The Christmas Quilt by Vannetta Clark

The families and friends are so special in The Christmas Quilt by Vannetta Clark. The majority of the trials center around Adam and his wife, Leah. Leah is expecting twins. I had to think what a special gift to arrive in time for Christmas. Leah's pregnancy is not an easy one. Although she would rather have her babies at home, brought into the world by Behlinda, the midwife, who would be helped by Annie this is not what happens. Leah has to make a transition to the Englisch hospital. She does it with not too much trouble.

I liked Leah and Adam.Their world is turned topsy turvy, Yet, they maintain the Fruits of the spirit and their dignity. Neither Leah nor Adam have ever spent time in an Englisch Hospital. Once they arrive in the hospital every day there seems to be something that makes them grateful for the sudden change to the Mercy Hospital in Pennsylvania. For example, there is Doctor Kamal with the big hands who has a wonderful bedside manner. When he touches Leah's stomach to feel for her babies, she feels nothing but a God centered love from a doctor who wants the best for her and the twins. He takes time to share an inspiring story about an African girl.

To make their stay really perfect Annie is allowed to remain in the hospital room with Leah for many days. Annie is allowed many privileges because she was once a nurse at Mercy Hospital. The babies seem to want to come faster than they should so Leah is put on bed rest. Annie tells Leah stories as she continues to work on squares for a boy and girl quilt with strips and hearts. The stories are about kindness, love, patience, etc., The Fruits of the Spirit. Galatians is the book of the Bible from which Annie is doing her Bible study.

I enjoyed the love of family and friends throughout the novel. Knowing what it takes to deliver premature babies will stay with me. It's very important for babies not to come too soon. Although family and friends are very excited to see them, their lungs face crisis if they come too soon along with other developmental issues.

I am glad the author, Vannetta Clark, allowed for the importance of a hospital. To have a midwife and have the babies at home is ideal to some couples. However, unforeseen problems can occur. If these troubles occur, parents must have a backup plan, a hospital with good doctors and nurses.

The Christmas Quilt is reality based. My heart stayed in my mouth worrying about the children, worrying about Adam when he was not with Leah and thinking about Annie who is also expecting. I believe quilt making and exchanging stories about good character traits kept each person centered. Perhaps, even the babies could feel the calmness and love in the air before they were even born. It's just a wonderful heartfelt novel that I hated to end. amazon.com/Vannetta-Chapman

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