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Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
My Sister’s Quilt by Janet K. Shawgo is a collection of interconnected short stories that use quilts as both objects and narrative bridges. The story centers on two sisters, Lillian and Violet Claridge, whose childhood in an English noble household is shaped by contrasting dreams. Violet longs for stability, home, and family, while Lillian yearns for adventure and life at sea. As adulthood pulls them in different directions, quilting becomes the thread that binds them. Across the collection, quilts appear in homes, on porches, and in moments of transition, marking love among sisters, families, and communities. Each story stands on its own, yet together they form a larger picture of how ordinary people respond to extraordinary circumstances through care, skill, and quiet courage.
Janet Shawgo favors traditional storytelling that lets scenes unfold with attention to detail. The pacing suits the historical settings, giving readers time to grasp the social rules, domestic routines, and emotional stakes of each moment. Dialogue is used effectively to reveal relationships, especially among family members, and the shifts between childhood memories and adulthood are smooth. Readers who enjoy historical fiction grounded in everyday life will appreciate how My Sister’s Quilt focuses on personal choices. The collection will appeal to those interested in women’s history and domestic arts. Shawgo’s approach invites readers to slow down and notice how care, skill, and connection are passed from one generation to the next. She also provides the names of each featured quilt so the patterns can be easily found online.
