The Christmas Boutique: An Elm Creek Quilts Novel (The Elm Creek Quilts Series, 21)

The Christmas Boutique by Jennifer Chiaverini is the 21st An Elm Creek Quilts Novel. The Christmas Boutique can be read by those who are new to the series and those who have read each and every book. During the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, we get to catch up with Sylvia, Sarah, Gwen, Diane, Gretchen, Anna, and Mary Beth. Learn all you need to know about Sylvia and how she established the quilting camp with Sarah's help. Find out how Gretchen and Joe came to live at Elm Creek Manor and why Matt McClure is currently away. Mary Beth Callahan and Diane Sonnenberg are neighbors with a contemptuous history. Mary Beth dearly regrets a terrible incident and how it affected her son. Diane wants to find out who turned off the heat in the church hall at the Good Shepherd Church which led to the pipes bursting and does a little investigating. Diane is the one quilter without a finished Christmas quilt to display at the Christmas Boutique and we get to find out why. There are beautiful quilt descriptions that will have you heading to your local fabric store to sign up for classes (or just drool over the fabrics). Anna is whipping up a feast that will have your mouth watering. While I enjoyed catching up with the Elm Creek Quilters, I would have preferred a completely new full-length story (instead of reminiscing with a little bit of story tossed in). I was so disappointed when the author quit writing this series and I was tickled when I saw a new Christmas story was coming out. The Christmas Boutique is well-written with developed characters and a gorgeous locale. I love how the quilters have become a family who are supportive of one other. It is wonderful how they quickly rallied to help such a good cause. My favorite phrase from The Christmas Boutique is "We must have faith that the Lord who loves us will not abandon us." I hope that the author will keep writing new tales for this delightful series especially since we do not know the sex of Sarah's twins. The Christmas Boutique is an upbeat Christmas story with gorgeous quilts, mouthwatering munchies, stacks of snow, faithful friends and Christmas conviviality.