by Emily Wierenga
Quilts of Love series
Christian Fiction / Contemporary / Historical
Available April 2014
Abingdon Press
208 pages
About the Book
It’s been more than 50 years since Clara cared for injured WWII
soldiers in the Women’s Army Corp. Fifty years since she promised to
deliver a dying soldier’s last wish. And 50 years since that soldier’s
young widow gave her the baby quilt—a grief-ridden gift that would
provide hope to countless newborns in the years to come. On her way to
the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, Clara decides it’s time
to share her story. But when the trip doesn’t go as planned, Clara
wonders if anyone will learn the great significance of the quilt—and the
promise stitched inside it.
My Thoughts
A Promise in Pieces is one of the most unusual books (in a good way!) I've read in a long time. Clara is the focus of this story. While her family takes a trip to New Orleans, her grandchildren ask her to tell the story of her life. She takes us back to her time serving as a nurse during WWII and reflects on how that experience affects the rest of her life.
It's an amazing story. Poignant, adventurous, emotional, sweet. I loved that the author gave us a beautiful love story—without making it a romance. It focuses on the love that Clara has with all of the people in her life. It was just beautiful!
The author does everything an author is "not supposed to do." There's a bit of head-hopping. The time changes between the past and present (sometimes unclearly) throughout the book. There's more telling than showing. The main character's story is primarily told through a first-person narrative that feels a lot like stream of consciousness, with plenty of long sentences. But somehow, it totally worked! The author's style left me feeling like the characters were chatting with me over breakfast. It pulled me into the story in a way that few books do, and I was loathe to put it down. In fact, I read the story in two sittings!
This is a phenomenal book, and I'm happy to recommend it! [4.5 stars]
I received a free copy of this book from Abingdon Press through Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my fair and honest review.
About the Author
Emily Wierenga is a former editor, ghostwriter, freelance writer and
staff journalist, a monthly columnist for "The Christian Courier," and
the author of "Save My Children," "Chasing Silhouettes," and "Mom in the
Mirror." Emily and her family reside in Alberta, Canada. This is her
first novel.
Emily Wierenga Online
I'm really looking forward to reading this novel! Emily is such a sweetheart. I love reading her blog. : )
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