The Wedding Quilt: An Elm Creek Quilts Novel  by Jennifer Chiaverini
Reviewed by: Jennifer S. Roman, Radiantlit.com
Genre: Chick Lit, historical fiction, romance
Publisher: Dutton Adult
Publication Date:  November 11, 2011

The latest installment of the Elm Creek Quilters series, The Wedding Quilt, takes place approximately twenty-five years in the future. In this novel, friends and family from near and far congregate at Elm Creek Manor to share in the happiness of Sarah and Matt’s daughter, Caroline, as she prepares to get married. Rather than spending the majority of the story on the wedding, however, the readers get a chance to “catch up” on some of the guests and their background stories. Readers certainly get to indulge in the fun of a wedding, but they also can answer the question “whatever happened to…” in relation to many key characters throughout the series. In a way, it’s like a reunion we didn’t know we were attending.

At first, the whole story felt disjointed or “missing” something. While Chiaverini makes an effort to indicate that the story takes place twenty-five years in the future, it still feels as though bits and pieces of certain story elements are missing since the previous books. Fortunately, if one gives it the time and attention to continue, the reader will find the stories of various previously-known characters to be interesting and fun. Some tie into local central Pennsylvania history, while others are just fiction.  Best of all, we get to read about a surprise at the wedding: a secret gift Sylvia had set away for each of Sarah’s twins before she died. Of course, the story has a happy ending.

Despite the initial confusion, the book quickly welcomes Elm Creek fans to another installment of the beloved characters. As usual, Chiaverini keeps things clean and family-friendly. Even characters who have disagreements do not demonstrate violence, and there are no sexual undertones or vulgar language. People who love quilting, historical fiction, or even just a good story will be happy with this book. Older teens will be able to read the story without parents worrying about offensive content.

The only shortcoming is that the chapters are very long, so if reading this book before bed, the reader may have to stop in the middle of a chapter. While not terribly upsetting, it does create a bit of frustration for some people who just want to find a good stopping place. Still, the Wedding Quilt provides enough entertainment and stories of friendship to keep its readers happy.

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
Reviewed by Lori Twichell, Radiant Lit
Genre: romance, comedy
Publisher: Dutton Adult
Publication Dates: April 14, 2011

I loved this book. I could rave about this book for hours. Seriously. The writing was brilliant and the storyline was fabulous. I absolutely fell head over heels for the characters and I wanted to know more. The writing completely drew me in and delighted me to no end. I laughed out loud multiple times over and read long passages of this book to my husband. As quiet and reserved as he is in public, even HE couldn’t stop the laughter from exploding out while he was reading parts of the book.

What’s it about? Oh yeah. I guess I should back up and tell you that shouldn’t I? I just wanted to be sure you knew where I was coming from right away. The book is awesome.

Jennifer and Beth work at the same newspaper. They’re also best friends. They share everything together. Unfortunately, they usually use their work email to share it.

Lincoln works at the same newspaper but Jennifer and Beth don’t know him. They’ve never heard of him and they have no clue that Lincoln is tasked daily to read their email. As an internet security expert, it’s Lincoln’s job to make sure that everyone at the company is using their email for a specific purpose: work. Beth and Jennifer use their email for a specific purpose and it’s got little or nothing to do with work. The more Lincoln reads, the less inclined he is to warn them off of using their email even though that’s his job. You see Lincoln has become a silent third partner in their friendship.  He has found himself personally invested in their lives.  And trust me, he knows how absolutely creepy and strange it is. That’s why he’ll never approach either Jennifer or Beth about what’s happening. It just muddles things further when Lincoln realizes that he’s fallen in love with Beth.

Attachments is an absolutely delightful old fashioned love story wrapped up in modern day technology. In fact at one point, one of the characters makes mention of how much easier life was during Jane Austen’s time without technology.

Now I’ll warn you, it’s PG-13. There’s a little bit of language (not from the main characters) and though people talk about sexual things or adult topics, you don’t experience it firsthand.

It’s an absolutely sweet and delightful summer read. It’s firmly planted on my list of favorites from 2011 and I couldn’t more highly recommend it. I loved this book. Go grab a copy today and read one of the best love stories to come along since Jane Austen herself. Trust me!

*Rated PG-13 – they talk about some things that are more adult in nature and there is some language in a few places.

** Review copy provided by the publisher. THANK YOU!