The Oysterville Sewing Circle: A Novel by Susan Wiggs

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

“Stitched together with love, this is a story just waiting for your favorite reading chair. With her signature style and skill, Susan Wiggs delivers an intricate patchwork of old wounds and new beginnings, romance and the healing power of friendship, wrapped in a lovely little community that’s hiding a few secrets of its own.”
— Lisa Wingate, New York Times Bestselling author of Before We Were Yours

The #1 New York Times bestselling author brings us her most ambitious and provocative work yet—a searing and timely novel that explores the most volatile issue of our time—domestic violence.

At the break of dawn, Caroline Shelby rolls into Oysterville, Washington, a tiny hamlet at the edge of the raging Pacific.

She’s come home.

Home to a place she thought she’d left forever, home of her heart and memories, but not her future. Ten years ago, Caroline launched a career in the glamorous fashion world of Manhattan. But her success in New York imploded on a wave of scandal and tragedy, forcing her to flee to the only safe place she knows.

And in the backseat of Caroline’s car are two children who were orphaned in a single chilling moment—five-year-old Addie and six-year-old Flick. She’s now their legal guardian—a role she’s not sure she’s ready for.

But the Oysterville she left behind has changed. Her siblings have their own complicated lives and her aging parents are hoping to pass on their thriving seafood restaurant to the next generation. And there’s Will Jensen, a decorated Navy SEAL who’s also returned home after being wounded overseas. Will and Caroline were forever friends as children, with the promise of something more . . . until he fell in love with Sierra, Caroline’s best friend and the most beautiful girl in town. With her modeling jobs drying up, Sierra, too, is on the cusp of reinventing herself.

Caroline returns to her favorite place: the sewing shop owned by Mrs. Lindy Bloom, the woman who inspired her and taught her to sew. There she discovers that even in an idyllic beach town, there are women living with the deepest of secrets. Thus begins the Oysterville Sewing Circle—where women can join forces to support each other through the troubles they keep hidden.

Yet just as Caroline regains her creativity and fighting spirit, and the children begin to heal from their loss, an unexpected challenge tests her courage and her heart. This time, though, Caroline is not going to run away. She’s going to stand and fight for everything—and everyone—she loves.

my thoughts:

I am HUGE fan of Susan Wiggs' novels - they are simply the best. Heartwarming, relatable, and compelling with a capital "C", Wiggs' books never disappoint. So, I was super excited to get my hands on a copy of her latest, The Oysterville Sewing Circle.  And let me just say, I absolutely LOVED every minute I spent reading this book - it was fantastic!

Caroline left her hometown of Oysterville to become a fashion designer in NY.  Ten years later she is coming back to figure out what to do with her life - turns out NY brought drama, scandal, and tragedy to her doorstep.  So, now she is returning to the one place she's always called home.  Except, life in Oysterville has changed in so many ways.  And, Caroline isn't coming home alone. Nope, she is bringing back two kids with her - children who have been put in her care.  Talk about having to face reality over and over again.

With so much happening in her life, plus, having to deal with past reminders on the daily, Caroline decides to start the Oysterville Sewing Club.  She figures it could be a safe space for women to join together in creating something special and also share with one another their troubles/worries.  Of course, just as life seems to finally be running smoothly for Caroline, life throws an unexpected curveball her way.  Fortunately, this time round, Caroline is ready to face it head on.

And, that is all I will write about this terrific story. Just know that you will LOVE it.  The writing is superb, the characters are unforgettable, and the story itself is unputdownable.  The Oysterville Sewing Circle is about family, friends, love, and community.  Its one book you won't want to miss!

Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: The Oysterville Sewing Circle

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!