Brief reviews: The Quilter's Apprentice; The Gift of the Magi

The Quilter's Apprentice by Jennifer Chiaverini, AF, c1999, 2004, Playaway audio, 8.5hrs, Narrated by Christina Moore, rating=3.5

"When Sarah and her husband move to Pennsylvania, she takes a position helping Sylvia Compson prepare her estate for sale after the death of her sister. Sylvia is also a master quilter and offers to share the secrets of her creative gifts with the younger quilter. During her lessons, the intricate, varied threads of Sylvia's life begin to emerge." (Goodreads)

If you like homely stories ...quilting, young and old ladies, history, etc. then you'll enjoy this book.  A warm and rich story with interesting quilting tidbits.  Also, Ms Moore did an outstanding job at narrating.  You can distinctly separate the characters unlike some audio actors.  Amazing!

The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry, AF, 1905, 32p, rating=4

"Set in New York at the turn of the century, the story centers on a young couple and the sacrifices each must make in order to buy the other a gift." (Goodreads)

A great example of the power of short stories to move.  This is a marvelous story of love.  A wonderful reminder of the goodness in marriage ... or true lovers in general.

"The Quilter's Kitchen"

by Jennifer Chiaverini, 2008, 202p (large print), rating=3

A novel with recipes...genius!  Unfortunately, the novel part was not that great but the recipes sound divine so she scored an extra point for that.  I would consider this more of a cookbook than a novel ... nice try though Ms Chiaverini!  Anyway, there's really tons of cool recipes in this book.  To name a few...apple strudel, BBQ pork sandwich, biscuits, chocolate zucchini bread, Thai chicken peanut satay, sour cream cake, Jagerschnitzel, Moroccan vegetable stew, white chocolate mousse, panzanella, ratatouille, rosemary rolls, raspberry tart, shoofly pie, vermicelli salad, etc.  Getting hungry!!  I want to learn to make dough for bread and pie so I might start there but dessert sounds more tempting!!

Book's synopsis:

Anna Del Maso's twin passions have converged in her position as head chef at Elm Creek Manor.  A full renovation of the kitchen must be completed by the start of the new season, and she and Sylvia Bergstrom Compson begin to dismantle the old to make way for the new.  Sylvia's reminiscences remind them of how many of the manor's traditions have involved food and celebrations.  Just as there is recipe for every story, there is a story for every recipe.

I must admit I do like that this book reminded me that certain foods can bring back fond memories.  I love food!!  It's no wonder I've got extra jiggle to wiggle!!  :)