Nell used her talent to bring out the inner beauty of her clients. In what ways do you think this stemmed from her own need to feel worthy? Do you struggle with imperfections that affect your self-image? Name three positive qualities that you have.
Acknowledgments
Confession time. Writing about an era that wasn’t part of my life experience scared me clear to the bone. However, like leaps of faith often are, once I’d committed to this book, people and events began to intersect my life bringing vision, passion, and an abundance of ideas. I fell in love with the Roaring Twenties—the turbulent, glorious Jazz Age! To God be all glory for seeing me through and confirming once again that all things are possible through him.
Special thanks to Sandra Bishop for her ready inspiration and steady hand on my writing career. I wouldn’t dream of navigating these waters without you.
To Christina Boys for helping me find the heart of this story and for your patience when I faltered, thank you. You are phenomenal! Virginia Hensley, you’re a gem! Thanks for tending so many details and answering all my questions. JuLee Brand and the cover art team: all I can say is “Wow!” The Hatmaker’s Heart is lovely beyond words. My gratitude extends to all of the FaithWords team: Harry, Laini, Shanon, Erica, and the editorial, sales, and production staff. It truly does take a village. A special mention to Sarah Reck for sharing your creative soul and enthusiasm. We can split a pizza any time.
This journey wouldn’t be possible without my fellow authors who freely share hugs, inspiration, advice, prayers, and wisdom. Thank you Myra Johnson, Camille Eide, Courtney Walsh, Lisa Wingate, Sarah Sundin, Anne Mateer, Julie Cantrell, Jolina Petersheim, Judy Christie, Shellie Tomlinson, Kim Vogel Sawyer, Lynne Gentry, Missy Buchanan, Joanne Bischoff, Kellie Gilbert, Carrie Turansky, Julie Garmon, Marybeth Whalen, and Kathy Murphy (and all of the Pulpwood Queens!). You enrich my life beyond measure.
For Max, who indulges me with research trips and never grumbles when deadlines and promotion duties come around. You have my thanks, my love, and my heart.
Kids, grands, my dear sisters, and my dad—your support and inspiration are unwavering and so much more than I deserve. Thank you.
Dear, dear readers. My heart is filled with gratitude for you. Thank you for journeying into a different era with me in The Hatmaker’s Heart. May your own leaps of faith bring joy, courage, and belief in the impossible. I tip my hat to you.
Heartfelt Fiction from Carla Stewart
Sweet Dreams
Stardust
Broken Wings
Chasing Lilacs
Available from FaithWords wherever books are sold.
Praise for The Hatmaker’s Heart
“Fans of Carla Stewart’s work won’t be disappointed with this Jazz Age tale. With lush sensory details, Stewart brings us deep into this historical setting…Readers will savor the sweet escape.”
—Julie Cantrell, New York Times bestselling author of
When Mountains Move
“Carla Stewart captures this time period with amazing accuracy…When choosing ‘never-to-be-missed’ writers, put Carla Stewart at the top of your list.”
—Kim Vogel Sawyer, bestselling author of What Once Was Lost
“Deep and delightful! Carla Stewart’s beautiful language, intriguing characters, and thought-provoking story are treats to savor. I loved this book!”
—Sarah Sundin, award-winning author of On Distant Shores
“Set amidst the glamour of 1920s fashion, Carla Stewart has woven together a classy and sweet tale of love and new beginnings. The Hatmaker’s Heart is a standout of its kind.”
—Joanne Bischof, award-winning author of The Cadence of Grace series
“Fans of the Jazz Age will cheer Nell’s journey and treasure this richly rendered taste of the Roaring Twenties.”
—Lisa Wingate, national bestselling author of The Prayer Box
“The Hatmaker’s Heart contains love, betrayal, and family secrets—all the elements that delight fans of Downton Abbey.”
—Kellie Coates Gilbert, author of Mother of Pearl
“Bestselling author Carla Stewart employs exquisite detail and charming characters…I cannot wait to read the next one she has in store!”
—Jolina Petersheim, bestselling author of The Outcast
“I was swept away by the story…readers will love this wonderful new novel from this very gifted author!”
—Carrie Turansky, author of The Governess of Highland Hall
“The Hatmaker’s Heart draws you back in time and will make you want to bob your hair and don a cloche hat.”
—Lynne Gentry, author of The Carthage Chronicles series
“A fascinating journey into the world of couture fashion in the 1920s!”
—Anne Mateer, author of A Home for My Heart
Praise for Sweet Dreams
“Sweet Dreams is an inspiring novel and one that is heartfelt. Readers are sure to savor every page of this wonderful story.”
—Michael Morris, author of A Place Called Wiregrass
“Carla Stewart is masterful at creating characters you care about—and places that seem so real you feel like you’ve gone for a visit.”
—Judy Christie, author of the Green Series and Wreath
“Capturing the angst of the ’60s in the struggles of two determined women, Sweet Dreams is another outstanding novel from one of the best!”
—Myra Johnson, award-winning author of Autumn Rains and
A Horseman’s Heart
“Like the best of Patsy Cline’s music, Sweet Dreams is a book to be savored and enjoyed. What a funny and touching read!”
—William Torgerson, author of Love on the Big Screen and Horseshoe
Praise for Stardust
“An enjoyable, worthwhile read.”
—RT Book Reviews
“Stardust is told with heart and skill and obvious love for her characters. A gripping storyline that is inspiring and unforgettable.”
—Julie L. Cannon, bestselling author of I’ll Be Home for Christmas and Twang
Praise for Broken Wings
“While the story is heartbreaking, there is much more to this book…Stewart skillfully entertains and engages the reader with each character’s private pain and survival skills.”
—RT Book Reviews
“With apt descriptions and artful prose, Stewart delves into the vibrant, jazzy 1940s, at the same time creating a true-to-life present.”
—Christina Berry, award-winning author of The Familiar Stranger
“Carla Stewart writes powerful, beautiful, emotionally evocative stories that touch my heart. Broken Wings is no exception. I couldn’t put it down.”
—Susan May Warren, award-winning, bestselling author of Nightingale
Praise for Chasing Lilacs
“Coming-of-age stories are a fiction staple, but well-done ones much rarer. This emotionally acute novel is one of the rare ones.”
—Publishers Weekly, starred review
“A warm, compelling tale.”
—BookPage
If you liked The Hatmaker’s Heart, don’t miss Carla Stewart’s next 1920s novel,
A Flying Affair
High-spirited Mittie Humphreys has a passion for the exhilarating thrill of the skies thanks to a young pilot named Ames. When her parents agree to let her take flying lessons from an ace British pilot named Bobby, Mittie soon finds her affections torn between the two aviators. As she competes in barnstorming events and an all-woman cross-country competition, where Amelia Earhart is one of the pilots, she discovers a secret that threatens her career, the romance she’s embraced, and her family.
Available from FaithWords in summer 2015 wherever books are sold.
More timeless fiction from Carla Stewart
Sweet Dreams
“Sweet Dreams is an inspiring novel and one that is heartfelt. Readers are sure to savor every page of this wonderful story.”
—Michael Morris, author of A Place Call
ed Wiregrass
In 1962, Dusty Fairchild and her cousin Paisley attend Miss Fontaine’s, a finishing school in East Texas. Although their loyalty to each other binds them, when they fall in love with the same handsome young man, their relationship teeters on shaky ground.
Stardust
“Stardust is a smooth, inviting, well told story that will stick with you long after you read the last line and close the book. A worthy read.”
—Rachel Hauck, award-winning author of Dining with Joy
When Georgia Peyton is suddenly widowed in 1952 with two young daughters, she tries to make a new life by taking over the run-down Stardust motel. But through her acquaintance with an unusual group of guests, she uncovers disturbing links to her past.
Broken Wings
“Broken Wings is a captivating intergenerational tale of friendship, love, and music that surpasses the boundaries of age and time.”
—Tina Ann Forkner, author of Ruby Among Us and Rose House
As a singing duo, Mitzi and Gabe Steiger captured America’s heart for over two decades. Now, with Gabe slipping into the tangles of Alzheimer’s, Mitzi ponders her future alone as a volunteer at the local hospital, where she meets a troubled young woman who needs her help.
Chasing Lilacs
Winner of the 2011 Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc.
Fiction Book of the Year
“Coming-of-age stories are a fiction staple, but well-done ones much rarer. This emotionally acute novel is one of the rare ones.”
—Publishers Weekly, starred review
The summer of 1958 should be carefree for Sammie Tucker, but she has plenty of questions—about her mother’s “nerve” problems, shock treatments, and whether her mother truly loves her. Soon Sammie must choose whom to trust with her deepest fears and learn to face the truth, which may be the hardest thing she’s ever done.
Available from FaithWords wherever books are sold.
Thank you for buying this ebook, published by Hachette Digital.
To receive special offers, bonus content, and news about our latest ebooks and apps, sign up for our newsletters.
Sign Up
Or visit us at hachettebookgroup.com/newsletters
For more about this book and author, visit Bookish.com.
Contents
Cover
Title Page
Welcome
Dedication
New York City: 1922Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
London: 1923Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
New York City: 1923Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Reading Group Guide
Acknowledgments
Heartfelt Fiction from Carla Stewart
Praise for The Hatmaker’s Heart
If you liked The Hatmaker’s Heart, don’t miss Carla Stewart’s next 1920s novel
More timeless fiction from Carla Stewart
Newsletters
Copyright
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.
Copyright © 2014 by Carla Stewart
Cover Designed by Chris Gilbert/Studio Gearbox Cover Photography by Brandon Hill
Cover copyright © 2014 by Hachette Book Group, Inc.
All rights reserved. In accordance with the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, the scanning, uploading, and electronic sharing of any part of this book without the permission of the publisher constitutes unlawful piracy and theft of the author’s intellectual property. If you would like to use material from the book (other than for review purposes), prior written permission must be obtained by contacting the publisher at [email protected]. Thank you for your support of the author’s rights.
FaithWords
Hachette Book Group
237 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017
www.faithwords.com
First ebook Edition: June 2014
FaithWords is a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.
The FaithWords name and logo are trademarks of Hachette Book Group, Inc.
The Hachette Speakers Bureau provides a wide range of authors for speaking events. To find out more, go to www.hachettespeakersbureau.com or call
(866) 376-6591.
The publisher is not responsible for websites (or their content) that are not owned by the publisher.
ISBN 978-1-4555-4996-2
E3
The Hatmaker's Heart: A Novel Page 27