Title: Scraps of Love

Authors: Tracey V. Bateman, Lena Nelson Dooley, Rhonda Gibson,  

Janet Spaeth

Publisher: Barbour Publishing

ISBN: 1-593-10254-2

Genre: Inspirational/Historical /Romance

 

 

Recycled fabric binds a family together in four novellas

 

"Marry For Love"…Janet Spaeth

 

Husband pickings are slim to none on the Dakota prairie, but then Brigit Streeter knows that no man would want a calloused farmwoman like her anyway. She loves helping her father with the planting and harvesting and riding her horse at breakneck speed across the prairie. Not having grown up with a mother, she knows nothing of cooking, sewing and other womanly things. Then Peter Collins, the new minister, comes to town and, soon after, sets his cap for Brigit. Though her heart dances when Peter is near, she knows she doesn't have the makings to be a minister's wife. But just maybe God has other plans.

 

"Mother's Old Quilt"…Lena Nelson Dooley 

 

Maggie Swenson feels like a tragedy magnet. Everyone she loves has died, even her dog. As penitence for a grievous error that deeply hurt Maggie, John Collins comes over every morning before work to care for her livestock. His heart quickly goes out to the lonely woman, but John's father is a pastor, and John knows he can only give his heart to a woman who loves God. As Maggie repairs an old quilt, her wounded heart begins to heal. It's only when John's parents arrive that she discovers the quilt's significance. Can God patch the raveled fabric of her heart and help her find love too?

 

"The Coat"…Tracey V. Bateman

 

Leah Halliday has already lost her husband to war, now with all the soldiers returning, she's also losing her job. When her son, Collin, tears his coat in a school tussle, Leah's only option is to use an old family quilt to line the inside. When Collin faces teasing from some wealthy bullies at his school, Headmaster Max Reilly steps in. Max's heart goes out to the boy. As Max spends time with Collin, he also gets to know Leah. But is there any chance for a relationship with her when Leah finds out about his scandalous past?

 

"Love of A Lifetime"…Rhonda Gibson

 

Colleen Halliday has inherited a bakery from her grandma; the only problem is: she can't bake. Her teenage friend, Jenny, offers teach her how if Colleen will help her with a scrapbook project she has to do for school. An amiable partnership develops. Postman Adam Walker is delighted that the sister he is raising is working with the pretty baker. It gives him daily opportunities to spend time with Colleen and it’s helping Jenny. When he delivers a box from one of her relatives, Colleen finds a link to her past, and just maybe it will open a door to her future. Is that future with Adam, or will information Colleen discovers tear apart their budding romance?

 

Scraps of Love is a charming anthology of four inspirational romance novellas that tell the story of multi-generations of a family. Each family discovers scraps originating with the first bride's wedding dress, baby clothes, and other garments, and they use them to make something special. A cherished family letter relates the significance of the scraps. Each heroine learns an important lesson as she struggles with the events of her life and seeks love.

 

Scraps of Love is a sweet, enjoyable read. The stories, three historicals and one contemporary, are well written and engaging. The interwoven faith message warms the heart and shows readers that God is always there if one only seeks him. Author Rhonda Gibson does an excellent job with her debut story, "Love of A Lifetime." For a few enchanting hours, escape with Scraps of Love, a captivating story of heroes and heroines who find faith and romance in the midst of their struggles.