The Beloved Christmas Quilt is a three generational story written, appropriately by three generations of Brunstetter women: Wanda, Jean and Richelle. Neatly tucked into the story is a beautiful quilt that will bring comfort to three generations of women in the Zook family. The quilt bears a label lovingly embroidered by Dena Zook's mother with the words "For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me." Psalm 31:3 Luella's story is written by celebrated author Wanda Brunstetter. Luella is a sweet, unselfish young woman who is the caregiver for Dena, who is dying from heart disease. True to her unselfish nature she strives to provide loving care to Dena's son Daryl while keeping up with all the meals and household tasks. One day, Dena gives Luella a beautiful heirloom quilt, made by her mother. Dena intended to lovingly pass it along to her own daughter one day. She sees something special in Luella's heart and gives the quilt to her with the promise that she will continue to dare for Daryl and Atlee after she is gone.
After Dena passes, Luella continues to care for Daryl as promised. As her love for the child grows, she begins to have feelings for Atlee. Although she is being pursued by Eugene Lapp, she realizes she is in love with Atlee, Daryl's father who is sixteen years her senior. The age difference seems insurmountable and Luella's parents are at odds to accept Atlee as a suitable husband for their daughter. Does a heart recognize age as an obstacle?
Karen's story, written by Jean Brunstetter, is one that could resonate with any young wife and mother who has moved with her husband far from the family farm. Karen is lost without her parents nearby. She goes through the daily motions of caring for her young family but can't help but feel her life would be so much better if she could convince Seth to move back home to be closer to family.
Seth, working through his own stress on the job feels the added pressure of Karen's unhappiness. His job provides a better income for his family than he could earn back home. Karen and Seth face what seems to be insurmountable differences. As she holds the Beloved Christmas Quilt close, she discovers the verse on the label and it provides her with comfort. Can she take heart in the verse as her mother did before her?
Roseanna's story is written by newcomer Richelle Brunstetter, Jean's daughter and Wanda's granddaughter. Roseanna's story is that of a young woman who is left standing alone at her wedding by her beloved John. Her mother, Karen, wants to pass along the quilt to Roseanna, believing that it could provide a special comfort to her. Roseanna, knowing the history of the quilt, doesn't feel worthy of the quilt since John didn't marry her.
After weeks of staying home, she finally goes to town and runs into Mark, who recently moved back to town. The attention he gives her is a welcome change after John's rejection. After staying with his aunt and uncle to think through his actions, John returned. He tried to explain what prompted him to leave but Roseanna refused to hear him out. But when a tragedy strikes her family will the dashing suitor or the man who truly knows her heart truly be there at her side? Once more the quilt provides comfort that so long ago was stitched into each layer.
Like constant character in the story, a quilt that was a labor of love touched the lives of all who owned. I wonder how many of us have a treasured gift that was passed down through generation. The Beloved Christmas Quilt is a heartwarming book that will make a wonderful addition for your Christmas reading list!
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