"You will find yourself easily engaged in the lives of Hannah and her
extended family, their trials and triumphs in After the Storm. Cary Flanagan
weaves a lovely story of a young woman - a quilter - and her life in rural 19th
century New Hampshire. I particularly enjoyed the way the author told the
story both from the viewpoint of Hannah as a young girl through her diary
writings and from her recollections as an adult looking back on her life.
As a quilter, you will enjoy how quilting forms a backdrop for the story.
As both a quilter and non-quilter will be inspired by Hannah's resilience."
Morna McEver Golletz, Founder/CEO International Assoociation of
Creative Arts Professionals and Creative Arts Business Summit.
"An intimate and authentic glimpse into life in rural
19th century New England. This tender portrayal of love,
loss and resilience and the potential healing power of family,
friends, and community, invite you to ponder the gifts and
challenges of your own ancestry."
Edie Hartshorne, MSW, musician, artist, and author of Light in Blue Shadows
From Amazon:
5.0 out of 5 stars I loved it.
Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2016
Verified Purchase
I just finished the book After The Storm. I got lost in the life of Hannah,
tearing up at her losses and even her joys. At the end of the book, I found
myself wishing the story was longer. Anyone thinking about buying this book,
should just do it. I loved it.
Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2020
Verified Purchase
I loved it
Marianna
5.0 out of 5 stars Heart-warming, informative, great read
Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2016
I have known the author for many years and watched the unfolding of
her quilting novel, After the Storm, with much interest. I was privileged
to read it in manuscript form and she gifted me a copy of her book when it
came out in print. It is beautiful. This book is a winner. Enjoy the read.
Patricia
5.0 out of 5 stars Riveting novel
Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2016
"After the Storm" is a riveting novel written by Cary Flanagan. More than
anything else, the book reminds us of the fragility of the human condition and
one's ability to overcome obstacles and set-backs. This book ended all too quickly
for me as I really enjoyed it. Yet, the characters were fully-developed and the ending
was satisfying. Would highly recommend this as a "good read."
Kathryn LeBlank, Dragonfly's Quilting Design Studio.
Reviewed in the United States, March 19, 2021
Manuscript provided by the author
Cary Flanagan has nurtured a rich and dynamic rendering of little Hannah as
she grows up and finds joy amidst a life of hardship and longing.
After the Storm is a clever telling of a story within a story interwoven with
exhibits of how quilting plays a role in one's life and how it serves to nurture the soul.
I really appreciated the character timeline and author notes at the end that bring
us into the life of both character and author repectively.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
After the Storm, reviewed by Roxana Whitner , The Quilt Pattern Magazine
Reviewed in the United States, January 2017
Imagine the wonder of a quilter today discovering her quilting roots extend over
four generations. Becca Taylor, a contemporary art quilter, has that opportunity.
As a character in Cary Flanagan’s first novel, After the Storm, Becca, quite to her surprise
and delight, receives her great-great grandmother’s treadle sewing machine. In the box,
Becca also finds a personal journal, original quilt block patterns, and a magnificent quilt,
all well-preserved through the years. After the Storm details the story of Hannah Stone,
Becca’s great-great grandmother who lived in the late nineteenth and early twentieth
centuries in rural New Hampshire. Hannah’s life was not an easy one, but she showed
determination and strength through every hardship she faced. To us as quilters, the book
comes to life when Hannah learns to quilt from her aunt and the members of her aunt’s
monthly quilting bee. Flanagan takes her readers inside that circle of women as they teach
Hannah their art and share in her personal story. The story, though fictional, has its roots
in the writings of Flanagan’s own family history and bears a strong resemblance to her
life experiences. After the Storm is a story you don’t want to miss. In addition to being a
writer and pattern designer, Cary Flanagan, much like Hannah, actively participates in a
“very supportive” quilting bee. She is currently working on a sequel to After the Storm.
From Amazon:
P.A Middleton
Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2016
Verified Purchase
Looking at this book as a snapshot of life in a tiny town in the White Mountains of New Hampshire from 1862 through 1906 it is an interesting read. As an added bonus, the main character, Hannah, is a quilter who uses a treadle machine to create her quilts. I was impressed with the grit and fortitude that Hannah and her fellow residents possessed in carving out a life in this mountain environment. The resilience that Hannah had when confronted with storms and fire was outstanding. After completing the novel, it gave me a new appreciation for these early settlers of the White Mountains.
Terri S.
5.0 out of 5 stars Can't wait for a sequel
Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2016
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I got hooked on the story right away, couldn't put it down. A pleasure to read, can't wait for a sequel!
5 out of 5 stars WONDERFUL NOVEL!!!
Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2016
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I am half way through the book and I can't put it down! I can't wait to read the rest of it. I heard there will be a sequel to this book and I am definitely going to read that one as well.
Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2016
Verified Purchase
I really enjoyed the characters & historical accuracy in After the Storm. The storyline was unique & heartwarming.
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