Carole J. (PianoLady357) reviewed The Pattern Artist (Pattern Artist, Bk 1) on + 157 more book reviews
There's so much that I liked about The Pattern Artist, which opens in 1911 as we follow an immigrant maid from service to employment at Macy's, then eventually the Butterick Pattern Company. The story is rich in historical detail, setting, and characterization. There's also an element of suspense that seems realistic for the times. Not only does the setting come alive, but the era in which the story is set as well. The world of fashion, home sewing, and pattern design was fascinating to me. Difficult to imagine how the hobble skirt fashion trend ever became popular! While I have no ability when it comes to sewing, my grandmother was quite good at it and this story stirs up a lot of precious memories. I vividly recall shopping with her at Macy's in Atlanta for patterns and fabric, later proudly wearing dresses she magically created on her Singer sewing machine. A later era than The Pattern Artist, but sweet nostalgia nonetheless.
It was easy to connect with Annie strong willed, spirited, able to learn from obstacles and wrong decisions and I appreciated that she is realistically flawed. Sean, a salesman at Butterick, is very appealing sensitive, honorable, and wise. One of my favorite characters was Edna, the mother figure so needed by Annie and who just happened to have a strong faith. Annie wasn't much of a believer in the beginning, but we get to journey with her as she matures and grows spiritually.
I enjoyed how some real-life characters and events were included, such as Macy's inspirational owner, Isidor Straus. Molly Brown was also mentioned, a fascinating lady played by Debbie Reynolds in one of my favorite musicals, The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Another character that I was intrigued by is Annie's coworker, Maude, and I hope her story will follow soon.
Spiritual themes are gently woven throughout themes such as seeking God's purpose in our lives, using our God-given talents and abilities. I especially liked how the concepts of physical independence and spiritual dependence were contrasted through Annie's journey.
The Pattern Artist hooked me from the beginning and kept me eager to turn the pages. I'm eager for further development, so I hope there's a sequel.
Recommended.
I was provided a free copy of this book from Barbour Publishing. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
It was easy to connect with Annie strong willed, spirited, able to learn from obstacles and wrong decisions and I appreciated that she is realistically flawed. Sean, a salesman at Butterick, is very appealing sensitive, honorable, and wise. One of my favorite characters was Edna, the mother figure so needed by Annie and who just happened to have a strong faith. Annie wasn't much of a believer in the beginning, but we get to journey with her as she matures and grows spiritually.
I enjoyed how some real-life characters and events were included, such as Macy's inspirational owner, Isidor Straus. Molly Brown was also mentioned, a fascinating lady played by Debbie Reynolds in one of my favorite musicals, The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Another character that I was intrigued by is Annie's coworker, Maude, and I hope her story will follow soon.
Spiritual themes are gently woven throughout themes such as seeking God's purpose in our lives, using our God-given talents and abilities. I especially liked how the concepts of physical independence and spiritual dependence were contrasted through Annie's journey.
The Pattern Artist hooked me from the beginning and kept me eager to turn the pages. I'm eager for further development, so I hope there's a sequel.
Recommended.
I was provided a free copy of this book from Barbour Publishing. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
The Pattern Artist by Nancy Moser shows how one young woman can make her dreams come true. It is 1911 and Annie Wood has traveled to New York City with her employers, Lady Newley and her daughter, Henrietta. Annie is employed as an upper housemaid in the Newley home in Summerfield. Annie has traveled with them to assist the lady's maids, Miss Miller and the younger Miss Dougard. It turns out that neither lady's maid has any sewing ability (I am curious how they ever got their positions). Annie believes that when Miss Miller retires, she will get a promotion to lady's maid. She has been working towards that goal since she joined the Newley household. The group is staying with the Friesen's. Mrs. Friesen is a distant cousin of Viscount Newley. Annie meets Iris and Danny Dalking in the house and they soon become fast friends. One day Danny must run an errand and gets time off for Iris and Annie. Annie gets her first look at Macy's and a sewing machine. When Annie finds out that the lady's maids have been taking credit for her sewing work, she decides to stay in America. Annie, Iris, and Danny sneak away one day from the Friesen's to start pursuing their dreams. Before Annie departs the Friesen household, she gets a little revenge on Oscar Grasston, a footman, who has made her visit unpleasant (he is a letch). Annie has no idea what she has set in motion with this one act. Unfortunately, the threesome get off to a bad start when their money is stolen from them. After spending a night on the street, they wander into the Tuttle's bakery. The Tuttle's take them in, provide them with a place to sleep and employment. Iris gets to look after the Tuttle's five younger children (they have seven children), Danny gets to make deliveries with the wagon (he wanted to work outside), and Annie is put to washing pots (lucky girl). After two days of doing pots, Annie decides to find a job that will utilize her strengths. Annie goes to Macy's and gets a job in the ladies' department. Annie soon excels at helping ladies pick the right fabrics, trims, and patterns. This is just the beginning for Annie.
The Pattern Artist is a well-written Christian novel that will capture and hold the reader's attention. The book is easy to read with a good pace. The Pattern Artist has a strong main character (my favorite type) and a good theme. It teaches us that a person should just be themselves (do not try to be like others). We each have a unique purpose and if we listen close enough, God will guide us. The Pattern Artist has suspense with the Oscar Grasston storyline. It will have you on the edge of your seat. I give The Pattern Artist 4.5 out of 5 stars (I more than liked it). The book is a little heavy on prayer in a few sections, otherwise the religious aspect is light throughout the novel. There is also the requisite romance. The dresses, fabrics, trims and hats described in the book sound beautiful. I liked how the book touched on the Reform Dress Movement. I do not blame women for wanting to discard corsets and hobble skirts (which were impossible to walk in). It was fascinating to find out more about the Butterick company. I had no idea that they had stores for patterns at one time in London, Paris, Berlin and Vienna. If you enjoy historical novels, I hope you will read The Pattern Artist. I look forward to reading books by Nancy Moser in the future.
The Pattern Artist is a well-written Christian novel that will capture and hold the reader's attention. The book is easy to read with a good pace. The Pattern Artist has a strong main character (my favorite type) and a good theme. It teaches us that a person should just be themselves (do not try to be like others). We each have a unique purpose and if we listen close enough, God will guide us. The Pattern Artist has suspense with the Oscar Grasston storyline. It will have you on the edge of your seat. I give The Pattern Artist 4.5 out of 5 stars (I more than liked it). The book is a little heavy on prayer in a few sections, otherwise the religious aspect is light throughout the novel. There is also the requisite romance. The dresses, fabrics, trims and hats described in the book sound beautiful. I liked how the book touched on the Reform Dress Movement. I do not blame women for wanting to discard corsets and hobble skirts (which were impossible to walk in). It was fascinating to find out more about the Butterick company. I had no idea that they had stores for patterns at one time in London, Paris, Berlin and Vienna. If you enjoy historical novels, I hope you will read The Pattern Artist. I look forward to reading books by Nancy Moser in the future.
