#ThrowbackThursday – author Jodie Bailey – Book Review

Renee began the Throwback Thursday meme on her blog, “It’s Book Talk“ to share some of her old favorites as well as sharing books published over a year ago. Sounded like a good reason to join! I’ll be going back over some of my oldies but goodies posted on Goodreads awhile ago, my favorite authors, and some of my favorite stories from authors you might not have previously experienced. Hopefully, you’ll find either a story or author that interests you and you’ll check them out. And, if you’d like to join the fun, you’re welcome to use Renee’s pic (see her website). Just provide the link back to her please).

This week I am highlighting Jodie Bailey, another terrific, prolific author who wrote Quilted by Christmas, which was reviewed on Goodreads. She has actually written a number of books and participated in this series, Quilts of Love, this being the twenty-second in the series. This novel was published by Abingdon Press. She consistently runs approximately 4.5 stars for any of her books sold on Amazon. 

Originally posted September 5, 2014.

Book Blurb:

Taryn McKenna believes she’s easy to forget. Abandoned by her parents and left behind when her high school sweetheart joined the army, she vows to never love again and throws herself into her love for the outdoors and the pursuit of a college degree—something no one else in her family has ever accomplished. Her goal, as a young teacher in the hills of North Carolina, is to leave a legacy in the lives of the middle-schoolers she teaches. When Taryn’s grandmother Jemma, the only other person who ever held her close, has a heart attack that reveals a fatal medical condition, Taryn is corralled into helping Grandma work on a final project—an Irish chain quilt that tells the story of her history and the love Jemma knows is out there for Taryn. As the pieces of the quilt come together, Taryn begins to see her value. Can she learn to believe that God will never leave her behind even though others have?

My Review:

So nice I can confidently read a book without the worry of running into F bombs and constant expletives used as everything from adjectives to adverbs. And as any regular reader of this blog is aware, I tend to more mystery, thriller and suspense than romance. This was my one romance book of the year.

Loved the concept of the idea–a quilt by Christmas–a charming legacy to contemplate (and one my husband’s mother bequeathed to her children and grandchildren for years before her death). I’m sure I tried for this Giveaway on Goodreads because I loved the cover.

This is more of a familiar old-time love story with a time-honored plot that gets to end happily ever after then we have read in some time. I became a fan of Justin early on, but became a little tired of Taryn’s constant wringing of hands as she anguished ad-nauseum about her “secret” and how to handle it with Justin. With her background of rejection, one could understand her lack of confidence and reluctance to place herself in a position of possible rejection again. However, she had found a measure of success in less emotional avenues (teaching). I loved the character of Grandma Jemma. Both the engaging characters and the hometown North Carolina atmosphere weave a tight visual and emotional plot.

I really liked the quilt theme (and the wonderful promo card that I received along with the winning book), but missed seeing in the book an explanation of an “Irish chain quilt.” Loved the cover anyway and on the whole, found it an enjoyable and quick read.

I got this book as a Goodreads Giveaway and highly recommend as a sweet, clean change of pace.

About the Author: (From Amazon Author page)

 Jodie Bailey is the CBA Best-selling author of novels about freedom and the heroes who fight for it. Her second novel, Crossfire, was a RT Reviewers’ Choice Award winner and her contemporary romance Quilted by Christmas received the Selah Award and spent two months on the CBA Bestseller List. Jodie is also a public speaker and teacher who packs her novels with the knowledge she’s gained as an Army wife.

Jodie Bailey grew up in Eastern North Carolina, where she developed a love for golden sand and the Atlantic Ocean. She started writing stories as soon as she learned how to put sentences together, and spent her childhood and teen years making her best friends’ dreams come true on paper.

In college, she met the love of her life—a soldier who rides a Harley and jumps out of airplanes for fun. This prompted a whole lot of moving from place to place, and she had no idea how much those moves would work their way into her stories. For ten years, she pursued her second love, teaching. Now a full-time writer, she still teaches part-time because the kids keep her young and, every once in awhile, she needs some time away from the imaginary characters. Jodie currently lives in North Carolina with her husband, her daughter, and two dogs who think they rule the world. Series website here.

More Throwback Thursday Blogs

Renee at Its Book Talk

Jill at Jill’s Book Cafe

Rebecca at The Book Whisperer

Lynn at Fictionophile

Sam at Clues and Reviews

Holly B at Dressedtoread

Deanna at DeesRadReads and Reviews

Amanda at Literary Weaponry

Annie at The Misstery

Mischenko at Read Rant Rock and Roll

Laurie at Cozy Nook Books

Ann Marie at LItWitWineDine

©2018 V Williams