The first time I read a book, I read quickly because I can’t wait to find out what happens. Sometimes I reread a book and the second time around, I pay attention to detail. I notice how the author developed plot, described character. I notice what makes the story a good read. This is what just happened when I reread Wishes & Stitches by Rachael Herron.
Herron expertly juggles several characters, giving them distinct personalities, making them feel real. Plot development is smooth, transitions between scenes are perfect and her characters are a good fit with this story and with one another.
Wishes & Stitches contains adult content, which Herron handles tastefully, sometimes with humor and other times with passion as well as compassion between her leading characters.
Quotes from Eliza Carpenter, a fictional Cypress Hollow character, headline each chapter. These quotes make Eliza feel like a real person. In fact, I was beginning to think she was a real person, and then I read Herron’s 12/1/13 blog post.
At the end of Wishes & Stitches there is a pattern for knitting Eliza’s Wedding Shawl (even though I don’t knit, I enjoy the knitting references). I’m still chuckling that I was surprised to see the pattern was designed by Rosemary (Romi) Hill. What? Eliza didn’t create this design and pattern? Oh yes, that’s right! She is fictional even though she seems so very real.
I’m looking forward to reading Eliza’s Home and finding out how the Cypress Hollow yarns began.
Wishes & Stitches is a very good read . . . a Calgon-take-me-away mini-vacation.
