Hattie McGillicuddy might not look like your typical matchmaker, but Hattie makes things happen in the little town of Second Chance, South Dakota. With the arrival of the railroad and official statehood, Hattie’s determined to bring brides west, and not just any brides. Brides who need the wide open prairie as much as the prairie- and the prairie men- need them! Three pioneer stories of unlikely … unlikely love are woven around a little town full of homespun characters that take us back to another place and another time but with the same faith, hope and love we cherish today.
Macy can’t sew a lick, and she’s come to town with a sacrifice and a secret, but when Hattie’s first apprentice is attracted to the pastor of the only church in town—the man raising her illegitimate son— will the truth set her free? Or make her leave the town and her son behind?
Unjustly accused, Nellie comes west to escape the law. She has a way with tucks and gathers, and every Western town could use more tucks and gathers. She’s determined to improve the drab look of the prairie and manages to brighten hearts as well. But will her quick speech and firm ideas of women’s suffrage draw Levi Eichas closer or send the somber carriage maker running?
Grief has robbed Ann Hazel, but when her aunt pushes her to go west and help an ailing Hattie McGillicuddy turn hems, Ann’s shamed into it. She’s managed to avoid life for awhile, but when Sol Eichas’s nanny comes down sick, Ann reluctantly agrees to help. As she winds her way around Sol’s heart and home, can the two troubled souls leave the past behind to embrace a future together?
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The Sewing Sisters’ Society is a collection of three historical romances centered in the town of Second Chance, South Dakota – a town with a name that has great symbolic meaning. Whether writing contemporary or historical, Ruth Logan Herne creates realistic characters who deal with relevant issues that we can all relate to.
The common thread in these stories is Hattie and her sewing shop. I adored this lady with a wisdom to see beyond the surface and a heart for helping or mentoring young women who needed that second chance. There’s a surprising depth in these stories, as I always find in Herne’s writing. Each story can stand alone, but it’s fun to see Second Chance and its people slowly grow and develop. This collection also leads into the full-length novel, A Most Inconvenient Love.
Recommended.
I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
I really love these stories of second chance that so rightfully is about people who live in Second Chance, South Dakota. In each of these three Novellas, the young lady who is the main character comes from such a horrible life that she believes there is no hope for her, and especially no hope for a second chance at love. But what each does not realize is that they have Harriet in their side, of course she can’t help but be in the middle of everyone’s business, but it works for their own good. And Harriet is more than happy that she can use each lady in her store, because she keeps so busy sewing clothes for everyone! And, of course, Harriet already has a young man pick out for each of these ladies!
This is such a fun book to read! Each story is so wonderfully created, with characters that warm your heart in a way that you won’t easily forget them! The little town of Second Chance is sweet and homey, even though everyone does know everyone else’s business. That’s the way it’s suppose to be in small towns right? I felt as though I was right there living the stories! And Ms. Herne creates and describes each scene in such a wonderful way, and in such detail. I love the way she writes each story. And even with Harriet, being the person who makes sure she knows everyone’s business, Ms Herne makes her a character everyone loves! I love the warm homey feeling of these stories! This is a book I will definitely keep, and one I highly recommend! Run out and pick up your copy, or search your favorite online store and read this one for a lot of fun and entertainment!
I received this book from JustReads Tours to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
In this novella collection from Ruth Logan Herne, three women come to Second Chance, South Dakota looking for…well, a second chance. With the support of Hattie McGillicuddy, the matronly owner of the small town’s sewing shop, these women learn to let go of their pasts, reach for their futures, and find love.
These books are Herne’s first historicals and just as excellent and engaging as her contemporaries. If you love children in your books, you can’t go wrong with anything written by Herne. I loved how this collection is set in a time when women were making a stand for their rights, on the cusp of the women’s vote (and consequently, right as South Dakota becomes a state).
Each novella in this collection stands alone so if you want or need to set it aside after finishing one, you won’t be lost when you come back to it (but chances are you’re going to want to keep reading). This collection is also an excellent introduction to the people of Second Chance (and even characters for the future stories, including the full-length A Most Inconvenient Love).
Encouraging, delightful, and filled with hope and healing, The Sewing Sisters’ Society is another winner from Herne.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
“The minute I laid eyes on Second Chance, I knew it was the right place for me, and I was right. A growing town, a growing prairie, and good women coming west to chart their own course.” These words, spoken by Harriet McGillicuddy, explain her decision to create a new life in Second Chance, South Dakota and they also reveal why she wants other women to have the same chance. Harriet is the cornerstone of each of these novellas that feature three different women who are also in need of a second chance. They each have been hurt by life circumstances and they are uncertain what to do next; it is Harriet’s wisdom and her ability to see beyond the surface that eventually helps each of them build a new existence.
Ruth Logan Herne has created some memorable characters and she tells their stories in a down-to-earth manner that is sprinkled with humor. As I read these three novellas in The Sewing Sisters’ Society I was reminded of the wholesome, entertaining television shows during my youth. Some were westerns and some featured the pioneer spirit but all of them emphasized faith, love and family. I now find myself wishing for a television series set in Second Chance, South Dakota. The opening credits would show Harriet McGillicuddy’s Shirt Shop, a place where “fine goods are available by order” but love and advice are available all of the time. Harriet would continue to recruit new sewing assistants and she would remind each one that “I came to Second Chance for just that. A second chance. And a new beginning, a new town, and new friends. And here is where I intend to stay.” Each episode would allow us to learn their special stories and each week redemption and forgiveness would be offered!
If you are a person who enjoys faith-based stories and historical fiction, you will want to read The Sewing Sisters’ Society by Ruth Logan Herne. I thoroughly enjoyed this collection and I would love to read more about Second Chance, South Dakota.
I received a digital copy of this book from JustRead Publicity Tours but I was under no obligation to post a positive review.
Such a sweet collection of novellas! The premise that ties the three stories together is a second chance for each woman of the story at Hattie’s clothing shop in Second Chance, South Dakota. Hattie is an amazing widow with a gift for sewing and business as well as gift of generosity and unconditional love. She, along with the town of Second Chance and some fine men in the town, helps three women find their purpose in life again.
In The Pastor Takes a Wife, Macy comes to Second Chance with a shadowed past and a heavy heart. Will, the widowed pastor of the town, is kind and gentle and patient with a big heart and sees Macy’s kindness and overflowing heart. They have a few obstacles to get past, but Hattie’s strong will to see them together and Will’s daughter Chickie’s innocent match-making hurry along the process.
In Second Chance Christmas, Nellie who has been accused falsely of wrongdoing flees the city and ends up in Second Chance to use her gift of creating beautiful dresses. She’s headstrong and opinionated, but so optimistic and bright and sunny. Levi is the town blacksmith who’s been burned by the fancy stepmother who abandoned him and his three younger sisters and the deceased father who was harsh and cruel. He’s hard-working and loyal but grumpy and short-sighted in joy and life goals. Levi’s transformation is amazing to see and his sisters are quite endearing as well.
In Second Chance at Love, Ann comes to the town broken-hearted and lost after an accident kills her husband and two children. Sol, Levi’s cousin, is also broken-hearted after losing his wife but is determined to make a new life for himself and his two children in Second Chance. Though grief shrouds both of their hearts, they learn to slowly let go of their grief to enjoy the present joy given to them as a gift from God.
If you enjoy well-written historical romance novellas, you will definitely enjoy this collection. I received a copy of the book via JustRead Publicity Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All my comments and opinions are solely my own.
If you are a fan of Little House on the Prairie, you’ll enjoy this book.
I loved this collection of stories about the little town of Second Chance, South Dakota. As I finished the first story, I thought that one would be my favorite. By the time I finished the book, I realized that I loved each story and to pick a favorite would be impossible. Every character in this book is portrayed so well and fits perfectly in their storyline. These stories are heart-tugging. I loved that this book is faith-based and that trusting God was the guideline for each of the storylines. These stories are interesting and I wanted to keep reading to see how each story was resolved. I’m delighted that there are more stories still to come in this series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The Sewing Sisters’ Society is a warm-hearted collection of novellas set in Second Chance, South Dakota. The name of the town is a pretty good hint about the kind of people who make up its population, especially Hattie McGillicuddy who seems to always be on the lookout for someone else to help. She is all about second chances at life.
Books include The Pastor Takes a Wife, Second Chance Christmas, and Second Chance at Love. Each one features a different young woman desperately in need of a home and a job but mostly someone who cares. Hattie manages to work her magic on Macy, Nellie, and Ann with a bit of subtle nudging in the right direction toward the very young men who need them in their lives.
I loved these books, especially the lovable and unique characters. Hattie was a dear who couldn’t help getting involved in other’s lives, but in a good way. No gossip from her! The book contained just the right blend of drama, humor, and romance to make it a perfectly light-hearted read yet was also filled with a wonderful story of faith and redemption. You can’t go wrong with this novella collection!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.