The audiobook version of The World's Fair Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini. The novel is part of the Elm Creek Quilts series, a beloved collection that celebrates quilting, family, and community.

The story follows Sylvia Bergstrom Compson, who is contemplating the future of Elm Creek Quilts, a retreat for quilters. As financial difficulties arise, Sylvia is approached by Summer Sullivan, a founding Elm Creek Quilter, who wants to display an antique quilt at the Waterford Historical Society’s quilt exhibit. This quilt, made by Sylvia and her estranged sister Claudia for the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair, holds deep emotional significance. The novel explores themes of nostalgia, change, and reconciliation, as Sylvia revisits painful memories of competition and jealousy with her sister.

The audiobook brings these themes to life with engaging narration, making it a compelling listen for fans of historical fiction and quilting enthusiasts alike. If you enjoy stories about community, friendship, and personal growth, this might be a great pick for you!

I enjoyed this book. The narrator did a great job distinguishing the characters. Quilting was a pass craft I did and it reminded me of all that goes into a quilt and about when friends entered competitions. The series is one of always enjoy and will have to go back and read some I have missed. The quilting community of Sylvia’s quilters was so helpful to the current group and working for an exhibition as was the childhood quilting of Sylvia’s family.

Christina Moore brings you back to Elm Creek in In the World's Fair quilt and reminds you of home. Remembering how things came to be by locating the memories to explain. The Best part of Jennifer Chiaverini is the way she brings to life all the parts of this community such a cozy listen with a perfect reader. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

"The Worlds Fair Quilt" by Sandra Dallas is a heartwarming and historically rich novel that truly shines in its audio format. The narrator's performance is exceptional, bringing each character to life with distinct voices and inflections that perfectly capture their personalities and emotions. You'll feel transported to the turn of the 20th century, experiencing the hustle and bustle of the World's Fair right alongside the quilters.

The story itself is a beautiful tapestry of friendship, resilience, and the enduring power of community, all woven together with delightful historical details. This audiobook is a comforting and engaging listen, perfect for anyone who appreciates a well-told story brought to life by a talented narrator. Highly recommended!

Many thanks to Netgalley and Harper Audio for aharing this look back in time to a place that makes our hearts happy.

Such a cute book! This is one of many in a series about quilters. This one goes back in time to remember a quilt contest done as a girl. I enjoyed the friendships in the book. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an arc in exchange for my honest review. I liked the narrator.

Thank you for the ARC. The narrator was quite lovely. Her voice was whimsical and it was in tune with the book. The audiobook was a nice history on the history of quilting from that era. I would recommend this audio!

The World's Fair Quilt is #23 of Jennifer Chiaverini's Elm Creek Quilts series which has grown on me. . .many of the books have two timelines and this is one that has Sylvia Bergstrom (last surviving owner of the Elm Creek Manor) at two different times of her life.

First we read of a graciously aging Sylvia, although still rather grumpy about techy stuff. She comes home to the "home" of the series - Elm Creek Manor, to solve problems with the old home place as they prepare to commercialize it into a quilt retreat - and that old place needs updating in all the ways of progress. Over generations (there are at least 3 generations in the characters of this book) progress has changed mightily!

At the heart of it is the second timeline set in 1933, revealing her prickly relationship with Claudia, her older sister. A notice falls into their hands that has an award that is irresistible! They work with their family's elder quilters as they collaborate on answering the national call for quilters to enter their own representations of a "Quilt of Progress" to show at the Chicago World's Fair of 1933.

Definitely in the cozy category, but weight added for historical layers, and family engagements full of conflict, sibling rivalries, compassion, regret, forgiveness and mind changing. Recommended to those who like a light read filled with needles, thread, design and fabric.

BONUS: Singer Featherweights are herein mentioned! (another obsession of mine. . .who of you have painted featherweights?????)

*A sincere thank you to Jennifer Chiaverini, William Morrow, HarperAudio, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.*

The Elm Creek Quilt ladies are back!!!! I have enjoyed this series. Each book can be read as a stand alone however reading the books in order gives you a great history of the journey Elm Creek Quilt has made.

Elm Creek Quilts is at a turning point in this novel - expenses are rising, staff is moving on and manor is in need of repairs. Sylvia Bergstrom, the matriarch of the Bergstrom estate, is forced to evaluate the future of her home and the quilty community she has built over her lifetime.

The series is beautiful - if you are a quilter, there is a history of quilting woven throughout the novels - including this book. We travel to 1933 Chicago World’s Fair and see a snippet of the world and quilting during the depression.

This is a fun read even if it the first time you have picked up a book by author Jennifer Chiaverini.

Thank you to NetGalley for an early review of the book

I really enjoyed this book! I read many of the earlier books in the series, but it has been a long time. I loved returning to these lovable characters in a charming setting. I would love to go to quilt camp at Elm Creek Manor!

The story alternates between 2004, when Sylvia and her friends are living at Elm Creek Manor and running their quilt camp business and starting up a new apple orchard business, and Sylvia’s childhood when she and her sister are creating their quilt to enter into a contest to be displayed at the Chicago World’s Fair. Since I am also a quilter, I really liked the descriptions of the quilts and the process the sisters went through to design and make their quilt.

Thank you to Harper Audio for providing me a copy of the audiobook via NetGalley.

Being written around the World’s Fair in Chicago was an instant pull for me. I love my Chicago and my history.

Sylvia is a woman with an antique quilt of potentially great value, both personally and historically. Her story soon unfolds, taking us back to the 1930s and a venture Sylvia and her sister Claudia embark on on their youth.

I found this to be a sweet story with surprises along the way. There are such a variety of stories in this series and although this one wasn’t my favorite, it was an interesting look at how we protect our loved ones and preserve their passions

When Sylvia and her sister Claudia were teenagers, they had entered a quilt in the Sears National Quilt Contest for the 1933 Century of Progress Exposition, also known as the Chicago World’s Fair. These two sisters learned a great deal about life and each other during the process.

This rotates between present day and the depression era. I enjoyed both. But learning about the Sears, Roebuck quilting contest really had me entertained. We live in such a now society, it was so interesting to read about how anxiety created such a part due to waiting on the mail. I know….weird on my part.

This is a sweet novel. Almost too sweet for me, but I enjoyed the time period and the characters. This is part of a series and I have not read a single one. I did not feel lost at all. I had no idea it was part of a series till I went to set up this post.

The narrator, Christina Moore, did a very good job. I enjoyed all her voices for all the characters.

Need a novel about the love of sisters…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

I was so excited to see another Quilt book - I have been reading this series since high school and it's just the loveliest. This one bounced back and forth between the modern day quilters and quilters of the past. We had just been learning about the World's Fair in our homsechool, so this book was the perfect addition for me as a mom. I love the descriptions of the quilts and how the relationships evolve through the story. You can read this without having read the other books, but the background you have if you read them all will definitely help. LOVED this one!!

Another interesting story about the past at the Bergstrom farm and the future of Elm Creek Quilts. I enjoyed learning more about what created the tenuous relationship between Sylvia and her sister as well as the large quilt contest they entered together. I’m also intrigued by the new side hustles they are taking on at the estate but found overall that there isn’t much more that can be added to the story of the quilt camp or the farm overall. The recap at the beginning is crucial for new visitors to the series but gets tiresome if you’ve read the previous books as it seems so long and drawn out. Otherwise, it’s a good addition to the series.

Audio was well done, no issues

I requested The World's Fair Quilt without realizing that it is part of a series. That being said, I do think there is still something to enjoy here, even if you haven’t read the previous books. Jennifer Chiaverini does a great job of providing backstory for her characters, which helped me appreciate the novel despite my lack of familiarity with the series as a whole.

While this wasn’t my favorite book of the year, I found it to be a relaxing and enjoyable read. Chiaverini’s writing has a soothing quality, making it a great choice for those looking for a gentle, historical novel. Christina Moore is always a classic narrator, and she has done her typical excellent job here, bringing the characters and setting to life in a way that enhances the story.

I do plan to revisit this book after reading the full series, as I suspect I’ll be able to give it more of my attention and admiration with greater context.

Thank you to Jennifer Chiaverini, Christina Moore, HarperAudio, and NetGalley for sending me the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

This latest Elm Creek Quilts series book delivers a heartfelt blend of historical fiction and contemporary drama. Jennifer Chiaverini skillfully weaves together two timelines—1933 and 2004—exploring Sylvia Bergstrom Compson's teenage years and her present-day struggles to preserve Elm Creek Manor. The historical thread, centered on a quilt entered into the Sears National Quilt Contest, is rich with period details that will transport you to the past, and captivating themes of progress, resilience, and family bonds.
While longtime fans will appreciate the return to familiar characters and settings, the novel's pacing falters sometimes, with secondary characters and details that don't always add momentum to the story. The back-and-forth between timelines, while insightful, could have packed more emotional weight. However, Chiaverini's depiction of the quilting process and the strong camaraderie among quilters, and the perseverance required to create something significant, will make you feel a part of this community.
For quilting enthusiasts and historical fiction lovers, this book offers a satisfying, if slightly meandering, addition to the Elm Creek Quilts series.

Thank you, Net Galley for the opportunity to read.

I enjoyed this quilting story. The narration was interesting, because the narrator’s voice reminded me of actress Jane Fonda Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader audio book.

One of my all-time favorite series! My mother and I have read them together over the years. She’s an amazing and experienced quilter herself !
This was the first one I’ve listened to via audiobook and loved it. It started with a great backstory so anyone can enjoy this wonderful novel without reading the series though I highly recommend it if you have time.
Sylvia’s dual timeline was sincere and emotional. I felt a deep connection to the narrator as though she truly was Sylvia recalling her childhood memories as well as her present life with the Elm Creek family. I want to be friends with them all.
Jennifer Chiaverini is an excellent author who writes amazing, character driven novels.
Thank you to the publisher/author for the opportunity to read this complimentary advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I was so happy to receive this ARC and return to Elm Creek! As a long time Elm Creek reader, these characters have become my friends. I was so excited to listen to Sylvia recount her experiences with the World’s Fair Quilt and reflect upon her past making it after hearing about it so much throughout the series. I can’t wait for the next installment to see how the orchard is progressing and what happens with the quilt camp!

While this can be read as a standalone, I do recommend starting at book 1 to learn the background information on what makes Elm Creek Quilts so great!

A lovely dual timeline novel delving into the world of quilts. Chiaverini does a great job of talking through some of the history of quilts through the age and the meanings.

As fall paints the Pennsylvania countryside in flaming colors, Sylvia Bergstrom Compson is contemplating the future of her beloved Elm Creek Quilts. The Elm Creek Quilt Camp remains the most popular quilter’s retreat in the country, but unexpected financial difficulties have beset them and the Bergstrom family’s stately nineteenth-century manor. Now in her eighth decade, Sylvia is determined to maintain her family’s legacy, but she needs new resources—financial and emotional.

Summer Sullivan—a founding Elm Creek Quilter—arrives to discuss an antique quilt that she wants to display at the Waterford Historical Society’s quilt exhibit. When Sylvia and her sister Claudia were teenagers, they had entered a quilt in the Sears National Quilt Contest for the 1933 Century of Progress Exposition, also known as the Chicago World’s Fair. The Bergstrom sisters’ quilt would be perfect for the Historical Society’s exhibit, Summer explains.

Sylvia is reluctant to lend out the quilt, which has been stored in the attic for decades, nearly forgotten. In keeping with the contest’s “Century of Progress” theme, the girls illustrated progress of values—scenes of the Emancipation Proclamation, woman’s suffrage, and labor unions. But although it won ribbons, the quilt also drove a wedge between the sisters.

As Sylvia reluctantly retraces her quilt’s story for Summer, she makes an unexpected discovery—one that restores some of her faith in this unique work of art, and helps shine some light on a way forward for the Elm Creek Quilts community.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 Stars (Excellent)
Setting: Waterford, Pennsylvania
Genre: Historical Fiction

Jennifer Chiaverini once again delivers a richly woven tale of history, family, and the enduring power of quilts in The World’s Fair Quilt. This novel, like a cherished heirloom, is stitched with layers of emotion, historical intrigue, and the deep bonds that connect women across generations.

At the heart of the story is Sylvia Bergstrom Compson, the steadfast guardian of Elm Creek Quilts, now facing financial difficulties that threaten its future. When Summer Sullivan arrives with a request to display an antique quilt from Sylvia’s past, the request stirs up long-buried memories of a quilt made for the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair—a quilt that once won ribbons but also caused a painful rift between Sylvia and her sister Claudia. As Sylvia revisits the past, she uncovers unexpected truths, not only about the quilt but about herself, her family, and the possibilities that still lie ahead.

Chiaverini’s gift for blending history with personal narratives shines in this novel. The details surrounding the Sears National Quilt Contest and the Century of Progress Exposition add a fascinating backdrop, offering readers a glimpse into a unique piece of quilting history. The themes of resilience, reconciliation, and the way art preserves the voices of the past make this book particularly poignant.

While the novel’s pacing lingers in places, and some resolutions feel a bit too neatly tied up, the emotional depth and historical richness more than make up for it. Longtime fans of the Elm Creek Quilts series will appreciate this heartfelt installment, while newcomers will find themselves drawn into the warmth and wisdom of Chiaverini’s storytelling.

A touching tribute to both quilting and the enduring power of family, The World’s Fair Quilt is a worthy addition to the series—one that reminds us that every stitch tells a story, and sometimes, looking back is the key to moving forward. #netgalley #theworldsfairquilt #booked_this_weekend