A Single Thread

The Cobbled Court Series, Book 1

By: Marie Bostwick

Narrated by: Pam Ward, Lorna Raver

Marie Bostwick weaves the unforgettable story of four very different women whose paths cross, changing their lives forever.

It’s a long way from Fort Worth, Texas, to New Bern, Connecticut, yet it only takes a day in the charming Yankee town to make Evelyn Dixon realize she’s found her new home. The abrupt end of her marriage was Evelyn’s wake-up call to get busy chasing her dream of opening a quilt shop. Finding a storefront is easy enough; starting a new life isn’t.

Little does Evelyn imagine it will bring a trio like Abigail Burgess, her niece Liza, and Margot Matthews through her door. Troubled and angry after her mother’s death, Liza threatens to embarrass her aunt Abigail all over town unless she joins her for quilting classes. A victim of downsizing at the peak of her career, Margot hopes an event hosted by the quilt shop could be a great chance to network—and keep from dying of boredom.

As they stitch their unique creations, Evelyn, Abigail, Liza, and Margot form a sisterhood they never sought—but one that they’ll be grateful for when the unexpected provides a poignant reminder of the single thread that binds us all.

©2008 Marie Bostwick Skinner (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"[A] buoyant novel about the value of friendship among women…a tantalizing book club contender.” ( Publishers Weekly)

“[A] pleasant story of friendship, with a message of starting over despite the odds…this comforting book is highly recommended.” ( Library Journal)

The narrator(s) ruined this for me...

It took a minute for me to realize why I couldn't get into this book...it was primarily the "elderly" narrator (there were two: one read in a younger voice-sometimes too young for the character; while the other read for the older women characters in a very old, matronly voice). Her voice didn't help the book at all. It kind of grated on my nerves and I wasn't sure why she felt characterizing 40-50-60 year old women as if they were 100! Her pitch and tone when changing characters was confusing. Also, I wish the author hadn't waited so long to flesh out the characters. I may listen to another book, but I will steer clear of the reader.

Great story of friendship, community and faith!

I don't know how I've managed to miss Marie Bostwick's books!!  Now that I've read the first book in her quilt shop series, I've become a huge fan.  The power of community, friendship, and courage is superbly exemplified in this story about Evelyn and her newfound life and friendships.  

After a painful divorce, Evelyn left Texas and moved to Connecticut , where she gave all her funds and energy to try living her dream life.  Having her own quilt shop has been a dream she put on hold after becoming a wife and mother.  Now the pain of divorce has opened a door for her to truly take charge of her life.  But her dream is having many bumps in the road to success.  Refurbishing an old building is taking so much more time, money and energy than she's anticipated.  When she gets ill, she almost gives up hope of success or even survival.

At the same time, other women in town are having their own problems.  Perfect, popular Abigail is finding that money really can't make for perfect happiness.  Her young niece, whom she's never met, is picked up for shoplifting and becomes Abigail's charge for the next thirteen months.  Never mind that they get along like oil and water, and are finding combining their lives is more than either one can bare.

Through the difficult needs of these three woman and Margot, a women of great faith who definitely needs a job after losing her present one, a charming Irish restaurateur , and Abigail's life long  legal advisor, this story builds on the SINGLE THREAD of friendship.  

Just as various scraps of materials can be color matched , styled and sewn together to create a beautiful quilt, friendships built on necessity, trust, faith, courage, and love can create bonds of friendships that are held together through hardships and successes!  I am definitely planning to read through the rest of the books in these new found treasures of quilt shop stories!

A Healing Story

I truly enjoyed the characters, although all were terribly predictable. I listened intently anticipating the solutions to everyone's problem. It was reminiscent of a bible story or a church play. Everyone had redeeming qualities.

Cute story, a bit predictable

this is an easy read, the english language is simple and the story line is cute, but predictable. A similar book was written, the ladies belonged to a "knitting circle"... so nothing new here. However, the performance was good, easy listening, nothing intellectually challenging, no big words, no major insights... go for it if you want to relax and forget your day :)

Quilters, Sewings, Scrapbookers All Would Enjoy!

Got this after reading the reviews and was on a "special". I recently began quilting (machine) with my Mother and Gma - something I always wanted to do. My dad had a terminal illness so I spent many days over at the parent's house. I guess this "Single Thread" that held our family together (dad & the conversations shared during the marathon sewing sessions) through the tough times and the new experience shared with family, brought a special meaning at this time to me. Would recommend for listening enjoyment and if you have any experiences like I do, maybe a tear or two along the way. Story a little predictable, but let yourself get lost walking on the cobblestones!