone to her who will need one of her historical tales. When Savannah gets involved in the disappearance of local teen, Jane begins telling her a story that echoes what is happening. I soon found myself engrossed in this novel and did not want to put it down. I like how the two stories (Savannah and Emma) worked together. I enjoyed both women’s stories. Piecing It All Together is a story about friendship, family, faith, and love. It was interesting learning about midwifery. I loved the descriptions of the Home and Hearth quilt the ladies created for someone special. I like how all the loose ends were wrapped up with a satisfying ending. I look forward to reading A Patchwork Past when is comes out in the spring. Piecing It All Together is a charming story with an unfeeling fiancé, an AWOL adolescent, a determined deputy, a quilt quandary, an emergency midwife, and ancestral anecdotes.

Piecing It All Together, by Leslie Gould, is the first book in the Plain Pattern series. I just loved this story. I enjoyed reading of the strength Savannah needed to move forward with her life after her broken engagement. It is so appropriate for a young adult to turn to someone so special as a grandmother at a time like this. Savannah’s grandmother is so understand and not at all judgmental toward Savannah. She allows the use of cell phone and vehicle, which we often see as not allowed in most Amish stories.

I found the story of her ancestor to be very interesting. I enjoyed the similar theme running through both stories.

This is a great inspirational story of finding and giving forgiveness as well as moving on during difficult situations. There is a nice blend of mystery, suspense and romance written in this story. The writing is so clear, it is easy to envision the story while reading.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley, this is my honest review.

This is a wonderful Amish novel!

I love the fact that there is a contemporary story with a mystery involved. At the same time one of the secondary characters in this story is telling a historical story verbally to the main character periodically throughout the book. It amazes me how the author managed to switch back and forth without confusing the reader.

All of the characters are extremely well developed and I connected with them quickly. A number of them had me wanting to just hug them and help them deal with the difficulties that they were dealing with.

The plot between the two stories had some definite similarities but they were also very different. I was fascinated by both of them and really wanted to see everything work out for all of the characters involved.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

She would need the love others to move forward, into the future the Lord had for her. Piece by piece.

This was a nice change of pace for an Amish read. Not heavy on the romance but of life pains. The narration is done in two parts. The past of 150 years of the first Amish settlers and the struggle they faced and the current Amish community that was settled. The main character's grandmother lives in that Amish community and Savannah has come from her English world of California to find refuge from a broken engagement. The story becomes more complex has there is more to Savannah's pain then a broken relationship. As for most of us, it reveals past hurts. Upon her arrival in the dead of winter of Indiana, she is asked from her Amish cousin who is a midwife to attend a birth of Amish mother. It turns out this family is in some type of turmoil with one of their other children. Savannah and her late mother would bring babies into the world together. Helping the Amish family brought back wonderful memories but also pain of time lost.

Emma's story is parallel to Savannah's story. Emma has suffered great loss as well and is leaving Pennsylvania to go to Indiana. She also is a midwife and is needed in the Indiana territory. She becomes friend with Mathilde an Indian woman that is married to a Frenchman. Her story portrays the racism of the Indian people and how they were sent away. Their friendship brings out the best of each woman as they fight for what is right.

I liked how each story was played and the characters that tied from the past to the present. The lessons learned and the lessons that continue to be learned. Highly recommend.

A special thank you to Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

I am rarely speechless but this book made me speechless. It was not your typical amish book. Very unpredictable, inspiring and heartwarming. It wove the lives of the Amish people and their English relatives into a beautiful tapestry.
It was about the stories of Amish women even though separated by generations but united by their Godly hearts, love for family and love for helping others no matter what and in the most difficult of situations. I saw faith, love and loyalty illustrated in this book in the most outstanding ways. I saw acceptance despite an individual's background. I saw sacrifice like I've never seen before.

I was completely blown away by this book. I started and I couldn't stop. I just had to see how it all ended.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves a deep story. Be prepared to loose sleep like I did.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.

Piecing It All Together, #1 Plain Patterns, by Leslie Gould, is one novel I want to label purely “Wunderbar.” I was fortunate to catch a sample chapter somewhere on my phone and I was hooked. I immediately requested a copy from NetGalley. I must admit, I was a little uncertain. Some of Gould’s collaborations I have loved, while one particular series was not my style. But I am so glad I didn’t miss this one, and I will be first in line for book two, it is that enticing.
Gould’s riveting novel is a dual-timeline, with two young women, either Amish or with Amish ties, who are desperately seeking their place in life. Gould weaves so much tension into each story, switching between the two effortlessly. I couldn’t stand to put the book down and finished it in one day. So many emotions are pulled out of the reader’s heart, as you journey life with both present-day Savannah and 1842’s Emma and begin to see the greater picture come together.
So many takeaways for any reader. As we see overt and covert prejudice, we see what the cost is to fight for true equality. Some people don’t give troublesome teenagers a chance to grow and mature into upstanding adults. We see characters who, one step at a time, rise far above anything they’d ever imagined. And we see incredible courage in the face of insurmountable odds, only to be recognized after the fact. Faith and forgiveness lived out to the fullest. I can’t rave enough about this book and its unforgettable characters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher through NetGalley. No positive review was required, and the opinions are solely my own.

I really enjoyed reading "Piecing it All Together". It tells two stories, a modern one, and another from 1840. The modern story involves two childhood friends that get reacquainted with each other, the other story is of a woman that is widowed, and relocates with her family. Very entertaining, I would recommend to anyone that enjoys reading clean romances. Sweet story!

My first book by Leslie Gould and will not be my last! Excellent written dual time Amish novel. It contains the perfect mixture of emotion and suspense that draws you in and leaves you wishing the book did not end.

Although it is a dual time book, you can easily relate to both Savannah and Emma’s stories. Both experience deep loss and heartbreak that shapes who they are and how they view themselves. It brings to light how we are shaped by our experiences even when we do not realize for years to come.

We first meet Savannah in the beginning of the book as her world is suddenly rocked by a broken engagement days before her wedding. As she tries to pick up the pieces of her life, she finds her self going to her Mammi’s Amish Farm to figure out what to do next. Savannah immediately finds herself immersed in Amish life. Jane, the owner of the local quilt shop, begins to tell Savannah the story of one of her Amish ancestors, Emma, who lived back in the 1800’s. Their stories have many similarities even though years apart.

I found it fascinating to read how life was for Emma in the late 1800’s as a young wife and mother in Pennsylvania Amish Country. She is faced with numerous unexpected losses that force her to decide what she wants her future to look like.

I loved watching both woman grow as their stories developed in different timelines. Both are much stronger than either realize as they put the needs to others before themselves


This book is filled with delightful characters such as Jane, Mammi, their quilting circle, and Uncle Seth. Each one brings a unique flavor to the book and I am hopeful we will learn more of their stories in future books.

This book checked all the boxes for me and left me anticipating book 2 in the series! It is a must read for all Amish and dual time readers.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

Jane Berger is the owner of the Plain Patterns Quilt Shop. She also writes a local history column for the town's newspaper. Jane has a knack for matching her stories to people who need to hear them, and the circle's quilts to the people who need to own and be encouraged by them. Savannah Mast returns to visit her Amish grandmother, the one she used to visit during the summer as a child. Her world had fallen apart, and she didn't know where else to go. Savannah could not have anticipated what awaited her there.

Piecing It All Together is an entertaining read with a story line that isn't typical in the Amish books I have read. The theme of conquering one's fears and worries by turning them over to God is well developed. I look forward to future books in this series and more of Jane Berger's stories from the past. I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

What a powerful read, or should I say two stories. This book does have a story about Savannah and Jude and the a story about Emma and Judah, Emma's story is from the 1800's and it totally connected to Savannah so give it a chance. I will be honest I wasn't sure what to think at first but the read was totally worth it. I really liked Savannah and Emma they were both very strong women just looking to where they belonged. This story is about family, forgiveness, and finding where you belong. This was a book I could not put down and was such a refreshing story. This is a good clean read and so well worth it I can't wait to see what happens next in the small town of Nappanee.

I received this copy from netgalley. I really loved it .
I couldn't put it down. I loved the character's and the title and cover. I can't wait to read more from this author.

Piecing It All Together by Leslie Gould is the first book in the Plain Patterns series. The story centers around to women, one from the past and one from the present.



Savannah Mask has a future that is all planned out, but when her fiance suddenly calls off their wedding, Savannah's world comes crashing down. Savannah decides to return to her roots and visit her Amish grandmother until she can decide where she wants to go from here. While there, she learns through a story told at a quilting circle about Emma Gingrich. Emma suffered a lot in life, but proved to be a strong woman with endurance. This helps Savannah through her current situation.



Both of the characters are very interesting. I seemed to connect more with Savannah. There was also some side stories going on within the Amish community that I really enjoyed. I'm curious to see if there will be glimpses into Savannah's life as the series continues.



It has been a while since I've read a book by Leslie Gould. I won't wait so long next time!



***Thank you Netgalley and Bethany House Publishing for the ebook!

The title Piecing It All Together is so fitting for this story as it pieces the past along with the present as though each piece was part of a whole. Savannah Mast's heart was broken but when she landed in Nappanee, her upset world was only the beginning of the whirlwind she found at her grandmother's. Like most quilt shops, Plain Patterns was a haven for the women in the community to learn the comings and goings of the small town. The events, which for a sleepy Amish community run at a fast clip, unfold events in Savannah's own life that put more than her broken heart into perspective. She was drawn to the circle of quilters, especially Jane, who possessed the amazing gift of sharing stories of her ancestors who settled the area long before the town was born.

I enjoyed this book. To write the journey of one woman is one thing, but to write two women's stories is another matter and to do it well, takes the talents of a writer like Leslie Gould. I found myself favoring Emma's story over Savannah's, only to realize both women's stories were so good. Each woman had compelling events in her life that makes her stronger. It is interesting to see how the past, however far removed, can be relevant to our stories today. Well written, with very interesting characters, Piecing It All Together is not your average book of Amish fiction.


Many thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House for an advance reader copy of this book. All opinions are truly my own.

When Leslie Gould set out to write this particular Amish Fiction book, she pulled out all of the stops. She brought in a bit of historical Amish fiction along with contemporary Amish/Mennonite fiction. Using a storyteller to bring in the historical portion of the book made it all the more entertaining. It is hard to put this book down.

A week before her wedding, Savannah calls her fiance only to find him with another woman. When he comes to the phone, he tells her the wedding is off, but he'll pay for the non-refundable deposits with all of their vendors. Savannah packs a suitcase and empties her apartment into a storage unit, then flies to visit her grandmother, in Indiana.

Almost immediately after Savannah arrived in Indiana, she was called by her Aunt Deloris to go help deliver a baby. As she gets to the home to deliver the baby, the woman's teenage daughter runs away and thus starts the intrigue that weaves its way through the book.

Savannah's Mammi and several other women go to Jane's quilt shop to work on a quilt while Jane tells stories. The story she has chosen to tell throughout the book is one about Emma, who has lost her husband and both of her children. Emma's family decided to move from Pennsylvania to Indiana. Emma doesn't want to leave and extracts a promise to be able to move back if she doesn't find Indiana to her liking.

Throughout this time, Savannah's friend, Tommy, has found himself in hot water with the local law enforcement because of his cousin's actions. Inspired by the story of Emma, Savannah does all she can to clear Tommy of the accusations against him.

Leslie has character development, settings, and plot lines down to a T. Her pacing is fast enough to keep the reader involved to the very end. This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and a Hearth and Home patterned quilt for your home.

Bethany House and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.