Author Jennifer Chiaverini has earned quite a following with her folksy Elm Creek Quilt series. In her latest, The Christmas Quilt, Elm Creek grande dame Sylvia Bergstrom Compton reveals more of her own personal history and the history of Elm Creek Manor, her family’s historic home that she has converted into a quilting retreat. Sylvia’s assistant, Sarah McClure, uncovers an unfinished quilt in the manor’s attic, an unwelcome reminder of the stubbornness, misunderstandings and world events that shredded Sylvia’s family so many years ago. Yet as Sarah persists in piecing the quilt together, Sylvia begins to open up about her painful past. Particularly poignant are her recollections of the rift with her late sister, Claudia, which was never mended. This is a story of hope, courage and forgiveness that is just right for the season.
Amy Scribner is celebrating the holidays with her family in Olympia, Washington.
