Interesting story line but I didn't connect with the characters that well. You have Mary, who is studying the growth pattern of tomato seedlings, Aunt Priscilla Dane Osbourne who will try to help both Mary and her nephew Zenus, who owns a textile mill. And Zenus, who is trying to keep himself from caring about Mary, as they both work towards keeping Aunt Priscilla's goodwill. ( )

OK, here's irony for you - I had no idea... none... that this was a historical novel when I picked it up to start reading.

But it quickly became apparent.

In reading the story that unfolded, I realized I was also reading about the period in time when - what is known today as women's lib - came about.

I won't go into all of my own ideas about women's lib here because it really has nothing to do with the book but suffice to day I'm not a huge fan.

I am however a fan of what the main character in this book feels, about women and our ability to do more than some people think we can - and since that is very much what is at the heart of this novel - I will say I am a fan of her!

Gina Welborn expertly captures the essence of this conflict and she accurately shows how it affected individuals during this time period.

I also commend her for how well she shows the emotions of a young British woman and how she would have reacted to the differing temperaments of American women of the age.

I won't say much more because I don't want to give away the outcome of this wonderful story except to say that it is well written and well-worth reading! ( )

Masterpiece Marriage has a wonderful story line, great characters and a lot of ideas that are worth thinking about. The way Zenus and Mary resisted love and how the story played out is very touching.

That Zenus sometimes uses his faith in God as a crutch and that Mary struggles not to hurt again are brought out so well by the author.

I loved the character of Aunt Prisicilla who played a huge role in pushing both of them to discover themselves, heal from their past and acknowledge their feelings for each other.

How Zenus expresses his love by giving Mary the freedom to follow her dreams and yet commiting to her tugs at the heart. ( )

5 stars ***** out of 5
Historical Romance

I was able to identify with Mary right from the start, for though I can sew (just not a fine stitch), I too prefer to be outside getting my hands dirty. Nothing as prestigious as botany, though. This was a fun read, with stereotypes exchanged. A man who works with fabric, a woman who loves botany. And, as with all the books in the QUILTS OF LOVE series, the quilt takes on its own personality. To have included a woman who makes prize winning quilts was pure genius. Gina Wellborn is a new author to me, and I really enjoyed this, from the conflict of both needing completely different things from the same woman (Priscilla Dane Osbourne), within the same time line, to the final reward. There is just enough thrill to the read to keep the reader from being able to put the book down. I recommend it to all readers.

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity Group and Abingdon Press for the opportunity to read this book. I was given it free of charge in exchange for an honest review. A positive critique was not required. The opinions are my own. ( )

Title: Masterpiece Marriage (Quilts of Love Series)
Author: Gina Welborn
Pages: 240
Year: 2014
Publisher: Abingdon Press
The stage for a wonderfully delightful tale is set in May 1891, when we read about Zenus Dane’s textile factory which has been heavily damaged by a flood collapsing the roof. Zenus’s cousin, Sean, comes to view the damage along with letting him know what insurance will and won’t cover. Due to the amount of fabric ruined in spots, Zenus needs a way to recoup some of the financial loss before the bank loan comes due.
Zenus decides to visit his Aunt Priscilla, hoping she will create a unique award winning quilt pattern he can market in his new venture to recoup loss. However, the last time Zenus visited his aunt words were spoken and silence has been the rule from both sides. Now Zenus must swallow his pride to talk to his aunt in person or risk losing his factory. When Zenus goes to see her, he meets his aunt’s neighbor, Mary Varrs, who is quilting with other ladies while Aunt Priscilla works on a task Mary needs within ten days.
Aunt Priscilla is a woman who knows her mind and really runs a tight ship when her ladies are at the quilting bee. As I discovered though there is more to this lady’s heart which will endear Zenus, Mary and readers to this precious soul. Priscilla comes across as a hardnosed older lady, but there is something that happened in her past that no one has ever known before.
One of the best aspects of this book compared to some of the other stories in the series is that this one is focused more on the characters than on a quilt or its history. The social customs of the day were at times quite funny to read about and imagine as well as the interactions between Mary and Zenus. The tale is told during a time in history when women were expected to stay home and not look beyond that realm. So the women’s suffrage movements in both positive and negative impacts are a small point in the book, but something to think about as to how it relates to society then and now. At times, I found myself laughing at the various situations or antics of one of the characters! The only change I would recommend in future books is the ending as it seemed quite abrupt and left a lot unfinished.
My rating is 4 stars.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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