This book reminded me somewhat of Debbie Macomber's Blossom Street series, though Rose's Cottage had quilting stuff as well. I liked how the women all got along though they were all different. I'd like to see a sequel so I can see more of their lives. ( )

Cathy Liggett created a warm and beautiful story of friendship; particularly the positive and uplifting warmth it can provide in times of adversity. Although there is a dash of romance sprinkled throughout, the focus never strays too far from its original intent to show love blossoms in the most unlikeliest of places and it doesn’t have to be ‘romantic’ to be life changing.
The plot line had a good of balance of story woven with Amish customs and dialogue along with the secular which showed that even through differences in spoken words and customs, who we are and the emotional spectrum we live with is the same.

There are three main characters (Jessica, Lydia and Liz) who all face various issues such as becoming a widow, financial troubles, and single parenthood which provides the author a chance to showcase her skills at character development through the myriad of choices they make when tossed into antagonistic situations.

One of the things I liked was that even though there were some obvious spiritual undertones it wasn’t your typical ‘Christian’ book in that the characters face some bad stuff but everything worked out well in the end because they had faith in God. Those stories always irritate me because they make it seem like if you are a Christian then all the bad stuff will work out in your favor because God is like some magic genie. In this story Liggett did a great job showing that, yes they are Christian, but good things only came to them because of hard work, perseverance and helping others. It’s very easy to see how each of them could’ve ended up with completely different, and less desirable outcomes, if they had more self-serving personalities. It was good that she demonstrated more realistic scenarios in her work.

I thought it was the perfect book to read with a group and talk about the impact bonds of friendship has had on their lives. ( )

A lot of friendships begin over tragedy, and the premise of this story is just what happens. I enjoyed the way Leah got her job at Rose’s Knit One Quilt Too Cottage, and that job fell in her lap, along with the new friends, and again with a lot in common, sad in the fact they have lost loved ones.
We also get to enjoy two different cultures that pull together, Amish and the local residents coming together to help one of their own. There is also a bit of romance here, and it comes in different forms to all three of them. Although you don’t know if any of these couple will end up together, or should, we get to enjoy the immersion into their everyday lives.
I got to walk in each of these amazing woman’s shoes, and watch what happened in their daily lives, and cringed at some of the happening. You are going to be chuckling, although I guess it isn’t funny, when we have a meal at Liz’s and her scrumptious meal is ruined, but that in it self is a blessing in disguise.
I would love to be able to continue with theses sisters of choice, and be in Sugarcreek with the people there, except for the banker.
I received this book through Edelweiss and Tyndale House Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )

I did not want to put this book down. I laughed and cried during this book. I loved Lydia , Jessica and Liz. Two Englishers and an Amish woman. They became very good friends once Rose passed away and Lydias husband died. All three women learn to live their lives again in new ways. This is a great book. I received a copy of this book from Tyndale blog network and am giving a review of my own free will. ( )