Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Book Review & More

Thank you all for your encouraging and kind words about my Just Takes 2 quilt. It means a lot when you take the time to leave a comment.

The rest of the month is going to be a blur......

Next week I'm heading to Ohio to visit a dear friend (who happens to be my main long arm quilter) and want to bring some quilts with me for her to quilt. Plus I need projects to work on.....So that means I am trying to get backings made and quilt projects ready.

 I've been frantically working on my porch quilt trying to finish it before I leave, then yesterday I  decided to stop fretting and bring it to work on! If the weather permits we will have a couple of day trips planned, but I should have plenty of time to finish the hand applique.

Ok, so what does all that mean? No photos to show you what I've been up to. Oh yeah, I did put the final stitches in the binding for our little quiltalong. It is almost too easy to be a quiltalong, but it is so cute.... to be revealed very soon!!

Book review and giveaway:

If you've read this far, you are in for a treat! Many of you  know Jennifer Chiaverini from her Elm Creek quilt series. I'm reading her first stand alone novel!! I reviewed Sonoma Rose almost one year ago and was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it. While the author was doing research for another novel she came across the story of Elizabeth Keckley, Mary Todd Lincoln's dressmaker, confidante and friend. What I found fascinating was Elizabeth Keckley wrote her own memoirs published in 1868. I've never heard of her!
I was asked to do a book review and couldn't refuse.

From the publisher:
"Mrs Lincoln's Dressmaker unveils the private lives of the Lincoln's from the time of their rise to White House glory, through the president's shocking assassination and its aftermath, until the end of Mary Todd Lincoln's troubled life."



If I'm not sewing I've been reading. It's a fairly meaty novel- 350 pages worth and I've been hooked!! I was thinking last night how interesting for me to read about the Civil War with Washington DC as the center. I haven't given much thought to the idea they were surrounded by Southern states and to think of how vulnerable they were. I've enjoyed reading what it was like to be a free black woman during this time period.  Can you imagine being the first lady's dressmaker, and eventually,  friend?  Jennifer has done an amazing job of bringing this story to life.

I'm only half way through the book, but if you are interested in reading it next, leave a comment on this post and I'll draw a name to pass it to when I'm finished.

Oh, and if you cannot wait, the book is being released today!!

91 comments:

  1. thanks for the tip...if i don't win, i'll look for it at my local library...

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  2. Looks like avery interesting book. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

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  3. I have enjoyed every one of her books and am a big history buff and civil war quilt enthusiast. I attended an authors read when she visited Sisters a few years back and found her to be lovely. Have a wonderful trip and I expect photos!!!

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  4. Will miss your posts and pictures while you are gone, have a great trip. THe book sounds interesting. Thanks for sharing it with one of us.

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  5. That sounds like a wonderful book! History and sewing, what could be better?

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  6. Her books are always such a great easy read. I love to take them for reading on the plane during our cross-country trips to visit the grandbabies. Have a safe trip and great quilt-time with your friend!

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  7. How exciting. The Lincoln's were such interesting couple. Thk for the chance to read it.

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  8. Put my name in the hat! Enjoy your jaunt to Ohio.

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  9. It is a coincidence to see your post about this book today. The December speaker for the Baltimore Applique Society was Vera Hall who has been studying Elizabeth Keckley for quite awhile now. If you get a moment check out the Baltimore Applique Society Facebook page (you don't have to be a Facebook member) to see Vera's interpretation of Keckley in applique. There are several biographies about Keckley as well as an autobiography. What an amazing life she led!

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  10. I would love to read Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker. I just finished The Giving Quilt and just loved it. But then, I have loved everything Jennifer has written - including her short story in Quiltmaker magazine! Have fun on your trip!

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  11. I read Mrs. Keckley's memoir last winter - it is available in the public domain through Google Books - and I found it fascinating. I'm sure the novel is also good.

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  12. I'd love to read it. Sounds fascinating.

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  13. I enjoy reading Jennifer's books along with my daughter. This one sounds especially good. I love historical novels.

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  14. Sounds like a good read. I have always enjoyed Jennifer's books

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  15. I would love to read this book! Thanks for the chance!
    P

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  16. I love reading Historical based novels. Thanks for the chance to get to read and pass on your copy of the book.

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  17. Oh! I have just started "Team of Rivals" by Doris Kearns Goodwin which is about Abraham Lincoln! Have you read that?
    I am not really a fan of the Elm Creek stories, but this book sounds like it might be good! Trying to give Chiaverini another chance, since, well, she is one of US! : )

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  18. I know in my family, the gift of a book just means that you get to be the first to read it. Then, it makes the rounds of the rest of use. If I win, it will get many readers!!

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  19. It sounds fascinating! I'd love to read it.

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  20. I've ordered it from Amazon, can't wait for it to arrive. Thank you for the review.

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  21. I would love to read this book. I have read the Elm Creek series and have really enjoyed them - this one sounds quite interesting. Thanks for the opportunity!
    Linda Kay
    lksmith47@gmail.com

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  22. I love reading about the Lincolns and well founded historical fiction makes a great read. I would love a chance to read this book. Thanks, Lori.
    Safe travels to you--looking forward to the little QAL. : )

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  23. Have fun in Ohio... hope the weather allows the day trips you have planned! I've ordered Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker from Amazon as well. It has gotten great reviews!

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  24. Have a great trip! Sounds like you are in for a very enjoyable visit and some great stitching time.

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  25. Sounds like a great story. And the cover of the book is so exquisite, it would be worth it to win the book just for that!

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  26. I would be delighted to win this and promise to give it away as soon as I am finished.

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  27. Just a couple days ago, I was looking at the book on Amazon wondering if I would enjoy reading it. Seems like it would be an interesting read.

    What part of Ohio will you be going to?

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  28. I read another review on the book and have been waiting for the book to be out. It is going on my must read list for sure. Sounds very interesting.

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  29. Ohio in the winter? She must be a very good friend :-) Sounds like a great trip. I love the elm creek books and I was gifted 3 at xmas. This one also looks very good. I love the "history through a story" type of books. Travel safe!

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  30. I would love to read this--thanks for sharing!

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  31. Have a fun trip. I know of a woman who has done a lot of research on Elizabeth Keckley. Would love to win the book. Thanks for the opportunity. Have a fun and safe trip.

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  32. I would love to read it next! Lizzie

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  33. i hope that your trip is a safe one and that your visit brings you lots of love and laughter. visiting with friends that one has had for a long time is such a gift.

    i'm looking forward to the upcoming quiltalong and am happy to hear that it's a simple yet satisfying project.

    i've been tucked away reading quite a bit myself. the weather has been so bitterly cold that wrapping up in a warm blanket with a good book is just proving to be too irrisistable. so yes, i'd love to win the book. if i happen to win it, i will host my own giveaway when i'm finished, passing it along with a couple of other goodies . . .

    take care
    :-)
    libbyQ

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  34. This sounds like a great book--I'd love to win, but if not I'll see if my local library can get it. Thanks for letting us know about it.

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  35. I have been anxiously awaiting this book!

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  36. I would really like to read that book. Thank you for passing it on.

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  37. I've been reading the reviews for this book and would love to win a copy!
    Thanks ~ Jeanne

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  38. I can't wait to see the quiltalong quilt!

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  39. thanks for the review - I'll have to get it on CD - thanks!

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  40. Have fun in Ohio go look at fabric therapy's blog post you must go to that quilt shop :)
    ok this is a book I would love to read thanks for the opportunity to read it after you and yes I would pass it on again...
    thanks
    kathie

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  41. I have been planning to read the book and even checked with my library to see if they had it, but of course, they don't have it yet. I would love to win the book!

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  42. This book sounds so good and from one of my favourite authors. I just reserved it this morning from our local library but I am number 6 in line!

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  43. That looks (and sounds) like a very interesting book. I can't wait to read it.

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  44. Please add me to the "want to read the book" list. Love Jennifer C's books, I enjoy historical books, add the sewing element, and this sounds like one I won't want to miss. Enjoy your trip, and enjoy the rest of the book. If my name is drawn, I'll read it and pass it on the same way. (Be sure to put your name on an inside somewhere -- you can be #1 on a list:)

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  45. Sounds so interesting and it's based in the era so many of us repro quilt lovers love.

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  46. Years ago I actually saw a quilt made by Elizabeth Keckley --- it had a huge eagle and the silk was shattering --- it was preserved under glass. I plan to read this book.
    quiltschon@att.net

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  47. Thanks for the heads up on this book. I have seen it on line, but now I definitely want to read it. Also, I know exactly what you are going through getting ready for your trip. that is what I do every time I go to AZ!

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  48. Sounds like a great read and more especially interesting as the movie about Lincoln will be released in the cinemas here very soon!!! I'll throw my hat into the ring and try my luck to win the book!!!

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  49. The book sounds great!
    Thanks for the giveaway!

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  50. Thank you for opportunity to win the book. It will be a must read no matter what. Have fun on your trip!

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  51. I have read many of the elm creek books and recently heard the author interviewed. It would love the opportunity to be the next to read it!

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  52. I really want to read this book - I always like the Elm Creek books, and I'm a big fan of President Lincoln (we share a birthday - well...he's a little older...). Also have to confess that I am finally hand quilting my QAL from last year! About time, don't you think?

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  53. Sounds great Lori...thanks so much. I'll have to add that to my Kindle wish list.

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  54. Have a good trip! Can't wait for the reveal of the quilt along!!

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  55. I have been waiting for this to be released, and I love your idea of "passing it on" when you finish it. If I win, I'll do the same!

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  56. Sounds wonderful...a perfect book to enjoy in the middle of the winter while cuddled up under a quilt!

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  57. I have it and live in DC...when are coming to see in person?

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  58. I really enjoy her books, this one sounds very interesting, please enter me in your drawing. Thanks for sharing!

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  59. What an interesting book. I would like to be included in the drawing.

    Shirl

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  60. I have read every one of Jennifer's book and would love to read this one. Thanks for passing your book on to some lucky person! (Love your blog too!)

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  61. I would love to win this book when you're done reading it. I heard Jennifer talk about this book last year, and have been waiting patiently for it to come out. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy.

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  62. I just started The Giving Quilt....the last in Jennifer's Elm Creek series; so would love to win this book to read next. I so enjoy her style of writing. With hubby out of work for health reasons, I have been able to purchase some good books at Goodwill; but am sure this one won't be there. Thanks for sharing it with some lucky winner.

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  63. I LOVE her books. I have read all by the last one and this one. Thanks for passing it along to a lucky follower.

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  64. Sounds like my cup of tea, I've put the title on my reading list. Thanks for the info, and enjoy your time away. What fun!

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  65. What a great giveaway. I'd love to have it.

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  66. It sounds like a wonderful book. Thanks for the chance thread it.

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  67. I love Jennifers books. I think I have them all except this one of course. Thanks for the chance to win it(but if I dont I will have to buy it) :)

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  68. Sounds like an interesting book. I love history and especially from a woman's point of view. I would like to know just how long some of those gowns took to make. Thanks for a chance.

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  69. So, will the quilts you're finishing up be ones that we get to see at the exhibit next month? I hope so! The book sounds really interesting.

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  70. Enjoy visiting your friend and I can't wait for the QAL. I love history novels and if it includes quilting or sewing even better :) thanks Lori

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  71. Enjoy your trip! And... the book sounds great!

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  72. Wow, thanks for a chance to win this book. It's release is perfect timing as we have been revisiting the Civil War era and its 150th anniversary in the past couple of years. Plus, with the release of the Lincoln movie.
    I always enjoy your blog. Thanks, b

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  73. I hope you have a wonderful trip with your friend. I love Jennifer's books and especially historical novels. Thanks for the opportunity to win this book. I'll keep my fingers crossed. Well, I guess that would make quilting difficult, but you know what I mean. Make it a good day. Carline

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  74. This book should be a great read. All of Jennifer's books are. I'd love to receive your copy after you finish.

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  75. Would love to read this. I've enjoyed all of Jennifer's books. Thank you for the chance to win your copy.

    Darlis
    darlisj@kinex.net

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  76. The 5 ladies I sew with and I swap book around too! It is SO fun to read a book I know will be fun because one of them enjoyed it.

    Lucy~

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  77. Thanks for sharing. I love reading about our history.

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  78. Reading books is my second favorite thing to do! Thanks for the giveaway.

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  79. Have fun on your trip and enjoy your visit with your friend.

    I have enjoyed every one of her books and would love to read this book. Thanks for the chance and thanks for sharing!

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  80. Just finished book on Lincoln....a great read. Sure would like to read book on Mrs. Lincoln. Thanks for the chance!

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  81. Would love to read the book when you are done. Sounds great!

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  82. Okay, you've got me hooked...hook, line & sinker! I will have to purchase this book if I don't win it so thank you for the opportunity.

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  83. I love her books...hadn't heard of this one..if I don't win I will be getting it!

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  84. Love Jennifer's books. Almost finished with The Union Quilters. Have been reading them in order. Thanks for the giveaway entry. Enjoy your posts.

    Sue G.

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  85. Forgot to leave my e-mail sgqc@optimum.net

    Thanks again. Sue G

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  86. Thanks for reviewing the book - it sounds great! I would love a chance to read it. I hope you have a good trip and thanks for the Abundance Quilt pattern coming.

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  87. I love book recommendations....I want to know it is worth my time. Yes, I would love to receive your book.

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  88. I enjoyed all of Jennifer Chiaverini's novels. This new one sounds fascinating. Funnily enough, as an Australian I achieved my highest ever score at high school with 96% in American History!! I love all it all!

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  89. This book looks so interesting to me! And my husband is a bit of a Lincoln freak - so it might even be something he'd be interested in reading :)

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  90. Sounds like an interesting book. Thanks for the chance...

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