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amibunk's review against another edition
3.0
The Quilter's Apprentice is a classic 3 star book with lackluster writing, flat characters, and a predictable plot. Still, there is something about the book that I enjoyed. Perhaps it was the explanations of the different quilt blocks. There is also a pervading simplicity in the book which is somewhat comforting. All in all, it was a perfect read while I was recovering from the stomach flu. It diverted my attention away from my discomforts and yet I didn't have to expend much energy to read it.
veronica214's review against another edition
3.0
I have to admit I only read about 75% of this book. The story definitely feels like a hallmark movie. Basically, a young couple is struggling to find work in a new town. Eventually, they're hired by a bitter old lady to fix up an estate that was left to her. The young couple slowly befriends the old woman, who in turn, shows the young wife how to quilt.
The dialog is a little cheesey, but overall it's a cute story. Includes very detailed descriptions of the quilt making process. Not exactly the type of novel I love, but I can appreciate it.
Wholesome, humorous at times, about struggles we face in life, relationships, and friendships. 3.5 stars.
The dialog is a little cheesey, but overall it's a cute story. Includes very detailed descriptions of the quilt making process. Not exactly the type of novel I love, but I can appreciate it.
Wholesome, humorous at times, about struggles we face in life, relationships, and friendships. 3.5 stars.
machadofam8's review against another edition
3.0
I know nothing about quilting, but I've seen these books at the library and finally decided to try one out. I'm glad I did - I enjoyed the story telling very much.
vkimble's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
vikingwolf's review against another edition
3.0
Sarah and her husband move to a small town so he can take up a job offer. Sarah is desolate about her inability to find a job herself. Then she meets one of her husband's clients, the rude and bristly Sylvia Compson, who offers her a job helping to restore the old Elm Creek Manor ready to sell. Sarah agrees, if Sylvia will teach her how to quilt. A unique friendship develops as Sylvia tells her of the life she has lived.
I enjoyed reading this book and finding out why Sylvia was so rude and distant with everyone. I also liked the other members of the quilting group and I look forward to finding out more about them in the later books.
I knew nothing about quilting when I started to read this book, given to me by a bookcrossing friend, but by the end of it I was browsing quilting web sites and getting interested in the subject. Now I am about to embark on making my first quilt! So a new hobby has been spawned by reading this book!
I enjoyed reading this book and finding out why Sylvia was so rude and distant with everyone. I also liked the other members of the quilting group and I look forward to finding out more about them in the later books.
I knew nothing about quilting when I started to read this book, given to me by a bookcrossing friend, but by the end of it I was browsing quilting web sites and getting interested in the subject. Now I am about to embark on making my first quilt! So a new hobby has been spawned by reading this book!
abbydawn84's review against another edition
4.0
Nice story. Loved all the details on quilt blocks and styles. You could tell there was a surprise waiting, but I was delighted I didn’t guess it. I am looking forward to reading more of the series. Love that the author has actual quilts mentioned in the story and photos of them on her website.
chelse34's review against another edition
4.0
This book was recommended to me by my mother-in-law (more like thrust into my hands) who is an avid quilter. She loved these books. And I must say I kind of saw myself and her while reading these because pretty much everything I know about quilting, I learned from her. So I was the Sarah and she was the Mrs. Compson because she tutored me and showed me how to quilt! I liked that comparison!
I also enjoyed learning about some of the history of quilts and the superstitions of their names. I found the name important in my own quilting too! Like when I made Brian his Batman quilt, I used the Bear Claw pattern because it sounded strong and fierce.
I also found that they used different terms and ways of quilting that I wasn't familiar with (like basting the quilt together... we just used safety pins), and I enjoyed getting a different perspective with that! AND! I was able to connect some things together that I really didn't ever know or realize... like the Memorial Quilt. I've seen one because my mother-in-law made one of those, but I didn't necessarily put the name to it and realize that it happens frequently in the world of quilters.
So, word of advice - I think it would be best to have SOME form of knowledge about quilting before reading this book because I would have been totally confused and had no idea what they were talking about half the time if I hadn't made a quilt myself (novice, though I am).
I also enjoyed learning about some of the history of quilts and the superstitions of their names. I found the name important in my own quilting too! Like when I made Brian his Batman quilt, I used the Bear Claw pattern because it sounded strong and fierce.
I also found that they used different terms and ways of quilting that I wasn't familiar with (like basting the quilt together... we just used safety pins), and I enjoyed getting a different perspective with that! AND! I was able to connect some things together that I really didn't ever know or realize... like the Memorial Quilt. I've seen one because my mother-in-law made one of those, but I didn't necessarily put the name to it and realize that it happens frequently in the world of quilters.
So, word of advice - I think it would be best to have SOME form of knowledge about quilting before reading this book because I would have been totally confused and had no idea what they were talking about half the time if I hadn't made a quilt myself (novice, though I am).
duckinggreyduck's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
sandlerpage's review against another edition
3.0
I really wanted to like this book. I really did. But the main character was so... bland. She just wasn't an interesting person, neither was her husband, and even the old lady she befriends wasn't that interesting. I enjoyed the different layers of stories, as well as the quilting info, but overall it was just so-so. All that said, I think I might get the next one in the series from the library b/c it really does seem like it has potential. Plus, the author is from my hometown!