Jennifer Chiaverini - An Elm Creek Quilts Sampler

SUMMARY:
Three Complete Novels, The Quilter's Apprentice, Round Robin, and The Cross-Country Quilters, from The New York Times Bestselling Author, Jennifer ChiaveriniHere's where it all began -- the three novels that first made beloved friends of the Elm Creek Quilters, who stepped out of Pennsylvania's idyllic Elm Creek Manor and into the heart of America. The Quilter's Apprentice: Master quilter Sylvia Compson shares the secrets of her creative gifts with her young assistant, Sarah McClure. During their lessons, the intricate, varied threads of Sylvia's life begin to emerge. It is the story of a young wife living through the hardships and agonies of the World War II home front; of a family torn apart by jealously and betrayal; of misunderstanding, loss, and a tragedy that can never be undone. As the bond between them deepens, Sarah resolves to help Sylvia free herself from remembered sorrows and restore her life -- and her home, Elm Creek Manor -- to its former glory. In turn, Sylvia helps Sarah confront her own troubled past. Out of their shared triumph is born a lifelong friendship and a fledgling business called Elm Creek Quilts. Round Robin: To celebrate the beginning of Elm Creek Quilts, Sarah, Sylvia, and their circle of friends name themselves the Elm Creek Quilters. As a gift to Sylvia, the others have begun a round robin -- a quilt created by sewing concentric patchwork to a central block as it is passed around a sewing circle. As each woman makes her creative contribution, she adds her story to the history of Elm Creek Manor. Resplendent in green, blue, and gold, the quilt serves as a symbol of the complex, lasting ties that unify mothers and daughters, sisters and friends. As they stitch together the sometimes harmonious -- often discordant -- scraps of their crazy-quilt lives, the Elm Creek Quilters learn that friendship is a most precious gift and that even in the darkest of times, love illuminates the way home. The Cross-Country Quilters: Five women arrive at Elm Creek Manor, hoping to find in their quilting lessons an escape from the problems they have left at home. This far-flung group becomes fast friends who pledge to complete a "challenge quilt" -- symbolic of each woman's personal goals -- in one year's time. Although the Cross-Country Quilters share a common creative goal, as the year goes by, their bonds are tested by the demands of daily life. But despite differences in age, race, and background, the friends' love for quilting and affection for one another unite them in a patchwork of caring and acceptance. The quilt they make reminds them of an everlasting truth -- friends may be separated by great distance, yet the strength of their bond can transcend any obstacle. "Endearing characters and pleasant vignettes render this series as charming and cozy as a favorite blanket," said Publishers Weekly of the Elm Creek Quilts books. Jennifer Chiaverini is at her heartwarming best in these three novels that launched a bestselling phenomenon.

Simon & Schuster
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New York, NY 10020

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

The Quilters Apprentice copyright 1999 by Jennifer Chiaverini

Round Robin copyright 2000 by Jennifer Chiaverini

The Cross-Country Quilters copyright 2001 by Jennifer Chiaverini

All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.

First Simon & Schuster edition 2003

SIMON & SCHUSTER and colophon are registered trademarks of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

For information regarding special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact Simon & Schuster Special Sales at 1-800-456-6798 or business@simonandschuster.com

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Chiaverini, Jennifer.

An Elm Creek quilts sampler : the first three novels in the popular series / Jennifer Chiaverini.

p.cm.

Contents: The quilters apprenticeRound robinThe cross-country quilters.

1. Domestic fiction, American. 2. Compson, Sylvia (Fictitious character)Fiction. 3. Female friendshipFiction. 4. QuiltmakersFiction. 5. QuiltingFiction. I. Chiaverini, Jennifer. Quilters apprentice. II. Chiaverini,Jennifer. Round robin. III. Chiaverini, Jennifer. Cross-country quilters. IV. Title.

PS3553.H473A6 2003 813.54dc22 2003059192

eISBN 978-1-43910-668-6

These titles were originally published individually by Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Plan of Elm Creek Manor by Nic Neidenbach

Contents

Elm Creek Manor

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I am deeply grateful to the many people who have made this book possible:

My editor, Laurie Chittenden, for opening her heart to this story and helping to make it even better; and my agent, Maria Massie, for her help and advice.

The members of QuiltNet, for their friendship and generosity.

My teachers, especially Percival Everett and James Walton, who told me I could do this.

The members of the Internet Writing Workshop, especially Lani Kraus, list owner, who supervises a wonderful forum for aspiring writers; Dave Swinford, administrator of the novels list and one of the nicest people on the net; Jody Ewing, for her kindness; and Candace Byers, Warren Richardson, and Lesli Richardson for their critiques.

My friend Christine Johnson, who read every chapter and never failed to encourage me when I needed it most.

Geraldine, Nic, and Heather Neidenbach; Virginia and Edward Riechman; and Leonard and Marlene Chiaverini, for their love and support.

And most of all, to my husband, Marty, for everything.

For Geraldine Neidenbach and Martin Chiaverini with all my love

One

S arah leaned against the brick wall and tried to look comfortable, hoping no one walking by would notice her or wonder why she was standing around in a suit on such a hot day. She shaded her eyes with her hand and scanned the street for Matts trucktheir truckbut she didnt expect to see it. He wasnt late; she was early. This interview had been her shortest one yet.

A drop of perspiration trickled down between her shoulder blades to the small of her back where her silk blouse was tucked into her navy skirt. She removed her suit jacket and folded it over her arm, but she knew she wouldnt feel comfortable until she was back in her customary T-shirt and shorts. A barrette held her hair away from her face, and the back of her neck sweltered beneath the thick, brown waves. The people who slowly passed on their way to jobs, shopping, or summer classes at nearby Waterford College looked as uncomfortable and as drained by the humidity as Sarah felt. In a few months, she knew, shed be griping about the snow like everyone else in central Pennsylvania, but today she longed for autumn.