Have you heard of a Man Called Øve? This is the American female Christmas version! Two women have given up on Christmas. When a poor immigrant family next door has an emergency, a series of events, and a quilt, bring a myriad of people together to save Christmas and bring good cheer. An adorable story I’d definitely make a regular holiday read. ( )

The Queen of Christmas Novellas has done it again. A Quilt for Christmas by Melody Carlson is a feel-good story about reaching out of our own lives to others who are hurting and facing challenges. Four strangers are brought together to create a quilt for Vera’s neighbor. Prompted by the precocious 4 year old Fiona, the four very different women forge friendships, and in one case an uneasy alliance, to help a family in need. The book is quick to take off as novellas do, but is filled with poignant moments and a few chuckle-inducing scenes. Friendships are made, a romance is kindled, and hearts are softened. It was the perfect book for holiday reading due to its Christmastime setting, but would make a great weekend read any time of the year.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to NetGalley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

A Quilt for Christmas by Melody Carlson showcases the joy of giving and offers a beautiful story of intergenerational friendship. Set against the backdrop of the Christmas season, the narrative is peppered with feel-good Christmas activities that charmed me. I sometimes avoid novellas because the shorter length can hinder story and character development. However, because this story focuses on a condensed time period, the story expands within the pages and feels very well-rounded.

My favorite aspect of A Quilt for Christmas was the intergenerational relationships between the women. From Fiona (age 4) to Tasha (mid-30s) to Vera (late 60s), the story demonstrates how all can benefit from having friends of different generations. I loved that it was Fiona who drew all these women together and instigated one character’s change of heart. The story reminded me of the older women in my life whose company I treasure.

I read A Quilt for Christmas by Melody Carlson with my local book club, and it was a perfect Christmas selection for our gathering of ladies. Four stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. ( )

Every year, I read Christmas books the entire month of December. I try to start with one by Melody Carlson. I love her Christmas books – they always put me in the “Christmas mood.” This new book by her is no exception. A Quilt for Christmas is a book about the true Christmas spirit. It is a story about different generations of women (and children) working together on a common project (a quilt). It is a book of love, forgiveness, and acceptance. I am never disappointed in Ms. Carlson’s books – this is no exception! (I was given this book through the LibraryThing Early Review program in return for an unbiased review.) ( )

I really enjoyed this heartwarming story. Fiona is determined to get her mom a quilt for Christmas and soon enlists the help of her neighbor to make it happen. Vera is new to the neighborhood but soon finds herself enlisting the help of others to make Fiona’s wish come true. I really enjoyed reading how the neighbors and friends came together to make it all happen. ( )