The Cherished Quilt
by Amy Clipston
Zondervan. Pub Date 29 Nov 2016.
ISBN: 9780310341963. Price: $15.99
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 overcome Chris’ secret, the one obstacle in their path, to have a happy ending? Will Emily be left with a broken heart? Open The Cherished Quilt and step into their world to find out.
Miriam Jacob
ANOINTED TO SERVE - Miriam Jacob 
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