THE BEGINNERS QUILT BY WANDA BRUNSTETTER 

A Lifelong Love for Quilting Starts in 1967, Arthur, Illinois

Despite the best efforts of Emma Bontrager’s mother, Emma hasn’t learned much of anything that will prepare her to be an Amish wife. Therefore, she’s sent to Arthur, Illinois, to be taught by her paternal grandmother. Though she would rather be fishing, hiking, or playing baseball, Emma finally listens to her grandmother and even finds she enjoys working on a Tree of Life quilt. Having met a nice young man, she now feels more prepared for marriage. But rumors swirl around his character, and it looks like she’ll be returning to Indiana with a broken heart. Even so, her time in Illinois has ignited a new passion for quilting that will last for years.

- A stand-alone prequel to The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club and Half-Stitched,the musical.

MY REVIEW 

Emma is a wonderful character to get to know. She loves being outdoors fishing or anything that doesn’t have to do with cooking, sewing or cleaning. She is not gifted in areas that her mother would like her to be. After all who will marry Emma if she can’t   cook meals for her family?  With a big plan, her  mother sends her to Emma’s grandmother for the summer. This opens a new beginning for Emma as she learns that God has gifted her with skills she didn’t know she had. I loved Emma’s grandmother so much with her gentle spirit and willingness to show Emma how to improve her skills to be a mother and wife. 

Ivan is a hard worker who helps his father but he really has a desire to work on clocks. He is a great example for helping his parents out even though he  may need to put his  dreams on hold. I liked  how Ivan and Emma meet and slowly begin a friendship. Poor Ivan is so kind, he didn’t want to tell Emma how awful her food is, so he smiles and tries his best to show appreciation. 

I enjoyed reading how a quilt comes together and the intricate sewing that is involved. The author gives readers a beautiful look at two young people who both try to please their parents while also finding their own path. God has a plan for each of us and we need to always trust him. As Ivan and Emma start to have feelings for each other a few unexpected situations arise. Hard decisions need to be made as these two find that God works everything out for good when we keep our eyes on Him. 

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The review is my own opinion.