Stephanie Grace Whitson Books In Order

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Publication Order of Dakota Moons Books

Publication Order of A Garden in Paris Books

Publication Order of Keepsake Legacies Books

Publication Order of Pine Ridge Portraits Books

Publication Order of Prairie Winds Books

Publication Order of The Quilt Chronicles Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Short Story Collections

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Stephanie Grace Whitson is the American author of the Quilt Chronicles series, the Pine Ridge Portraits Series, the Dakota Moons Series, and more. Although she was rejected by publishing houses when she sent her first pitch, she received a better offer soon after the disappointment. Thomas Nelson Publishers decided to publish not one, but three of her books, two of which eventually became best-sellers on the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association list.

Another two novels were among the most pretentious finalists for the Christy Award, and her success does not stop here. In 2012, one of the books in the Quilt Chronicles series, The Shadow of the Quilt precisely won the Romantic Times Magazine’s Reviewer’s Choice Award for the Best Inspirational Romance. Apart from fiction work, she also published “How to Help a Grieving Friend”, which is her first non-fiction book.

The best-selling female author has been living in southern Illinois, Nebraska ever since 1975. She attended Southern Illinois University, where she got her BA in French to become a French teacher and her MA degree in history. It is also the place where she met Bob Whitson, whom she married soon after graduation. When her husband got his first job, they had to move from Arlington Heights to Illinois, where she still lives today. Unfortunately, her husband died of cancer in 2001, which conducted to her remarrying.

Stephanie Grace Whitson is also a religious woman. She grew up in a family who valued Jesus Christ and who regularly went to the Fifteen Street Baptist Church. Consequently, her other three siblings sang in the choir, and her mother was a teacher at children’s Sunday school and Vacation Bible School. However, it was only in college that she had questioned her beliefs and realized that she truly had faith in God, a faith that was not imposed by the environment in which she grew up. At the same time, God tested Stephanie’s family many times. They had to go through illness, financial issues, and even death. And despite enduring so much, neither of them abandoned their faith.

The author found inspiration in the surroundings of her parents’ home, especially the abandoned pioneer cemetery. This background provided her with multiple history lessons that she then passed on to her children. Since she had always enjoyed creating fictional worlds and characters, it was only a matter of time until her stories began to land on the shelves of numerous libraries, one by one.

When she is not writing, Stephanie spends time with her family, reads, delivers wonderful speeches, goes to church, visits the International Quilt Study Center and Museum, and takes long distance rides to Canada or Colorado with her Kitty (Honda Magna motorcycle)

The Quilt Chronicles Series

Whitson published the first book of this best-selling Christian series in 2012, which is entitled “The Key on the Quilt.” It is followed by two other novels, “The Shadow of the Quilt”, and “The Message on the Quilt.” All three books convey the endeavors of three protagonists – Jane, Juliana, and Emilie – to find the peace in their troubled lives. They also offer a multitude of historical facts about the Nebraska plains of the nineteenth century.

The Key on the Quilt

The first book in the Quilt Chronicles Series focuses on Jane Prescott, a young mother who is accused of murdering her abusive husband. Jane is sentenced to ten years behind bars in the Women’s Penitentiary in Lincoln, Nebraska and she is counting the days until she can see her daughter, Rose, again. However, as Jane’s sister has to take care of Rose in her absence, she tells her that her mother is dead.

In the meantime, Max Zimmer is trying to prove that the protagonist is innocent in spite of her feeling hopeless and desolated. Although imprisoned, Jane’s journey begins from the moment she meets the two other main characters, Mamie Dawson and Ellen Sullivan. Mamie is the matron of the prison who wishes to help the wounded women, and Ellen is the prison warden’s wife. Each of the tree female characters has a unique perspective to enlighten the plot. They live a harsh life in the strait of the prison, but they try to help each other out as friends. During the whole process, their faith in God grows stronger as they are trying to understand His plan.

Stephanie Grace Whitson manages to create vivid images of the 19th century Nebraska prison. Backed up by hundreds of research hours, she offers authentic historical approach on the penal system, but also on the Nebraska plains. At the same time, the book emphasizes Jesus’ heart and wisdom that the protagonists follow precisely towards their inner peace.

The Shadow of the Quilt

The second book in the Quilt Chronicles Series follows the drama of Juliana Suttons. Her husband has been cheating on her with another woman, but she cannot even fight with him on this matter as he dies in a local brothel fire soon after she finds out about his affair. In other words, Juliana’s world is turned upside down.

Grieving and suffering upon the recent unfortunate events, the protagonist also has to take on the construction plan of the huge house and keep the reputation of Sterling’s family. When the foreman of her husband’s company, Cass Gregory interferes in the construction of the new home, Juliana remembers something – he was at the brothel with Sterling. Consequently, she knows she cannot trust him at all.

However, as the story evolves, Cass manages to comfort Juliana, and they eventually become close to each other. However, the protagonist also seeks for God’s guidance which will help her deal with her broken inner self, forgive her unfaithful husband and move on with her life once and for all.

Like the previous book in the series, The Shadow of the Quilt provides the reader with insightful historical background of the country in which the characters live. It is a Christian historical romance full of life-changing events, dominant personalities, and complex ideas.

Stephanie Grace Whitson may have exited the writing scene, but her work will remain with us for eternity, and will forever be a constant reminder of how an author should live.

Book Series In Order » Authors » Stephanie Grace Whitson

One Response to “Stephanie Grace Whitson”

1. Karla Suhaskumar: 1 year ago

   I love your books. I almost feel as if I am there. It sure makes me wish I could visit those times and those stories!
   I am a shut in due to my disabilities, your books takes me to people, places and a time I enjoy reading about! so Thank You very much for sharing your stories with us!
   You by far are my favorite author!Thank you again!
   Karla Suhaskumar

   Reply