Patchwork Circle (abridged)

The ladies of the Maintown, Oregon church are all abuzz when they learn of the new and single circuit-riding preacher that will be coming through town. They all decide to inspire their daughters to make a quilt to welcome him, which soon results in a competition between the girls as each tries to out-sew the other. But Zach Hartley is unlike any preacher they've ever seen - he's clumsy in the pulpit and does women's work rather than praying over the sick.

When it comes to quilting, Maggie Newcomb is all thumbs. And nobody rubs it in more than Emma Jean Stoddard. But Maggie swallows her ire for one simple reason: she has a crush on Emma Jean's handsome son, Colby, and doesn't want to ruin her chances. So she works hard to become the best quilter in Maintown. Her plan seems to be working...until Tamara Brennan comes to town.