The Patchwork Bride, a fun, engaging novel by Sandra Dallas, takes place in the late 1800’s Texas, Colorado, and Kansas.
Ellen and Ben are nearing the end of a loving and exciting life on their ranch. Their favorite granddaughter June arrives, a runaway bride seeking refuge. As Ellen pieces together a quilt made from squares of old fabric rich with memories, she tells June about Nell, a three-time runaway bride.
Nell travels to Texas to find a husband, hopefully a cowboy. She hires on as a cook on a large ranch and meets Buddy. There is an instant attraction, but a misunderstanding mars her happiness. Nell continues to search for a lasting relationship, but finds complications and disappointment.
In between stories Ellen and her granddaughter talk. June is distraught and feels guilty about abruptly leaving her planned wedding. As the grandmother selects pieces for her quilt, the material reminds her of how life is pieced together by memories, some heartbreaking, some fulfilling.
I enjoyed this entertaining and tender novel, and its stories within the story. The author’s references to places and products of the times are historically correct and interesting, as are the language and mannerisms of the period.