The Lover's Knot: A Someday Quilts Mystery

Finally! A quilting themed novel with a female protagonist who is modern, young and gutsy. The really great thing about this novel is that you do not have to be a quilter to be able to understand as the author takes the time to create an explanation within the dialogue that is neither tedious nor condescending. The story begins with Nell and the devastating news from her fiancé that he's just not ready and wishes to postpone their wedding. Unfortunately for Nell, she's left in a bind now that the plans are off and her apartment is packed and already set to go to the next renter. So, she decides to head up for a break to visit her grandma, a quilt shop owner in a small town. This sets in motion a series of events that include new friendships, danger, lust and murder. All throughout the story, the question remains, "Who did it?" That's perhaps the most wonderful part of all, that the plot is so well thought out that you'll find yourself first suspecting one character, then the next. Who did do it does get resolved in the end. In all, it's a fabulous story, well-written and executed. I thought the twist at the end was perfect and wasn't expecting it at all. I'd definitely recommend this novel to a friend... and I will.

Over the years I have read a number of books related to mystery and quilting. I was delighted to pick this book and find I couldn't put it down. The story is well written, interesting and a fun read. From the beginning I could understand the emotions that Nell was going through and found her Grandsmother's support and wisdom throughout the story inspirational. I enjoyed getting to know the members of the Friday Night Quilt Club. I understand the unique 'thread' that binds a quilting group and found that Ms. O'Donohue captures this in her story. I would and actually do highly recommend this book. I will be looking forward to Nell's next adventure and seeing what will unravel in Archers Rest next! Most of all I'm looking forward to watching the friendships and supports develope between the characters. I will be first in line for the next book Ms. O'Donohue releases! Glad Warren, Sweetlips TN

I read this book in 3 days and dinner was late on the last day. *grins* Definitely 5 stars. I found all the characters -- even the "bad" ones -- likeable, and I enjoyed the way they interacted with each other. I found "meeting" each of the characters fun. Just as in real life, the author allowed the reader to unfold little scraps of information about each character as the story progressed; and by the end of the story I felt that I "knew" each of the main characters. I also liked the way the secondary story was interwoven into the main story, and the way both stories were resolved -- leaving some things to the readers imagination. If you enjoy a light/cozy mystery but aren't a quilter, don't shy away from this book. There is much more here than quilting. The author wove together family relationships, the death of a loved one, broken relationships and how we struggle with the decision to mend them or not, plus a mystery, and yes, some quilting talk. Clare has a writing style that is fresh and welcoming. Every chapter ended on a "turn the page" note -- and usually that's what I did. It was difficult to put down. I hope this lady writes more books. My own desire would be that we move on to new characters, but I know that the publishing world is hung up these days on serials. *Sigh* Personally, serials can become boring unless the characters change and grow. In this case, growing would mean that Grandma Eleanor, Barney the dog, and the members of the Friday night quilting club would advance in age; and given their present ages, it would mean taking the reader through their deaths -- and that's not why I read non-fiction. I read as a diversion from the stress of life and would rather not have to deal with the "emotional" loss of beloved characters; but that's my own personal preference. Still, if the next book continues with these wonderful characters, I'll likely read it -- and keep reading the series until I can't take it anymore.

For a novice quilter like me, The Lover's Knot was a happy discovery. The latest trend in the "cozy" mystery genre is to write a series of books based on a particular career or hobby. There are mystery novels set in the world of knitting, scrapbooking, cross-stitch, bridge and dogwalking, with some of the best of these reviewed at StoryCircle Book Reviews. I love them all, but this was the first quilting mystery I've read. It was a welcome treat. The story begins when Nell Fitzgerald, a young layout artist for a Manhattan publishing house, has her heart broken by a fiancé with cold feet. She heads for the Hudson Valley town of Archer's Rest, New York to seek the comfort of her grandmother, Eleanor, owner of the Someday Quilts shop. The lovers' knot of the title is the pattern on the quilt Eleanor has made for her granddaughter's wedding. In a very short time, Nell falls in love with the town and the art of quilting. Meanwhile, her fiancé Ryan tries to win her back and becomes a suspect in the murder of Marc, a local handyman known for his flirting. A fistfight occurs, a child's paternity is questioned, someone greases the shop stairs with quilter's hand cream and a load of money is found hidden in the shop. The women of the Friday Night Quilt Club, Barney the golden retriever and the handsome widowed police chief round out the cast of characters. (Barney has his own stash of five small quilts with dog fabrics or appliquéd bones lining his bed!)There is enough going on in this story to keep you guessing until the very end. Quilting jargon like UFOs (Unfinished Objects), stash and fat quarter (twenty-two inches by eighteen instead of a quarter yard) are scattered through the book like fabric scraps on a cutting table. O'Donohue is an avid quilter herself and former producer of the HGTV program "Simply Quilts." She's also skillful in piecing together the ordinary things that can make life difficult: mother-daughter clashes, the death of a spouse, and the shaky steps to recovery after rejection by a lover. She cleverly leaves a few of the personal issues unresolved, so that the reader wonders what the main characters are doing after the novel ends. I've read a lot of "cozies." They are the books I'm most likely to pick up at the end of a long day or take with me on vacation. The Lover's Knot went in my travel bag on a recent weekend, and was as much fun to read as I hoped it would be. I look forward to my next visit to Archers Rest and the women of Someday Quilts. by Linda Wisniewski for Story Circle Book Reviews reviewing books by, for, and about women

As an amateur quilter I found myslef longing to be part of a quilting circle. I could connect with the characters and had fun trying to unravel the mystery. All you will need is a rainy day, a cup of tea and you will not put the book down until it was finished. I hope there are more books to follow!