I’m so happy to have Patricia and Stephanie as my guests today! Co-authors of The Friendship Star Quilt, the second book in their series, A Stitching Post Romance. I absolutely love the cover!
FAMILY
It might have been Cinderella’s fault that “stepmother” became paired with the word “wicked” and stepparents in general got a bad rap. Learning to live with a new spouse is a major adjustment, but getting a new parent or child often presents a long, rocky road to family harmony. Still, many couples and their children make it work, and in some cases they find themselves richer for the experience.
Anne Brown longs for a family of her own, but believes she’ll never have one. She’s running from her abusive ex-husband and is afraid of putting Brad and his daughter Angie in danger. She doesn’t want to tie herself to the community she’s grown to love, and where she’s started to feel valued. What she doesn’t realize is that this gentle man offers her greater protection and security than she could ever provide for herself. Family, especially one with close ties like Brad’s, give one strength in rough times.
The Stitching Post Quilt Shop is the setting for the weekly gathering of a group of women who come to sew, but leave with lasting friendships. The first book in the series, The Calico Heart, was nominated for a RONE award for Best Contemporary Book of 2013. Patricia Kiyono and Stephanie Michels are pleased to announce the release of the second book in the series, The Friendship Star Quilt.
Blurb:
Anne Brown loves her job at The Stitching Post Quilt Shop in Grandville, Michigan, but she keeps a suitcase packed so she can leave at a moment’s notice. Living under the radar, she longs for a normal life, but settles for listening to family stories told by the friendly ladies of the quilting club who meet at the shop on Tuesday evenings. When she meets Brad, the handsome band director of an area high school and his adorable daughter, Anne begins to hope for a happily ever after of her own. But someone has far different plans.
Brad Carmichael is juggling the demands of his job as band director at Rivertown High School with trying to be a better father to his daughter. When Brad is late picking Jennie up from a birthday party, the pretty young clerk from the local quilt shop comes to his rescue. Kind-hearted and talented, Anne becomes a vital part of Brad and Jennie’s lives. But her past threatens to destroy their relationship.
About the Authors
Patricia Kiyono retired from public school teaching, and is now an adjunct faculty 
member at Grand Valley State University, where she instructs future teachers. Born in Japan, she lives in southwest Michigan with her husband, not far from their five children and nine grandchildren. In addition to writing, she enjoys sewing, scrapbooking, playing in local bands and orchestras, and taking care of grandchildren.
Stephanie Michels considers herself a “Jill of All Trades.” During her corporate career, she worked as a computer trainer, advertising copywriter, personnel agent, radio DJ, magazine columnist, and a financial planner among other things. She recently left those behind in order to focus on writing full time.
Raised in Michigan, she lived in South Carolina, Missouri, and Germany, before returning to the Mitten State to raise her family. When she isn’t writing, you can usually find her reading or spending time with family, friends, and Beta Sigma Phi sisters.
The Friendship Star Quilt is her second novel with writing partner, Patricia Kiyono.
BUY LINKS:
The Friendship Star Quilt is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords, as well as other ebook outlets.
GIVEAWAY!
Stephanie Michels is giving away a $5 Amazon gift card at each stop of our blog tour to a random commenter. To win, please leave a comment about how important family ties are to you! And to increase your chances, visit author Diane Burton’s blog tomorrow!
