By Kathi Macias
New Hope Publishers, 2013
Summary
When her unwed medical student daughter discloses that she is pregnant, Dr. Laura Branson is torn between excitement and fear. Until now, her beliefs and stance on pro-life issues have been more theoretical than personal. When she receives a Christmas gift—a quilt that depicts the life of pioneer Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman doctor in America—she is forced to wrestle with her convictions and examine everything she stands for in light of her faith.
My thoughts
The Doctor's Christmas Quilt is a standalone novel, second in Kathi's quilt series that focuses on various social issues, including racial and pro-life issues. For a story that deals with an unplanned pregnancy, it is a surprisingly sweet, cozy , and somewhat predictable read, also with a clear Gospel message. Yet it seemed realistic as Laura and her daughter struggled with tough decisions about the future, and while the ending is satisfying, everything isn't neatly tied up - nor should it be.
Laura is a character I admired, a doctor who spent her medical career helping the needy by working at a clinic for the poor. Her love for Megan never wavered and their close mother-daughter relationship was a joy to see. Laura's wisdom is shown in her realization that: "Unconditional love doesn't make the problems go away, but it sure helps keep them in proper perspective."
The quilt maker, Jenny, is an adorable character. Jenny begins making a quilt every spring, without knowing who it is for, and finishes in time for Christmas. "I just pray as I stitch, and listen until God tells me what to do with it."
The quilt itself is a major character, telling the story of Elizabeth Blackwell, the first American woman doctor. I found Elizabeth's story remarkable and enjoyed Jenny's sharing of it with Laura and her daughter and the way it ministered to them.
Sometimes a light, inspiring story is just what I need, and I enjoyed the characterization and the way Kathi dealt with some serious issues in this story. I would recommend The Doctor's Christmas Quilt to those who enjoy inspirational fiction.
Kathi
Macias
Kathi Macias has authored nearly 40 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences. She won the 2008 Member of the Year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) and was the 2011 Author of the Year from BooksandAuthors.net. Her novel set in China, Red Ink, was named Golden Scrolls 2011 Novel of the Year and was also a Carol Award Finalist; her October 2012 release, Unexpected Christmas Hero, was named 2012 Book of the Year by BookandAuthors.net. Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband.
Visit kathimacias.com to learn more about Kathi and her writing.
This book was provided by BookFun.org and New Hope Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
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