A Patchwork Past (Plain Patterns #2) by Leslie Gould

 When wild child Sophie Deiner--the daughter of an Amish bishop--is forced to return to Nappanee, Indiana, quilt-shop owner Jane Berger is one of only a few who welcome her back. It's the last place she wants to be, but Sophie's recent illness requires that she recover for a while.

As Sophie heals, she befriends a group of migrant workers and is appalled to learn of the wretched living conditions they're forced to endure. Sophie begins advocating on their behalf, but soon finds herself opposed by an ex-boyfriend who is the farm foreman.

Jane begins relating the story of an Amish couple who rescued survivors of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, many of whom were Irish immigrants. And Sophie is more convinced than ever that she needs to fight for the powerless. But when digging deeper makes conditions even worse, has she chosen a fight she can't win?

 

About The Author

Leslie Gould is the #1 bestselling and Christy Award-winning author of thirty novels. She received her MFA from Portland State University and teaches writing at Warner Pacific University. Leslie enjoys traveling, hiking, and history. She and her husband, Peter, are the revolving-door parents of four children and two cats. Visit her at http://www.lesliegould.com/.

 

My Review

I read the first book in this series and loved it, this one left me want to leave before I finished. I did finish, and was happy how the book wrapped up, but if I had know it was so political I never would have chosen to read it.

Again, Jane the local historian tells a story, and this is part of the book I did like, we we get to experience the great Chicago fire, and those who helped.

When all is said and done, I like that we are given an epilogue, and know how things turned out.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.