The Patchwork Players by Jennifer Chiaverini

 The Patchwork Players

Book Summary

The cast of a smash TV show arrives at a quilter’s retreat for a week of camaraderie and creativity that takes some surprising twists in this heartwarming new installment of Jennifer Chiaverini’s much-beloved Elm Creek Quilts series.

Acclaimed TV actress Julia Merchaud almost can’t believe her good fortune. Her beloved historical drama, A Patchwork Life, revived her career and made stars of several younger actors. But Julia’s happiness turns to dismay when she learns that the hit show will have only one more season. Can she convince everyone to stay just a little longer?

Inspiration comes after a conversation with Summer Sullivan, one of the expert quilters who helped Julia prepare for her role. When Summer confides that Elm Creek Quilt Camp is in financial trouble, Julia concocts a brilliant plan that will help the Elm Creek Quilters and herself.

Julia sets about persuading the cast and crew to join her for what she promises will be a marvelous week at a luxurious nineteenth-century mansion amid the autumnal splendor of central Pennsylvania, a creative and dynamic working vacation they’ll never forget. Secretly, she hopes the bonding experience will convince them to abandon their other plans and sign on for another few seasons. But after several joyful days of quilting and camaraderie, Julia’s scheme takes an unexpected turn. Soon she’ll have to make hard choices about which matters more—career or friendship.

My Thoughts

I have read all The Elm Creek Novels, and I have been looking forward to reading The Patchwork Players by Jennifer Chiaverini.  I found The Patchwork Players to be a letdown.  It is not of the same caliber as the majority of the books in the series.  The majority of the book is spent with Julia Marchaud and the cast of her show in Los Angeles.  I liked the close bond that Julia formed with the other members of the Elm Creek Quilt Camp. Elm Creek Quilters always deliver on a warm and friendly atmosphere, delicious food, and a chance to learn quilting techniques from quilt masters.  

Quilting is not at the forefront of this story, which is disappointing.  The pacing is leisurely and there is quite a bit of repetition.  Some of the repetitive details are reminiscent of details from earlier books.  A plus is that The Patchwork Players can be read as a standalone thanks to those details.  Don’t get me wrong, The Patchwork Players is a good story.  However, It is not what I have come to expect from this author.  

The Patchwork Players can be purchased from Amazon*.  You can find the other novels in The Elm Creek Quilts Series here.  If you follow Jennifer Chiaverini on Amazon, they will notify you when she has a new book release. Other books out today are More Than Friends by Denise Hunter, The Family Tree Murders by Laura Hern, The Lost Story of Via Belle, and Invasive Species by Ellery Adams (this is a departure from the authors usual cozy mysteries).  On Wednesday, April 14, I am sharing my thoughts on  The Lost Story of Via Belle by Melanie Dobson.  I hope that you have a delightful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

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