Pattern for Romance



Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. -- Psalm 37: 4,5

Honour Metcalf’s quilting needlework is admired by a wealthy customer of the Boston mantua-maker for whom she works. In need of increasing her earnings, she agrees to create an elaborate white work bridal quilt for the dowager’s niece. A beautiful design emerges as she carefully stitches the intricate patterns and she begins to dream of fashioning a wedding quilt of her own.

 When Honour is falsely accused of thievery and finds herself in a perilous position, merchant tailor Joshua Sutton, comes to her aid. Joshua risks his relationships, reputation, and livelihood to prove her innocence but even that might not be enough.

My novel Pattern for Romance is set in pre-revolutionary, British-occupied Boston. I had a timeline, historical maps, and a business directory, which were important as I considered proximity, transportation, and so forth. Famous citizens had the potential to join my cast of characters — providing they had an impact with my storyline. In fact, I may have been called to account if I did not incorporate actual personalities of the time. I appointed the famous Rev. Samuel Cooper of the Brattle Street Church as the hero's minister and friend. He played a pivotal role and knew the goings on about town. Boston newspapers were few and fiercely competitive (I used some of their text verbatim/no copyright!). Loyalist Editor John Mein comes into play and mean he is aptly portrayed. History does not always leave a sterling record of men. But fiction can become a voice of truth under the discretion of a careful writer and sometimes can give an extra salute to those most worthy.

My fascination with early America prompted me to wonder about the earliest forms of quilting in the colonies. I expected to discover beautiful patch-work quilts, but instead learned about whole-cloth quilting. Exquisite designs were stitched into garments such as petticoats, waistcoats, and even gowns. Quilted bedcoverings came later and chose a pivotal time in history before the American Revolution when these quilts were also at the height of popularity.


Book Quotes
“Each stitch was but naught, yet strung together, part of a unique pattern. Her stitches were purposeful, sometimes pleasant and other times tedious, yet, one stitch at a time she pressed on.”      
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Reviews

"I enjoyed this story immensely, the characters found their way into my heart. Especially Honour's younger sister Tempe, she is a delightful child. The story line was great with some surprising twists and turns, of course the exciting ending was superb!"
Theresa Matthews, Overcoming With God

"This is such a good read for anyone. I enjoy how the author pulls you into the story with small details that pull you into the big picture of the story. In the start Honour is accused of theft, of no fault of her own. The author shows how God is for us when others are against us, her faith is tested over and over. I learn so much about quilting and how the little details make a pattern pop. Just like our lives the little things we do can make us or break us. Thanks for a good clean read!!! A must read!" ~ Amazon reviewer

"I read this whole book last night, I couldn't put it down. Carla Olson Gade has packed a lot into her Quilts of Love book, Pattern for Romance. . .Even though this is a fairly light read, it is a great book. Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a quilting needle." ~ Amazon reviewer
"This book totally captured my imagination in a very unique way, and when the intrigue began to be revealed….I couldn’t read fast enough!  Truly, this is a book that contains unexpected and very satisfying surprises.  . . I loved this book!  I loved the characters, I loved the community, I even loved Joshua’s crusty old dad by the end!  Romance abounds right alongside the intrigue, so your heart received quite the workout!  A perfect balance if you ask me."  Kim, Welcome to my World

Pattern for Romance is set in the years just before the American revolution, Gade includes fascinating details into every day life including the political tensions of the time. What a great backdrop for romance! Kav, Best Reads


    
FIRST PAGE SNEAK PEEK! 
Pattern for Romance
Boston, Massachusetts
July 31, 1769

 The crack of musket fire resounded through the clouded sky. Hailstones, the size of goose eggs, pelted the cobbled thoroughfare as people ran for shelter. Thunder clapped and an onslaught of shouts and shrieks echoed nature’s vehement warning. Honour Metcalf sank to her knees in a puddle of quilted petticoats and toile—her mitted hands encased her head, vying for protection against the artillery of hail and confusion.
            “Miss Metcalf, Miss Metcalf . . .”
            A muffled voice reached her ears and she dared peek at the one towering over her. Blue eyes—those eyes—flashed concern, then vanished as a dark cloak enveloped her. Strong arms scooped her up, pressing her against the firm chest of her rescuer.
            Honour could scarcely make out the blur of damaged brick and clapboard as Joshua Sutton’s long strides carried her away in haste. Glazed windows popped and shards of glass
flew as hail continued to wreak havoc on shops and offices. Fallen birds littered the street amidst the frozen ammunition. Lightning flashed and Honour squeezed her eyes shut, willing away the shrill neighs of horses and the cracking of the icy brimstone beneath carriage wheels.
            The pair made their way through a heavy wooden door and into a dimly lit foyer. Mr. Sutton rested Honour upon along bench and stooped beside her. With trembling hands, she pushed back her taffeta calash. The boned collapsible bonnet provided some measure of protection from the torrent, but what would protect her from him?

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