CFBA: The Christmas Quilt by Vanetta Chapman (First Chapter Review)

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingThe Christmas QuiltAbingdon Press (October 15, 2013)byVannetta Chapman

I enjoyed reading A Simple Amish Christmas, so I have high hopes for this book. I didn't request this one for review because of my extensive list of titles waiting in the wings, but I share my thoughts on the first chapter below.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word From The Author:

I hold a BA and MA degree in English, and I am proud to be represented by Mary Sue Seymour, AAR. I have published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, and have received over two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. I am honored to be a member of Romance Writers of America, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Faith Hope and Love.

I live and teach in the Texas hill country with my husband, cats, and a rather large herd of deer. Our four children have flown the nest; however, we are fortunate that they all live close enough to visit.

I have always felt that my faith was at the very center of who and what I am, and I am thrilled beyond words to be able to now write about something that is so near to my heart. At various times I have served as a pianist, teacher, church secretary, and worship team member. While living in the Dallas area, I served as an adjunct professor of English Literature at Dallas Baptist University. When we moved to a small town in Central Texas, I continued teaching for a few years, but I now write full-time and I play the keyboard in our church’s praise band.

My grandfather was born in Albion, Pennsylvania, and I am currently researching whether I might have Amish roots.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Annie's life is deliciously full as the Christmas season approaches. She helps her husband, Samuel, attend to the community's minor medical needs. She occasionally assists Belinda, the local midwife, and most days, she finds herself delivering the buggy to her brother Adam. Annie’s sister-in-law Leah is due to deliver their first child before Christmas morning, and Annie is determined to finish a crib quilt before the boppli arrives. With six weeks to go, she should have no problem . . . but God may have a different plan. Leah is rushed to the English hospital when the infant arrives early, and Annie discovers the Christmas quilt may hold a far greater significance than she ever imagined.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Christmas Quilt, go HERE.

COVER: Though out of all the covers for Chapman's books this is my least favorite, I still love the color scheme of the quilt and the country road and buggy that are common in this genre.

FIRST CHAPTER: Annie and Leah are strolling along the sidewalk in town, talking babies and family. They stop in Rachel's store so Annie can pick up fabric for the quilt she is making for Leah, whose baby is due around Christmas. Rachel is the widowed mother of two boys and seems to be struggling after the death of her husband.

KEEP READING: I am definitely going to continue. I have to admit this first chapter seemed a bit overloaded with names belonging to people I hadn't met yet, so there was a tiny bit of confusion. I'm sure this will go away as the story moves along, and I like how the opening chapter sets up the major and perhaps some minor characters in the book. It gives the reader a sense of community that is so important in this genre.