Acclaim

Parade Magazine Editor's Pick, June 21, 2009

"The Lace Makers of Glenmara is a charming, moving story, written with a delicate touch." -- Joanne Harris

"The Lace Makers of Glenmara is richly peopled and beguilingly charming, but what ultimately makes it so moving is Heather Barbieri's deep understanding that no life is immune from sorrow and difficulty. I read this wonderful novel with enormous pleasure." -- Margot Livesey

"Devastating loss gives way to new life in Heather Barbieri's charming novel The Lace Makers of Glenmara, about a heartbroken American designer who discovers inspiration, comfort, and friendship in an intimate circle of lace makers from a quaint Irish village." -- Parade Magazine

"Barbieri's world generates convincing warmth and emotion, making it worth a look for Friday Night Knitting Club fans between sequels." -- Publishers Weekly

"In her second novel (after Snow in July), Barbieri puts a graceful spin on the theme of a young woman influenced and aided by a group of older female friends. . .. . VERDICT: A delicately handled romantic subplot featuring a somewhat shy and emotionally wounded Irishman named Sullivan rounds out a compelling and charming story line. Readers who have enjoyed the novels of Maeve Binchy and perhaps Rosamunde Pilcher will find this book equally entertaining." -- Library Journal

"Author Heather Barbieri examines with searching intelligence Kate's personal resilience and her quest for creative fulfillment...Barbieri's rendering of the details of lacemaking seems impressively authentic. The novel features insights into human entanglements both current and from the past." -- Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Expect fresh starts, romance, intrigue, sudden tragedy and redemption." -- Sacramento Bee

Deborah Norville Blog, June 22, 2009
Syndication of Sacramento Bee 'Summer Reading List'
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New Jersey Life Magazine, June -- July 2009
Summer Reading Roundup Listing
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"Take a trip to an Irish village in Heather Barbieri's delightful novel The Lace Makers of Glenmara. While healing a broken heart, heroine Kate learns the secret of making lace in this unforgettable tale of love." -- National Examiner

"...Deal[s] with the reinvention of women's lives...At a point in history when so many of us are struggling to make lemonade out of lemons, and in a summer season when a little literary lemonade is just the thing, [Lace Makers] encourage[s] and inspire[s]." -- The Seattle Times

"...she has created an interesting story using exceptional characters and the dynamic backdrop of Glenmara, a traditional town trying to balance old world values with modern practices. Barbieri weaves together stories on life, love, friendship and family to create a multifaceted novel, where personal histories define her characters and influence their decisions. In her affinity for literary patchwork, Barbieri has created an entertaining novel by blending a thoughtful story with a light read, perfect for this summer's vacation." -- BookPage

"There's more than a hint of Maeve Binchy in 'The Lace Makers of Glenmara'..." -- The Irish Voice

"Lace Makers' greatest strength is its prose -- Barbieri unfurls lyricism like the blanket setting for a picnic lunch, inviting you to really sit down and get to know the characters." -- The Hathor Legacy

"Fans of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and The Lace Reader will enjoy this sweet and heartrending novel from Heather Barbieri, whose debut Snow in July was selected as a Book Sense pick and a Glamour magazine "Riveting Read." This multigenerational story of women will also make it a natural choice for book clubs."-- Bookreporter.com
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"An enchanting, romantic tale of friendship and love, loss and redemption..." -- MyBookAddiction.com
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"The Lace Makers of Glenmara literally took my breath away...this book is so much more than an easy 'beach' read, though. Barbieri has crafted a fine tale about loss, friendship, family and the rediscovery of one's own self. This book will move you, make you weep...and give you hope...I highly recommend The Lace Makers of Glenmara for summer beach reading and beyond." -- cpamomva.blogspot.com
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At Home With Books
Q&A With Author
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"What I liked most about this book was the camaraderie and teamwork between the women. Even when they were yelling at each other they still cared for each other...I liked this book a lot. I enjoyed reading about each of the characters and their problems, as well as the dynamic of friendships within the circle of women. I recommend The Lace Makers of Glenmara to anyone who enjoys stories about women's friendships." -- At Home with Books
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"...Plenty of emotional and courageous moments...[Lace Makers] is true to real life and feels like it. The characterizations themselves are excellent, and the author skilfully captures the individuality of each woman while depicting the women as a whole in the form of the Lace Makers Society...plenty of local characters who add color, personality, and yes, humor to the story...The Lace Makers of Glenmara is a warm, poignant narrative that beautifully encompasses change and emotional upheaval in the lives and loves of women and with them, the land itself." -- A Book Blogger's Diary
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"I was hooked instantly...Barbieri stiches together an amazing and interesting tale...I was instantly drawn to the various characters and lost myself in their world quite effortlessly, as if I'd stumbled upon the quaint Irish town myself. [Lace Makers] is a great summer escape without the cost of airfare...it is a fabulous jaunt...The story reminds me of why our friendships as women are very important and how true friendships can withstand whatever life throws at them..." -- CattyWampus Life
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"A wonderful novel...[Lace Makers] drew me in right away...[Barbieri] really makes you feel as if you are right there with the characters. I could perfectly envision the small village, the cliffs, the sea. I enjoyed escaping into this new land every night while reading the book!...This book was such a pleasure to read. i adore books that I can get lost in, that I look forward to reading each night...A book with characters that I am rooting for, that I get attached to, and that I miss when the story ends. This book definitely fits all of those categories for me. I could definitely see women reading this book on a weekend while relaxing on the beach...perfect summer read!" -- Ladybug Soup
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"It's a perfect summertime escape book that will stay with you long after you've finished the last page...Written by an author that's won international recognition for her short novels, Heather Barbieri definitely knows how to tell a story. It's a book about Kate, but it's about much, much more; it's a book about all of us. This was an enchanting...down by the seashore kid of book, although I did imagine myself in the hills of Ireland...sometimes we forget just how lovely novels can be. Heather Barbieri reminded me of that." -- Fractured Toy
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"I finished reading it in two days. It was that good...The author has woven together a great story with believable characters. One of the reasons i devoured the book so quickly is because I actually cared about the characters and wanted to see what happened to them. There is realistic conflict and even more realistic resolutions. I thought it was relevant here because interwoven within the story is the soothing, satisfying nature of needlework and how it can often bring together diverse groups of women (and the occasional man) in a way that nothing else can. I highly recommend this book! Look for it at your local bookstore on July 23, 2009." -- Stitch with Me
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"I finished reading it in two days. It was that good...The author has woven together a great story with believable characters. One of the reasons i devoured the book so quickly is because I actually cared about the characters and wanted to see what happened to them. There is realistic conflict and even more realistic resolutions. I thought it was relevant here because interwoven within the story is the soothing, satisfying nature of needlework and how it can often bring together diverse groups of women (and the occasional man) in a way that nothing else can. I highly recommend this book! Look for it at your local bookstore on July 23, 2009." -- CraneCottage.com
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"A lovely, quiet tale with interesting characters and a beautiful setting that pops off the page. The Lace Makers of Glenmara is delicately woven and consumed quickly." -- 5MinutesForBooks.com
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"This is a great summer read!...I liked getting to know about the personalities of this small town, and found myself cheering some of them, while shaking my head at others...you'll gain more respect for women who toil over bits of handmade lace! I started reading this before bed one night, and found myself carrying it with me over the next few days so I could find out where the story took her...I've already passed my copy on to a friend looking for a good summer read, and she is enjoying it as well." -- sunshineisfree.blogspot.com
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"Just in time for summer...[Lace Makers] hits all the notes...Heather Barbieri shows glimpses of brilliance in her descriptions of the ruggedness of both land and people...perfect for summer trips or lounging on the porch swing. And you'll probably never look at lace the same way again." -- Involuntary Simplicity
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"The story not only remain[ed] light hearted but also touch[ed] on so many deeper themes...I enjoyed the book. I will look for more from this author!" -- Making It Fun
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"I was lost in an Irish village, falling in love, wishing i knew how to make lace...The characters were like my aunts...I knew them, each of them. I hoped for them...It's a fascinating trip. I suggest you purchase your ticket." -- doughmesstic.blogspot.com
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"The story not only remain[ed] light hearted but also touch[ed] on so many deeper themes...I enjoyed the book. I will look for more from this author!" -- happytogetherirish.blogspot.com
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"I opened [Lace Makers] up and read the first 10 pages -- i was totally hooked...I read this book late into the night even though I just knew i'd be exhausted the next day, but I couldn't put it down! This book is a terrific beach read, waiting room read, or even a lazy Saturday afternoon read. If lace or sewing isn't your thing, it doesn't matter. The book is way more than that. It's about relationships, friendships, more. Need a good read? Try The Lace Makers of Glenmara -- you won't be sorry." -- Ladybug Crossing
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"As I started reading [Lace Makers], I knew I was in for a treat...I loved the story and how it evolved through all of the changes that came to the town...I really can't even begin to describe how much I loved the writing...I know that those to whom I will pass this book on will love the escape across the pond to a world that seems much simpler than the lives we're currently attempting to live...And, so, do I recommend this book? Yes." -- Stopdropblog.com
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"A sweet, absorbing story -- pitch -- perfect literary fiction." -- Booksonthecape.com
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Freshfiction.com, June 15, 2009
Feature
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Newreadsblogspot.com, June 15, 2009
Feature
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Greenwich Citizen, June 26 , 2009
Mention, Marion Holmes' Must -- Reads for the Summer
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Syndicated to ConnPost.com:
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