Picture a Missouri storyteller who weaves quilts and cozy mysteries into heartwarming tales—meet Ann Hazelwood! A quilter, author, and travel enthusiast, Hazelwood has charmed readers with her unique blend of small-town charm, quilting culture, and intriguing plots. From her bestselling Colebridge Community Series to her leadership at the National Quilt Museum, she’s a literary and cultural gem.
Born and raised in St. Charles, Missouri, Hazelwood’s love for quilting and storytelling has shaped a career that’s as vibrant as the quilts she cherishes. Her novels, steeped in community spirit and mystery, invite readers into worlds where every stitch tells a story.
The Making of Ann Hazelwood
Growing up in St. Charles, Ann Hazelwood was surrounded by the rich history and tight-knit communities of Missouri. Her passion for quilting bloomed early, leading her to own a quilt shop for 30 years and become a certified quilt appraiser. This expertise laid the foundation for her writing, which began with non-fiction travel guides like 100 Things to Do In and Around Historic St. Charles in 2005. Her shift to fiction in 2012 with The Basement Quilt marked the start of a prolific career, blending her quilting knowledge with cozy mysteries.
Hazelwood’s background as a quilt shop owner and her love for Missouri’s landscapes and culture deeply influenced her storytelling. Her ability to capture the warmth of small-town life and the intricacies of quilting communities has made her a beloved figure among readers and quilters alike.
Ann Hazelwood’s Unforgettable Stories
Hazelwood’s novels are a delightful mix of cozy mysteries, romance, and quilting culture, set in vividly drawn communities. Her debut, The Basement Quilt (2012), introduces Anne Brown, a florist navigating family secrets and a mysterious presence while learning to quilt. This launched the seven-book Colebridge Community Series, known for its heartwarming characters and quilt-related mysteries, like The Jane Austen Quilt Club, where quilters channel Austen’s spirit to solve personal and communal challenges.
The East Perry County Series, starting with For the Love of Quilts, follows innkeeper Kate Meyr in Borna, Missouri, as she uncovers mysteries tied to historic quilts. Hazelwood’s Door County Quilts Series, beginning with Quilters of the Door (2020), transports readers to Wisconsin, where artist Claire Stewart finds love and adventure in a quilting club. Her Wine Country Quilt Series adds a dash of Missouri’s scenic wineries to the mix, blending romance and ghostly intrigue.
Hazelwood’s style is light and engaging, with short, accessible novels that prioritize comfort and community over gritty crime. Her use of quilting as a narrative thread—complete with terminology and scenarios quilters adore—sets her apart, making her books a cozy escape for readers seeking relaxation and relatability.
Why Ann Hazelwood Matters
Ann Hazelwood’s impact extends beyond her novels. As a former president of the National Quilt Museum, she elevated quilting as an art form, showcasing her red and white quilt collection and lecturing nationally. Her fiction has carved a niche in cozy mysteries, appealing to quilters and non-quilters alike with its celebration of community, creativity, and resilience. Her travel writing, rooted in Missouri’s charm, has also inspired readers to explore the state’s hidden gems.
Hazelwood’s ability to blend her passions—quilting, writing, and regional pride—has created a legacy of warmth and inspiration. Her free online book club and active engagement with fans further solidify her as a cherished voice in both literary and quilting circles.
- Born: St. Charles, Missouri
- Key Works: Colebridge Community Series, East Perry County Series, Door County Quilts Series, Wine Country Quilt Series
- Notable Role: Former President, National Quilt Museum
- First Novel: The Basement Quilt (2012)
Ready to cozy up with a heartwarming read? Snag The Basement Quilt or Quilters of the Door and dive into Ann Hazelwood’s delightful world of quilts and mysteries!