Step into the cozy, quilt-filled world of the East Perry County series, where every stitch unravels a mystery and every small-town secret sparks a new adventure! Written by Ann Hazelwood, this charming series follows Kate Meyer, a widow turned innkeeper, as she navigates life, love, and eerie quilt-related mysteries in the fictional town of Borna, Missouri. With its blend of cozy mystery, romance, and quilting lore, East Perry County invites readers to curl up with a warm story and a touch of suspense.
Perfect for fans of small-town tales and crafting enthusiasts, this series captures the heart of community life while weaving in ghostly vibes and heartfelt connections. Ready to discover why Borna’s quilts hold more than just patterns? Let’s dive in!
How East Perry County Began
Ann Hazelwood, a St. Charles, Missouri native and certified quilt appraiser, poured her lifelong love for quilting into the East Perry County series. After the success of her Colebridge Community series, Hazelwood turned her pen to Borna, a fictional town inspired by the real East Perry County and the historic Wine Country Inn Bed and Breakfast in Frohna, Missouri. The idea sprouted from Hazelwood’s fascination with the inn’s history, particularly the enigmatic story of Dr. Palisch and his wife, Josephine, whose spirit haunts the narrative. Published by C&T Publishing, the series debuted in 2016, offering readers a fresh blend of cozy fiction and quilting culture.
The Heart of East Perry County
The series kicks off with The Forgiving Quilt, where Kate Meyer, reeling from her husband’s death and his hidden secrets, arrives in Borna to renovate and sell a property. A mysterious quilt and terrifying occurrences pull her deeper into the town’s mysteries, testing her courage. In Josephine’s Guest House Quilt, Kate transforms her home into a guesthouse named after the spectral Josephine, but a signature quilt reveals vanishing names, hinting at supernatural forces. Quilt the Town Christmas, the third book, brings holiday cheer and tension as Kate faces property sabotage and romantic dilemmas with suitors Clark and John. Everlasting Quilts deepens the romance and danger, with Kate uncovering quilt-related family secrets while fighting for her life.
Themes of forgiveness, resilience, and community shine through, wrapped in the cozy mystery genre’s comforting embrace. Hazelwood’s vivid portrayal of Borna, with its rolling landscapes and tight-knit residents, grounds the supernatural elements, while her quilting expertise adds authenticity. Each book balances suspense, romance, and small-town charm, making the series a delightful escape for readers who love a good puzzle with a side of heart.
Why East Perry County Resonates
East Perry County has carved a niche among cozy mystery and quilting enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of crafting culture and suspense. Fans praise Hazelwood’s ability to make Borna feel like home, with relatable characters and intricate plots that keep them guessing. Despite some criticism for editing issues, the series’ warmth and creativity shine, earning loyal readers who eagerly follow Kate’s journey. Its focus on quilting as both art and storytelling resonates with crafters, while the universal themes of healing and new beginnings appeal to a broader audience.
The series’ impact lies in its celebration of small-town life and the power of community to overcome challenges. By blending Missouri’s rich cultural backdrop with ghostly intrigue, Hazelwood has created a world that feels both timeless and fresh, inviting readers to explore the magic hidden in everyday moments.
- Publication Years: 2016–2017
- Number of Books: 5
- Setting: Borna, Missouri
- Publisher: C&T Publishing
Grab The Forgiving Quilt and dive into East Perry County’s cozy, mysterious world! Whether you’re a quilter or a mystery lover, Kate Meyer’s adventures promise a heartwarming escape.