Another holiday treat from Melody Carlson. In this latest version we are introduced to Vera. Vera is a retired woman who leaves her big family home to move closer to her daughter and grandchildren. As as fate would have it they moved. So Vera is alone in a new city with no family or friends. It's Christmastime and she is feeling a little sorry for herself until a little knock at her door that changed her day. Her neighbor's daughter Fiona knocked with the urgent request to help her mother. As events happen that knock lead Vera to meet some new people in the neighborhood with the purpose of making a little girl's Christmas wish come true, to make a beautiful Christmas quilt for her mother.

Melody Carlson is definitely a go-to author when it feels like the holidays are just around the corner. Great book!

A Quilt for Christmas by Melody Carlson is such a heartwarming story. Centered around Vera, a lonely widow who has just relocated to be near her daughter. However, son-in-law is soon transferred and they move out of the area. Moving into a new neighborhood, Vera knows no one. But a four year old little girl knocks one Vera's door, asking for her help. Soon Fiona finds Vera's beautiful Nordic Star quilt and wants to make one for her sick mother.

This story had so much heart. From Vera needing help to make the quilt, to the friendships that develop with three other women. Eleanor, who is cold and apparently heartless, joins the quilting group nonetheless. What happens after the ladies start to work on the quilt is quite a lovely story.

This story is perfect for someone who loves to read about family, relationships and friendships. Melody Carlson is an expert on writing believable characters.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a warm, tender, heartfelt Christmas novella that actually can be read anytime.
Melody Carlson has created another beautiful story once again!

A group of strangers come together during the Advent season at a little girls request, to create a special gift for her Mama.
These women all become friends and learn the true meaning of Christmas spirit.

This little book is a quick read and one you will want to enjoy and share!
Thank you to NetGalley and #Revell for this ARC and for allowing me to provide my own review!

I enjoy all of Melody Carlson's new book releases, but I always eagerly anticipate her new Christmas release. A Quilt for Christmas did not disappoint, and I loved this novella length story that tugs at the heartstrings, and reminds us all of what Christmas should truly be about, and that everything is not always as it seems.

When Vera Swanson stumbles across her neighbors across the way in her condo unit needing a helping hand this Christmas season, she offers up what she can, even though it might not seem like much. However, she's initially at a loss as to how to help the youngest child, Fiona, with her beloved Christmas wish. Fiona wants nothing more than for her mother to receive a quilt for Christmas, but Vera doesn't know how to possibly pull off such a large request in time for Christmas. When she enlists the help of three women who answer her posting to help with the quilt, she's not quite sure what she's gotten herself into. The three women couldn't be more different, and nobody can possibly see eye to eye with one of the ladies, Eleanor, who seems to be determined to destroy everyone's chance of happiness this Christmas.

It'll take Fiona's big heart, and God's hand on everything to turn things around this Christmas season, and it'll be a lovely message for all to remember that all things are possible when we put our trust in Him.

A wonderful Christmas tale that speaks of faith, friendship, and the true meaning of the season, Melody Carlson has written another wonderful holiday story that I will be recommending to anyone who is a fan of sweet Christmas stories.

It's definitely a new favorite, and I can foresee myself wanting to reread this one each and every Christmas season.

Final Rating: 5/5.

Thanks so much to Revell for allowing me to advance read and review this one!

I voluntarily read a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Revell) via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC for an exchange for an honest review .

Lovely Christmas story. Enjoyed it .

This is such a heartwarming Christmas story. Author Melody Carlson always treats her readers to the best Christmas stories. I liked all the characters especially Vera and Fiona. This one is so special I think many will find it to be a yearly tradition to read.

A beautiful Christmas book that held my attention all the way though the book. A well written story with great characters. Really enjoyed reading it

I would like to thank Netgalley, Revel and Melody Carlson for the E Arc of this book.
Vera is lonely, she is widowed and the relocation that was to bring her closer to her family has not turned out the way she wanted. However, things change when 4-year-old Fiona knocks on her condo door needing her help. Her Mum is ill and needs Vera’s help. When Fiona learns that Vera is a quilter, she asks her to make a special quilt for her Mum’s Christmas to make her feel better.
Vera needs help and with Fiona’s encouragement she sets out to find other ladies to help her with the Christmas Quilt. As Vera and these new friends make the quilt they bond over stitches and learn that friendships can be made and are important not matter your age.
I loved the characters and little Fiona was such an engaging young girl. It also showed us that everyone has a back story that makes us behave the way we do and that you shouldn’t judge people just on one meeting.
I would recommend this book, snuggle up one day during the festive season with the decorations up and the tree lights twinkling and immerse yourself in a lovely story.

A wonderful Christmas book that held my attention throughout the book. A beautifully written story that I really enjoyed!

This is such a heartwarming, toasty feel-good book that I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys family stories, even if the family is not the traditional one. Vera Swanson moves to a new town to be near family, but her family moves away for a new job opportunity. When she befriends a young neighbor named Fiona, Vera’s eyes become open to the possibilities of new friends and a substitute family. The pace is perfect for a Christmas novella, moving along at a good clip and resolving all of the conflicts along the way. The characters were realistic and relatable, even curmudgeonly Eleanor who seems to have no heart for the holidays or anything else. There was even romance included between a young couple that was fun to get to know. I enjoyed the entire story and especially enjoyed how the group came together to help each other and a struggling family. The themes are having hope and reaching out to others to meet their needs. Faith is a theme here but it does not overwhelm the story. A lovely, sweet tale that deserves to be read any time of the year!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Such a beautiful Christmassy novella. I fell in love with all the characters, especially little Fiona.

Off now to find a quilting class.

A Quilt for Christmas is the most charming heart stirring novella! Melody Carlson has written a holiday classic so full of heart and goodwill I couldn't have enjoyed it more!

The story begins with an unexpected knock at the door from adorable Fiona Albright in search of help for her sick mother. One thing leads to another and before you know it persuasive Fiona has talked lonely widow Vera Swanson into making a quilt for her mama for Christmas.

Carlson has written a cast of quirky characters who agree to help with the quilt, including a bitter scrooge type Eleanor, empty nester Beverly who gets on Eleanors last nerve with her constant treat baking and the artsy florist Tasha. I enjoyed the splash of romance between Tasha and Eleanor's son, Evan too.

A Quilt for Christmas is destined to be a holiday favorite. I recommend it to readers who enjoy books with a strong sense of family, friendship and community. I appreciate Revell Publishers making a copy of A quilt for Christmas available for review. All thoughts and opinions are my very own.

I never miss Melody Carlson’s Christmas stories. They are so moving and heartwarming. This one is particularly precious. A four year old girl wants to give her mother a beautiful quilt for Christmas. A lonely widow, a grieving widow and mother, and a few others added to the mix and you have the recipe for a delightful and moving Christmas story.

My thanks to Revell Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion in this review is my own.

I always enjoy Melody Carlson's storytelling, and this particular book didn't disappoint! It explores the unexpected friendship of women from different backgrounds and generations, and how powerful it is to work with others on a common cause.

I enjoyed how the characters changed and grew under each other's influence and the bonds that they forged during their time together, filling the voids in each other's lives.

In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I read it in one day. :-)

Thanks to Melody Carlson, Revell and NetGalley for an advance review copy.

Vera Swanson recently lost her husband and decided to relocate to be nearer one of her children and grandchildren. She packed up the old family home and moved across the country, only to find out a short while later that her daughter's family was moving away due to work.

With Thanksgiving out of the way and Christmas around the corner (which she seems to have to spend on her own) her spirits are down. A sudden knock on her door sets in motion a whole raft of events, involving making new friends and sharing her love of quilting with a group of beginners.

Hearth-warming and thoroughly enjoyable read for the holiday season! This will be perfect for the informal book club I run in my online quilting group (20k members).

PS. Is there any chance there may be a pattern available to make the Nordic Star quilt on the cover (of the version used on Netgalley)? It seems to be made up of a couple of different blocks rather than just a full repeat of the traditional Nordic Star quilt block.

Vera Swanson sold her big house after her husband died and moved to her daughter's town. She no sooner gets unpacked and the SIL is jobs relocate the family. She's facing Christmas alone this year for the first time. I knock on her door brings a little asking for help, her mama's sick. Vera's neighbors are in need of help, and she steps in to help with the little 4-year-old daughter pushing her along the way. Fiona Albright sees Vera's quilt and wants one for her mama. Since Vera is new to town, she posts signs asking for help in making the quilt. Great family story of strangers helping others at Christmas time.

I look forward to reading Melody Carlson’s Christmas stories every year. She comes up with the most interesting adventures that involve family, have a splash of romance, and always get to the heart of the season. This story is no exception.

Readers first meet Vera Swanson, who is recently widowed. She sold her house and is now in a condo. She thought she’d have time for the grandchildren, but things change in unexpected ways. Then four-year-old Fiona Albright knocks on Vera’s door in a panic, seeking assistance for her mother. She does the only thing she can do for this family, and that is to get them help. Fiona is convinced that making her mother a quilt for Christmas will get her on the fast track to healing, lift her mother’s spirits and give her hope.

Christmas is a special and hard time of year for many as they miss loved ones, and days gone by, It’s also a time of wonder, healing, kindness, love, and forgiveness. The task of making Fiona’s dream come true isn’t easy, but with the faith, determination, and goodness of Fiona, things start to come together in surprising ways. Characters are strong and opinionated in this story. I wasn’t sure if this would end on a happy note. LOL! There is just something about quilts that brings people together, no matter their squabbles. This book makes you smile in the end.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by Interview & Reviews, /NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

This was truly a lovely story and just perfect for your holiday reading.
Vera fears she’ll be alone for Christmas but then she meets Fiona and everything changes. A group of strangers brought together with a goal to do something for someone else and ends up turning lives around.
It’s a perfect holiday story to get you in the holiday spirit.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

A Quilt for Christmas by Melody Carlson

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Revell and I am leaving this review voluntarily

Christmas should be celebrated with family. But for Vera Swanson, that's not an option this year. Widowed and recently relocated, she is lonely in her condo-for-one--until little Fiona Albright knocks on her door needing help. With her mother seriously ill and her father out of town, Fiona enlists Vera's help, and when she finds out her new neighbor is a quilter, she has a special request--a Christmas quilt for Mama.

Vera will have to get a ragtag group of women together in order to fulfill the request. Between free-spirited artist Tasha, chatty empty nester Beverly, retired therapist Eleanor, and herself, Vera has hopes that Christmas for the Albright family will be merry, after all--and she may find herself a new family of friends along the way.

I found myself reading this book in July, trying to ignore the fact that it was one of the hottest days of the year - I found this to be a great way to escape reality. A quick and easy to read novella, I think this took me just over an hour to read. Unlike most Christmas books I read there is not a lot of romance in this, but the Christmas spirit more than makes up for it. A heart-warming tale that I think would make a great Hallmark movie.

Rating 4/5