Title: Stitching a Dream
Author: Ellen Parker
Genre: Historical Romance
Book Blurb:
Prepare for consequences when you love your neighbor.
In 1851, Polly Black arrives in Elm Ridge, Illinois with little more than her sewing skills, her young son, and the persona of a widow. To preserve her reputation, she needs to tread lightly when a recent widower, a powerful man who knows she never married, courts her. A new shop opens across the way, and the owner’s friendly face is a welcome sight for both Polly and her son.
Born and raised in a Pennsylvania Deutsch community, Kurt Tafel moves to Illinois for adventure and an opportunity to run his own cobbler shop. He’s not an immigrant, but is he American enough to act on his feelings for the intelligent and pretty seamstress?
My Review:
Stitching a Dream is a must-read historical romance.
Set in the 1850s in Elm Ridge, Illinois, the story follows Polly Black, a woman with a young son and a secretive past, and Kurt Tafel, newly arrived in town, and born and raised in a Pennsylvania Deutsch community.
Polly is intrigued when her new neighbor, Herr Tafel, arrives. Her young son is equally taken with the man. Though they live just across the street from each other, they are worlds apart culturally. Elm Ridge has a large Deutsch population and not all of the residents are pleased about it. Each feels a spark for the other but custom—and town prejudices—make it inappropriate to express it.
Polly must bear the hostility and rumors about her past. But more than that, her young son must also face these feelings as well. The pain she felt for what her son endured is palpable. And her growth throughout her story is heartening as she learns with some help how to navigate the gossip.
And Kurt? Well, he was the cinnamon roll hero we all wish we knew. His love for Polly’s son is evident and his concern for the woman he barely knows shows up in so many ways.
Ellen Parker not only tells a touching, if forbidden, tale of friendship turned love, but gives us a sweeping and vivid look at life in the 1850s. Her worldbuilding skills are amazing.
While we learn to love both Polly and Kurt, we’re immersed into the town of Elm Ridge as well, meeting the business people who make the town thrive and experiencing the sometimes tense political and social hierarchy. Ms. Parker takes us back nearly 100 years as we face the same fears—fires and scarlet fever being only two of them.
Stitching a Dream will sweep you away to another time and place.
My Rating: 5 stars
Buy it Now:
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stitching-a-dream-ellen-parker/1145602166?ean=2940185904244
Author Biography:
Raised in a household filled with books, it was only natural that Ellen Parker grew into an avid reader. She turned to writing as a second career and enjoys spinning the type of story which appeals to multiple generations. She encourages her readers to share her work with mother or daughter – or both.
Ellen currently lives in St. Louis. When not guiding characters to “happily ever after” she’s apt to be reading, walking in the neighborhood, or tending her tiny garden. You can find her on the web at www.ellen-parker-writes.com and www.facebook.com/ellenparkerwrites.
Social Media Links:
Website: www.ellen-parker-writes.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellen.parker
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eparkerwrites/
Reviewed by: Terry