Susan Wiggs is another favorite author of mine I began reading when she wrote historical romances. When she began writing contemporary novels,much to my surprise, I discovered I loved those books even more than her historical books. Strong heroines and endearing relationships are a hallmark of her touching novels.
Her recent novel The Goodbye Quilt isn’t a romance, but it is a reflective tale of life after children.
Title: The Goodbye Quilt by Susan Wiggs
Publisher: Mira
Genre: Contemporary, Fiction
Length: 400 pages
Book Rating: A+ and A Recommended Read
Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
Linda Davis’s local fabric shop is a place where women gather to share their creations: quilts commemorating important events in their lives. Wedding quilts, baby quilts, memorial quilts—each is bound tight with dreams, hopes and yearnings.
Now, as her only child readies for college, Linda is torn between excitement for Molly and heartache for herself. Who will she be when she is no longer needed in her role as mom? What will become of her days? Of her marriage?
Mother and daughter decide to share one last adventure together—a cross-country road trip to move Molly into her dorm. As they wend their way through the heart of the country, Linda stitches together the scraps that make up Molly’s young life. And in the quilting of each bit of fabric—the hem of a christening gown, a snippet from a Halloween costume—Linda discovers that the memories of a shared journey can come together in a way that will keep them both warm in the years to come….
The Review:
The Goodbye Quilt by Susan Wiggs is an insightful reflection of life after children have left home. Every piece of fabric in Linda’s quilt leads to memories of Molly’s childhood and leaves Linda Davis contemplating her future with her only child leaving home for college. Is Linda up to the challenges facing her as one chapter in her life’s story ends and another one begins?
Linda Davis is an exceptionally well-developed and vividly life-like character. As a woman whose life has revolved around her only child for the past eighteen years, Linda’s uncertainties about her future are poignant and realistic. Her fears that she and her husband, Dan, have grown apart are natural as she worries about how they will reconnect as a couple instead of as parents. And the greatest question plaguing Linda on her journey? Have she and Dan taught their daughter all she needs to know in order to succeed in life?
The Goodbye Quilt by Susan Wiggs is a touching novel that is thought-provoking and bittersweet. Linda and Molly’s journey brings them closer together as secrets are exposed, and their relationship deepens. Linda’s conversations with Dan reveal their deep and abiding love for one another, and Dan’s unconditional faith in Linda. Ms. Wiggs’ delightful epilogue is the perfect ending for this remarkably authentic book.
For more information, please visit Ms. Wiggs website
This review was originally posted at The Reader’s Roundtable
I remember when this book came out and I couldn’t get myself to read it because it might bring back all kinds of memories for me. Having 4 kids puts a different spin on it for me but I do know what it feels like to wonder if you have taught them enough to send them out in the world. And what do I do with myself now that I am no longer mothering? I’m going through that now and I wonder how to fill the time. that is a work in progress. I think I might put this on my Christmas wish list. Thanks for bringing this book back to my attention.
Eileen, I hope you that you do read it. It is such a great read and I think it might give you a different perspective on life now that parenting is no longer the main focus. If you do read it, I’d LOVE to know what you think of it.