The Oysterville Sewing Circle

A Novel

By: Susan Wiggs

Narrated by: Khristine Hvam

Length: 12 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

The number one New York Times best-selling author brings us her most ambitious and provocative work yet - a searing and timely novel that explores the most volatile issue of our time - domestic violence.

At the break of dawn, Caroline Shelby rolls into Oysterville, Washington, a tiny hamlet at the edge of the raging Pacific.

She’s come home.

Home to a place she thought she’d left forever, home of her heart and memories, but not her future. Ten years ago, Caroline launched a career in the glamorous fashion world of Manhattan. But her success in New York imploded on a wave of scandal and tragedy, forcing her to flee to the only safe place she knows.

And in the backseat of Caroline’s car are two children who were orphaned in a single chilling moment - five-year-old Addie and six-year-old Flick. She’s now their legal guardian - a role she’s not sure she’s ready for.

But the Oysterville she left behind has changed. Her siblings have their own complicated lives and her aging parents are hoping to pass on their thriving seafood restaurant to the next generation. And there’s Will Jensen, a decorated Navy SEAL who’s also returned home after being wounded overseas. Will and Caroline were forever friends as children, with the promise of something more...until he fell in love with Sierra, Caroline’s best friend and the most beautiful girl in town. With her modeling jobs drying up, Sierra, too, is on the cusp of reinventing herself.

Caroline returns to her favorite place: the sewing shop owned by Mrs. Lindy Bloom, the woman who inspired her and taught her to sew. There she discovers that even in an idyllic beach town, there are women living with the deepest of secrets. Thus begins the Oysterville Sewing Circle - where women can join forces to support each other through the troubles they keep hidden.

Yet just as Caroline regains her creativity and fighting spirit, and the children begin to heal from their loss, an unexpected challenge tests her courage and her heart. This time, though, Caroline is not going to run away. She’s going to stand and fight for everything - and everyone - she loves.

This audiobook includes an episode of the Book Club Girl Podcast, featuring an interview with Susan Wiggs about The Oysterville Sewing Circle.

©2019 Susan Wiggs (P)2019 HarperAudio

Great story

The story was excellent but I didn’t like the narrator. She read in a contrite way when there was sadness and annoying ways when it was romantic or tender moments

Awesome read!

Was not sure if I was going to like this but I loved it!

Sweet

Sweet and somewhat predictable book. Easy listen. Good characters and narrator. Enjoyed it. Good beach read.

Here’s to Author, Susan Wiggs!

The Oysterville Sewing Circle is the 6th book I’ve read by Ms. Wiggs. Each book I’ve found to be not only entertainingly crafted, but written thoughtfully, rich with valuable Life considerations on which to reflect. This is no exception!

As I usually do, I read quite a few of other readers’ reviews of The OSC, starting with samplings of the least favorable, and moving up the scale. I appreciate everyone’s thoughts on how they find a particular book. Certainly, in this case, I’m very glad that some of the less favorable reviews didn’t keep me from selecting this book!

I heartily recommend this The Oysterville Sewing Circle! It is a bit darker than some others of hers, necessarily so, as it is a story of a young woman protagonist, talented, driven and dealing in the often cut throat, deeply-seedy-while-glamorous fashion industry, where deadly, ugly usury and cheating can abound — hand-in hand with brilliant artistry. However, The OSC is also a story of other places than the driven confines of NYC: the wild and gorgeous coastlines where the Columbia River pours itself into the Pacific Ocean; the warm, rich and challenging circles of Family and Friends; the depths of the hearts of young people finding and growing into possibilities of Friendship and Love; the soul-strivings of Bravery in the faces of abuse and the meanings of Family and Fealty.

The narration was fine-enough, though I moved the narration speed on my device up to 1.1, as I found Khristine Hvam’s delivery to drag irritatingly for me, without that adjustment.

As always, Susan Wiggs brings romance and beauty and some mysteries to her writings and lushly, simply drawn senses of people and place. So far, I find something to learn, to remember and to ponder in her writings.

I have had a long, rich life and can relate to so much in places, concepts, events and people that Susan Wiggs brings to her stories. For me, this makes for most enjoyable listening.

Instant Motherhood

Following a tragedy, a single woman suddenly becomes mother to two children. It's a heartwarming story which is sure to uplift. Nice listen.

Language

Not necessary to use the “f” word. Otherwise ok did not like the narrators voice.

A bit slow, but hopeful, sweet and promising.

A bit slow, but worth the read. Detailed, Sweet, Hopeful and Promising! A great story of the fashion industry, the talented folks who keep it creatively evolving and the evil that preys. Beautiful detailing of the coast and clam bakes😊

Outstanding!

Addressing a serious, yet often hidden and denied reality of many women, expert writer and story teller Susan Wiggs intertwines the painful truth of women who have been physically, emotionally and sexually abused with the creativity, strength, and love of women and men who are committed to making a difference. A must read!

Fabulous Story Teller

Always wonderful and this doesn’t disappoint! Loved these characters. Enjoy
Ready for the next please.

Empowering and Timely

A fun read! I loved it! It speaks to overcoming the hardships that often befall women in our modern world. It speaks to humble, honesty winning in a tough world. It speaks to women standing up against bullies. It speaks hope. It is a good story!