This is a beautiful story where both Emily, the youngest of the Fisher sisters, and Christopher, a new comer to Bird in Hand, deal with guilt. There are various types of guilt and Amy showcases two very different types in The Cherished Quilt. Emily and Christopher’s romance starts off rocky turns to friendship and slowly blossoms into more mainly due to Emily’s compassionate nature. To show her friendship Emily decides to make Christopher a lap quilt out of material from her Mamm.

The way Amy brought family values, and traditions out in all three books was so inspiring. However, the heart-to-heart talks between Emily and her Mamm in this story really touched me, and don’t even get me started on the talks Emily and Christopher had. Let’s just say I had a hard time holding back the tears.

I received a complimentary copy (or ARC) of this book from the author via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to write a review, and all options expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you for the chance to review this book, however, unfortunately, I was unable to download this title before it was archived

Christopher Hochstetler still reels from his brother's death, for which his father blames him. Chris desperately needs to get away. He decides to work in his uncle's leatherworking shop. Emily Fisher, daughter of his uncle's partner, Emily tries to be friendly to Chris and draw him out of his shell. But his cold frosty demeanor freezes her sincere attempts to build a new friendship. Longing for a fresh start, Christopher’s freshly wounded heart still grieves from sad memories of home. Making new friends is one of the last things on his mind. Having known the bitter pain that comes when we lose a loved one, Christopher wants to guard his heart from further heartbreak. When he sees Emily's kindness, he tries to keep aloof and distant. However he steals glances at her during the day.

Christopher Hostettler starts off wrong with Emily Fisher. When he finally tells her about his tragic reasons for leaving home, her heart opens up to him and her feelings for him undergo a sea change. When Christopher compliments Emily on the quaint beauty of an old quilt, Emily decides to make one for Christopher as a simple gesture of friendship. Emily must guard her heart, as Christopher is not baptized. When a family emergency beckons Christopher home, Emily decides to finish stitching the quilt, in spite of her heartache, to send it to him as a Christmas gift. But when Christopher receives it, will he have the courage to follow his own heart? Tragedy might have cruelly torn Christopher’s world apart but Emily fervently believes there are enough pieces left to stitch together a beautiful patchwork quilt for a brand new beginning. Lacking self confidence after facing years of criticism from his father, Emily painstakingly helps Chris to regain his confidence, overcome his grief and conquer his guilt. As his birthday approaches, Emily wants to make him something special. After hearing the story of the quilt, he left behind at home, Emily wants to make him a beautiful patchwork quilt. Emily’s mother gives her fabric from her grandmother's trunk.

The Cherished Quilt is a well-written, easy to read, standalone novel. Amy Clipston creates very likable characters, equally challenging to understand. It was good to see how Chris changes, thanks to friendship and love. The Cherished Quilt deals with grief, forgiveness, friendship and love. Chris cares for Emily, but there is something that he keeps from her. Can they try to overcome Chris’ secret, the one and only obstacle in their path, to have a happily-ever-after ending? Or will Emily be left with a broken heart? Open 'The Cherished Quilt' and step into their world to find out.

The Cherished Quilt by Amy Clipston is a delightful contemporary Amish romance. It is the third book in the Amish Heirloom series but can be read as a stand-alone.
The main themes of the novel are guilt and grief. They are heavy burdens to carry and were never meant for us alone. "I'm tired of carrying this burden around... I... need a friend who will listen to me." As well as friends, we also need God but in our grief, we may pull away from Him. "If only he remembered how to pray. His ability to talk to God had died the day Gabriel was killed." God longs for us to return to Him.
We all feel guilt over the loss of a loved one. This guilt can make us believe "I'm not good enough." Not good enough for God. And that is where grace steps in. None of us would ever be 'good enough' for God but because of Jesus' death on the cross, we can receive God's free gift of grace and draw near to Him.
The burden of guilt can make us ill. God is the great healer and restorer of our lives. "If you come to God broken, He will heal you." As we draw near to Him and give Him our guilt, "God forgives and heals. You need to forgive yourself." Forgiveness links in with guilt. We must forgive ourselves or be guilty of hubris. Often we are harder to forgive than others.
The novel deals with family rifts. They come through grief and persist through stubbornness. Sooner or later, pride needs to be swallowed and grace extended. This reminds the reader of the Biblical story of the prodigal son and the happiness seen as he returns.
Sometimes we feel lost. "He had no idea where he belonged." We need to discover our gifts and our callings. We need to find our place in our community and in God's family.
Gods plans are so much greater than others. We must content ourselves with sitting back and waiting for God's timing in our lives.
There is a wonderful feeling of hospitality in the novel. People bond over food. The reader can almost taste the fare on offer, especially the apple pie!
Family is important. The love of an extended family has far reaching arms. There are some wonderful characters in the book that just came to life in my heart. I adored seven year old John. Amy Clipston had perfectly captured a young boy's mannerisms in him.
I absolutely loved The Cherished Quilt, I read it in just one sitting. From warm and welcoming characters to hospitality to comprehensive descriptions, I 'walked' through the novel. My heart was full as the novel soothed my soul.
A totally charming and delightful read.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

One of the things I love about this series is how the sisters in this Amish family help men who are hurting and vulnerable. And then fall in love with them, of course ;) There is great chemistry between Emily and Chris, and even though their friendship developed quickly, it seems they have known each other longer since they understand and support each other so well. Emily is a compassionate and service-minded person, and her natural instincts are to reach out and befriend Chris even when he is stand-offish. Her special care for him is balm to his wounded spirit and she gets him to open up when nobody else could, which helps start the healing process for him. I loved the strong sense of family and acceptance from the Fishers and how they envelop Chris in their circle and home. I was taken off guard by the conflict that comes between Emily and Chris, and their friendship and budding romance is put to the test as Chris must finally face important issues on his own to resolve them. I appreciated the theme that turning to God for relief from the trials we face blesses us with peace and the feeling that all will be well.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love, for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. Psalm 59:16

When you can't face your troubled emotions and your spirit is broken, where can you find comfort? The Amish Heirlooms continues with the Fisher family. It is now the youngest daughter Emily to find the riches of wisdom within her mother's family locked hope chest. Emily helps her father along with his partner Leroy in the leather shop where they make leather goods for tourists.

Emily's life changes when Leroy's nephew Christopher comes to live with him and help in the shop. It is Emily's nature to make other feel welcome however, Christopher responds rudely to Emily's gracious welcome and leaves Emily perplexed.

When she finds out Christopher is running from a tragedy of the family, she desires to become his friend. As the friendship develops, they both must face their fears and learn to wait for the heart to heal.

Christopher's story was a heartbreaker for me as he struggled with self-esteem, grief, and the affirmation of his father. Emily's encouragement helped him see his worthiness and his need for community. It was a tear jerker for me. I loved it!

A Special Thank you to Zondervan and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

Amy has a unique talent in writing Amish novels. You feel as if your in the very pages of the book. Congratulations Amy on her new release "The Cherished Quilt!" A heart moving story of loss, pain and the struggle to find strength to move forward in life.

Blessings,

Karen Hadley

I received this book for my honest review.
Also reviewed on Good Reads and Facebook

In The Cherished Quilt, Emily Fisher is always wanting to help others. especially handsome newcomer, Christopher (Chris) Hochstetler. After a family tragedy, he has closed his heart to having relationships, even with God. Through Emily's unconditional friendship and pointing him to God, he begins to feel his heart soften. He is just not sure it is enough to restore all he has lost because of his guilt and grief.

I enjoyed seeing a loving family like the Fishers that supports one another and others. Chris's heart condition was heartbreaking to read, as was the trauma he was experiencing daily. Amy did a good job portraying his pain. I was happy I got another clue to the family secret while reading through this story. I am hoping all is revealed in The Beloved Hope Chest. Since I have read the first two books in the series I enjoyed catching up with Emily's sisters and how their lives are going in this third novel. I recommend reading The Cherished Quilt, along with the other books in the series. I think all of us can learn how to be more caring and thoughtful of others and these books show just that. I was provided a complimentary review copy of this book. 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.

Someday I hope to visit Amish country . The people live a simple life, work hard, help each other and love God with all their heart. Until I get to visit Amish country I can travel there through this authors books. She writes so beautifully and her words are like silk that glisten in the sun. With her words I feel like I am there watching the story unfold. I feel part of the family as the characters are so welcoming. Each book she writes brings readers a fresh look at subjects that we may struggle with in our own lives. I love how she brings characters through tough issues and gently guides them to the answers found in the Bible. After finishing her books, I always feel a gentle breath of fresh air come over me as her story stirs emotions inside me.

Christopher or Chris to his friends doesn't seen to be able to live up to his dad's standards. They seem to disagree a lot and Christopher struggles with self confidence. I loved how the character showed his weaknesses and struggles to try to change. After a devastating accident that takes his brother's life, Christopher leaves home to go live with his aunt and uncle. He blames himself for the accident and sadly so does his dad. I can't imagine the heavy burden Christopher carried around believing he caused his brother's death. Can Christopher ever find peace? Will he and his dad be able to make amends? Will Christopher find a trade that he is good at?

Emily is someone you want to be friends with. She has a welcoming smile and genuinely cares for everyone. When she meets Christopher she gives him a warm smile . Christopher is not very friendly to Emily and she is bewildered by his actions. I loved Emily's never give up attitude and determination to make friends with Christopher. Can Emily help Christopher learn to trust again? There are quite a few things that Emily does to show Christopher she wants to be his friend and I thought her character was sincere and charming.

The book has some emotional moments that you won't forget. I can tell you that I did shed a few tears while reading the book. Will Christopher open up to Emily and share with her the pain he carries around? What will happen when Emily surprises Christopher with a very special gift? I loved reading this book that showed how important forgiveness and believing in yourself is .

I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Fiction Guild. And Netgalley. The review is my own opinion.