Ties That Bind (35 page)

Dear Reading Friend,

It's hard to believe that this is our fifth trip to the fictional village of New Bern! When I was working on the first Cobbled Court Quilts novel,
A Single Thread,
I never imagined that such a thing could happen. And without your support, I know it never would have. Thank you so much.

The wonderful letters and e-mails I receive from readers are so encouraging. Your enthusiasm for this series keeps me going and fills me with the desire to make each book better than the last. I read every message personally, and everyone who writes receives a response. If you'd like to write to me, you can do so by going to my website, www.mariebostwick.com, and sending an e-mail via the contact form, or by mailing a letter to …

Marie Bostwick

P.O. Box 488

Thomaston, CT 06787

The friendship of my readers is such a gift. Sometimes I wish I could reach through the pages of the books and give you a gift right back. That's why, with the publication of nearly every Cobbled Court Quilts novel, I've offered a
free
downloadable quilt pattern to my registered Reading Friends.

My dear friend Deb Tucker, of Studio 180 Design, has come up with a fabulous project to celebrate the release of
Ties That Bind,
a darling baby quilt reminiscent of the quilt that Philippa makes in the story. As a new grandma myself, I can tell you this is a pattern I hope to make many times in the years ahead. (If you're reading this, kids, that was a hint.)

If you're already a registered Reading Friend, you can get this pattern (or any of the three others that are available) by logging in at www.mariebostwick.com. If you're not yet registered on my website, you can do so by clicking on the “Become a Reading Friend” box and submitting your registration information, which I will not share with anyone. Once you're registered, in addition to the free patterns, you'll be entered in the monthly readers' drawing, be able to post on my online forum, and have access to recipes and special content.
The pattern is available only as a computer download and only to registered Reading Friends for their personal use.

In addition to the baby quilt, Deb Tucker has created a full-sized printed pattern of the quilt Margot made for her sister, and has made it available for purchase from her website, www.studio180design.net. I've loved all the companion patterns that Deb designed for my books—including Liza's “Star-Crossed Love” quilt and the “Providence” wall hanging that Tessa made and Madelyn embellished—but this quilt, “Garden Dance,” is my favorite so far. When Deb sent me a photograph of the initial design, I smiled for the rest of the day. It's that beautiful. But don't take my word for it; go over to www.studio180design.net and see for yourself.

Thank you again, my friends, for joining me on another armchair journey to New Bern. I hope you enjoyed the trip as much as I did and that we'll meet again very soon.

Blessings,

Marie Bostwick