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Georgetown #3
Stitches in Time
When an antique bridal quilt appears under mysterious circumstances at the vintage clothing shop where Rachel Grant works, she is fascinated. She has never been able to resist handmade textiles from the past, for she believes that through the ages, women wove protective magic into their fabrics in order to mark the important events of their lives: birth, marriage, and death. But there is more than good in the quilt's magic power. Day by day Rachel sees and feels the power growing, as she senses the quilt influencing her thoughts and actions. Much as Rachel's logical mind longs to deny the supernatural, the aura of evil coming from the quilt is terrifyingly real, and it seems to carry a sinister legacy into the lives of the people Rachel loves.
387 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
108 people are currently reading
1,090 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Michaels
85books675followersBarbara Michaels was a pen name of Barbara Mertz. She also wrote as Elizabeth Peters, as well as under her own name.
She was born in Canton, Illinois and has written over fifty books including some in Egyptology. Dr. Mertz also holds a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in Egyptology.
She was born in Canton, Illinois and has written over fifty books including some in Egyptology. Dr. Mertz also holds a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in Egyptology.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
February 1, 2013
Great book!! This book has so much in it that I don't even know where to start.
There's a mystery surrounding the antique quilt that arrives at the vintage clothing store where main character Rachel works. There's smart and funny inter-play between the very different and interesting other people in the story. There's in-depth examinations of the superstitions and magical beliefs and practices of various cultures. There are restless spirits, and what appears to be a possession of one of the characters by one of these mysterious spirits from the past. There's also romance, with the required obstacles to same.
The story is very entertaining and engrossing. You find yourself leaning forward as you read because you're dying to know what happens. The supporting characters are very colourful and the way they all interact makes for some funny scenes.
I should mention that this is the second in what could "loosely" be termed a trilogy [the other books are Ammie Come Home" and "Shattered Silk"]. However, due to the talent of author Barbara Michaels, each book is a fully-developed story all on its own, with a complete and satisfying ending.
You can absolutely read and enjoy each book on its own without reading the others. But if you have read the earlier books, the references to the other books that Michaels gently and skillfully works in to the present story will add an extra element of enjoyment to the current book.
Something else I particularly enjoyed about this book was the ending. Often a mystery or suspense novel works up to a frothing head of fever and the ending has to be an explosive and over-the-top climax. It's almost a formula. This book has a very unusual and creative ending for this type of book. Don't misunderstand - it's a perfect ending to the story based on what's come before, but it's a unique approach and I loved it.
I definitely would recommend this book.
There's a mystery surrounding the antique quilt that arrives at the vintage clothing store where main character Rachel works. There's smart and funny inter-play between the very different and interesting other people in the story. There's in-depth examinations of the superstitions and magical beliefs and practices of various cultures. There are restless spirits, and what appears to be a possession of one of the characters by one of these mysterious spirits from the past. There's also romance, with the required obstacles to same.
The story is very entertaining and engrossing. You find yourself leaning forward as you read because you're dying to know what happens. The supporting characters are very colourful and the way they all interact makes for some funny scenes.
I should mention that this is the second in what could "loosely" be termed a trilogy [the other books are Ammie Come Home" and "Shattered Silk"]. However, due to the talent of author Barbara Michaels, each book is a fully-developed story all on its own, with a complete and satisfying ending.
You can absolutely read and enjoy each book on its own without reading the others. But if you have read the earlier books, the references to the other books that Michaels gently and skillfully works in to the present story will add an extra element of enjoyment to the current book.
Something else I particularly enjoyed about this book was the ending. Often a mystery or suspense novel works up to a frothing head of fever and the ending has to be an explosive and over-the-top climax. It's almost a formula. This book has a very unusual and creative ending for this type of book. Don't misunderstand - it's a perfect ending to the story based on what's come before, but it's a unique approach and I loved it.
I definitely would recommend this book.
June 5, 2017
I read this book a long time ago. But the story has always stayed in my mind. When I think of a favorite book, it certainly is among the ones I preferred reading.
November 14, 2017
***Many Spoilers throughout****
I closed Stitches in Time contemplating what I had finished and thought, “That was a great book.� I had remembered it being my least favorite of the so-called Georgetown trilogy, from my first, and, I think, only read more than 2 decades ago. I remembered being surprised and dismayed at Kara’s personality change and less than blissful marriage with Mark after the seemingly happy ending of Shattered Silk. But upon this reread, I thought it added depth and character development, especially since they seemed to be back in love and in good humor at the end.
I’m a little disconcerted by all the hate for Rachel and Kara in some of the other reviews. Some readers seem to ignore the fact that Rachel is being negatively influenced by the quilt through almost 90% of the book. At first I was confused by what was happening, so smoothly integrated are the times when Rachel is being influenced by the entity from the past. The grip gets stronger and stronger, until we both fear for our heroine, but also fear what she is up to. When all is made clear and resolved, shouldn’t the reader like and be sympathetic to her? She even admits, towards the end, that she has been sulky and immature with her mother,which was a separate issue from the quilt. And Kara. She is very abrasive at the beginning. But I think she senses something wrong and is reacting accordingly. I too was disappointed by her attitude towards her husband Mark at the beginning, but all is well at the end, and she comes through with flying colors once Rachel and she confide in each other and become comrades in arms. I loved the development of their relationship and the insights we get into her personality. It made for one of Michael's most satisfying and fully developed endings. (Sometimes her books end with just a hope and hint for the future and leave one wishing for an epilogue or at least one or two more pages.) I was also amazed and satisfied by the final reveal and the explanation for the whole mystery.
A word about Adam. Maybe I am forgetting some beloved appealing heroes, but Adam has got to be my favorite love interest in all of Barbara Michaels/Elizabeth Peters. Maybe in one of my Top ten of all authors. What a beautifully described and realized character. I always love an unconventional hero, and Adam is the ultimate. And I love how their love story plays out at the conclusion, when we catch up with the 3 couples months later. Very satisfying to see him finally loved and appreciated as he deserves.
Near the climax of the action, Rachel contemplates
I closed Stitches in Time contemplating what I had finished and thought, “That was a great book.� I had remembered it being my least favorite of the so-called Georgetown trilogy, from my first, and, I think, only read more than 2 decades ago. I remembered being surprised and dismayed at Kara’s personality change and less than blissful marriage with Mark after the seemingly happy ending of Shattered Silk. But upon this reread, I thought it added depth and character development, especially since they seemed to be back in love and in good humor at the end.
I’m a little disconcerted by all the hate for Rachel and Kara in some of the other reviews. Some readers seem to ignore the fact that Rachel is being negatively influenced by the quilt through almost 90% of the book. At first I was confused by what was happening, so smoothly integrated are the times when Rachel is being influenced by the entity from the past. The grip gets stronger and stronger, until we both fear for our heroine, but also fear what she is up to. When all is made clear and resolved, shouldn’t the reader like and be sympathetic to her? She even admits, towards the end, that she has been sulky and immature with her mother,which was a separate issue from the quilt. And Kara. She is very abrasive at the beginning. But I think she senses something wrong and is reacting accordingly. I too was disappointed by her attitude towards her husband Mark at the beginning, but all is well at the end, and she comes through with flying colors once Rachel and she confide in each other and become comrades in arms. I loved the development of their relationship and the insights we get into her personality. It made for one of Michael's most satisfying and fully developed endings. (Sometimes her books end with just a hope and hint for the future and leave one wishing for an epilogue or at least one or two more pages.) I was also amazed and satisfied by the final reveal and the explanation for the whole mystery.
A word about Adam. Maybe I am forgetting some beloved appealing heroes, but Adam has got to be my favorite love interest in all of Barbara Michaels/Elizabeth Peters. Maybe in one of my Top ten of all authors. What a beautifully described and realized character. I always love an unconventional hero, and Adam is the ultimate. And I love how their love story plays out at the conclusion, when we catch up with the 3 couples months later. Very satisfying to see him finally loved and appreciated as he deserves.
Near the climax of the action, Rachel contemplates
“there was no such thing a coincidence or accident. Every event, however random in appearance formed part of a design too vast and too alien to be comprehended by limited human understanding. Events that were, on the surface, unimportant and meaningless-Rachel’s choice of thesis topic, Tony’s decision to respond to a call he should never have answered-these and a dozen other strands in the web led inexorably toward a nexus in time when the invisible hands of the weaver would draw the threads tight and complete the pattern. It had been predestined and foreordained�."I find this pretty powerful stuff. There is a suggestion that the quilt and it’s maker are still influencing the 3 couples still, only now in a good way. For example, Mark's loving concern regarding Kara’s pregnancy, causes him to look with suspicion upon Mrs. Grossmuller(from Shattered Silk! Hi, Mrs. Grossmuller!), who uncannily included beautiful vintage baby clothes in her last delivery. Kara wonders if her friends had told Mark about the “quilt business.� Since the normally super-rational and skeptical Mark had said something about the "evil eye". Several other happy circumstances are discussed, and Kara mentions the hair which was part of forensic evidence to convict Rocky. “Hair again,� Kara murmured. “Ironic these coincidences…”It's like justice on the family is still being fashioned by the unseen entity. Finally the last line in the novel describing the plot where they laid the quilt to rest: � Out in the garden purple and golden crocuses and the small blue flowers called “glory-of-the-snow� covered a certain spot like living patchwork.� All is now right with the world. A fitting and lovely conclusion to the Georgetown trilogy and people that live there.
August 4, 2023
While the previous book in the "trilogy" stood alone just fine, this one really requires you to read it after Ammie, Come Home and Shattered Silk to not spoil the story lines of both of those novels. Thus:
Spoilers for the previous books in the series will follow.
This was a decent read. It was more to form for Barbara Michaels in that it included all sorts of paranormal activity and weird magic, and it did bring back Ruth and Pat, whom I missed quite a bit in the previous book.
This takes up a few years after Shattered Silk ends, with the couples from the end of that book now married and, in Cheryl's case, with children. Karen is almost unrecognizable in her current state, however, and has changed what she goes by as well, so I almost didn't recognize her. I know I whined a bit about her being too much of a pushover, but wow, did she go a little too far in the other direction here. Her discomfort in her marriage appears immediately and is horrible to read about. I like my couples to be at least mostly happily-ever-after if I have to see them again, thank you. The solution to their marital problems is sort of steam-rolling and awkward as well, and I really don't like it. It doesn't seem to be a real solution and it doesn't bode well for the future of their relationship, personally.
At any rate, for all that Karen and Cheryl are definitely important characters, this is Rachel's story in the end. Her weird crush on a married man gets stranger and stranger due to the paranormal activity in the house, and it is the sort of thing that is very uncomfortable to read about.
I enjoyed tracking the whole story about the quilt, and the idea behind what caused the problem was fascinating and creepy.
The romance didn't really work for me. I certainly liked
himself quite a bit, but he and Rachel just had no chemistry at all and I can't even imagine how things were going to work out between them.
Probably the most interesting character is the one we never truly see on-screen:
The denouement was a little underwhelming as well. I was expecting more than I got, there.
Overall, this was a decent book, but not one of my favorites. It is a quick read and certainly worth it if you read the previous two, if only to see how things end up for some of our favorite characters (and to see more Pat! There can never be enough Pat!). It's a little bit "fluffy," but there is nothing wrong with that. It was a sick read for me, and I require fluffy in my sick reads, so I enjoyed re-visiting these characters quite a bit.
January 22, 2021
Every now and then I like to pull out one of my Barbara Michaels novels for a reread. Many of them stand up well, but this one did...not.
Stitches in Time is third in a trilogy that includes Ammie, Come Home and Shattered Silk, both of which are eerie reads that I enjoyed. The leads from those two books play important roles in this novel so if you haven't read them, you might want to treat yourself.
This novel came out in the 90s, so we're about 10 years beyond the main plot action of the 2nd book. Ruth is well-settled into her marriage with Pat MacDougal, and Kara (from Shattered Silk) has established her business and is doing quite well. This novel focuses on Rachel Grant, a young graduate student working at Kara's boutique. Rachel has recently come out of a bad relationship and since she needs a place to go, she ends up housesitting for Kara's business partner.
The setup of the book is actually pretty interesting. Rachel is studying women's needlework and art, and 3 fascinating quilts show up on the doorstep of the shop. Two are museum quality works of art, while the 3rd is a touch more disturbing. It shows some unsettling scenes and no matter how Rachel cleans it, it keeps getting dirty again. And after being wrapped in the quilt, Rachel herself starts showing some disturbing symptoms.
What unfolds is an eerie paranormal mystery. At times I was able to get into it, but too much of the basis for the mystery gets saved for the final chapter so it sometimes feels like events are happening in a bit of a vacuum. Also, I have to admit that I was very disappointed to see what had happened to interesting characters from previous books. Ruth is still very much herself, but Pat has gone from being a strong character to almost a caricature of himself. Often described as "roaring" at people, I kept picturing him standing outside wearing black socks with sandals and yelling at kids to get off his lawn. It just didn't work for me.
And while Kara has definitely grown in confidence over the past 10 years, some of the better parts of her character from Shattered Silk were missing. She is often downright nasty to Rachel, and it made for uncomfortable reading.
And then there's the romance. Rachel is a very bland character so while the mystery is interesting, she herself is hard to figure out. I realized as I read that while the things that happened to her held my interest, Rachel herself really didn't. She has gotten out of a bad relationship and as she enters a new one, I wasn't convinced that she was ready to be a partner yet.
Barbara Michaels has a lot of goodies in her backlist (I actually prefer her novels to the Amelia Peabody series), but this is not one of her best.
Stitches in Time is third in a trilogy that includes Ammie, Come Home and Shattered Silk, both of which are eerie reads that I enjoyed. The leads from those two books play important roles in this novel so if you haven't read them, you might want to treat yourself.
This novel came out in the 90s, so we're about 10 years beyond the main plot action of the 2nd book. Ruth is well-settled into her marriage with Pat MacDougal, and Kara (from Shattered Silk) has established her business and is doing quite well. This novel focuses on Rachel Grant, a young graduate student working at Kara's boutique. Rachel has recently come out of a bad relationship and since she needs a place to go, she ends up housesitting for Kara's business partner.
The setup of the book is actually pretty interesting. Rachel is studying women's needlework and art, and 3 fascinating quilts show up on the doorstep of the shop. Two are museum quality works of art, while the 3rd is a touch more disturbing. It shows some unsettling scenes and no matter how Rachel cleans it, it keeps getting dirty again. And after being wrapped in the quilt, Rachel herself starts showing some disturbing symptoms.
What unfolds is an eerie paranormal mystery. At times I was able to get into it, but too much of the basis for the mystery gets saved for the final chapter so it sometimes feels like events are happening in a bit of a vacuum. Also, I have to admit that I was very disappointed to see what had happened to interesting characters from previous books. Ruth is still very much herself, but Pat has gone from being a strong character to almost a caricature of himself. Often described as "roaring" at people, I kept picturing him standing outside wearing black socks with sandals and yelling at kids to get off his lawn. It just didn't work for me.
And while Kara has definitely grown in confidence over the past 10 years, some of the better parts of her character from Shattered Silk were missing. She is often downright nasty to Rachel, and it made for uncomfortable reading.
And then there's the romance. Rachel is a very bland character so while the mystery is interesting, she herself is hard to figure out. I realized as I read that while the things that happened to her held my interest, Rachel herself really didn't. She has gotten out of a bad relationship and as she enters a new one, I wasn't convinced that she was ready to be a partner yet.
Barbara Michaels has a lot of goodies in her backlist (I actually prefer her novels to the Amelia Peabody series), but this is not one of her best.
November 27, 2023
This one always kind of creeped me out--I can handle ghosts just fine, but witchcraft/voodoo/dark magic type stuff really freaks me out for some reason. But I keep rereading it anyway, because Adam is just such an interesting character to me. He's big and quiet and has a beard and a child-like innocence that really kind of set him apart from your typical love interest in books like this. I just like him. That's all. I wish there were more dudes like him in romancy books--all those violent, long-haired, leather wearing guys with giant muscles totally gross me out, but the slightly nerdy ones get me every time!
September 2, 2019
A mysterious quilt with evil powers, transforms those around it. I know this author, Barbara Michaels, was very popular in the 90's, but she just didn't speak to me. This was the second book of hers I tried back then, but I found the storyline a trifle boring, and too slow for my tastes.
October 3, 2012
A trio that tempts the mind & heart
From "Ammie, Come Home" to "Shattered Silk" to "Stitches in Time": these books represent masterworks of paranormal mysteries & refined delights of humor blended with the best of "women's studies".
305+ years ago I read the first book, "Ammie Come Home" with its gentle yet terrifying exploration of ghost stories & quiet introduction to the concept of cultural anthropology. I found this delight in one of my mother's Reader's Digest Condensed Books. It would be literally decades before I stumbled across "Shattered Silk" a return to a shivery tradition that was NOT the paranormal book I expected.
And therein is the delight I find in Ms Michaels' works.. I NEVER know from book to book whether I'm holding a traditional mystery or a paranormal delight. Each book must be explored & relished for its' singular self even when it stands in a trilogy. There are never guarantees about genre when you see Barbara Michaels name on the cover.
I cannot speak highly enough in praise of her work. She has introduced me to arts & sciences that I never imagined exploring, all while delighting me with a tapestry of tales filled with humor, suspense, intrigue and, best of all, realities of wonder. She is never formulaic, you will never know whether the book in your hand is a mystery, a Gothic romance or a horror novel.. she is mistress of all three. For me, this trilogy, is the best of the best; be welcome, be entertained and most of all be prepared to think outside the box.
From "Ammie, Come Home" to "Shattered Silk" to "Stitches in Time": these books represent masterworks of paranormal mysteries & refined delights of humor blended with the best of "women's studies".
305+ years ago I read the first book, "Ammie Come Home" with its gentle yet terrifying exploration of ghost stories & quiet introduction to the concept of cultural anthropology. I found this delight in one of my mother's Reader's Digest Condensed Books. It would be literally decades before I stumbled across "Shattered Silk" a return to a shivery tradition that was NOT the paranormal book I expected.
And therein is the delight I find in Ms Michaels' works.. I NEVER know from book to book whether I'm holding a traditional mystery or a paranormal delight. Each book must be explored & relished for its' singular self even when it stands in a trilogy. There are never guarantees about genre when you see Barbara Michaels name on the cover.
I cannot speak highly enough in praise of her work. She has introduced me to arts & sciences that I never imagined exploring, all while delighting me with a tapestry of tales filled with humor, suspense, intrigue and, best of all, realities of wonder. She is never formulaic, you will never know whether the book in your hand is a mystery, a Gothic romance or a horror novel.. she is mistress of all three. For me, this trilogy, is the best of the best; be welcome, be entertained and most of all be prepared to think outside the box.
May 23, 2016
There's a bit of confusion initially, as Karen from the previous book has been renamed Kara and has undergone a personality transplant, but other than that, the other characters are consistent. Cheryl, Tony, and Mark from the previous book have more than bit parts, as well as Ruth and Pat from the first book. The main character in this one, Rachael, is thoroughly unlikable. She has a selfish personality, even before outside influences, so it was totally unbelievable for Adam (who she insults from the start), much less Tom, to fall in love with her. After the initial excitement midway through the book, the plot dragged until almost the end. Ugh, so much exasperation with this book. Characters appear and disappear - the boy who supposedly started the whole mess (and no definite explanation for what his involvement was), Phil, the bad excuse, and Tom, the mostly absent point on the love quadrilateral. Inconsistent pacing, unrealistic romance, and plot holes galore. The ending is anti-climatic and the wrap-up is mostly speculation. Most unsatisfying.
September 11, 2021
4 Stars
Re-read of an old favorite. I'm happy the book is as good as I remember.
Re-read of an old favorite. I'm happy the book is as good as I remember.
May 23, 2017
Very enjoyable. The quilting theme was interesting and the story line, as well. Main character an annoying bitch - but hey.
February 6, 2021
I read a handful of Barbara Michael books in the 90's and really remember enjoying them. This is part of a trilogy that starts with Aimee Come Home which was the first book of hers that I read and really loved. It has been a long time so I didn't really remember much about it except that it had a great gothic creepiness to it and sucked me in. Sadly, this did not do the same. I felt like the supernatural elements were not brought to life but rather discussed like a dissertation. It removed me from the action and bogged down the pacing. There was also a lot of talk about feminism while at the same time detailing lots of chauvinistic remarks and behaviors. That bothered me a lot and had me trying to remember if all her books were like this or just this one in particular. But I enjoyed it enough that I will try another Barbara Michaels book, as well as an occasional Amelia Peabody, in the future.
August 28, 2017
Rachel is finishing up her doctoral dissertation when she is drawn in to helping out at a vintage clothing shop - and is perhaps possessed by the spirit of a long-dead woman whose unparalleled skill at quilting conceals a darker history. This book is a conundrum- on the one hand, it's a reasonable creepy mystery and has Michaels' interesting academic conversations and likable characters, and I've remembered the plot vividly since my first reading, but on the other hand Rachel herself isn't very likable, the plot sometimes stumbles over what feels like missing exposition, and the discussion of feminism reveals a bit of ambivalence I'm not used to from the author. Barbara Rosenblat is, as usual, stellar, with a few misses in tone for Kara particularly. Maybe she found some bits missing from the plot too.
March 14, 2021
AUTHOR Michaels, Barbara
TITLE Stitches in Time
DATE READ 03/14/21
RATING 4.5/B+
FIRST SENTENCE She cursed the needle, the cloth and the thread, fixing each stitch in place with a word of power.
GENRE/ PUB DATE/FORMAT/LENGTH Gothic Suspense/1998/LP library/456 pgs
SERIES/STAND-ALONE #3 VA/.DC
CHALLENGE Good Reads 2020 Reading Goal 29/120
GROUP READ Gothic Supspense
TIME/PLACE 1990's VA
CHARACTERS Rachel, student studing for her doctrate; Cheryl and Kara co-owners of a vintage clothing/quilt shop
COMMENTS This book really held up for me. I have probably read all to most of the Barbara Michaels books over the years and really enjoyed this one with the paranormal and historic ties.
TITLE Stitches in Time
DATE READ 03/14/21
RATING 4.5/B+
FIRST SENTENCE She cursed the needle, the cloth and the thread, fixing each stitch in place with a word of power.
GENRE/ PUB DATE/FORMAT/LENGTH Gothic Suspense/1998/LP library/456 pgs
SERIES/STAND-ALONE #3 VA/.DC
CHALLENGE Good Reads 2020 Reading Goal 29/120
GROUP READ Gothic Supspense
TIME/PLACE 1990's VA
CHARACTERS Rachel, student studing for her doctrate; Cheryl and Kara co-owners of a vintage clothing/quilt shop
COMMENTS This book really held up for me. I have probably read all to most of the Barbara Michaels books over the years and really enjoyed this one with the paranormal and historic ties.
October 4, 2016
Stitches In Time, Georgetown Trilogy Book #3
by Barbara Michaels
Note: The first few paragraphs are of a personal nature, so you might want to skip to paragraph 5!
If you follow my reviews, you already know that this summer I decided I would read/re-read the novels written by the late Barbara Mertz, whether written as Barbara Michaels or as Elizabeth Peters. I started with books wasting away on my "to-read" bookshelf. then decided I'd read the Barbara Michaels works first. The first novel of Michaels' I'd ever read was "Ammie, Come Home," the first in this trilogy. I didn`t know it was a trilogy at the time, 1968 0r 69, and maybe Michaels didn`t, either. The second in the trilogy wasn`t written until almost two decades later, in 1986 ("Shattered Silk") and the third, this book, almost a decade after that, in 1995. I`d read them all, never realizing there was a connection.
Because the books are older, so perhaps not as popular as newer books in related genres, the main branch of my local library had none of these three books. I got the first through interlibrary loan, ordering it in mid-August. Only then did I realize that August of 2016 was exactly 3 years since the author`s death. That was the first of a few coincidences surrounding my renewed interest in her books. It came in from the Lake County library and I read it from September 3rd through the 7th. The second in the series came from the IVY Tech branch of my local library, and I read it September 11th through the 13th. I ordered this novel, the third and last in the series, again through interlibrary loan about the same time I was reading the second. It came in, this time from the John F. Kennedy library in Muncie, and I read it from September 30th to today, October 4, 2016.
This last novel had, personally for me, the oddest of the coincidences. Inside the book, about midway through, was the library receipt of, I assume, the last time the book was checked out, bearing a due date of September 13, 2013 -- one month after the death of the author and about exactly three years prior to my ordering it from interlibrary loan. All just coincidence -- right?
In any event, I feel my re-reading of these three books was meant to be, and given their gothic genre, that seems appropriate! Now on to my review!
The element that ties the three of these novels together consists of the main characters of the second two having a connection to two of the main characters of the first, Ruth and Pat MacDougal, who appear in all three. There is no connection plot-wise, as each stands firmly on its own story. Lots of research into women's myths and customs of the pre-Civil War South, as well as research into the history of textiles and magic beliefs. Plotting is exceptional, pacing flows flawlessly, and the characterizations are fully fleshed out and consistent. Excellent proofing and editing. The only three things I noted were references that delighted me. On page 176, a reference to the old Reader`s Digest condensed books, which were a regular feature in my childhood home. On page 191, the entire 4th paragraph, which included this: "...That's the trouble with life. It`s so untidy. The characters in novels hardly ever seem to worry about eating and sleeping and earning a living--much less putting the investigation on hold while they wait for the plumber to come and unstop the toilet, or cope with rejected lovers." And, at pages 238 and 268, reference to a minor character working from home in a desktop publishing business. 1995—ah, the early years of internet access!
In this book, the author returns to the true gothic feel, with a story that includes a true paranormal element. Kara (Karen from the second novel, and sister to Sarah from the first), a niece of Ruth's, is happily running her vintage clothing store with her best friend and sister-in-law, Cheryl. While Kara and her husband, Mark, live in the house from the first two novels, the shop is located elsewhere, and Cheryl and her husband, Tony (Mark`s BFF), live in the same house that is home to the shop. There is one employee, Rachel, who is the main character in this book.
The storyline dovetails with Rachel`s dissertation subject: the idea of women literally sewing magic into textiles they produced. As traditional "women's work" would have very little written history surviving in patriarchal societies, much of her research involved personal diaries of, or works studying the same, the woman who produced the clothing and household textiles. When three valuable antique quilts are found on the shop's front porch following a failed robbery, the plot begins to weave itself into the lives of the characters. One of the quilts, an album quilt, is of exceptional talent, although it seems impervious to standard cleaning techniques. It's beautiful and Rachel is somehow drawn to it. When Cheryl and Tony travel to Ohio for the holidays, Rachel moves in to housesit the shop and the family pets, and a friend of Mark`s and former student of Pat's, Adam, also arrives to help. The players are all in place, and the drama has already begun. Does the old quilt carry a curse forward? Who is in danger and can the group find the answers they need in time?
All in all, this was a wonderful read and a satisfying end to a trilogy four decades in the making.
by Barbara Michaels
Note: The first few paragraphs are of a personal nature, so you might want to skip to paragraph 5!
If you follow my reviews, you already know that this summer I decided I would read/re-read the novels written by the late Barbara Mertz, whether written as Barbara Michaels or as Elizabeth Peters. I started with books wasting away on my "to-read" bookshelf. then decided I'd read the Barbara Michaels works first. The first novel of Michaels' I'd ever read was "Ammie, Come Home," the first in this trilogy. I didn`t know it was a trilogy at the time, 1968 0r 69, and maybe Michaels didn`t, either. The second in the trilogy wasn`t written until almost two decades later, in 1986 ("Shattered Silk") and the third, this book, almost a decade after that, in 1995. I`d read them all, never realizing there was a connection.
Because the books are older, so perhaps not as popular as newer books in related genres, the main branch of my local library had none of these three books. I got the first through interlibrary loan, ordering it in mid-August. Only then did I realize that August of 2016 was exactly 3 years since the author`s death. That was the first of a few coincidences surrounding my renewed interest in her books. It came in from the Lake County library and I read it from September 3rd through the 7th. The second in the series came from the IVY Tech branch of my local library, and I read it September 11th through the 13th. I ordered this novel, the third and last in the series, again through interlibrary loan about the same time I was reading the second. It came in, this time from the John F. Kennedy library in Muncie, and I read it from September 30th to today, October 4, 2016.
This last novel had, personally for me, the oddest of the coincidences. Inside the book, about midway through, was the library receipt of, I assume, the last time the book was checked out, bearing a due date of September 13, 2013 -- one month after the death of the author and about exactly three years prior to my ordering it from interlibrary loan. All just coincidence -- right?
In any event, I feel my re-reading of these three books was meant to be, and given their gothic genre, that seems appropriate! Now on to my review!
The element that ties the three of these novels together consists of the main characters of the second two having a connection to two of the main characters of the first, Ruth and Pat MacDougal, who appear in all three. There is no connection plot-wise, as each stands firmly on its own story. Lots of research into women's myths and customs of the pre-Civil War South, as well as research into the history of textiles and magic beliefs. Plotting is exceptional, pacing flows flawlessly, and the characterizations are fully fleshed out and consistent. Excellent proofing and editing. The only three things I noted were references that delighted me. On page 176, a reference to the old Reader`s Digest condensed books, which were a regular feature in my childhood home. On page 191, the entire 4th paragraph, which included this: "...That's the trouble with life. It`s so untidy. The characters in novels hardly ever seem to worry about eating and sleeping and earning a living--much less putting the investigation on hold while they wait for the plumber to come and unstop the toilet, or cope with rejected lovers." And, at pages 238 and 268, reference to a minor character working from home in a desktop publishing business. 1995—ah, the early years of internet access!
In this book, the author returns to the true gothic feel, with a story that includes a true paranormal element. Kara (Karen from the second novel, and sister to Sarah from the first), a niece of Ruth's, is happily running her vintage clothing store with her best friend and sister-in-law, Cheryl. While Kara and her husband, Mark, live in the house from the first two novels, the shop is located elsewhere, and Cheryl and her husband, Tony (Mark`s BFF), live in the same house that is home to the shop. There is one employee, Rachel, who is the main character in this book.
The storyline dovetails with Rachel`s dissertation subject: the idea of women literally sewing magic into textiles they produced. As traditional "women's work" would have very little written history surviving in patriarchal societies, much of her research involved personal diaries of, or works studying the same, the woman who produced the clothing and household textiles. When three valuable antique quilts are found on the shop's front porch following a failed robbery, the plot begins to weave itself into the lives of the characters. One of the quilts, an album quilt, is of exceptional talent, although it seems impervious to standard cleaning techniques. It's beautiful and Rachel is somehow drawn to it. When Cheryl and Tony travel to Ohio for the holidays, Rachel moves in to housesit the shop and the family pets, and a friend of Mark`s and former student of Pat's, Adam, also arrives to help. The players are all in place, and the drama has already begun. Does the old quilt carry a curse forward? Who is in danger and can the group find the answers they need in time?
All in all, this was a wonderful read and a satisfying end to a trilogy four decades in the making.
April 1, 2023
This book probably doesn't really deserve 5 stars, but I've read it so many times and it's such an old favorite. The original mystery of theft and the mix with the possession story wrap up almost too neatly, but it's such a page-turner and the characters are so much fun that I can overlook some of the neatness of how Michaels tied it together.
July 19, 2021
After all my Elizabeth Peters reading, I thought I'd try her Barbara Michaels books. This was engaging, good main characters and intriguing historical background.
May 15, 2012
I bought this book expecting for it to go to the middle of my reading list to read during the summer “sometime�. However, the description kept coming back to me until I could no longer resist reading it. The whole premise of a quilt being handed down from generation to generation plus how it takes so many hours that a women feel they have sewn their soul into the quilt fascinated me. My younger sister is making a quilt for her bed and each square required a lot of embroidering as well as sewing and quilting. I wonder if she feels like a big part of herself is left in the threads that make up the quilt?
I have to say, this book did not disappoint me in the least as I remained fascinated through the entire 300 page! Michaels descriptions, her knowledge of quilts and vintage clothing, the time period of when the quilt was originally made, etc., left me unable to put it down. The main character started out rather self-centered and bitchy but we see the epiphany that changes her into the woman at the end.
I absolutely loved Adam � where are men like him? I know, only in fictional books. What a great character!! He made me laugh and contributed to my dislike of Rachel in the beginning. She was so rude and condescending to him at first that I wanted to smack her. LOL.
This book is well worth the time and the read. I have to say the only small thing that disappointed me was the lack of involvement of the quilt itself. Once the spell is cast, the quilt becomes virtually unimportant � it makes appearances here and there but I would have liked it to have more than one spell to cast. However, this is a minor disappointment that wasn’t even noticed by me until towards the end because everything else kept me so interested. I have read several of Michael’s books and this is usually the case � one minor thing might disappointment but overall the rest of the book makes up for it.
I give the book a raving A+ and can not wait to read more.
I have to say, this book did not disappoint me in the least as I remained fascinated through the entire 300 page! Michaels descriptions, her knowledge of quilts and vintage clothing, the time period of when the quilt was originally made, etc., left me unable to put it down. The main character started out rather self-centered and bitchy but we see the epiphany that changes her into the woman at the end.
I absolutely loved Adam � where are men like him? I know, only in fictional books. What a great character!! He made me laugh and contributed to my dislike of Rachel in the beginning. She was so rude and condescending to him at first that I wanted to smack her. LOL.
This book is well worth the time and the read. I have to say the only small thing that disappointed me was the lack of involvement of the quilt itself. Once the spell is cast, the quilt becomes virtually unimportant � it makes appearances here and there but I would have liked it to have more than one spell to cast. However, this is a minor disappointment that wasn’t even noticed by me until towards the end because everything else kept me so interested. I have read several of Michael’s books and this is usually the case � one minor thing might disappointment but overall the rest of the book makes up for it.
I give the book a raving A+ and can not wait to read more.
February 4, 2015
I wasn't sure what to expect with this novel, since the author is new to me and I haven't read any others in this series- but I actually really enjoyed it. It surprised me in several ways. First, it was its own contained novel. The characters seemed to be recurring, but that didn't prevent me from grasping each personality and how they interacted with one another. I didn't care for Cheryl or Pat at all. Thankfully the former bowed out about one third into the book and didn't reappear- she was too sweet, too kind, too doting, too saccherinely sweet for me to even handle. The latter was so self-absorbed and thought so highly of himself that I just wanted to give him a high five in the face with a chair. Rachel was non-committal and wishy-washy. The characters I really enjoyed were Adam, Kara, and the girl that was possessing Rachel. I was disappointed that we didn't get to see more of her life, her experiences, her passions. Clearly she was an amazing person- she made the quilt- which incidentally, became its own character of sorts. I wish this was more of a split-screen novel- half about Rachel and half about the quilt-maker. Seeing it from one side made it feel sometimes as if I were looking through foggy glass with only two eyeholes wiped out.
The author gave us a glimpse at the vintage fabric world- but I really would have liked more. Perhaps there is more in her other novels. Some cozy novels give us hints, tips, and recipes throughout the book. I'm not suggesting something so cookie-cutter cheese, but perhaps just a little more information about how to clean, treat, and restore certain fabrics would be nice. Throw me a bone, here, Barbara.
It was a fast read, and for some reason, I couldn't put it down. I just had to know what was going to happen next with the quilt. I'd recommend this to anyone who would like to get their feet wet in the paranormal mystery world, or anyone who is interested in the realm of vintage fabrics. Not too shabby.
The author gave us a glimpse at the vintage fabric world- but I really would have liked more. Perhaps there is more in her other novels. Some cozy novels give us hints, tips, and recipes throughout the book. I'm not suggesting something so cookie-cutter cheese, but perhaps just a little more information about how to clean, treat, and restore certain fabrics would be nice. Throw me a bone, here, Barbara.
It was a fast read, and for some reason, I couldn't put it down. I just had to know what was going to happen next with the quilt. I'd recommend this to anyone who would like to get their feet wet in the paranormal mystery world, or anyone who is interested in the realm of vintage fabrics. Not too shabby.
October 16, 2023
It took me awhile to 'get into' this book, but eventually it captured my interest. Not a genre I typically read, and my first exposure to 'Barbara Michaels' (I hadn't realized she was also Elizabeth Peters - author of the Amelia Peabody series which I gave up on after book 2).
A very interesting concept, and I especially liked the character of Adam. Maybe it was me, but I felt alot of the underlying story was 'implied' and I found myself feeling as if I had missed something. There was also some pretentious language which didn't really fit the era or characters.
It was all wrapped up rather 'quickly ' and not altogether satisfyingly.
A very interesting concept, and I especially liked the character of Adam. Maybe it was me, but I felt alot of the underlying story was 'implied' and I found myself feeling as if I had missed something. There was also some pretentious language which didn't really fit the era or characters.
It was all wrapped up rather 'quickly ' and not altogether satisfyingly.
December 22, 2008
Finished up the Georgetown trilogy of Barbara Michaels books. Of the three, I think I like this one best; it's got the most complex set of characterizations, and some unusual manifestations of creepiness. There's good followup appearances of Pat and Ruth from Ammie Come Home as well as three of the four principals from Shattered Silk, Tony, Cheryl, and Karen--though now she's Kara, having changed her name as a symbol of breaking away from her old life. (She's a strikingly different character here, 8-9 years after the previous book, and when you take the two books back to back it makes her a stronger character over all; I have a better appreciation of her character development.) And one of the most memorable characters from the previous novel, the dog Alexander, shows up here too; I have to hand it to Michaels, she does have a way with creating amusing pets.
But the principals in this book are the most fun of the cast in this one: Rachel, nursing a massive crush on Tony at the beginning of the novel and opening herself up to some bad juju as a result, and Adam, one of Michaels' most delightfully geeky male leads. I had forgotten, up until I'd re-read it, how much I love the bit in this book where Adam proclaims his sentiments for Rachel, broadsiding her in the process. Herein, too, Michaels demonstrates her general disapproval of male leads with beards. Hee. ;)
The resolution of the Creepiness is a little weak, but by and large there's a lot of fun to be had here, and good challenging of expectations for all the cast throughout the story. Three and a half stars.
But the principals in this book are the most fun of the cast in this one: Rachel, nursing a massive crush on Tony at the beginning of the novel and opening herself up to some bad juju as a result, and Adam, one of Michaels' most delightfully geeky male leads. I had forgotten, up until I'd re-read it, how much I love the bit in this book where Adam proclaims his sentiments for Rachel, broadsiding her in the process. Herein, too, Michaels demonstrates her general disapproval of male leads with beards. Hee. ;)
The resolution of the Creepiness is a little weak, but by and large there's a lot of fun to be had here, and good challenging of expectations for all the cast throughout the story. Three and a half stars.
November 1, 2017
Another re-read. Wanted a ghost story to read for Halloween season and this fit the bill nicely. The thing I love about Barbara Michaels novels such as this is how she can take a specific subject of domestic history (in this case, quilts, and the superstitions associated with needlework). Not only an interesting story, but a fascinating subject.
Only one thing I don't like is how a lot of her male characters tend to "man-splain." I had more tolerance for it in the past, now it annoys me, I think because I encounter so much of it now in real life. Then again, you can't call her male characters unrealistic.
Worth the read if you like history and paranormal.
Only one thing I don't like is how a lot of her male characters tend to "man-splain." I had more tolerance for it in the past, now it annoys me, I think because I encounter so much of it now in real life. Then again, you can't call her male characters unrealistic.
Worth the read if you like history and paranormal.
May 15, 2016
I had liked these previous two books so I bought the last one but I didn't want to read it for a while - Rachel the main character has a crush on a married man, whose wife adores her. I didn't like to read until Adam showed up. I had really enjoyed since then.
It was fun to read when the characters I know from the previous books, such as Pat, Ruth, Kara, Tony and so forth. I felt Kara, who changed her name, was very different from the previous one.
I liked the romance part. I cried when I found out Adam's past and what Rachel did to him.
It was fun to read when the characters I know from the previous books, such as Pat, Ruth, Kara, Tony and so forth. I felt Kara, who changed her name, was very different from the previous one.
I liked the romance part. I cried when I found out Adam's past and what Rachel did to him.
May 10, 2015
I grabbed this from the library to complete a reading challenge, not realizing it was the third in a series. It was a fast read about a cursed bridal quilt, belonging to a woman who lived over 150 years ago. The plot was interesting, but I would've liked to see a bit more follow through. I also didn't get a good grip on who the characters were and where the magical knowledge came from. I'm positive I would've enjoyed it more had I started with the first book. it ended up just being "okay."
July 17, 2020
Another lovely Gothic/Romantic Suspense from a classic author, although I think her heroines when she writes as Elizabeth Peters are more interesting and independent. Still, here there's lots about vintage clothing and particularly an old quilt that holds a mystery of its own. I do love books about fabric art and the fact that the quilt is haunted doesn't bother me at all. Witty dialog and a great frame.
December 4, 2007
This is my favorite of the author;s written under this name. I reread it at least once a year since that first time over a decade ago. The line that always hits me the hardest is when Racheal (the heroine) is quoting a woman who was asked to sell a quilt she had made. The woman said she had stitched her soul into the quilt.
October 21, 2009
I found this to be a charming book, for those with an interest in fabric arts and women. However, it is somewhat weird. I rated the book lower because the explanations of the black magic were rather rushed and flippant. Somewhat sad story about the creator of the object in question: the quilt. Perhaps more time should have been given to that.
November 4, 2019
Not bad for an occult non-King or Rice book.
September 25, 2015
Well, it's another for the "not favorite" column of this author's works. I generally find Barbara Michaels very readable, even if I don't really likeall that I'm reading, so though I grumbled and rolled my eyes and took notes for the sole purpose of griping in my review ('cause I'm mean like that), I have to grudgingly admit that she managed to pull me through yet another book. I wanted to see what would happen-- whether or not my suspicions would be confirmed. (They were.)
I don't think I'd ever bother reading this again, but for one read-through, it was sufficiently interesting. A word of warning, though: if you're thinking of reading this book primarily because you're enticed by the concept of a haunted quilt, don't expect the quilt to be center stage for very long.
Specifics (with SPOILERS):
--A resounding "meh". (Rounded up to three stars, but still pretty "meh".)
I don't think I'd ever bother reading this again, but for one read-through, it was sufficiently interesting. A word of warning, though: if you're thinking of reading this book primarily because you're enticed by the concept of a haunted quilt, don't expect the quilt to be center stage for very long.
Specifics (with SPOILERS):
--A resounding "meh". (Rounded up to three stars, but still pretty "meh".)
September 18, 2018
I never thought I'd say that I didn't like a Barbara Michaels book, but now I know why I haven't wanted to read this one again after having read it over 30 years ago. It took me far too long to warm up to the main character, and I never did end up liking Rachel much. There was a lot of initial confusion with Kara that wasn't cleared up until halfway through the book. At first I thought she was a new character, especially because her personality was much more aggressive than I remembered, on top of the name change. I might have enjoyed the story more if that had been cleared up first thing instead of waiting until I was about ready to quit (which I don't do easily or lightly). Up until the explanation it was a constant distraction, which made me annoyed with the story. I enjoyed seeing Pat MacDougal again and even Alexander, although I can't imagine how old he is. Unfortunately they weren't enough to save the story for me.
I quilted for 25 years, so the plot was very interesting to me. It's an intriguing idea that we can stitch bits of ourselves into what we make, and using black magic in the process is certainly a legitimate concern. I was extremely disappointed in the climax, though. It just sort of fizzled out over the course of a few paragraphs and felt very rushed, especially when compared to the other books in this series. I was really let down by it. I feel like the supernatural elements were an afterthought rather than the driving force they were in Ammie, Come Home. I wouldn't recommend this one unless you're like me and absolutely *must* read all the parts of a series. Otherwise stick to Michaels's first two books in this series, and pretty much any of her other books too.
I quilted for 25 years, so the plot was very interesting to me. It's an intriguing idea that we can stitch bits of ourselves into what we make, and using black magic in the process is certainly a legitimate concern. I was extremely disappointed in the climax, though. It just sort of fizzled out over the course of a few paragraphs and felt very rushed, especially when compared to the other books in this series. I was really let down by it. I feel like the supernatural elements were an afterthought rather than the driving force they were in Ammie, Come Home. I wouldn't recommend this one unless you're like me and absolutely *must* read all the parts of a series. Otherwise stick to Michaels's first two books in this series, and pretty much any of her other books too.
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