Ties That Bind by Marie Bostwick

  

I love this book!  I have enjoyed Marie's Cobbled Court series for awhile, but this one...I feel that this one is the best in the series.   I laughed.  I cried.  There's plenty of quilt talk and quilt making to satisfy my favorite subject.

It was so good that the cats are thanking Marie because they got extra long walks so I could keep listening to the story.  (I listen to audible books while walking standing with the cats during their outdoor time.)

Marie always sets up her stories around two or three characters.  Each chapter is told in first person by one of the main characters.  This one is focused on a main character Margot Matthews and a newcomer Philipa Clarkson.  Both are challenged by ties that bind them to their friends and family.

Margot works and quilts at Cobbled Court.  She is always the voice of reason, filled with kindness, and willing to help others, but she hasn't had much luck in finding love.  This story starts with a breakup with her recent boyfriend, turning 40, and resigning to the fact that she may never have a chance to be a wife or a mother.

Margot's church hires a temporary pastor Philip A. Clarkson while their own pastor heals up after a heart attack.  They are a little surprised to find out they have hired a widowed female pastor Philippa based on a typo.  I was a little worried that the story would become a little too preachy, but Marie did a wonderful job of balancing Philippa's work and life that it was quite comfortable.

I love both women.  They are strong in spirit and even though they are having problems, neither one of them thought twice to put aside their problems to help others.  An even stronger message was their willingness to forgive those who have hurt them in the past.

Happy Quilting and Reading!