A couple of weeks ago I was contacted by Dutton Publishing to see if I would like to receive an advanced copy of Jennifer Chiaverini's new book, Sonoma Rose, to do a book review. It will be available in bookstores on February 21, 2012. Of course I jumped at the chance.
I have enjoyed Jennifer's books about the Elm Creek quilters, and Sonoma Rose is no exception. This book is historical fiction about Rosa and Lars who were first introduced in The Quilter's Homecoming. Sonoma Rose is a more in depth look at these characters. This story takes place during Prohibition. Rosa's husband, John, is an abusive man, and when she discovers that he is involved in bootlegging she finds an opportunity to take her four children and run away. Two of the children have a mysterious illness, and Rosa along with her true love, Lars are on the run. Rosa, Lars, and the four children head for San Francisco to see a doctor that can find a cure for the children. From there they travel on to Sonoma County where they assume new identities and build a new life.
And....are there quilts in this book? Well, of course. Rosa has a quilt that was her great grandmother's wedding quilt. The pattern in the quilt is called The Road to Triumph Ranch. There is a drawing of the block inside the front cover of the book. Even though I know that Rosa's quilt is made from totally different fabrics, I just couldn't resist making a couple of these blocks in Kaffe Fassett fabrics.
I hope you will pick up a copy of Sonoma Rose and enjoy the story for yourself.
By the way, Jennifer's next book is called The Giving Quilt to be released in October 2012. This book is set in contemporary times as the Elm Creek Quilters have a special week at quilt camp to make quilts for Project Linus. I can't wait for this one.
I hope you are finding some time to do some stitching and reading today!
Thanks for stopping by and thanks to Dutton Publishing for the advanced copy of Sonoma Rose!