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A Quilting of Scars

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Pub Date Oct 15 2025 | Archive Date Oct 31 2025

Literary Press Group of Canada | Now or Never Publishing


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Description

A Quilting of Scars is a poignant exploration of forbidden love, abuse, and murder, brought to life through a cast of relatable yet uniquely original characters. Set against the backdrop of a rural community bound by rigid moral codes, the narrative follows Larkin Beattie as he navigates the complexities of a lonely existence filled with repressed sexuality and deep-seated guilt. 

With a deftly crafted sense of time and place, Larkin’s story unfolds as a thoughtful meditation on aging and remorse. As he reflects on pivotal moments from his past, the narrative delves into the hypocrisy of the church, the profound grief that has shaped his life, and the suffocating fear that grips queer youth in a society quick to judge. Through Larkin’s eyes, readers experience the strictures and rhythms of farming life in the not-so-distant past, revealing how societal expectations can stifle personal truth. 

A Quilting of Scars resonates with timeless relevance, evoking a deep emotional response that transcends the era in which it is set. It is a powerful reminder of the enduring struggle for acceptance and the scars that love can leave behind.

A Quilting of Scars is a poignant exploration of forbidden love, abuse, and murder, brought to life through a cast of relatable yet uniquely original characters. Set against the backdrop of a rural...


A Note From the Publisher
An engaging murder mystery with strong character development, and filled with life wisdom.
Draws an intimate portrait of a gentle farming family at the turn of the twentieth century. Addresses adolescent sexuality, grief and loneliness. There is also a murder mystery embedded in the narrative.
There may be some interest in the LGBTQ2SI+ community as Larkin is unsure of his sexual identity but lives in fear of being discovered as someone who has been involved sexually with a same sex partner.
The novel takes place over the course of one long night as Larkin reflects upon his life. The narrative is shared between Larkin, an omniscient narrator and a collection of letters, court transcripts and newspaper articles. The novel includes well researched information about farm life at the turn of the twentieth century including animal castration, branding and cattle drives, it also touches upon early breast cancer treatments, a tent revival meeting, and a visit to a prostitute.

An engaging murder mystery with strong character development, and filled with life wisdom.
Draws an intimate portrait of a gentle farming family at the turn of the twentieth century. Addresses...


Advance Praise

“Aging bachelor Larkin Beattie is still haunted by a decades-old double murder on the next farm over. Folks assume his childhood friend Paul killed his abusive father and brother. Larkin knows things others don’t. Hearty as a farm-cooked meal and resonant with Lucy E. M. Black’s spot-on period dialogue and detail, A Quilting of Scars is the story of a reserved, plainspoken man and the unsettling friendship that shapes his life. Larkin Beattie will linger with you long after you’ve finished reading this remarkable book.” --K.R. Wilson, author of Call Me Stan and An Idea About My Dead Uncle

“Aging bachelor Larkin Beattie is still haunted by a decades-old double murder on the next farm over. Folks assume his childhood friend Paul killed his abusive father and brother. Larkin knows things...


Marketing Plan

A Book trailer is in development

Launch & Multiple Readings

CBC radio interview

A Book trailer is in development

Launch & Multiple Readings

CBC radio interview


Available Editions

EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9781989689899
PRICE CA$26.95 (CAD)
PAGES 195

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