The Doctor's Christmas Quilt

by Kathi Macias

Review

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational Parallels

Description

When her unwed medical student daughter discloses that she is pregnant, Dr. Laura Branson is torn between excitement and fear. Until now, her beliefs and stance on pro-life issues have been more theoretical than personal. It isn’t until she receives a Christmas gift—a quilt that depicts the life of pioneer Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman doctor in America—that she is forced to wrestle with her beliefs. What does she really believe, and will she have the courage to stand by her convictions?

This book can be purchased at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com  $11.23

http://www.barnesandnoble.com  $11.23

http://www.christianbook.com  $9.99

http://www.deepershopping.com  $9.74

Biography

Multiple award-winning author Kathi Macias’s nearly 35 books include this “Quilt” series, the award-winning “Freedom” series, and the “Extreme Devotion” novels for New Hope Publishers. Her devotionals reach hundreds of thousands—through the Christian Civic League, Black Christian News, Latino Christian News, Christians in Recovery, and crosswalk.com. The Excellence in Media Angel Award, San Diego Christian Writers Guild fiction awards, Golden Scroll Novel of the Year (Red Ink), Carol Award finalist (Red Ink), 2011 Author of the Year for BooksandAuthors.net, and an international writing contest grand prize are some of her credits. A popular speaker for women’s retreats, conferences, churches, and TV and radio programs, Kathi also loves outreach to prison and homeless ministries, and praying for and aiding the persecuted church globally. A mother and grandmother, Kathi lives with husband, Al, in California.

My Review ~

As a result of the accidental deaths of her husband and young son ten years earlier, Dr. Laura Branson devoted herself to paving the way for her daughter to attend medical school. Those plans may be about to change as Megan comes home from school for a weekend visit and announces that she is pregnant. With strong Christian convictions and dedicated to saving lives Laura and Megan share a strong stand against abortion; however, at Megan's announcement Laura questions her feelings regarding her unwed daughter's pregnancy. Laura had recently begun taking her lunch breaks with an older woman named Jenny, the owner of an antique shop. When Laura asked about a quilt in Jenny's back room Jenny explained that she makes a Christmas quilt every year that she gives to someone special. She prays for inspiration from God regarding who will become the recipient. Jenny explained that her current Christmas quilt is inspired by the story of the first woman doctor, Elizabeth Blackwell. Lunch dates become routine as Jenny shares the details of Dr. Blackwell's life represented in each of the blocks in the quilt, and how they relate to the obstacles she overcame in her life. Through Dr. Blackwell's life story both Laura and Megan are inspired by the history that parallels present issues they both face. This parallel reveals some thought-provoking questions regarding Megan's future as a doctor, and potentially as a single mother.

Author Kathi Macias is a favorite of mine. She has penned stories that have touched me in ways that have confirmed issues in my own life, and this book is no exception. In The Doctor's Christmas Quilt she reveals a rich history lesson that is interwoven with present day issues that make us question our deepest beliefs. The relationship between mother and daughter is done with compassion and realism. Issues of guilt, fear, uncertainty and spiritual concerns are broached with sensitivity and Christian perspectives, with resulting redemption through forgiveness and God's grace. The story of Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell is very educational and blends seamlessly with the issues discussed in this book. As a quilter and mother of a daughter who became pregnant as an unmarried young woman, this story is very dear to my heart. God does bring beauty from ashes as Kathi Macias presents in examples throughout this beautiful and poignant story!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through The Book Club Network's For Readers Only program and New Hope Publishers in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.