Jennifer Chiaverini is the New York Times bestselling author of several acclaimed historical novels and the beloved Elm Creek Quilts series, as well as six collections of quilt patterns inspired by her books.
Her original quilt designs have been featured in Country Woman, Quiltmaker, Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks Volumes 3-5, and Quilt, and her short stories have appeared in Quiltmaker and Quilters Newsletter.
A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the University of Chicago, she lives with her husband and two sons in Madison, Wisconsin.
About her historical fiction, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes, “In addition to simply being fascinating stories, these novels go a long way in capturing the texture of life for women, rich and poor, black and white, in those perilous years.”
Press for Jennifer
- “MRS. LINCOLN’S DRESSMAKER Amplifies Story of Remarkable Woman”
- F&T: Middleton Times Tribune
- Publishers Weekly reviews THE ALOHA QUILT
- “The Editor Recommends” Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker on She Reads
- BookReporter “enjoyed [Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker] immensely and recommend it highly.”
Praise for Jennifer’s Books
Chiaverini’s latest is based on the true story of Elizabeth Keckley, who bought freedom from slavery for herself and her son and went on to become a well-known modiste in Washington. Keckley had a front-row seat to history: she dressed Washington’s A-list, including Jefferson Davis’ wife before they left D.C., and, most intimately, Mary Todd Lincoln. Mrs. Lincoln is mercurial, scheming, extravagant, and troubled, but Elizabeth stands by her as she is lambasted in the press. Elizabeth Keckley is an admirable heroine—successful, self-made, and utterly sympathetic. Readers of the Elm Creek Quilt series who have enjoyed Chiaverini’s narrative jaunts into Civil War and Underground Railroad history will be interested in Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker—and there is even a little bit of quilting in the story. This is also a good choice for readers of Christian historical fiction, as both Elizabeth’s and Mr. Lincoln’s faiths are important elements in shaping their characters.
— Booklist
“An enthralling, insightful historical saga of Nazism resistance…This is an historical novel in the best sense, true to time and events and filled with names even readers only casually conversant with history are likely to recognize…Resistance Women has been described as one of the ‘Best Historical Novels of the Year’ and it is simply unforgettable in illustrating the harrowing story of ordinary people who rise up against evil, demonstrate unparalleled courage and make the ultimate sacrifice.”
— Fran Wood, Jersey’s Best
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