Circle of Quilters

March 27, 2006
In a move that may frustrate fans, the eighth episode of Chiaverini's best-selling Elm Creek Quilts series (after The Sugar Camp Quilt) focuses on a roster of new quilting talent, as the rural Pennsylvania quilting retreat loses two of its charmed teachers. Each of the five candidates gets her or his own chapter; they begin variously-Maggie's first quilting find, a busy day for harried mom Karen, chef Anna's panic over a last-minute catering gig, Russ meeting his future wife, a morning argument between Gretchen and her husband-but they all end at Elm Creek Quilts, in an interview with the series's lead characters. Though the pleasures of the novel are many-well-drawn characters, cleverly intersecting plotlines, and Chiaverini's charming sense of humor among them-these may be cold comfort for those eager to find out the latest on Sarah McClure, Sylvia Compson and the rest of the gang, who take on greatly diminished roles. Also potentially maddening: the identity of the two quitting quilters isn't revealed until the end of the book. For new readers, a pedestrian pace and sentimental locale may prove off-putting, but for those with the taste for it, this is a great introduction to the Elm Creek world. It also sets up the coming volumes nicely, bringing fresh blood and new opportunities for drama to this sweet, escapist series.

The Harvard of quilt schools, Elm Tree Quilt Camp, must hire two new teachers. The book revolves around the five quilters who apply, their interviews, and the hiring activities of the camp staff. Christina Moore balances compassion for the characters with realistic portrayals of them all. Her light touch brings even the minor players to life, while deftly describing complicated quilting lessons without visual aids. Newcomers to the Elm Tree Quilters series will have no difficulty picking up the story, while those who have enjoyed Moore's previous performances will settle in to familiar portrayals of her beloved quilters. Author and narrator together present a rare blend of technical accuracy and believable characters. R.L.L. (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine