The Beginner's Quilt

By: Brunstetter, Wanda E.

A Lifelong Love for Quilting Starts in 1967, Arthur, Illinois

Despite the best efforts of Emma Bontrager's mother, Emma hasn't learned much of anything that will prepare her to be an Amish wife. Therefore, she's sent to Arthur, Illinois, to be taught by her paternal grandmother. Though she would rather be fishing, hiking, or playing baseball, Emma finally listens to her grandmother and even finds she enjoys working on a Tree of Life quilt. Having met a nice young man, she now feels more prepared for marriage. But rumors swirl around his character, and it looks like she'll be returning to Indiana with a broken heart. Even so, her time in Illinois has ignited a new passion for quilting that will last for years.

- A stand-alone prequel to The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club and Half-Stitched, the musical.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0FB1M2LKY
• ISBN13: 9798891511590
• Release Date: March 2026
• Publisher: Barbour Fiction
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Stitched Together With Faith

I was so glad to find out this is a prequel to a series I had previously read as you find out Emma’s backstory and how she came to be a quilter. This can be read as a stand-alone. It was very interesting to see an Amish woman that isn’t interested in cooking and sewing like most other women instead she prefers the outdoors and doesn’t plan to pursue marriage so she doesn’t see the necessity to learn these skills. When she is sent to her grandparents to be under her grandmothers tutelage she discovers abilities she did not know she possessed and her heart becomes tender to love but with a big twist to the storyline you are guessing how anything will be right in her world again. I found these characters very likable and kept turning pages to get to know them better. I loved the beautiful cover and the thoughtful look on Emma’s face and it made me want to look inside to see what her hearts desire was. I was fully invested until I finished and saw the rocker and quilt on the back that summed up the satisfying conclusion. I am always blessed when I finish a book by this author as it is stitched together with faith. I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

The Tree of Life

5 stars, The Tree of Life THE BEGINNER'S QUILT by Wanda Brunstetter It is easy to believe that there are young people in Amish communities that don't lean towards domesticity. They would be stuck with no where to turn. That is what Emma Bontrager is facing, she can't cook or sew. There were always better options than learning homemaking skills. She is sent to Arthur, Illinois to stay with her grandparents and learn these basic skills. She misses her family in Shipshewana, Indiana. She decides to try to learn these quality skills because if she doesn't, she won't be able to marry and raise a family. Emma can't sew or cook, but is intrigued by the quilts in a local quilt shop. She has found her calling. Ivan Yoder works in his father's harness shop and likes to tinker. He likes Emma and wants to marry her. Ivan's reputation suffers a huge blow, and just like that, all of their dreams for a future together are dashed. I enjoyed this book, I binge read it and will read it again, before it gets shelved. Highly recommend. I received a complimentary copy of #TheBeginnersQuilt from #BarbourFiction #BarbourPublishing #WandaEBrunstetter I was under no obligation to post a review. #Inspirational #ChristianFiction #HistoricalFiction #AmishFiction #Amish #Quilting #strongfemaleprotagonist

A sweet story.

Set in 1967 Indiana, The Beginners Quilt transports readers into the life of Emma Bontrager, a young Amish woman who prefers to spend her time fishing and hiking rather than cooking and sewing like most girls in her community. When Emma is sent to spend the summer with her grandparents to learn household skills, she discovers a passion for quilting and bonds with Ivan Yoder, a young man who shares many of her interests. However, the arrival of a new Amish young woman puts Ivan’s reputation—and their budding romance—at risk. This Amish fiction offers a slower-paced, character-driven story that celebrates family, tradition, and personal growth through quilting. Though it can be slightly repetitive at times, it has many sweet moments. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.