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hawleyae's review
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
mimima's review
3.0
The part that was the most interesting for me was the history of quilting in Hawaii, the history of Hawaii that was interwoven through the story, the complicated relationship between native Hawaiians and tourists - which is something I've been sensitive to when visiting -, and the technique of Hawaiian quilts. The character of Bonnie reacts very unlikeably to several situations, so you kind of have to wait her out, but the story outweighs an annoying main character.
roses8's review
3.0
I loved the descriptions of Hawaii, it made me miss it. The story line was predictable, however I am a confirmed fan of these books so certainly not a waste of time.
mochagirlalysia's review
3.0
I bought this book years ago when Boarders bookstore was closing and everything was 75% off. This was a cover love purchase and when I realized it was part of a series I put it down to search out the first book in the series. Now that it's four years later and I have jumped around in the series, I finally finished this book. This in indirectly the book that started my love of this series so coming back to it from a long hiatus was a nice change of pace.
Unlike the other books in the series, this one takes place on the tropical island of Hawaii when Bonnie goes to help her life long friend Claire open a quilting camp in Maui. With Bonnie's business closing, a divorce in the works and and winter coming this is exactly what Bonnie needs to get away and still do what she loves. Oh course things are not that clean, clear and easy. Bonnie's divorce turns ugly and her friendship with Claire gets tested.
I really loved this series because there was a lack in crazy and the warmth of friendship the woman have over their love of quilting. (I started and never completed my first quilt when I completed the first book.) There is something that makes you want to be friends with all the characters. But this one fell a bit short for me. This story centers mostly around Bonnie. She is so full of self-doubt and can't see what is really going on around her. Why is this a big deal? Well, it caused more drama and that is not like the other books. Angry and violent ex-husbands are not an Elm Creek standard at all. I think I would have loved to have the ex not involved and have more of the other women come to help Bonnie in the "circle the wagons", we will get him, save the day kinda thing instead. Bonnie's constant self-doubt just got to be a bit annoying and I wanted her to be her usual strong, level-headed self in the right ways. Not running from her friends when things were not 100% perfect. The lack of other women in this book is the one thing I didn't love. Their friendship makes the series. On to the next book!
Unlike the other books in the series, this one takes place on the tropical island of Hawaii when Bonnie goes to help her life long friend Claire open a quilting camp in Maui. With Bonnie's business closing, a divorce in the works and and winter coming this is exactly what Bonnie needs to get away and still do what she loves. Oh course things are not that clean, clear and easy. Bonnie's divorce turns ugly and her friendship with Claire gets tested.
I really loved this series because there was a lack in crazy and the warmth of friendship the woman have over their love of quilting. (I started and never completed my first quilt when I completed the first book.) There is something that makes you want to be friends with all the characters. But this one fell a bit short for me. This story centers mostly around Bonnie. She is so full of self-doubt and can't see what is really going on around her. Why is this a big deal? Well, it caused more drama and that is not like the other books. Angry and violent ex-husbands are not an Elm Creek standard at all. I think I would have loved to have the ex not involved and have more of the other women come to help Bonnie in the "circle the wagons", we will get him, save the day kinda thing instead. Bonnie's constant self-doubt just got to be a bit annoying and I wanted her to be her usual strong, level-headed self in the right ways. Not running from her friends when things were not 100% perfect. The lack of other women in this book is the one thing I didn't love. Their friendship makes the series. On to the next book!
granniepeg's review
5.0
Another good book from this series. this time Bonnie, one of the founding members of Elm Creek Quilts Camp, is in Hawaii helping a college friend start a quilt camp there at a recently bought and refurbished B and B. Caught between wanting to stay, or go back to PA, a nasty divorce and a new friendship that may be turning into love, Bonnie is pulled and pushed in different directions to find out who she is and where she belongs.
loribree83's review
4.0
A delightful book! The author clearly did her research about Maui and the Hawaiian culture. I learned a lot, and loved the characters! I was sad when the book ended!
aperson's review
4.0
I was a bit skeptical at first since I'm a fan of Sandra Dallas' quilt books, but that was quickly squelched. Jennifer Chiaverini has a way with words and you will find yourself entrenched in this heart-warming novel. I personally am not a quilter, but I still enjoyed this quilt quite a bit. Occasionally she will talk about quilting techniques as the characters are discussing (it's only to be expected in a book about quilters), but it's the story that will captivate you. Whether it's Bonnie's painful divorce, the friendship between the quilters, or the excitement of embarking on a new journey and finding new love, everyone will find something special in this book.
greyetal's review
4.0
I thought this was going to be a sweet little love story, but it was actually much more than that. A woman moves to Hawaii for the winter to help her friend start a quilt camp & also to escape her messy divorce. I learned about quilting and Hawaii and rooted for a business to grow while watching female friendships weather changes. It was still cheesy and predictable, but there was a lot of enjoyable content.
ginabeirne's review
3.0
I love this series. I don't quilt, but I enjoy reading about the quilts, fabrics, and the camaraderie among the Elm Creek Quilters.