Bookish Journal Update ~ Sew & Tell - 10/12/26

Over the weeks of travel and since our return I logged many hours of reading and listening to books.  I had eight completed books and needed eight blocks.  It as a nice break from the quilting of Lala's Irish Chain quilt.

Before I show off my blocks and offer up my thoughts and reviews, let's take a look at this week's randomly selected Sew & Tell feature.  Melisa at Pinker 'n' Punkin Quilting always has some great seasonal decor and cross-stitch patterns in addition to her quilting projects.  She has a couple houses under construction and a squirrel infestation!  She also shared her progress on Lala's Scrappy Irish Chain.  Be sure to make a visit to her blog to see the other house and squirrel. ;)

I've only had one person join the Quilt Parade so far.  The party was supposed to close October 1 for the opportunity to win a prize.  Thanks and congratulations to Terry! Since I myself am not done quilting I am leaving the party open for a week or so more.  I'll figure out a special something for Terry since she was the only one to meet my original cut-off date.  Remember that only a finished top needs to be linked for the give-away.

Now, back to my Bookish Journal Quilt update... First up was a slow read, The View from the Lighthouse was a light-hearted, Christian fiction mystery.  It was a perfect read for a few minutes before turning out the lights at the end of the day.

The Invention of Wings was our first listen as we set out on the road for our vacation.

A powerful, sweeping novel, inspired by real events, and set in the American Deep South in the nineteenth century, The Invention of Wings evokes a world of shocking contrasts, of beauty and ugliness, of righteous people living daily with cruelty they fail to recognize; and celebrates the power of friendship and sisterhood against all the odds.

I especially enjoyed it because of the mention of quilts and the symbolism used in them.

Before We Were Yours was a repeat listen for me (3rd time).  

Based on one of America’s most notorious real-life scandals—in which Georgia Tann, director of a Memphis-based adoption organization, kidnapped and sold poor children to wealthy families all over the country—Lisa Wingate’s riveting, wrenching, and ultimately uplifting tale reminds us how, even though the paths we take can lead to many places, the heart never forgets where we belong.

I had to answer questions for Dave several times along the way as he was confused about the different names of the children.  I bear in mind that he was focused on the road and he wasn't feeling well with the sinus infection/hurting tooth.  Plus, it was just a lot to absorb and process and the exact reason I listened a second time to begin with.

Betsy Zane is a children's historical fiction that was a good nighty-night read.  In 1782, 13-year-old Betsy Zane’s bored with trying to act like a lady and being cooped up with her great-aunt. Her heart and soul yearn for the freedom of living with her brothers at the family homestead along the Ohio River.

When her great-aunt dies, Betsy leaves Philadelphia and returns to her home in the western wilderness. But it’s not easy for a young lady to find freedom on the frontier. Her brothers, and even a dashing young soldier, have other ideas about ladylike behavior. Little does anyone know that this young lady will soon risk her life in the final battle of the American Revolution.

Every Breath was a repeat listen for me.  Dave and I both enjoy Nicholas Sparks and his romantic stories.  I listened to this one earlier this year.  You can read my thoughts here.  I am a sucker for a happily ever after. 💖

Tallgrass by Sandra Dallas was one I enjoyed after we returned home.  I especially enjoyed this book because it was set in the area/valley that I grew up.  My hometown was even a small part of the story.  

During World War II, a family finds life turned upside-down when the government opens a Japanese internment camp in their small Colorado town. After a young girl is murdered, all eyes turn to the newcomers. Rennie has just turned thirteen, and until this time, life has been predictable and fair. But the winds of change are coming and with them, a shift in her perspective and a discovery of secrets that can destroy even the most sacred things. Part thriller, part historical novel, Tallgrass is a riveting exploration of the darkest—and best—parts of the human heart.

Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan was a charming and entertaining rom-com book telling the story of Dolly Brick, a 39-year-old single mom who returns to her Rhode Island hometown to save her family’s home, only to strike a summer-long fake dating deal with wealthy heir Stewart Whitfield—sparking unexpected bonds amid seaside charm and class divides.

It was strangely familiar to me and then I remembered that I had listened to Nora Goes Off Script in August, also by Monaghan.

Destination Unknown was a young adult book that addresses the tug-of-war that can happen when a soon-to-be HS graduate is reaching for their independence and the parents aren't quite ready to let go.  I had started this book while on the road but turned it off when I heard the narrator and the childish tone that was used for one of the characters.  It was less annoying to me after we returned home. LOL!

As a quick change of pace from outline quilting the 925 two-inch squares in Lala's Irish Chain quilt, I gathered a few scraps from the Safari Quilt kit from Connecting Threads and the brand-new pair of 501 Levi jeans I found at a Goodwill and added a scrappy cuff to add the needed length and a cute fashionable accent.

You can get yourself a 15% discount on your orders from Connecting Threads by using ACTMelvaLovesScraps at checkout.

I've had a long enough break from the sewing machine... I need to get back at it!  But before you go, tell me...

What do you do when you take a break from a big project?

Leave a comment...  I'd love to hear from you!

Keep Piecing,

Melva

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