A few weeks ago, a publisher contacted me and asked if I would like to receive a copy of The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club by Gil McNeil. Well, since I LOVE free books and I love knitting, I instantly responded with a yes please!
And once I opened the book, I couldn't put it down! Which means, I was up much too late last night reading LOL! The book is set in England - which I admit threw me off a few times because, well a few words are not known to me! But I quickly got over that - and even at one point told my kids I was quite knackered earlier today (that means tired!). Anyway, Jo MacKenzie is a stay-at-home mom of 2 boys (who quite wear her out which I completely understand) and married to a news reporter who is often away from home and not around physically or mentally. Her life changes completely when he comes home one night and informs her he wants a divorce. Then on the same night he is killed in a car accident.
She packs up her children and moves to a seaside community where she takes over her grandmother's knitting store. While there, Jo develops many friends and really learns to be comfortable in her own skin. The book mixes drama, comedy, heart-break, love without feeling too "cutesy." It is much more than knit 1, purl 1!
I will admit, at one point, I thought the author was hinting at the possibility of health problems with Jo, and I was nervous it was going to turn into the English version of The Friday Night Knitting Club. I am pleased to let you know, that is not at all what happens, for which I was grateful for! And I really did enjoy this book!
I'm giving it 4 stars. And I'm pleased that the back of the book says she is working on a sequel. And I will be eager to see it published and get my hands on that as well!
Awesome review...Thanks!! I got contacted by a publisher once and did a review, although I tried not to say anything negative, I think the fact that the book was left wanting still came through my review. They never contacted me again :(
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