What Brings Us Joy – Book Review

Welcome to the Blog Tour for What Brings Us Joy by Teresa Wells, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

Unless she can finish her quilt in time to enter the county fair. The prize money would be just enough to open her shop. Determined and resourceful, Delia sets her sights on success—until her heart takes an unexpected detour when she meets handsome Clarence Parker.

Bent on respectability, Clarence refuses to let his past get in the way of his future happiness, especially after falling for spirited Delia Truitt. But his hopes shatter when headlines declare members of his former gang have broken out of jail and are heading his way, set on revenge.

Though Clarence doesn’t regret testifying against the outlaws, he fears his future with Delia is in jeopardy. Clarence will protect her from the killers, even if it means risking their future together.

Can Clarence keep her safe? And will Delia love him after she finds out about his past?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

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Book Review

For years, historical fiction was my genre of choice. Lately, however, I’ve been focused on contemporary romance, so it was fun to return to the historical novel What Brings Us Joy for something different.

Turn-of-the-century is my time perios of choice, and What Brings Us Joy falls within there. It was a time of newfangled inventions like bicycles and bloomers while still holding on to the traditional societal expectations.

Though What Brings Us Joy is a new release, it reminds me of the vintage books on my bookshelf. Not only is it set in the late 1800’s, but the writing style, the storyline, and the pacing are all very much like books written during that time. Which is good if you’re a fan of period fiction, not so much if you’re looking for a more modern-feeling, fast-paced, challenging story.

One thing I wasn’t expecting based on the book description is the focus on crazy quilts. Each chapter opens with a quote about crazy quilts. Delia, the heroine, is obsessed with crazy quilts. I’m assuming that’s where the title comes from, as crazy quilting is what what brings her joy (leastwise until she falls in love).

If you’re a seamstress or quilter, you’ll enjoy the fun historical facts sprinkled in as well as the historical look at the fabrics and sewing techniques.

This would also be a good book for younger readers, especially homeschooled teens.

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Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each receive a $25 Amazon gift card, a print copy of What Brings Us Joy, and items related to the book!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 14, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 21, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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About the Author

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.