The World’s Fair Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini is the long-awaited next visit to Elm Creek Quilts where things aren’t as well as they might me. Matt has been working long and hard on his scheme to open the apple orchards to self-pickers and Sylvia has not been as enthusiastic or supportive as she should have been. She recognizes it is his effort to do something on his own and she appreciates that. She is heartsick at the thought that that the quilting school isn’t turning out to be quite the legacy for Sarah and Matt that she had hoped and is adamant about not raising enrollment fees. Summer has appeared and asked about a quilt of Sylvia’s to hang in her exhibition as she will shortly need to return Sarah’s for use on the their bed as winter closes in. The request and looking in the attic for the quilt bring a plethora of memories for Sylvia. Some, perhaps, better forgotten.

This series has been a part of my life since 1999 and I have missed it. I enjoy Chiaverini’s other books but this is her best, as is recognized by the fact it is the twenty-third in the series. The characters are clean and crisp and are regular people. The community they have built. With help from some others, is to be admired. When one gets as old as Sylvia (past 80) there are always stories to tell, which is the point of a quilt, after all, of which she has many. The plot is simple, but effective, and told as a catharsis, of sorts, in two timelines. Sylvia has had a happy life, and when she looks back she realizes that more and more. The business is a success, but there is always room to grow, as she sees as the book progresses. The past stays in the past to be ruminated over and reassessed. The self-pick orchard is an astounding success and the matter of re-roofing the manor is resolved. What a wonderful book!

I was invited to read The World’s Fair Quilt by William Morrow. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #WilliamMorrow #JenniferChiaverini #TheWorldsFairQuilt

Jennifer Chiaverini’s *The World’s Fair Quilt* is another installment in the long-running Elm Creek Quilts series, bringing readers back into the world of quilting and history. This time, the narrative revolves around the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, where a group of women set out to create an extraordinary quilt to represent their time and talents.

The premise is promising, especially for those who love historical fiction and quilting, but the execution feels a bit lackluster. While Chiaverini clearly does her research—bringing historical details to life—the storytelling can feel more like a history lesson than an engaging novel. The characters, though well-intentioned, sometimes fall into predictable patterns, and the dialogue doesn’t always feel as natural or compelling as it could be.

Fans of the series will likely appreciate the attention to quilting history and craftsmanship, but for those looking for a more dynamic or emotionally rich story, *The World’s Fair Quilt* may feel a bit flat. It’s not a bad book, but it doesn’t quite rise to the level of Chiaverini’s stronger works. If you love quilting and historical detail, you may enjoy it—but if you’re looking for deep character development and a gripping plot, you might find yourself skimming.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.


**Rating: 3/5**

I am not a quilter, but I have enjoyed Jennifer Chiaverini books. The people and the quilts that are made have their own story, You can read what the story is about in the description. But what I want to tell you, is how the book made me feel. Sylvia was remembering her and her sister, making the quilt to enter into the Sears National Quilt Contest for the 1933 Chicago World Fair. Summer, in 2004, wants to display the quilt and share the history, and the story shares with us the history of this quilt.
As I was reading wrapped in one of my quilts, I enjoyed my time reading this and hope you choose to read it too.
I received an ARC from William Morrow through NetGalley.

I have read a couple of other books in this series so I was looking forward to reading this book. I loved the characters and the nostalgic feeling of the writing as it jumped between the years 1933 and 2004. I found the 1933 chapters the most interesting because I learned a lot about the World’s Fair in Chicago and the quilting contest sponsored by Sears. The 2004 chapters were more slow-burn because they were about the family of characters and their struggles keeping Elm Creek Manor going. I did like Sylvia’s change of heart about her sister at the end of the book. It wrapped up the story nicely. This book is a perfect fit for Jennifer Chiaverini fans and readers who enjoy a good, clean fictional read!

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I enjoyed reading The World's Fair Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini. You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!

Another interesting story about the past at the Bergstrom farm and the future of Elm Creek Quilts. I enjoyed learning more about what created the tenuous relationship between Sylvia and her sister as well as the large quilt contest they entered together. I’m also intrigued by the new side hustles they are taking on at the estate but found overall that there isn’t much more that can be added to the story of the quilt camp or the farm overall. The recap at the beginning is crucial for new visitors to the series but gets tiresome if you’ve read the previous books as it seems so long and drawn out. Otherwise, it’s a good addition to the series.

Not too many authors I’d just jump into a series on book 23, but for Jennifer Chiaverini. I love her historical fiction books, and the story of “The World’s Fair Quilt” caught my eye. She did not let me down.

Sylvia Bergstrom Compson is wondering what the future holds for Elm Creek Quilts. The Elm Creek Quilt Camp is still very popular, it has run into some financial difficulty. Summer Sullivan asks to antique quilt that she wants to display at the Waterford Historical Society’s quilt exhibit. When Sylvia and her sister Claudia were teenagers, they had entered a quilt in the Chicago’s World Fair. Sylvia is reluctant, the quilt has been in the attic for decades and caused a huge riff between Sylvia and Claudia.

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow! #TheWorldsFairQuilt #NetGalley

Now in her 80s and with unexpected financial trouble, Sylvia is thinking hard about the future of Elm Creek Quilts. She loves their quilt camps and campers but needs help. Then Summer, working for the local historical society, asks to display a quilt made by Sylvia and her sister Claudia as part of a national competition promoting the Chicago World’s Fair. Sylvia is hesitant to agree, thinking the quilt isn’t all that special, but as she reminisces about the making of that quilt, she learns that that may not be the case after all.

I love this series, probably in good part because I live not far from the part of Pennsylvania where the books are set. Every time I sit down with one of the books, I imagine the hills and rivers of the area, even some of the local landmarks that are mentioned, and it makes me want to go back for a visit. After all these books, the characters are old friends by now, and I’ve enjoyed watching their relationships grow and change over the years.

Unlike most of the books I read, there is no mystery here, just a telling of a decades-old family story. We learn about the things that were important to the country in the 1930s and how they affected two teenaged sisters in central Pennsylvania at the time. We learn more about quilting and the need to be precise and focused on whatever task may be at hand. And we learn the importance of friendship, of honesty and of not being afraid to ask for help – all lessons that are relevant even today, perhaps even *especially today?

I hope this series continues, as I really want to continue visiting with the ladies (and gentlemen) of Elm Creek Quilts.

Alternating between 1933 (when the World's Fair was in Chicago) and 2004, the main character was in her early teens and is now in her 80's.

I'm not a quilter, but I did enjoy The World's Fair Quilt. The book was very descriptive, and I enjoyed the beautiful writing.

Because approximately 1/2 the book was when the main character was in her teens, it seemed a bit YA. Definitely a book that I could give to my mother ... with a publication date before Mother's Day, I find that a perfect idea!

There was actually a Sears National Quilting Contest, a huge competition.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins Publishers for approving my request to read the advance read copy of The World's Fair Quilt in exchange for an honest review. Publication date is April 1, 2025. Approx 300 pages. Rounding up, between 4 and 5 stars.

This is #23 in the quilting series; but my first in this series and only my second Jennifer Chiaverini book. I'm always a bit apprehensive to read a book in the middle of a series. I didn't feel like I was at a disadvantage by starting the series with book #23.

The World’s Fair Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini—Book 23 of the Elm Creek Quilts series releases on April 1. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced digital copy. I’ve read this whole series and this new entry was an enjoyable read. Dual timelines follow Sylvia & her sister in 1933 making a quilt for a nationwide contest in honor of the World’s Fair and also the present day happenings with Sylvia at Elm Creek Quilts. There is enough backstory of the series filled in that it could be read as a standalone book but I think it is best appreciated by a reader of the entire series.

Even though I have not yet read the previous books in the Elm Creek Quilts series, I was easily able to read this book because the author provided sufficient background information throughout the story. Transitions between the two timelines were also clearly identified. It was interesting to learn about the quilt competition and the Chicago World's Fair. I remember hearing that my grandparents had traveled to Chicago for the fair. Since my grandmother was a quiIter, I am sure she enjoyed viewing the quilts. We have quite a few quilts that have been handed down through the generations in our family. I will definitely be recommending this book to my quilting friends. Thanks to NetGalley, William Morrow and the author for an advance copy to read and review.

Many thanks to Net Galley for the ARC of Jennifer Chiaverini's THE WORLD'S FAIR QUILT. This is the 23rd novel in her Elm Creek Quilt Series. I absolutely loved this book. It was like meeting up with old friends and I felt like I was really there. This novel really made me feel part of the story. I celebrated their joys and was saddened by their sorrows. I really want to see this quilt. I liked how this author went from present day back to 1933. I really enjoyed her telling of Sylvia and Claudia's relationship and it was good realizing that they weren't always at odds with each other and could compromise. I'm already looking forward to the next one.

I had read several books of this author's in the past and was always interested because of being a quilter myself. So, when I saw that I had the opportunity to request this book, I was thrilled when I was awarded the ARC. And once again, I was not disappointed!

The Elm Creek Quilt Camp is a getaway for quilters of all ages, young and old, experienced and those still learning the art. However, the 18th century manor, which houses the camp, is showing its age and the matriarch, Sylvia Bergstrom Compson, is worried she will have to close the doors due to the expensive repairs. Now that she is in her 80's, she worries that this camp for quilters will be closed.

Summer Sullivan, one of the founders of the quilt camp, is pushing to have a quilt that Sylvia and her sister, Claudia, put together when they were young girls for the World's Fair Quilt exhibit. When Sylvia and her sister Claudia were teenagers, they had entered a quilt in the Sears National Quilt Contest for the 1933 Century of Progress Exposition, also known as the Chicago World’s Fair. The Bergstrom sisters’ quilt would be perfect for the Historical Society’s exhibit, Summer explains. However, Sylvia is resistant.

The book lets the reader learn of the individual personalities of these two girls and also the thoughts of the much older now, Sylvia.

A very enjoyable read and not one just for quilters!

I highly recommend this book.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the privilege of receiving and reviewing this book.

I might not recommend this as a first book if you have not read any of the Elm Creek Quilters books, because this is not quite as good as the rest of them. iIf you start with this one, you might not be absolutely compelled to read all of them. In this one Sylvia Bergstrom, the founder of the guild, remembers collaborating with her sister to make a quilt to enter into the world's fair, The two sisters did not always see eye to eye, so of course there were heated differences of opinion about how the quilt should be made. If you ARE an Elm Creek quilter reader, you will truly enjoy this insight into the main characters of the book, and the history of the founders. Thanks to NetGalley for and arc and no pressure for a positive review.

As the title indicates, The World's Fair Quilt tells the story of Sylvia and Claudia Bergstrom's entry into the quilt competition for the 1933 World's Fair in Chicago that has been alluded to in a few of the older Elm Creek Quilts books. This was a solid and enjoyable entry into the series and long-time readers are likely to enjoy it.

I loved this installment of the Elm Creek Quilters. They just keep going and entertaining!
Sylvia and the rest of the quilters draw you into their past, their present and often glimpses of their future!

This author deserves the title "Queen of Historical Fiction"!!

Can you believe this is the 23rd book in this series? I just love the Bergstrom's story and all the quilts. This one did seem to get more in the weeds with describing the patterns and such, or maybe I am less able to follow the details as well? But it doesn't matter, the explanations are still clear enough to give me a general idea. Also, despite being the 23rd in a series, this could be read as a stand alone. The author does a wonderful job of including previously shared information/events without distracting from down the current story. And as always, I love how Ms. Chiaverini weaves actual history into her stories. I always look forward to reading one of the books in this series, and this was no exception! Grab some apple cider and get comfy!

Another lovely installment in the Elm Creek Quilt series (yes, I’ve read them all) told through a dual timeline. As Sylvia and the Elm Creek gang work through some challenges, Sylvia reflects back to when she was 13 when she and her older sister Claudia work together to make a quilt to celebrate the theme of the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I unfortunately could not get into this one. I think it’s my fault for not realizing it’s part of a series. I was missing the connection to the town and the people that I may have had should I have read the other books. Still love this author though.

Another great addition to the Elm Creek series! Each book in this series makes me feel like I’m returning to old friends, and this was no exception. I enjoyed catching up with the Elm Creek Quilters, and learning more about the World’s Fair; this is the first time I’d heard about the quilting competition as I’m more familiar with the World’s Fair as the reason the first Ferris wheel was invented, but a bit of research perfectly aligned with Chiaverini’s narrative as well, confirming my belief that this was an expertly researched story.

Chiaverini is a master of the dual-timeline narrative, blending historical fiction with modern concerns and demonstrating the importance of remembering what happened in the past. While this could be read as a stand-alone novel, I highly recommend the books that come before it as well.