I enjoyed spending time with the Elm Creek Quilters beginning with the very first in the series, The Quilter’s Apprentice. I went on to read each entry as it came out.

After a bit, Chiaverini turned her hand to historical fiction. I thought that was the last that I would see of these characters, their quilts, their stories and some history. Happily, Chiaverini is now back at Elm Creek. There is this book and another one coming out in the spring. I think that her fans will rejoice.

In this book, readers catch up with so many of the people who have spent time at quilting classes and with those who teach them. There is a lot of focus on one of the younger women, Summer, who is trying to figure out what she wants to do. Does she want to continue in her Ph.D. program? In the meanwhile, she becomes involved with a very interesting project and meets a number of quilters. An old building is to be restored and an exhibit of historical quilts will be featured.

This is a quiet, easy to read story. It is perfect for when a reader wants a chance to slow down.

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 30 April 2024

It was fun catching up with all the characters. The story line was enjoyable. It was a delightful read following a mother and daughter dynamic. Stressing the importance of communication along with expectation. .

This was a wonderful book to stumble upon. It’s a new book in the Elm Creek Quilts series. I started this series many years ago. This book was a warm entry back into that series. I enjoyed the characters and the atmosphere presented in Elm Creek Manor. It was a much needed moment of nostalgia in my life. Summer is the main character in this book. She’s taking some time back home putting together an exhibit of old quilts. She stumbles upon more than quilts during her work.

In the latest Elm Creek Quilts novel, readers spend time with Summer Sullivan as she returns to Elm Creek after two years at the University of Chicago where she has been working on a master’s degree in history. Extending her thesis deadline by a few months, Summer’s return home is welcome but concerning for her mother Gwen, friends Sarah and Sylvia, as well as her other colleagues at the quilter’s retreat. Back in Elm Creek, however, Summer has the chance to organize an antique quilt exhibit as part of the Union Hall renovation fundraiser, but uncovering some dark and controversial parts of local history presents challenges to local leaders’ approval of this new exhibit. Demonstrating the importance of local history, public history, and material history, this book’s foray into historical topics and the challenges with sharing controversial local history is powerful, poignant, and relevant to many historians like Summer. As always, Chiaverini’s characters are incredible and the stars of the novel with their unique storylines and distinct personalities, and her ability to carry a series through the characters and setting is unmatched. With the characters at the heart of this novel, readers are sure to enjoy the latest Elm Creek Quilts novel and their return to this world.

I do have to note that I am a bit biased when to comes to anything concerning quilts. I love reading about quilts and quilting almost as much as I enjoy making them myself. This book was great. I really felt like I was learning about the people behind the quilts and how the community was held together by it's stitches. I already knew I'd love this title, as Jennifer Chiaverini is amazing.

Having read the other books in this series, I did notice that the timeframe didn't follow the last few books and this was a little confusing so I appreciated the author's explanation at the end of the book. This installment opens with Summer returning to Elm Creek Manor after failing to finish her master's thesis. She receives nothing but support from her mother and friends at the famous manor and feels less lost once she agrees to organize and set up a quilt display for the local historical society. In her efforts to research various historical quilts (some with whereabouts unknown), Summer uncovers other aspects of regional historical significance. This sparks some outrage led by an old nemesis with threats to shut down the exhibit. As Summer deals with these obstacles while trying to determine her next step in her schooling and career, she also anticipates a possible new love interest.
I remember really enjoying the first several books in this series but at some point, found the main storyline to be redundant and it seemed to reach a natural conclusion. However, I was excited to see that the author had returned to these characters and was hopeful about this book (number 22 in the series). The book could definitely be read as a standalone but unfortunately, I don’t think it would be any more or less interesting. I’m glad that some readers requested more from the Elm Creek Quilters but I was disappointed in this continuation. For me, the cozy themes and characters have become boring and this book didn’t offer much of a story and was too predictable. The parts involving the villain were almost painful to read with ridiculous melodrama and unrealistic scenes. I see that installment #23 will be published soon and that’s great for the readers who requested a return to the series but I will not be moving on with the characters. I rounded my rating up in acknowledgement of some interesting history but can’t say that I enjoyed the redundancy and corniness of this novel.

Never having read anything by Jennifer Chiarverini but being in awe of those who quilt, and remembering the dread and torment of writing my Masters thesis all those years ago, I came to “The Museum of Lost Quilts” with very mixed feelings. I thought this held up well as a standalone installment and became familiar with the characters quickly. The description and the history of Elm Creek Manor, the setting of much of the story, was an appreciated and well thought out introduction to the Bergstrom family and their importance and significance. Who wouldn’t want to attend a a quilters camp at such a serene location?!

There were several subplots that partially worked although I thought they distracted from the continuity of the story. The repetition of being told about all the delicious breakfasts was unnecessary and annoying. Summer’s constant back and forth with her thesis and educational path was overstated and overdone. The possible romance was neither here nor there.

The history and descriptions of the the quilts and the many different squares was fabulous and once again paid tribute to the the women who create these “objects of beauty”. This was a beautiful story of women who come together to share their love of quilting as well as an inspiration by those who created history through their craft. It was also a huge shout out to all those who challenge the bullies who would put profit ahead of the well being and historical importance of any community.

There was so much interesting information in this book and I enjoyed all of it. Thanks to William Morrow/HarperCollins and NetGalley for a copy.

Incredible book. Incredible author career. Jennifer was a joy to talk to. See my interview here: https://youtube.com/live/x8QydywTDO8

Book Review: The Museum of Lost Quilts by Jennifer Chiaverini

I’m so grateful to NetGalley and publisher William Morrow for the opportunity to read this lovely book. I was very excited to realize after the fact that it is part of the Elm Creek Quilts series – of which this is #22. Perhaps I’ll read more of them!

In this entertaining book which provides a lot of history and facts about quilting, main character Summer Sullivan, works to preserve that history of quilting in her community through her annual quilting camp and the dedication of a new museum dedicated to quilting. Summer is an Elm Creek local, and returned home after finishing her studies at the University of Chicago, but not completing her dissertation – more of a delay than an abandonment – but she is going through some life evaluation. She returned home to relish the support of her family; but at the same time she is afraid to tell her mother about her delayed dissertation. While there, she gets completely absorbed in creating a quilt exhibit at historic Union Hall, much to the chagrin of a developer who would like to buy the property and repurpose it.

In Summer’s research for the various quilts she plans to display in the museum, she uncovers a bounty of historic facts about quilting and local quilters – and some of the locals would prefer not to be reminded of their less than positive facts of local history, which causes some issues with the museum exhibit. The history is the part of the book I found most fascinating, for example, that quilters from the time of slavery, the civil war and the underground railroad, built clues into their quilts’ designs to help the travelers find the next safe stop on their journey.

Well done and I enjoyed the book very much.

What a fun read!

This is a story with history, quilts, great characters, women supporting women, villians and more. I really enjoyed the story and the wonderful, caring characters. This is the first book in this series that I have read. The author did a great job of setting up the story, so this book could be read as a stand alone and still enjoyed. I would like to read others from this series in the future.

This is a book that puts women of all ages together and I loved the way that they supported each other. They accomplished so much more as a group than they did individually. The descriptions of the landscape and historical buildings were wonderful. And the history of the area thru quilts was just amazing.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the advance electronic copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

I am a big fan of the Elm Creek Quilts series. I thought it had ended and was delighted to learn of this book. It did not disappoint!

It was great to spend time with all of the original Elm Creek Quilters, especially with Summer back on a slightly mysterious leave from graduate school. As always, there were a few challenges between the quilters, but the biggest challenge came from a local realtor, with a history of questionable behavior, and his own ideas about how history should be presented. As Summer considers her future and tries a new job, will this man put her in any danger?

Classic Elm Creek, with a bit of history, mystery, and mayhem thrown in!

Highly recommend!

Lots of vivid descriptions of quilts and their designs. Summer is taking a break from strut to finish her Master’s Thesis as she returns to the place that feels like home. Elm Creek Manor, the home of quilting classes and retreats. She has the opportunity to help prepare a display at Union Hall, despite the opposition of local real estate mogul.

Lots of history of the area revealed as Summer works to provide accurate descriptions for quilts and displays in the exhibit. Friendships of the Elm Creek Quilters and supporters have a special role in the story.

Thank you for the ARC. This review is my honest opinion

4 ***

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced review copy of this book.
I’ve enjoyed these books, reading one every year two.
Those of us who’ve been reading these over the years know that, generally, each book is about a group of quilters showing up for a week-long retreat / classes / work on their own projects, and the friendships among that group of quilters both during the retreat and from year to year.
This book war a departure from that norm in a couple of ways:
- Spanned more than just the one week
- Did not focus on that one group of quilters we have revisited over the series
- Was much more about the Elm Creek Quilt staff / family
- And especially was much more focused on a plot and activities outside their property.
- Taught us something about historical research and reliance on original source documents.
- The five year gap since the last book in this series brought a much longer “scene setting” period before the current story really gets underway. If you’re new to the Elm Creek books, do not take that as normal.
I very much enjoyed learning about historical research – library curation, the importance of original source documents, her search activities and tools, how one can lead to the next, etc. and, when reporting, focusing on facts and let the reader draw their own conclusions.
However, this author’s recurring readers expect the amount of current-day politics in this book, mostly historical racial injustices and an evil developer (with the barest suggestion of disguise in the character’s name) who uses his wealth and connections to squelch opinions different from his own, and anyone who dares oppose him.
The writing was as good as usual, and I enjoyed the different format (not just one week and one main group of quilters).
I recommend the series, and this book, as long as readers know to anticipate something a little different.

I think I may hav enjoyed this book more had I read other stories from this author prior. Definitely a book my mother or grandmother would enjoy - especially with the quilt aspect. Just was not for me!

Thanks to William Morrow for a copy of The Museum of Lost Quilts by Jennifer Chiaverini.

I didn't realize this was book 22 in the Elm Creek Quilts series -- it can be read as a standalone, but I feel like I missed a lot of backstory and other references from not reading the other books. I think I would have enjoyed this more if I had read some of the earlier books.

This novel is one in a series of novels all about quilting. I picked it to read on a whim as I have never read any of the previous books and I loved the title. Elm Creek Quilts is the quilting group that runs a retreat for other quilters in the town of Elm Creek. The novel can be read as a standalone easily.

Summer Sullivan returns home for summer from studying at the University of Chicago. She is stymied by her inability to finish her master’s thesis. Summer has always been able to focus on her work to the exclusion of other things, however this time she cannot, so she comes home.

Surrounded by family and friends who support her, she agrees to help out the historical society. She is designing an exhibit about quilts that tell a story about the history of the town and the historical events that are in the town’s history. The more she investigates different quilts’ providences the more she learns about her town’s history. Despite the mechanisms of some locals, she finds herself thinking about her future and what her goals are.

I loved reading about the history of the quilts and the times they were made. I found the historical impacts very interesting. I actually became nervous that Summer wouldn’t allow herself to find her future path. I can see this being a favorite series for anyone who quilts or is artistic as the descriptions of the quilts really were quite detailed. I really enjoyed reading The Museum of Lost Quilts by Jennifer Chiaverini.

This was an absolutely lovely read -- tho I have to confess up front that it was a complete surprise! I must be living under a rock because I had no idea about Chiaverini's Elm Creek Quilt Series. I requested this book because I loved Resistance Women and Canary Girls, which are both favorite historical fiction reads.

The fact that I hadn't read the rest in the series made no difference. The Museum of Lost Quilts was an amazing read -- very well done, and I was immersed immediately. Definitely able to connect with Summer, as I had my own issues pursuing a Master's Degree years ago (yes the pain is real) and her conflict is heartfelt. Felt like I was surrounded by old friends in this book. I also appreciated the conflict in the story, and how the shameful events in the past must come to light and be dealt with. Strong women, strong conflict, and strong characters. And it's beautiful that Summer comes full circle in the end.

Now my only problem is I need to read the rest of these books, preferably in order! Thanks for the advanced copy, look forward to getting my hands on the rest!

Summer is struggling with a major case of writer’s block and has been unable to finish her thesis, the only thing she needs to earn her master’s degree. Hoping for inspiration, she returns home to Elm Creek and her friends, where she gets involved in organizing an exhibit of antique quilts. While researching the quilts, troubling questions about Waterford’s past – racism, corruption and more – come up, which many local leaders want to keep out of the displays. Will the quilting community save the exhibit cum fundraiser, or will this be the end of Union Hall?

I have read and enjoyed the books in this series right from the start, so I was excited to learn that another book was coming. The books are set near a major university in central Pennsylvania, and while reading the first book, it didn’t take long to recognize the communities around Penn State. I loved living in State College, and even all these years later, I enjoy returning for a visit, so these books feel like home.

The ensemble cast of characters in these books is great, and even though the focus of this book was on Summer, I was happy to see that everyone was included, so we were able to catch up with them. I love the way these ladies – and a couple of men – work so well together, with each of their skills and abilities making it possible for the quilt camps to run smoothly. I liked Summer’s dives into the history of each of the quilts donated for the exhibit, and the way she handled the unpleasant parts of the past that had been previously ignored or glossed over. That seems to be happening a lot lately in real life, but all we can do is keep pushing to get the facts out there.

This did not read like the final book of the series, so I hope there is at least one more book coming, and I will keep an eye on upcoming releases just in case. I would love to read more about the Elm Creek Quilters and what they learn during their quilt camps.

Do you quilt? Quilting is something I’ve always wanted to do, but it is going to have to wait until my kids are out of the house.

Summer Sullivan has returned to Elm Creek Manor for the summer. She is hoping the manor will help her with her writer’s block so that she can finish her master’s degree in history. While there, Summer discovers that antique quilts have been found in the old Union Hall building built in 1863. The Waterford Historical Society is headquartered there, but a local developer wants to rip down the historic structure. As Summer researches the antique quilts and history of the town, she discovers unsettling secrets from the towns past. The local leaders want these secrets taken out of the antique quilt exhibit as they don’t show the community in a positive light. Will Summer be able to save Union Hall and keep the antique quilt exhibit open, while keeping true to the town’s history? Will she be able to finish her master’s degree?

My thoughts on the book:
• This is the 22nd book in the Elm Creek Quilts series. I read the last book in this series, The Christmas Boutique, but I haven’t read the rest of the series. This book can be read as a standalone. It gives enough background to get into the story, but I’m sure if I read the rest of the series, I would get even more out of it! I need to start reading this series at book one.

• Even though I am not a quilter; I find it fascinating and love reading about these women. The women at the quilting camps at Elm Creek Manor come from all back grounds and range from master quilters to beginning quilters.

• Elm Creek Manor and all the ladies are very welcoming. Reading this book makes me want to go on a retreat. It was a very cozy read.

• I also love historic buildings and the saving of them. Elm Creek Manor itself was saved and repurposed, but I enjoyed reading about the Union Hall and the history of the antique quilts. Summer wrote about both historical accomplishments and failures, and it caused strife in the town. I thought it was interesting to think about how sometimes when we find out that history is not all positive that we would like it to be, we want to cover it up. I’d rather learn all the history and be able to learn from mistakes.

• I enjoyed reading Summer’s descriptions of the quilts that was interspersed between chapters. The historic quilts and her search to find out their history was fascinating. I especially loved the author’s quilt which had blocks with famous authors’ signatures from the 19th century. What a treasure that would be. It made me wonder, are there quilts stored at museums or by historical societies?

• There is a bit of a sweet light romance in this novel as well.

• This is a clean read.

• Jennifer Chiaverini is a Wisconsin author based out of Madison. She also writes wonderful historical fiction novels that I also enjoy, including her latest, The Canary Girls.

Overall, The Museum of Lost Quilts was a perfect cozy read with great characters and message. I’ve been super busy and stressed lately and this was a perfect escapism read.

I thought this was really well written and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. I think it will find readers at our library, so we will definitely be purchasing for the collection.