Even though I wasn't exactly ready for a holiday themed listen, this was just fine to listen on my commutes. Nice to hear about snow and seeing one's breath and looking for Christmas trees while in 80 and 90 degree August heat. Really, though, this series continues to warm my heart with each listen. This one takes place early in the series and focuses mostly on Sylvia, the master quilter, and her life as seen in her memories of Christmas past. Sarah, the quilter apprentice who has helped Sylvia keep Elm Creek Manor and turn it into a quilters' retreat, wants to decorate the manor for the holidays. This is the first one for the manor in many years and Sylvia is hesitant. She has been celebrating quietly and is still getting used to being back in Elm Creek after 50 years of self-exile. Sarah finds the boxes of family decorations in the attic and among the boxes,she finds the Christmas Quilt that Sylvia's Great Aunt Lucinda worked on each Christmas and put away at the end of each holiday season, never finishing the work. The quilt brings up the memories of Sylvia's childhood, her marriage to James, his death in WWII, and, ultimately, Sylvia's departure from Elm Creek after an argument with her sister, Claudia. The book is about more than quilting obviously. Mostly it's about family, friends, relationships of all types. The books can be a soothing balm as you read or listen. Four warm beans....
Another fine addition to the Elm Creek Quilters series. I have yet to actually hold one of the series' books in my hand to read, only have listened to the wonderful Christina Moore give voice to each character. This is the 12th in this wonderful series. Two of the characters are leaving the circle of quilters for schools, one for more learning and one for teaching. Both will be missed to be sure. They were among the original founders of Elm Creek Quilt Camp and each has their specialty they have added to the group. New members, which had their stories in CIRCLE OF QUILTERS, have been added to the fold. They are sort of mentioned in passing here. This story is about the past of each of the founding members and how they came to quilting and, more importantly, how they came to be best friends. Very very enjoyable and Jennifer Chiaverini's cast of characters continues to make me want to go to the local quilt shop and take lessons. Four beans!
This is my favorite of the Elm Creek Quilters series, so far. I loved all of the stories/chapters, some more than others. Anna and Gretchen were my favorite characters. When you want to reach in a slap a character or two or three (Gordon, Theresa, and Heidi), then the book is well written in my opinion. And this series always makes me want to go sign up for quilting classes!! There is a quilting shop a few blocks from my house......
I began THYME OF DEATH - Susan Wittig Albert as my next purse book. It's for First in Series Challenge, What's in a Name Challenge and should fit the A-Z Challenge as well. Next audiobook for the car is CIRCLE OF QUILTERS - Jennifer Chiaverini. I love this Elm Creek series. This one is just right after the fun with Dexter. Mellow and soothing with a hint of mystery. I may take THYME OF DEATH up with me as a bedside book as well as the purse book and maybe I can finish one more for the month of January.
Even though I wasn't exactly ready for a holiday themed listen, this was just fine to listen on my commutes. Nice to hear about snow and seeing one's breath and looking for Christmas trees while in 80 and 90 degree August heat. 
