Book Review: Circle of Quilters

Oh, how I've blown it with chronological reading in this Elm Creek Quilts series. I started with the eighth book, read the eleventh, the twentieth, and then read the fifth. This book, Circle of Quilters, is the ninth book. After I had already started it, I realized my library had an audio book for the sixth book, The Master Quilter. So, everything is higgledy-piggledy. I'm already privy to news from further down the line, yet I continue to choose these books because I'm assured of a clean read.

In Circle of Quilters, we meet another cast of characters as various individuals respond to job openings for two new instructors at Elm Creek Manor. Karen is desperate to find a new identity as she struggles with the sometimes restrictive role that mothering demands. But will her family stand in the way of acquiring the Elm Creek job? Anna is a creative quilter and skilled chef. If only her boyfriend could embrace her career path. Russ turns to quilting in his grief at the loss of his wife. This job might settle him finally. Maggie falls in love with a cast-off quilt and explores its history. Perhaps, she is a perfect fit for the job. Then there's Gretchen, who has lived in the shadow of Heidi, her employer, for decades. Can she prove her creativity and teaching skills enough to secure a coveted post at Elm Creek Quilt Camp?

Similar to The Giving Quilt, every character's life-story unveils like separate blocks on a quilt. What a tough decision the Elm Creek staff must make. Each individual brings so much possibility to the table. Each has overcome tremendous obstacles. Who will they select?