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Jo Mackenzie #3
Knit One Pearl One: A Beach Street Knitting Society Novel
Knit one . . . It's been a busy few years since Jo Mackenzie lost her husband. Life has brought adventure, surprises, unexpected pleasures, and, of course, lots of knitting. Jo's seaside yarn shop, with a brand new café , has taken off, keeping her busier than ever. And being a single mum to two boys and headstrong toddler Pearl is just as exhausting and enchanting as she thought it would be. On top of all that, celebrity diva Grace has a secret; Jo's firecracker best friend Ellen is launching a new television series; and lovable but hapless Martin continues his oft misguided attempts to woo Jo. Just when Jo thinks she has about all she can handle, Daniel, Pearl's globe-trotting dad, turns up out of the blue . . . Purl one . . . But with a little help from her friends, and her beloved Gran, Jo is building a new life for herself by the sea, stitch by stitch. Warm and witty, Knit One Pearl One will delight new readers to the Beach Street series and give the legions of existing fans a chance to visit the British seaside again, without having to worry about the weather.
420 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
154 people are currently reading
1516 people want to read
About the author
Gil McNeil
37 books265 followersGil McNeil is the author of the bestselling The Only Boy for Me, Stand By Your Man, In The Wee Small Hours and most recently Divas Don’t Knit. The Only Boy For Me has been made into a major ITV prime-time drama starring Helen Baxendale and was broadcast in 2007. Gil McNeil has edited five collections of stories with Sarah Brown, and is Director of the charity PiggyBankKids, which supports projects that create opportunities for children. She lives in Kent with her son and comes from a long line of champion knitters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 281 reviews
April 16, 2012
This is the third in a series about Jo Mackenzie and her knitting shop in a seaside town in Britain. We all know how I love a knitting-themed story, so I was always going to read this series. I really enjoyed the first book (The Beach Street Knitting and Yarn Club), the second book was alright (Needles and Pearls), the third one, well...just read on.
Let me tell you one important fact about this book. Jo Mackenzie, the protagonist and owner of a successful cafe and wool shop, is always tired. She's always tired because she's so busy and successful and she has three children. We know this because she tell us this approximately four times per page. By the end of the first chapter, I wanted to reach into the book and yell at her "I GET IT YOU'RE TIRED I HAVEN'T HAD AN ANEURYSM SINCE THE LAST PARAGRAPH SO I REMEMBER YOU TELLING US YOU ARE TIRED A MERE 80 WORDS AGO. AND THEN 135 WORDS BEFORE THAT. AAARGH!". But it's important that we understand how TIRED and BUSY Jo is because she apparently not one single thing can happen in this town without Jo's sage advice. An academic researcher who needs some information for a paper? Don't worry, Jo's got some print-outs from when she did a presentation at the primary school (because tertiary paper = presentation to six-year-olds. Of course.). Pregant? Ignore the midwife - Jo's much better at determining which position you should lie in while giving birth. The likeable Jo from the first book has turned into the kind of woman you avoid on the street because she has ALL THE ANSWERS to ALL THE QUESTIONS. (Until I typed this paragraph I didn't realise how much this character really irritated me. She was really So Very Annoying.)
Apart from Jo, there are two major problems with this book - narrative and style. Nothing actually happens in this book. There is no drama, development, character growth, events - nothing. The characters are the same at the end of the book as they are in the start, except some of them have had a baby (thanks to Jo - without her advice clearly the babies would have fallen out or vanished or something). The problem with that is without some sort of impetus propelling the narrative, what you are left with is, well, a laundry list of what each of the characters did in the ten months the book covers. Stylistically, that's how the books written - episodes recounted first hand by Jo as they happen to her. Writing a novel like this not only alienates us from identifying with any character other than Jo, it means that all other characters stay firmly one directional. I can see the logic behind this book - 'Let's write a book that shows the real life of mothers - how busy and tired they are. Let's break with convention and not make a plot- or character-driven narrative, because people's lives don't work like that in real life. Let's not answer all the questions or pair up all the characters, because in real life not all questions are answered and every life doesn't end with everyone married.' The problem is, if I wanted to hear about how tired mothers are all the time I'd ring up some of my friends with kids and if I wanted unresolved narratives and non-traditional endings I'd watch an arthouse film. In a knitting-themed beachside novel, those kind of strategies just left this reader feeling unsatisfied.
A further point for the knitters: in this book Jo hatches a plan (because she's busy! and the only one who has ideas! which are all successful and brilliant!) to knit badges with phrases on them. That is actually not a feasible knitting plan. These badges would have to be intarsia knitted with thread and would be ridiculously difficult and time-consuming and works of art, not at all practical for a cottage industry. Would it have really hurt the editor of this book to talk to a real knitter about this before publishing the book? Lazy editing and writing right there.
Let me tell you one important fact about this book. Jo Mackenzie, the protagonist and owner of a successful cafe and wool shop, is always tired. She's always tired because she's so busy and successful and she has three children. We know this because she tell us this approximately four times per page. By the end of the first chapter, I wanted to reach into the book and yell at her "I GET IT YOU'RE TIRED I HAVEN'T HAD AN ANEURYSM SINCE THE LAST PARAGRAPH SO I REMEMBER YOU TELLING US YOU ARE TIRED A MERE 80 WORDS AGO. AND THEN 135 WORDS BEFORE THAT. AAARGH!". But it's important that we understand how TIRED and BUSY Jo is because she apparently not one single thing can happen in this town without Jo's sage advice. An academic researcher who needs some information for a paper? Don't worry, Jo's got some print-outs from when she did a presentation at the primary school (because tertiary paper = presentation to six-year-olds. Of course.). Pregant? Ignore the midwife - Jo's much better at determining which position you should lie in while giving birth. The likeable Jo from the first book has turned into the kind of woman you avoid on the street because she has ALL THE ANSWERS to ALL THE QUESTIONS. (Until I typed this paragraph I didn't realise how much this character really irritated me. She was really So Very Annoying.)
Apart from Jo, there are two major problems with this book - narrative and style. Nothing actually happens in this book. There is no drama, development, character growth, events - nothing. The characters are the same at the end of the book as they are in the start, except some of them have had a baby (thanks to Jo - without her advice clearly the babies would have fallen out or vanished or something). The problem with that is without some sort of impetus propelling the narrative, what you are left with is, well, a laundry list of what each of the characters did in the ten months the book covers. Stylistically, that's how the books written - episodes recounted first hand by Jo as they happen to her. Writing a novel like this not only alienates us from identifying with any character other than Jo, it means that all other characters stay firmly one directional. I can see the logic behind this book - 'Let's write a book that shows the real life of mothers - how busy and tired they are. Let's break with convention and not make a plot- or character-driven narrative, because people's lives don't work like that in real life. Let's not answer all the questions or pair up all the characters, because in real life not all questions are answered and every life doesn't end with everyone married.' The problem is, if I wanted to hear about how tired mothers are all the time I'd ring up some of my friends with kids and if I wanted unresolved narratives and non-traditional endings I'd watch an arthouse film. In a knitting-themed beachside novel, those kind of strategies just left this reader feeling unsatisfied.
A further point for the knitters: in this book Jo hatches a plan (because she's busy! and the only one who has ideas! which are all successful and brilliant!) to knit badges with phrases on them. That is actually not a feasible knitting plan. These badges would have to be intarsia knitted with thread and would be ridiculously difficult and time-consuming and works of art, not at all practical for a cottage industry. Would it have really hurt the editor of this book to talk to a real knitter about this before publishing the book? Lazy editing and writing right there.
May 19, 2012
I'll give this a three because I liked the first book and it inspired me to try knitting out. But frankly I got a little annoyed with the relationships Jo has. I hate Ellen by the third book because she's selfish and keeps encouraging Jo to go out with losers because they have enough money to move Jo closer to Ellen. She may love Jo as a best bud but their relationship is really uneven. I have to say I was a bit disappointed because what I loved about the Jo in the first book was her ability to get on with life even though she's been dumped and then subsequently widowed by her cheating husband. Then the second book had to capitalize on her success and throw a wrench into it by giving her a baby from a one night stand. The loser Ellen likes for Jo of all things is a famous photog. so having his baby could be a good thing for Jo if she were a moneygrubber. At least, initially according to the Ellen character. Even so, it makes for a good follow up story to the original book. But then McNiel does this weird thing where Jo has a quasi-relationship with Martin, the son of a co-work at the end of the second book so that by the time you get to the third book it just stagnates. By the third book it's just pitiful that Martin and Jo have reached an understanding that they like each other even though she still likes to get together with the rich loser and fool around. Bit boring actually. But it was just for my day off so I guess I shouldn't have expected too much substance. Still it would've been nice if it had some of the original luster of the first in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2015
This book is the third in the Jo Mackenzie series which started with the Beach St. Knitting Society and Yarn Club. The characters are real and very likable, similar to the way you feel about Maeve Binchy's characters. I adore the relationship between Jo and her Gran. The characters, including the children, are realistically drawn and the humor is enjoyable. You enjoy when archenemy Annibelle is brought down a notch or two, just as Connie and Jo do!
I was torn between giving the story 3 stars and 4 stars. I think at 3.5 would be a better choice but not possible in the rating system. I am hopeful that we will see a 4th book in the series so that I can return to the quaint seaside town once more.
I was torn between giving the story 3 stars and 4 stars. I think at 3.5 would be a better choice but not possible in the rating system. I am hopeful that we will see a 4th book in the series so that I can return to the quaint seaside town once more.
June 6, 2013
What I love about Gil McNeil is the way she writes about everyday life in a rambly, chatty sort of way. The other characters float in and out of the story, much like real life. They are all comfortable reads and I just love each story more than the last. I'm just sorry that I've read through all of her books and there is nothing new to pick up! Would love to read the continuing stories of Jo and her family and friends!
January 23, 2012
Loved this book! Fits in beautifully with the rest of the series. Wish the author would explore the relationship between Jo and Martin a little more.
December 21, 2011
From Lilac Wolf and Stuff
Anyone who knows me, knows I have a love affair with yarn. Even if my hands don't cooperate. So the cover filled with so many balls of yarn would catch my eye in the bookstore. Win!
If I'm not mistaken, this is the 3rd book in the continuing saga of Jo Mackenzie's life in the small seaside town of Broadgate. Jo is working on raising her 2 boys and Pearl, her surprise baby from an affair with Daniel when she was in Italy after Nick died. She is still seeing Martin but there isn't much passion there.
Funny thing is, Jo seems fine with the way things are. She doesn't like drama, even if it does seem to find her anyway. I respect this. We all make mistakes.
Connie, her Italian friend is pregnant and Mark (Connie's husband) is Mr. Perfect. He knows how to cook and he patiently takes all the pregnancy crabbiness his wife can dish out. Connie's family has also been sending up young girls to learn the language. Cinzia has been helping out as a part-time Nanny for Jo. She is very beautiful and stirs up some mild trouble wherever she goes. Cinzia isn't a central character, but she does add some sizzle.
Ellen finally married Harry and they have a little boy as well. Little Eddie. And Ellen hasn't changed a bit. Harry takes care of Eddie and works freelance when he can and Ellen has just gotten her own talk show. So of course she's after Jo to get Grace on her show. It all works out, and I'm happy to see Jo doing so well in her shop. I wish we saw more of that. A small town shop selling local and beyond but using local help for the excess. We would all be better off, don't you think? More little shops instead of giant Wal*Marts everywhere?
Anyway, it's a great story. Very laid back with lots of ups and downs. I was terrified when Connie had her baby, but you'll have to read about that yourself. Great book to buy with all the Barnes & Noble and Amazon gift cards you all got for Christmas.
Anyone who knows me, knows I have a love affair with yarn. Even if my hands don't cooperate. So the cover filled with so many balls of yarn would catch my eye in the bookstore. Win!
If I'm not mistaken, this is the 3rd book in the continuing saga of Jo Mackenzie's life in the small seaside town of Broadgate. Jo is working on raising her 2 boys and Pearl, her surprise baby from an affair with Daniel when she was in Italy after Nick died. She is still seeing Martin but there isn't much passion there.
Funny thing is, Jo seems fine with the way things are. She doesn't like drama, even if it does seem to find her anyway. I respect this. We all make mistakes.
Connie, her Italian friend is pregnant and Mark (Connie's husband) is Mr. Perfect. He knows how to cook and he patiently takes all the pregnancy crabbiness his wife can dish out. Connie's family has also been sending up young girls to learn the language. Cinzia has been helping out as a part-time Nanny for Jo. She is very beautiful and stirs up some mild trouble wherever she goes. Cinzia isn't a central character, but she does add some sizzle.
Ellen finally married Harry and they have a little boy as well. Little Eddie. And Ellen hasn't changed a bit. Harry takes care of Eddie and works freelance when he can and Ellen has just gotten her own talk show. So of course she's after Jo to get Grace on her show. It all works out, and I'm happy to see Jo doing so well in her shop. I wish we saw more of that. A small town shop selling local and beyond but using local help for the excess. We would all be better off, don't you think? More little shops instead of giant Wal*Marts everywhere?
Anyway, it's a great story. Very laid back with lots of ups and downs. I was terrified when Connie had her baby, but you'll have to read about that yourself. Great book to buy with all the Barnes & Noble and Amazon gift cards you all got for Christmas.
May 17, 2012
As I enjoyed the first 2 books in the series very much, I expected to be just as happy with this one. Sadly, this is not the case. There didn't seem to be any actual plot to this one, and no additional development for any of the very interesting characters in the other books. Connie, Ellen, and Gran were all great characters that were just relegated to bit parts in this book.
Jo takes on an unrealistic amount of work and numerous labor intensive projects, complaining about all of it constantly, unable to finish anything without lots of help from family and friends. She whines a lot, more than the kids do, which adds nothing to the story and is just plain annoying. As for Martin, he may as well be the hired help for all the respect Jo allows him. Honestly, how many guys would just hang out for a couple of years waiting to see if his chosen lady might decide that he's worthy of relationship with her? That's what bothered me the most, I think, that Jo was so shallow she couldn't decide if she was interested in Martin or not, and that he simply hung out waiting for her favor. Unrealistic, to say the least.
The best part of this book is the children. The author knows how to portray kids in all their stages of growth, and writes wonderful dialogue for them. Pearl learning her words is seriously funny. The description of the walking bus is really great, as well as the kids' reactions to having their moms involved in it. All of the scenes involving the school are entertaining.
I'm not sorry that I read this book as I did enjoy a lot of it. I am disappointed that there wasn't any real story development, and that the ending left everything unresolved. There doesn't seem to be a reason for another book, and that's a shame.
Jo takes on an unrealistic amount of work and numerous labor intensive projects, complaining about all of it constantly, unable to finish anything without lots of help from family and friends. She whines a lot, more than the kids do, which adds nothing to the story and is just plain annoying. As for Martin, he may as well be the hired help for all the respect Jo allows him. Honestly, how many guys would just hang out for a couple of years waiting to see if his chosen lady might decide that he's worthy of relationship with her? That's what bothered me the most, I think, that Jo was so shallow she couldn't decide if she was interested in Martin or not, and that he simply hung out waiting for her favor. Unrealistic, to say the least.
The best part of this book is the children. The author knows how to portray kids in all their stages of growth, and writes wonderful dialogue for them. Pearl learning her words is seriously funny. The description of the walking bus is really great, as well as the kids' reactions to having their moms involved in it. All of the scenes involving the school are entertaining.
I'm not sorry that I read this book as I did enjoy a lot of it. I am disappointed that there wasn't any real story development, and that the ending left everything unresolved. There doesn't seem to be a reason for another book, and that's a shame.
January 15, 2015
I enjoyed the first two books in this series greatly, but with this one I couldn't get past the blatant wish fulfilment of it. And complete lack of narrative tension. But It's a cozy read with the same enjoyable characters and just enough sharpness, of a very English flavour, like mature cheddar. It might be that I'm no longer in the right frame of mind for something quite so insubstantial, or it might be a real quality drop ... Hard to say.
June 24, 2022
I think I have read an earlier book by this author ( didn’t realise that it was a series )
She has a great style ; engaging characters ( loved Pearl ) and even though I don’t do knitting ( not my thing at all) the book really doesn’t centre on this.
She has a great style ; engaging characters ( loved Pearl ) and even though I don’t do knitting ( not my thing at all) the book really doesn’t centre on this.
July 21, 2013
I really enjoy Gil McNeil's books. They are fun and light - a perfect book to read while traveling.
May 3, 2018
Bloody hell, there was a lot "bloody" thrown in :-)
December 26, 2019
I would love to like this book. It has some positives mixed with negatives. Such as, the children are written about amusingly. I do wish myself into her knitting shop (on Elsie's off-day). I wish I had a "Gran" in my life! On the other hand, if they were my children, I would run away from home. Jo needs to stop having babies. Enough already. Daniel is a major arse. If Jo were to end up with Martin, she would die of boredom as would the readers. Jo's taste in female friends also leaves something to be desired. Who goes around calling people "darling" all the time?? Grace calling up Jo and demanding yarn is so annoying. After all, we all know how busy (and tired) Jo is. If, God forbid, there is a fourth book in the series, I will only read it if Jo tells Grace and all the other users in her life to bugger off!
March 5, 2022
The third and final in this fun, funny, readable series dragged a bit, though it could've been my level of busy! Still, it has some laugh out loud scenes and a strong message that it's okay for women to be independent. I will definitely read more Gil McNeil if I can find her. Highly recommended, knitter or not!
ETA (on about my third reread:) I have found more Gil McNeil, and/but it is very much identical to this series. The other novel is something about Roses. . . A Year in the Roses? or something, and the plot is just about the same as these, but, of course, feels a bit less fresh. So. Reader, be aware. That said, McNeil is great to grab when the world seems dark, scary, stupid, and mean. . . .!
ETA (on about my third reread:) I have found more Gil McNeil, and/but it is very much identical to this series. The other novel is something about Roses. . . A Year in the Roses? or something, and the plot is just about the same as these, but, of course, feels a bit less fresh. So. Reader, be aware. That said, McNeil is great to grab when the world seems dark, scary, stupid, and mean. . . .!
June 21, 2012
Another good read from Gil McNeil. I could see how some people would discard this as silly chit/knit lit, but I really enjoy the British perspective on motherhood and daily life. I hope there will be another episode coming soon. I love the down-to-earth nature of the main character and how she interacts with her children. It encourages me in my own life as a mother to look for the good things and try not to make a big deal over the little daily trials life has to offer. I found the "walking bus" to be a very comical recurring vignette in this novel...the idea of being roped into wearing a flourescent vest to walk 40 kids to school is hysterical - real comedy routine material!
September 15, 2013
Why did I read the third book? It was awful. I liked the peple in the first book. Enioyed the 2nd book. (but read it in a day) This was awful. Same things happen. Same encounters with characters. Same kids parties, Mark makes cakes, Trevor drags people into mud. Gran is sweet, Ellen contines on her path to true narcissism. Martin works with wood. Grace remains a diva ....no changes in characters or plot.
August 6, 2014
An adequate follow up to the 2nd book by and large. However whether this saga will become as long and without character as a badly knitted sweater remains to be seen. I just get the feeling that the books are now being spun out as long as possible to make money.
I hope not because I really liked the first one...
I hope not because I really liked the first one...
February 25, 2014
A nice, simple bubblegum read. Just relaxing and nice to visit with characters from her earlier books.
May 14, 2017
In knitting, it's spelled 'perl' but when it's Jo's adorable 15 month old, Pearl is also spelled Pearlie.
Disclaimer: I read the 1st but not 2nd of this series.
Also, I love when yarn and fabrics are an important factor in the story.
Each chapter is a month (or two) and we move with Jo from Jan to Dec, changing the yarn store window, dealing with school, dealing with the morning ready-for-school routine. Being firm about bad behaviors instead of yelling at the kids (most of the time). Having a good time by realizing the good bits happen in between aggravating bits.
*The snippy lady in the store, who is both an employee and -also- Jo's boyfriend's mom. Yikes.
-
*The good friend who has a better job in The City but doesn't seem quite as happy.
-
*The Diva down the road who needs a knitting coach a) because its trendy and b) knitting is actually fun, who would have guessed.
-
*The PTA president who wants Jo to do an awful lot of (free) work, but is also visibly judgemental about baby#3 not having a proper daddy.
-
*Pearlie's actual Daddy, who Jo won't marry because he's not dependable, and she already married a serial cheater, thanks anyhow. Jo won't take his money in child-support (he's quite wealthy) because as soon as she becomes dependent on it, the money will disappear. Maybe. Jo doesn't trust daddies very much. He claims he set up a trust fund with monthly donations instead, for when Pearl grows up. Maybe. There's no direct proof in-story, so who knows.
-
* Of course when the Daddy shows up, all rich and good-looking, the boyfriend is miffed. But what should happen, Pearl should never see her daddy? And the other two boys need to get used to him as a friend of the family. It's not as if Jo doesn't have a rich good-looking friend who is female, yeah?
Fun book. Fluffy but not complete fluff, if that makes sense.
Disclaimer: I read the 1st but not 2nd of this series.
Also, I love when yarn and fabrics are an important factor in the story.
Each chapter is a month (or two) and we move with Jo from Jan to Dec, changing the yarn store window, dealing with school, dealing with the morning ready-for-school routine. Being firm about bad behaviors instead of yelling at the kids (most of the time). Having a good time by realizing the good bits happen in between aggravating bits.
*The snippy lady in the store, who is both an employee and -also- Jo's boyfriend's mom. Yikes.
-
*The good friend who has a better job in The City but doesn't seem quite as happy.
-
*The Diva down the road who needs a knitting coach a) because its trendy and b) knitting is actually fun, who would have guessed.
-
*The PTA president who wants Jo to do an awful lot of (free) work, but is also visibly judgemental about baby#3 not having a proper daddy.
-
*Pearlie's actual Daddy, who Jo won't marry because he's not dependable, and she already married a serial cheater, thanks anyhow. Jo won't take his money in child-support (he's quite wealthy) because as soon as she becomes dependent on it, the money will disappear. Maybe. Jo doesn't trust daddies very much. He claims he set up a trust fund with monthly donations instead, for when Pearl grows up. Maybe. There's no direct proof in-story, so who knows.
-
* Of course when the Daddy shows up, all rich and good-looking, the boyfriend is miffed. But what should happen, Pearl should never see her daddy? And the other two boys need to get used to him as a friend of the family. It's not as if Jo doesn't have a rich good-looking friend who is female, yeah?
Fun book. Fluffy but not complete fluff, if that makes sense.
March 23, 2021
This is the last of the Jo Mackenzie books and I'm glad. I realized that the draw to this book for me was the dialogue with it's British "accent". But the story is kind of losing steam. It's like the Friends episodes where they teased you with Rachel and Ross; readers get teased with Martin and Jo in this series - and Daniel keeps appearing when it's obvious he's not worth keeping around. Since he's the dad of Pearl, Jo's daughter, I think the author sort of backed herself in a corner and didn't know what to do. In this book, Jo's cafe is taking off, the knit shop has recovered from the fire, Pearl is almost two - celebrates her 2nd birthday during the story. Ellen has had a boy named Eddie, slightly younger than Pearl. Grace is still a famous movie star and the local royalty is still around. Daniel has broken up with Liv and comes back into their lives but in the end decides to continue is roaming lifestyle - which I think is an excellent decision. Stupidly Jo has another night with him, when she and Martin are not on speaking terms - which I think is really stupid for the characters and for the author to write this into the book. No pregnancy though - unless there's a Jo Mackenzie #4. If there is, I wont' read it. This story has run it's course. In the end, Jo is happy with her 3 kids, she and Martin are still seeing each other with hopes of it turning into more in the future. Glad there's not another book in this series to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2019
Some fluffiness...and happiness while the holidays arrive...some mental preparation before the insanity and lack of home/people/matching pajamas.
I grabbed this book at a library sale...just based on the title/cover. I knew it was fluffy, I knew it would be about a single woman struggling in some sort of yarn shop....that knit like a fiend (am I the only one that has to clean the kitchen!?) ....a very predictable chick lit, but gets to craft story.
This is the story of Jo who has 3 kids....and a knitting/yarn shop in a small (big surprise) seaside town in England. She has a famous best friend, a gran who does everything, and a lukewarm boyfriend(??). All goes well, there really is no story, just her day to day life....kind of written in a non stop form of "whatever slipped into my thoughts as I was typing"...slipping from topic to topic with no warning or connection.
It is really....you could start this book at any part and put it down. The relationship she has with her boyfriend is the most non romantic (I couldn't careless what happened) relationship (two fish floundering on the pier)....her kids get what they want, everything works out...and she magically has the money (or friends for everything she needs.
Read if you just need to numb your brain and not think too much. Don't expect romance or any intrigue. Which....maybe is what chick lit readers want?
I grabbed this book at a library sale...just based on the title/cover. I knew it was fluffy, I knew it would be about a single woman struggling in some sort of yarn shop....that knit like a fiend (am I the only one that has to clean the kitchen!?) ....a very predictable chick lit, but gets to craft story.
This is the story of Jo who has 3 kids....and a knitting/yarn shop in a small (big surprise) seaside town in England. She has a famous best friend, a gran who does everything, and a lukewarm boyfriend(??). All goes well, there really is no story, just her day to day life....kind of written in a non stop form of "whatever slipped into my thoughts as I was typing"...slipping from topic to topic with no warning or connection.
It is really....you could start this book at any part and put it down. The relationship she has with her boyfriend is the most non romantic (I couldn't careless what happened) relationship (two fish floundering on the pier)....her kids get what they want, everything works out...and she magically has the money (or friends for everything she needs.
Read if you just need to numb your brain and not think too much. Don't expect romance or any intrigue. Which....maybe is what chick lit readers want?
June 2, 2019
Have you ever read a book and felt that the main character had no direction and just kept going until something came to her? Well, there you have Jo MacKenzie of in Knit One, Pearl One.
There is a frantic simplicity to this series of an overwhelmed single mother who is trying to build a knitting business in a seaside town, all the while trying to appear that she has her life in order. In this final book, surprise baby Pearl is toddling around and suddenly her bio-father makes an appearance wanting to be more of a central role in his daughter’s life. It’s not the worst idea, considering that there is still a spark between Jo and Daniel, but certain rules will have to be followed.
There is an endearing and quirky cast of characters in this series. In a way, I am sad to see it did not make it past this third and final book since it would have been a perfect series for Hallmark to have picked up.
Full of small laughs and real-life moments, this is a series to savior over your cup of tea or a weekend away.
There is a frantic simplicity to this series of an overwhelmed single mother who is trying to build a knitting business in a seaside town, all the while trying to appear that she has her life in order. In this final book, surprise baby Pearl is toddling around and suddenly her bio-father makes an appearance wanting to be more of a central role in his daughter’s life. It’s not the worst idea, considering that there is still a spark between Jo and Daniel, but certain rules will have to be followed.
There is an endearing and quirky cast of characters in this series. In a way, I am sad to see it did not make it past this third and final book since it would have been a perfect series for Hallmark to have picked up.
Full of small laughs and real-life moments, this is a series to savior over your cup of tea or a weekend away.
July 24, 2018
This was the third book in the Jo Mackenzie trilogy. I loved this series, & I'm sorry it's now finished. The first book is called "The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club," & the 2nd book is called, "Needles and Pearls." Both books were so funny & enjoyable, & they were hard to put down. I gave both of these books 5 stars, but I gave the last book 4 stars. It was a good book, too, but it didn't quite have the "oomph" that the first 2 had.
Jo's knitting store is thriving & is now also has a cafe. She has an online shop, as well. Jo is still helping to teach her friends & neighbors how to knit. All of the characters are in this book, though some take more of a background role. Jo's children are still as funny as ever.
I hope the author will write a 4th book in this series. I'd love to continue reading about Jo, her family & friends. I also look forward to reading some of Gil McNeil's other books.
Jo's knitting store is thriving & is now also has a cafe. She has an online shop, as well. Jo is still helping to teach her friends & neighbors how to knit. All of the characters are in this book, though some take more of a background role. Jo's children are still as funny as ever.
I hope the author will write a 4th book in this series. I'd love to continue reading about Jo, her family & friends. I also look forward to reading some of Gil McNeil's other books.
April 27, 2020
Humorous, easy read for an easy escape
First, my frustration: As the third (and final) book in this series, I was sad when it ended, and I still had questions! Despite this, it was an easy read that I could put down and pick back up without feeling like I needed to re-read what had been happening.
This book continues to follow Jo, her kids, the wool shop, and the people in and around their lives. There's plenty of laughs, a few annoyances and a surprise or two.
I definitely enjoyed this book, however I felt like it didn't go as deep in to the personalities and relationships in compared to the book before this. There are a lot of ancillary characters that come and go throughout the books. In this book specifically, I felt I was trying to remember what friends are from what location and why we do or don't like them without any additional personality development, which was unfortunate.
First, my frustration: As the third (and final) book in this series, I was sad when it ended, and I still had questions! Despite this, it was an easy read that I could put down and pick back up without feeling like I needed to re-read what had been happening.
This book continues to follow Jo, her kids, the wool shop, and the people in and around their lives. There's plenty of laughs, a few annoyances and a surprise or two.
I definitely enjoyed this book, however I felt like it didn't go as deep in to the personalities and relationships in compared to the book before this. There are a lot of ancillary characters that come and go throughout the books. In this book specifically, I felt I was trying to remember what friends are from what location and why we do or don't like them without any additional personality development, which was unfortunate.
November 24, 2020
Wow, this was extremely mundane. I was looking for a light-hearted book to read after enjoying a thriller and so I picked this one up in the library. I didn’t think it was badly written, it was just very boring. I have two toddlers myself and whilst I could relate to a lot of Pearl’s antics, I prefer to read books which take me away from my ordinary life. There was a bit of excitement towards the end which I enjoyed. More of this and I would consider reading other books by this author.
As well as the boredom I few things did irk me. Why did they hate Annabelle so much – it was almost bordering on bullying? Jo was opposed to letting Pearl cry at night to help her sleep yet advocated early weaning of baby rice to help babies sleep. The comments about the disabled parking didn’t settle well with me either – some disabilities are hidden so shouting at people for using disabled parking bays just because they’re not in a wheelchair is thoughtless. Likewise the comments on the breastfeeding mums being discrete – women may struggle at the beginning to breastfeed at all so should not be put off for worry that they’re not discrete enough. The emphasis on how “real” Jo was got a bit much. My impression was that she thought her parenting was superior.
As well as the boredom I few things did irk me. Why did they hate Annabelle so much – it was almost bordering on bullying? Jo was opposed to letting Pearl cry at night to help her sleep yet advocated early weaning of baby rice to help babies sleep. The comments about the disabled parking didn’t settle well with me either – some disabilities are hidden so shouting at people for using disabled parking bays just because they’re not in a wheelchair is thoughtless. Likewise the comments on the breastfeeding mums being discrete – women may struggle at the beginning to breastfeed at all so should not be put off for worry that they’re not discrete enough. The emphasis on how “real” Jo was got a bit much. My impression was that she thought her parenting was superior.
September 23, 2023
I've read all three books in this series -- wait! Are there more? I must find out!
I think my very favourite part is the dialogue. I just *love* it! Bright, lively, and very often funny.
I love all sorts of things about them: Jo's independence, the reality of her day-to-day life, her friendships, the realistic fatigue as she juggles all her roles, the way that she stands up to her awful mother from time to time. (Very satisfying, that last one. If only she'd stand up to her kids when they are rude to her! "No, love, you don't talk to Mummy like that. Try it again, *politely*.")
I love that she evolves her relationships slowly and carefully -- well, mostly carefully! -- and any mis-steps are human and realistic. If there are more, I'll be reading them.
I think my very favourite part is the dialogue. I just *love* it! Bright, lively, and very often funny.
I love all sorts of things about them: Jo's independence, the reality of her day-to-day life, her friendships, the realistic fatigue as she juggles all her roles, the way that she stands up to her awful mother from time to time. (Very satisfying, that last one. If only she'd stand up to her kids when they are rude to her! "No, love, you don't talk to Mummy like that. Try it again, *politely*.")
I love that she evolves her relationships slowly and carefully -- well, mostly carefully! -- and any mis-steps are human and realistic. If there are more, I'll be reading them.
August 17, 2018
I adored this series and I really hope Gil McNeil writes more Jo Mackenzie stories. I particularly liked the quaint seaside town with its quirky cast of characters. They were all amazing except for the best friend Ellen. I found her to be a bit annoying at times, especially in this last book. I adored Gran. I wish I had a doting Grandmother. The kids are hilarious especially little Pearl. The wool shop sounds so inviting, especially with the cafe added on. I absolutely recommend this book (the whole series actually) to anyone who wants to escape to a lovely English seaside and curl up with a cup of tea and some knitting.
February 6, 2020
Another enjoyable book in the Beach Street Knitting Society Series. This is a great,light and enjoyable read. It is important to read them in order.
This continues the story of Jo McKenzie. Jo is forced to reinvent herself after her husband declares he is leaving her for another woman. While driving away he dies in a car crash. As a new widow and broke mother of two young children she moves from London to small town England. She takes over the knitting shop her grandmother ran and starts a new life. Jo is very likeable and her new friends and all of the small town characters make this book a very relaxing and enjoyable treat.
This continues the story of Jo McKenzie. Jo is forced to reinvent herself after her husband declares he is leaving her for another woman. While driving away he dies in a car crash. As a new widow and broke mother of two young children she moves from London to small town England. She takes over the knitting shop her grandmother ran and starts a new life. Jo is very likeable and her new friends and all of the small town characters make this book a very relaxing and enjoyable treat.
July 21, 2022
Similar to how I felt about book #2, I wanted like this book more than I actually did. I enjoy spending time with Jo, her boys and the gang in Broadgate, but the jokes covered much of the same ground as before and the plot was light, to say the least. I also found Jo's romantic tangles with Daniel and Martin to be unsatisfying. Is there really a romance between her and Martin? There didn't seem to be much of a spark between them. On the other hand, I find myself imaging a gaggle of little ones disapprovingly tutting at me and it makes me giggle, so three stars just for the humorous depictions of motherhood.
August 26, 2022
I enjoyed this, but honestly not a favorite favorite. I did get some good quotes from it though and I totally relate the the main character... I also LOVE LOVE LOVE how the author wrote the children. That being said it was a bit TOO "Hallmark" for me, and I found myself at one point asking "wait, isn't there something supposed to happen with this OTHER side character?" IT did and it wasn't a rush job but the ending was almost too nice and neat for me.
Also there is a touch of jealousy for the seaside town and the nice community (I'm close to small town living) and it just isn't really as quaint as it seems LOL
Also there is a touch of jealousy for the seaside town and the nice community (I'm close to small town living) and it just isn't really as quaint as it seems LOL
November 20, 2019
I enjoyed Gil McNeil's writing in these three books. Her character Jo is funny, irreverent and thoughtful. The way she handles her children in a firm but loving way and all the time wondering if she is doing the right things. Her books show the importance of being a part of a community and how it does take a village to raise a child. In her case, that is three children. While raising her children in a small seaside town, she is also building a business of running a yarn store that she has bought from her grandmother.
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