Some fun and festive holidays reviews for you: Christmas at the Little Knitting Box (New York Ever After Book 1) and The Best Christmas Ever

296 pages Headline Accent publisher October 7, 2021 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lexi Forde adores Christmas. She’s especially looking forward to it this year as it’s the first Christmas with her boyfriend Ben and her older brother is visiting from Canada with his family. They’ll all be spending Christmas at her parents’ house in Devon.

But when Lexi surprises Ben at work, she sees him kissing someone else and discovers he’s been having an affair. Devastated, she travels to Devon alone.

She’s determined not to let her break-up spoil her family Christmas. But when she arrives, Lexi discovers the council won’t allow the Christmas tree on the green to be decorated this year; it’s too dangerous and has to come down. Lexi is desperate to save their favourite family tradition and make this Christmas extra special.

Can she save the tree and mend her broken heart in time for Christmas?

MY THOUGHTS

Our December wasn’t overly cold, and we had no snow. Reading this now in January with our frigid temperatures and snow feels more like Christmas book reading time.
I liked Lexi Forde’s character, she’s fun, loves Christmas, animals and is outgoing.
After a surprise visit to her boyfriend Ben’s workplace reveals he’s been cheating on her she decides to visit her family living two hours away for Christmas earlier than originally planned.
Her family is fun and quirky. I really enjoyed grandma, but more about her in a bit. Her parents own a bakery in Devon. Grandma has a better social life than most of the young people, is a rebel and Lexi is worried grandma is going to get arrested. In the story we have a town tradition where the town council decorates a huge tree in town and everyone sings carols, this year the town’s people are in an uproar as the tree is slated to be torn down after being deemed unsafe. A dogsitter living close by has the sweetest dog he’s watching for his sister. He’s caring for her dog, and he may just be the one to heal her broken heart. Though predictable the story is cute, fun and I could imagine in my mind the hilarious antics taking place. It’s a hug in a book and just what I needed to read now.

Pub Date 07 Oct 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

296 pages Boldwood Books May 31, 2022 publication date

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Little Knitting Box has been in Cleo’s family for nearly four decades, and Cleo’s to manage for four years – ever since she arrived in New York, fresh off the plane from the Cotswolds. But instead of an early Christmas card in the mail this year, she gets a letter that tips her world on its axis. New York was supposed to be her second chance, do people get third chances?

Dylan has had a tumultuous few years. His marriage broke down, his mother passed away and he’s been trying to pick up the pieces as a stay-at-home dad. All he wants this Christmas is to give his kids the home and stability they need. But when he meets Cleo, he begins to see it’s not always so easy to move on, especially when his ex seems determined to win him back.

When the snow starts to fall, both Cleo and Dylan realise life is rarely black and white, and both have choices to make. Will Dylan follow his heart or his head? And will Cleo ever allow herself to be a part of another family when her own fell apart at the seams?

Full of snow, love and the true meaning of Christmas, this novel will have you hooked until the final page.

*Please note this is a re-release of Christmas at the Little Knitting Box, previously published by Helen J Rolfe*

MY THOUGHTS

My grandmother tried to teach me crocheting and knitting when I was younger, but I never got the hang of it. Now I wish I had as it would have been more of a way to feel connected to her, but I have plenty of other wonderful memories.
I think this is only the second book or so that I’ve read of that takes place in a yarn shop. The descriptions of the varieties of yarns, the patterns, types of needles, haberdashery and the encouraging customers was a soothing balm. The book was a comfort to read.
An unexpected letter is what Cleo receives at the yarn shop that’s been passed down through various family members for 40 years. The lease is up, and she’ll have to relocate. New York’s rents are outrageous and she’s not even sure she can find an accessible shop not too far away from all her customers. New York is nothing like Cotswold where Cleo is from but it’s home now that she’s managing her family’s Little Knitting Box yarn shop. How can she ever leave it?
Dylan, divorced father of two, a young boy and girl, has recently had his mother pass away and is enjoying working from home rather than at the corporate office. His wife is regretting the divorce and wants a second chance at their marriage.
All Dylan wants is to be the best father for his children he can and possibly a chance with Cleo from the Little Knitting Box. The author beautifully takes us through the ups and downs of the emotions involved in the various relationships. Cleo has a secret she’s hiding from him. Will this relationship be able to progress with the controlling ex-wife seemingly dominating his time? I really liked Cleo’s employee Kaisha; she has a great, fun personality. Fun, festive, warm and welcoming this was a read I’ll be reading again at some time.

Pub Date 31 May 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you for popping in today. I wish you all the best.