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Tindledale
The Great Christmas Knit Off
The perfect seasonal tale of how laughter, friends and wacky Christmas jumpers can mend a broken heart. For fans of Trisha Ashley and Jenny Colgan.
Heartbroken after being jilted at the altar, Sybil has been saved from despair by her knitting obsession and now her home is filled to bursting with tea cosies, bobble hats, and jumpers. But, after discovering that she may have perpetrated the cock-up of the century at work, Sybil decides to make a hasty exit and, just weeks before Christmas, runs away to the picturesque village of Tindledale.
There, Sybil discovers Hettie’s House of Haberdashery, an emporium dedicated to the world of knitting and needle craft. But Hettie, the outspoken octogenarian owner, is struggling and now the shop is due for closure. And when Hettie decides that Sybil’s wonderfully wacky Christmas jumpers are just the thing to add a bit of excitement to her window display, something miraculous starts to happen…
Heartbroken after being jilted at the altar, Sybil has been saved from despair by her knitting obsession and now her home is filled to bursting with tea cosies, bobble hats, and jumpers. But, after discovering that she may have perpetrated the cock-up of the century at work, Sybil decides to make a hasty exit and, just weeks before Christmas, runs away to the picturesque village of Tindledale.
There, Sybil discovers Hettie’s House of Haberdashery, an emporium dedicated to the world of knitting and needle craft. But Hettie, the outspoken octogenarian owner, is struggling and now the shop is due for closure. And when Hettie decides that Sybil’s wonderfully wacky Christmas jumpers are just the thing to add a bit of excitement to her window display, something miraculous starts to happen…
378 pages, Paperback
First published November 6, 2014
365 people are currently reading
2873 people want to read
About the author
Alex Brown
26 books468 followersAlex Brown is an International No.1 bestselling author of fourteen books including A Postcard from Italy, the Carrington’s series, The Secret of Orchard Cottage, The Great Christmas Knit Off, The Wish, A Postcard from Paris and the Bridget’s Bicycle Bakery series. Her books are loved worldwide and have been translated into twenty languages.
Alex lives by the sea on the south coast of England with her family and two glossy black Labradors. When she isn’t writing, she can be found walking on the beach, binge-watching a boxset or enjoying a French martini cocktail. She loves chatting to her readers on social media @alexbrownbooks and you can sign up to her newsletter on her website www.alexbrownauthor.com to receive a free short story, The Beach Walk, and also be the first to hear about new books, free extracts and giveaways.
Alex lives by the sea on the south coast of England with her family and two glossy black Labradors. When she isn’t writing, she can be found walking on the beach, binge-watching a boxset or enjoying a French martini cocktail. She loves chatting to her readers on social media @alexbrownbooks and you can sign up to her newsletter on her website www.alexbrownauthor.com to receive a free short story, The Beach Walk, and also be the first to hear about new books, free extracts and giveaways.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 526 reviews
December 1, 2023
4 stars on my Grinch-O-Meter
A truly Christmassy, Comfy-Cosy, Feel-good Book
Although it is far from perfect - the constant rattle about the failed relationship of the heroine & her ex is as clichéd as you can get - but the enjoyment/satisfaction factor is so high that I am mostly willing to overlook it.
I haven't got the faintest idea about knitting, but Alexandra Brown totally roped me in with this book.
Also, I appreciate the fact that there IS a plot and it is not too romance-heavy (also, clean), but appropriately "Christmas-heavy" with all the tinsel, mulled-wine and mince pies you can desire. :)
It is literally about a close-knit community tied in with a heart-warming makeover story; a nic, understated romance, great characters and a perfect Christmas setting with all necessary ingredients like logfire, picture-postcard village, snow, Christmas pantomime, cakes, adorable dogs, rustic villagers ..... and what-have-you.
A truly Christmassy, Comfy-Cosy, Feel-good Book
Although it is far from perfect - the constant rattle about the failed relationship of the heroine & her ex is as clichéd as you can get - but the enjoyment/satisfaction factor is so high that I am mostly willing to overlook it.
I haven't got the faintest idea about knitting, but Alexandra Brown totally roped me in with this book.
Also, I appreciate the fact that there IS a plot and it is not too romance-heavy (also, clean), but appropriately "Christmas-heavy" with all the tinsel, mulled-wine and mince pies you can desire. :)
It is literally about a close-knit community tied in with a heart-warming makeover story; a nic, understated romance, great characters and a perfect Christmas setting with all necessary ingredients like logfire, picture-postcard village, snow, Christmas pantomime, cakes, adorable dogs, rustic villagers ..... and what-have-you.
November 4, 2014
When I heard Alexandra Brown was writing a knitting book I was quite excited. Don't get me wrong, knitting is so not my thing (I don't have the patience or the time to learn knitting, although I do love the idea of being able to knit yourself your very own chunky knit jumper). The Great Christmas Knit-Off is the first of her new series of books set in Tindledale and I was absolutely chuffed to pieces to receive a copy to review via Netgalley. The cover for the book is stunning (and available in white or red - after reading the book, I'll be getting BOTH covers) and so is the book itself, actually.
The Great Christmas Knit-Off is set in the fictional, picture-perfect village of Tindledale. I literally want to up sticks and move there, pronto. It has the olde-worlde feel I adore, and I absolutely love that the residents there have no idea what it means to purchase something on the Internet, and mobile phones do not work. That is like my idea of heaven. It also has the best village-y feel ever - the neighbours literally know everything that's happening to you (sometimes before you even know it yourself) and it was just the absolute most perfect place for Sybil to recover after being jilted at the altar (on May 4th, no less, to her boyfriend named - yes, really - Luke). (I was actually offended she was jilted on May 4th as that's my birthday and I felt bad and for the past few years all I've heard is May the 4th be with you jokes even though I've only seen one of the Star Wars films - oops).
I flew through my copy of The Great Christmas Knit-Off in two evenings. It was the most delightfully sweet novel I have ever read. I'm not joking, it's hard to explain just how captivated I was by the novel. Knitting so isn't my thing, but I loved how it pulled the community together. I loved that Sybs was willing to do so much for Hettie, despite not even knowing her days prior to her arrival in Tindledale. It just had that really fabulous community spirit, and I was taken aback at how delightful it was. It was like stepping back in time - with Lawrence, at the hotel, offering Sybs a room to stay at; Ruby with her vintage clothes shop, offering Sybs clothes; Tindledale is the kind of place where you go and instantly feel at home. I felt at home and I didn't even live there. I absolutely loved getting to know the characters of the village, and see them all pull together for the good of their neighbour.
I was so impressed with the novel. Alexandra Brown is a fantastic writer - she really gets to the heart of a story, and really injects such warmth and passion into her novels. This is most definitely her best book yet, and she makes Tindledale come to life. The characters were amazing, the plot was the sweetest, and the village is somewhere I want to live. Who needs the hustle and bustle of New York or London or Tenerife, when you can have the familiarity of a village where everyone knows who you are? It's my idea of heaven. It was a pleasure getting to know Sybs, Cher, Laurence, Ruby, Hettie, and Dr Darcy and everyone else in between. I'm even more chuffed to know this is the first book of a new series - more Tindledale! HOW WILL I COPE UNTIL JUNE FOR MY NEXT TINDLEDALE FIX?!?!?! And who will it be about? Sybs? Someone else? Kitty? WHO WHO WHO???? The Great Christmas Knit-Off is the perfect Christmas read and if you read only one Christmas book this year, make it this one, it's perfect. Now, let's see if I can convince Alexandra to teach me to knit....This review was originally posted on Girls Love To Read
The Great Christmas Knit-Off is set in the fictional, picture-perfect village of Tindledale. I literally want to up sticks and move there, pronto. It has the olde-worlde feel I adore, and I absolutely love that the residents there have no idea what it means to purchase something on the Internet, and mobile phones do not work. That is like my idea of heaven. It also has the best village-y feel ever - the neighbours literally know everything that's happening to you (sometimes before you even know it yourself) and it was just the absolute most perfect place for Sybil to recover after being jilted at the altar (on May 4th, no less, to her boyfriend named - yes, really - Luke). (I was actually offended she was jilted on May 4th as that's my birthday and I felt bad and for the past few years all I've heard is May the 4th be with you jokes even though I've only seen one of the Star Wars films - oops).
I flew through my copy of The Great Christmas Knit-Off in two evenings. It was the most delightfully sweet novel I have ever read. I'm not joking, it's hard to explain just how captivated I was by the novel. Knitting so isn't my thing, but I loved how it pulled the community together. I loved that Sybs was willing to do so much for Hettie, despite not even knowing her days prior to her arrival in Tindledale. It just had that really fabulous community spirit, and I was taken aback at how delightful it was. It was like stepping back in time - with Lawrence, at the hotel, offering Sybs a room to stay at; Ruby with her vintage clothes shop, offering Sybs clothes; Tindledale is the kind of place where you go and instantly feel at home. I felt at home and I didn't even live there. I absolutely loved getting to know the characters of the village, and see them all pull together for the good of their neighbour.
I was so impressed with the novel. Alexandra Brown is a fantastic writer - she really gets to the heart of a story, and really injects such warmth and passion into her novels. This is most definitely her best book yet, and she makes Tindledale come to life. The characters were amazing, the plot was the sweetest, and the village is somewhere I want to live. Who needs the hustle and bustle of New York or London or Tenerife, when you can have the familiarity of a village where everyone knows who you are? It's my idea of heaven. It was a pleasure getting to know Sybs, Cher, Laurence, Ruby, Hettie, and Dr Darcy and everyone else in between. I'm even more chuffed to know this is the first book of a new series - more Tindledale! HOW WILL I COPE UNTIL JUNE FOR MY NEXT TINDLEDALE FIX?!?!?! And who will it be about? Sybs? Someone else? Kitty? WHO WHO WHO???? The Great Christmas Knit-Off is the perfect Christmas read and if you read only one Christmas book this year, make it this one, it's perfect. Now, let's see if I can convince Alexandra to teach me to knit....This review was originally posted on Girls Love To Read
February 7, 2017
Heartbroken after being jilted at the altar, Sybil has been saved from despair by her knitting obsession and now her home is filled to bursting with tea cosies, bobble hats, and jumpers. But, after discovering that she may have perpetrated the cock-up of the century at work, Sybil decides to make a hasty exit and, just weeks before Christmas, runs away to the picturesque village of Tindledale.
There, Sybil discovers Hettie’s House of Haberdashery, an emporium dedicated to the world of knitting and needle craft. But Hettie, the outspoken octogenarian owner, is struggling and now the shop is due for closure. And when Hettie decides that Sybil’s wonderfully wacky Christmas jumpers are just the thing to add a bit of excitement to her window display, something miraculous starts to happen…
Alexandra Brown made a quick and fun read, perfect for the Holidays. Made me want to travel and spend my Christmas with family and friends there. I don't knit however I do love the look of personal knitting work. And, can we talk about how precious Hettie is? Oh my god, I just wanted to hug her, sit by the fire with coffee and cookies and talk.
Sybil's story starts like a daytime drama but ends like a Disney movie, which isn't that the point of chick-lit books? I really enjoy Alexandra Brown's writing, I think her books are fun and quick, with creative plots and different stories.
There, Sybil discovers Hettie’s House of Haberdashery, an emporium dedicated to the world of knitting and needle craft. But Hettie, the outspoken octogenarian owner, is struggling and now the shop is due for closure. And when Hettie decides that Sybil’s wonderfully wacky Christmas jumpers are just the thing to add a bit of excitement to her window display, something miraculous starts to happen…
Alexandra Brown made a quick and fun read, perfect for the Holidays. Made me want to travel and spend my Christmas with family and friends there. I don't knit however I do love the look of personal knitting work. And, can we talk about how precious Hettie is? Oh my god, I just wanted to hug her, sit by the fire with coffee and cookies and talk.
Sybil's story starts like a daytime drama but ends like a Disney movie, which isn't that the point of chick-lit books? I really enjoy Alexandra Brown's writing, I think her books are fun and quick, with creative plots and different stories.
December 26, 2015
This was a delightful book that will make you laugh and feel good about Christmas. The story begins with Sybs being jilted at the alter by her husband-to-be Luke for her twin sister Sasha. Sybs goes to Tindledale to visit her friend, Cher, to get away from her sadness. In Tindeldale her heart is mended and all her dreams come true. It is a true Christmas story for those who still believe in Christmas.
Quote:
So news really does travel fast in Tindledale; at this rate the whole village will know all of my business before the weekend is out.
"Hurrah! How very civilized!" roars Marigold, making me want to shrivel up in the corner of the bus shelter and quietly evaporate.
"So I've got nothing now." And I end the call.
"I'm not your pal." "Then who the fuck are you?" Silence follows. "I'm Hettie"s son!"
Quote:
So news really does travel fast in Tindledale; at this rate the whole village will know all of my business before the weekend is out.
"Hurrah! How very civilized!" roars Marigold, making me want to shrivel up in the corner of the bus shelter and quietly evaporate.
"So I've got nothing now." And I end the call.
"I'm not your pal." "Then who the fuck are you?" Silence follows. "I'm Hettie"s son!"
December 17, 2019
Perfect Christmas reading!
This book has everything:
Knitting
Delicious treats
Dogs
Handsome doctors
Awesome friendships
Saving local businesses from bankruptcy
Christmas
Makeovers
Secret love children
The titular knit off
I discovered it on a Very Bad Day, and it has made my Christmas merry!
This book has everything:
Knitting
Delicious treats
Dogs
Handsome doctors
Awesome friendships
Saving local businesses from bankruptcy
Christmas
Makeovers
Secret love children
The titular knit off
I discovered it on a Very Bad Day, and it has made my Christmas merry!
October 28, 2015
Favorite Quotes:
“This is only a recent thing, noticing men. After being in a relationship for five years with a man that I was certain I’d marry, it still feels weird looking at other guys in a snog/marry/avoid way, as Cher would say.”
“‘Honey, it’s always like that!’ she says knowingly, her voice sounding all Mae West after several hundred cigars.”
“I end up face-planting in the snow. Thank God it’s the middle of winter and it’s already dark so nobody can see me – the stupid, ridiculous, and quite clearly desperate stranger from London who is obviously going to end up ancient and decrepit and all alone with just her knitting and a trembly old dog to keep her company.”
My Review:
I giggled and chortled through this delightful and amusing story that kept me entertained from the first page to the last. Both the story line and writing style were clever, relevant, realistic, and engaging. I enjoyed each and every quirky character inhabiting this quaint little country village, and found I was endlessly fascinated by their traits and conversations. Not to say the story was without sadness, tragedy or duress - as previously stated, the story was realistic. The heroine has been struggling for several months with the humiliation and heartbreak of betrayal, and decides to visit a friend who has recently moved away. During her stay, she is immediately befriended by most of the village and is particularly drawn to an elderly yet proud woman with a struggling handcraft store. What started as a fun project to help the fragile woman turns into a major undertaking to save the woman’s home and business, and much of the village also involves themselves and it is all hands on deck to fill the first order. They “knit and natter,” the vernacular used throughout this book was such fun. Ms. Brown is British so I praised my beloved kindle for having Wikipedia to help me with the cultural references and vocabulary. I love learning new words and phrases like blowsy, scarpered, on the back foot, and caught herself out. And I was smitten with the name of the store “House of Haberdashery” just genius! I was captivated by the inner musings, dialogues, humor, and the author’s descriptive style; and have added all her works - current and planned - to my TBR.
“This is only a recent thing, noticing men. After being in a relationship for five years with a man that I was certain I’d marry, it still feels weird looking at other guys in a snog/marry/avoid way, as Cher would say.”
“‘Honey, it’s always like that!’ she says knowingly, her voice sounding all Mae West after several hundred cigars.”
“I end up face-planting in the snow. Thank God it’s the middle of winter and it’s already dark so nobody can see me – the stupid, ridiculous, and quite clearly desperate stranger from London who is obviously going to end up ancient and decrepit and all alone with just her knitting and a trembly old dog to keep her company.”
My Review:
I giggled and chortled through this delightful and amusing story that kept me entertained from the first page to the last. Both the story line and writing style were clever, relevant, realistic, and engaging. I enjoyed each and every quirky character inhabiting this quaint little country village, and found I was endlessly fascinated by their traits and conversations. Not to say the story was without sadness, tragedy or duress - as previously stated, the story was realistic. The heroine has been struggling for several months with the humiliation and heartbreak of betrayal, and decides to visit a friend who has recently moved away. During her stay, she is immediately befriended by most of the village and is particularly drawn to an elderly yet proud woman with a struggling handcraft store. What started as a fun project to help the fragile woman turns into a major undertaking to save the woman’s home and business, and much of the village also involves themselves and it is all hands on deck to fill the first order. They “knit and natter,” the vernacular used throughout this book was such fun. Ms. Brown is British so I praised my beloved kindle for having Wikipedia to help me with the cultural references and vocabulary. I love learning new words and phrases like blowsy, scarpered, on the back foot, and caught herself out. And I was smitten with the name of the store “House of Haberdashery” just genius! I was captivated by the inner musings, dialogues, humor, and the author’s descriptive style; and have added all her works - current and planned - to my TBR.
November 18, 2014
Having LOVED Alex’s previous Carriington’s book series, I was so excited for The Great Christmas Knit Off as it is not only a brand new book from Alexandra but the start of a whole new series!
After being left heartbroken from being jilted at the altar, Sybil throws herself into her favourite hobby – knitting. But then after a disaster at work too, Sybil decides to make a hasty exit and a few weeks before Christmas runs away to the picturesque village of Tindledale. There she discovers Hettie’s House of Haberdashery, a place dedicated to knitting and needle craft! But the shop is due for closure – can Sybil and her love of knitting help?
This book is the book you should all be reading and getting cosy with! The setting of Tindledale is BEAUTIFUL. I instantly wanted to pack my bags, move there and live happily alongside Sybil and the others! Tindledale sounds like the perfect village – it is so welcoming and will definitely warm your heart this Christmas!
I loved Sybil – we meet her when she is going through a hard time in her life and I felt for her straight away. As I read on I liked her more and more, and by the end it felt as though I had known her for yeas and like she was one of my best friends. There are so many fun and vibrant characters to meet – Hettie in particular is a fantastic addition and I thoroughly enjoyed her scenes. There is even the cutest black Scottie dog called Basil to fall in love with!
Please don’t worry if you’re unsure about the knitting aspect, or you don’t do knitting – I had never knitted in my life before reading this (so I have zero experience in the knitting zone) but I was so swept up in the story and I loved the sound of all the knitted Christmas jumpers! I now wish I could knit myself!
The Great Christmas Knit Off is a truly delightful story that deserves to be read and enjoyed this Christmas. Alexandra Brown draws you in instantly with a captivating story, characters to root for and love, and a community and village to fall in love with! Alexandra has created a novel full of emotion, fun, and warm feelings too. Put on your Christmas jumper, grab a hot drink and enjoy getting lost in this stunning story.
After being left heartbroken from being jilted at the altar, Sybil throws herself into her favourite hobby – knitting. But then after a disaster at work too, Sybil decides to make a hasty exit and a few weeks before Christmas runs away to the picturesque village of Tindledale. There she discovers Hettie’s House of Haberdashery, a place dedicated to knitting and needle craft! But the shop is due for closure – can Sybil and her love of knitting help?
This book is the book you should all be reading and getting cosy with! The setting of Tindledale is BEAUTIFUL. I instantly wanted to pack my bags, move there and live happily alongside Sybil and the others! Tindledale sounds like the perfect village – it is so welcoming and will definitely warm your heart this Christmas!
I loved Sybil – we meet her when she is going through a hard time in her life and I felt for her straight away. As I read on I liked her more and more, and by the end it felt as though I had known her for yeas and like she was one of my best friends. There are so many fun and vibrant characters to meet – Hettie in particular is a fantastic addition and I thoroughly enjoyed her scenes. There is even the cutest black Scottie dog called Basil to fall in love with!
Please don’t worry if you’re unsure about the knitting aspect, or you don’t do knitting – I had never knitted in my life before reading this (so I have zero experience in the knitting zone) but I was so swept up in the story and I loved the sound of all the knitted Christmas jumpers! I now wish I could knit myself!
The Great Christmas Knit Off is a truly delightful story that deserves to be read and enjoyed this Christmas. Alexandra Brown draws you in instantly with a captivating story, characters to root for and love, and a community and village to fall in love with! Alexandra has created a novel full of emotion, fun, and warm feelings too. Put on your Christmas jumper, grab a hot drink and enjoy getting lost in this stunning story.
December 26, 2015
Oh wow, I absolutely LOVED this from start to finish.
The front cover is lovely.
I live in a tiny Cornish village, so giggled at some of the village quirkiness. Life in country villages really is like in this book.
"I think you have to be here for at least fifty years before you can class yourself as a local."
This is such a wonderful story about a number of intriguing characters within a little village. I loved the knitting theme, and how many of the villagers came together to help each other. It was very touching and very satisfying to read.
This is a great story for the Christmas period, but to be honest, I think this story could be enjoyed any time of year, as it is more about community and people coming together, rather than Christmas.
My only criticism is that I've been a full time eBay seller of craft items for a decade, and I still can't manage to list items as fast as they did in this book.
Recommended for anyone who enjoys reading about country village life, a variety of interesting characters and craft lovers.
I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.
I would like to thank the publisher, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction/Blue Door for allowing me a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The front cover is lovely.
I live in a tiny Cornish village, so giggled at some of the village quirkiness. Life in country villages really is like in this book.
"I think you have to be here for at least fifty years before you can class yourself as a local."
This is such a wonderful story about a number of intriguing characters within a little village. I loved the knitting theme, and how many of the villagers came together to help each other. It was very touching and very satisfying to read.
This is a great story for the Christmas period, but to be honest, I think this story could be enjoyed any time of year, as it is more about community and people coming together, rather than Christmas.
My only criticism is that I've been a full time eBay seller of craft items for a decade, and I still can't manage to list items as fast as they did in this book.
Recommended for anyone who enjoys reading about country village life, a variety of interesting characters and craft lovers.
I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.
I would like to thank the publisher, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction/Blue Door for allowing me a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 7, 2015
My first attempt at reading anything by this author was Cupcakes at Carrington's. I only read about three chapters and put the book down. Despite my efforts of trying that book I just could not get into it.
To be honest when I picked up this book I did not recognize that it was the same author until I saw the list of titles in the beginning of the book. Yet I have to say that this book is ten times better than the prior novel. I now have a different reaction to this author and will probably check out more books by this author in the future. This book is a charming, fun read. It really does get you into the holiday spirits. Everyone at Tindledale is so friendly. If this town existed I would want to visit it.
To be honest when I picked up this book I did not recognize that it was the same author until I saw the list of titles in the beginning of the book. Yet I have to say that this book is ten times better than the prior novel. I now have a different reaction to this author and will probably check out more books by this author in the future. This book is a charming, fun read. It really does get you into the holiday spirits. Everyone at Tindledale is so friendly. If this town existed I would want to visit it.
December 23, 2014
Another cute Christmas book. It feeds my desire to spend the holiday season in England, that's for sure! I liked the characters but I do wish it had more Dr. Darcy! I hear this is a new series by this author so I'll definitely be on the lookout for the next book.
This book made me a little sad, though. Made me think of my grandma a lot and knowing that I messed up by not having learned to crochet and knit from her.
This book made me a little sad, though. Made me think of my grandma a lot and knowing that I messed up by not having learned to crochet and knit from her.
December 29, 2020
Enjoyable, light, festive read.
December 23, 2015
I loved the heart-warming message behind The Great Christmas Knit Off. Whilst many of these festive books focus on romance, this sees a community banding together to help an old lady out of financial difficulty, but without doing anything to make her feel embarrassed.
It might be far-fetched for a stranger to take so much interest in a stranger but Sybil and Hettie bond over their love of knitting. Once the locals see someone doing something practical to help her out, they are all eager to join in. I’m not sure people would be willing to give up s much time for free, but it’s the kind of fuzzy book that you just have to not think too hard about.
There’s a hint of a romantic story too. Sybs is quite expectedly burnt by her experience with Luke, who even left her with the bill for the Star Wars themed wedding that never happened. On her train journey to Tindledale someone leaves her an invitation to call written on a newspaper and she’s sure it must be the handsome man whose muffin was nearly eaten by her dog.
There’s plenty of false starts and a gentle bit of romance, but the main focus is Sybs refinding her confidence whilst creating a Christmas miracle for one old lady. It’s sad to think there are people in the world more interested in the inheritance than making sure their relatives are happy.
It’s set in December in a snow filled village and there’s plenty of Christmas jumpers being knitted. So I would give this a big thumbs up if you’re looking for a light festive read for the holidays.
It might be far-fetched for a stranger to take so much interest in a stranger but Sybil and Hettie bond over their love of knitting. Once the locals see someone doing something practical to help her out, they are all eager to join in. I’m not sure people would be willing to give up s much time for free, but it’s the kind of fuzzy book that you just have to not think too hard about.
There’s a hint of a romantic story too. Sybs is quite expectedly burnt by her experience with Luke, who even left her with the bill for the Star Wars themed wedding that never happened. On her train journey to Tindledale someone leaves her an invitation to call written on a newspaper and she’s sure it must be the handsome man whose muffin was nearly eaten by her dog.
There’s plenty of false starts and a gentle bit of romance, but the main focus is Sybs refinding her confidence whilst creating a Christmas miracle for one old lady. It’s sad to think there are people in the world more interested in the inheritance than making sure their relatives are happy.
It’s set in December in a snow filled village and there’s plenty of Christmas jumpers being knitted. So I would give this a big thumbs up if you’re looking for a light festive read for the holidays.
April 20, 2017
I really enjoy Alexandra Brown’s books, and think she is really good at writing. The great Christmas Knit off was no expectation. It had everything I look for in a novel, fun, laughter, great moments and sad moments. I loved Sybil and Hettie’s friendship, and the easy manner in which they bonded. I wasn't keen on the names of the characters as found them to be old fashioned but otherwise it was a fantastic book. I can’t wait for the next in the series!
Thanks goes to Net Galley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks goes to Net Galley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2014
Full review: http://iheart-chicklit.blogspot.com/2...
So, tis the season to be jolly, no? I can feel the festivities coming along when I get Christmas books in the post and no surprises, The Great Christmas Knit Off by Alexandra Brown was among the pile! *queue squeal, laughter and a bout of happy jig*
So, tis the season to be jolly, no? I can feel the festivities coming along when I get Christmas books in the post and no surprises, The Great Christmas Knit Off by Alexandra Brown was among the pile! *queue squeal, laughter and a bout of happy jig*
November 8, 2015
Keep calm and knit on. - Sybs (Sybil)
THE GREAT CHRISTMAS KNIT-OFF opens with Hettie (in Tindledale) skimping on her lunch and worrying about the growing pile of bills. She does not want to relocate to an old folks home so her nefarious nephew could sell the House of Haberdashery in a real estate deal. Meanwhile, Sybs (in London) is a shell of her former self after her fiance ran away with her twin sister. She also suspects she is the reason for a t 40,000 pounds clerical error at work. With Christmas just a few weeks away, Sybs escapes to Tindledale for the weekend to visit her school friend. Upon arrival in the postcard perfect village, she finds everything that is not London - friendly townsfolk who are willing to help her. In turn, Sybs wanders into Hettie's House of Haberdashery, a wonderland for any knitting enthusiast. It awakens Sybs' passion for yarn which she employs to save Hettie's business. Sybs restores Hettie's self esteem along with her own.
Brown creates magic in THE GREAT CHRISTMAS KNIT-OFF. Although it could be the Hallmark holiday movie of the week, it delivers humor, warmth, and cheer in the English countryside. The plot may be predictable, but the characters are colorful. Sybs, in particular, shines bright like a Christmas ornament. Even though she has been through hell, Sybs remains optimistic when helping others. Her focus outward helps her heal inward.
I am not a knitting enthusiast but I could still enjoy the fun during the "knitting days"; everyone in town helped out. Brown reminds us of the Christmas message - hope, community, and forgiveness. Sprinkle in pop culture, rustic charm, and a budding romance with the country doctor for heartwarming story for the coming holidays.
Recommended read for fans of British Chick Lit, small town romance, and cheering for underdogs.
THE GREAT CHRISTMAS KNIT-OFF opens with Hettie (in Tindledale) skimping on her lunch and worrying about the growing pile of bills. She does not want to relocate to an old folks home so her nefarious nephew could sell the House of Haberdashery in a real estate deal. Meanwhile, Sybs (in London) is a shell of her former self after her fiance ran away with her twin sister. She also suspects she is the reason for a t 40,000 pounds clerical error at work. With Christmas just a few weeks away, Sybs escapes to Tindledale for the weekend to visit her school friend. Upon arrival in the postcard perfect village, she finds everything that is not London - friendly townsfolk who are willing to help her. In turn, Sybs wanders into Hettie's House of Haberdashery, a wonderland for any knitting enthusiast. It awakens Sybs' passion for yarn which she employs to save Hettie's business. Sybs restores Hettie's self esteem along with her own.
Brown creates magic in THE GREAT CHRISTMAS KNIT-OFF. Although it could be the Hallmark holiday movie of the week, it delivers humor, warmth, and cheer in the English countryside. The plot may be predictable, but the characters are colorful. Sybs, in particular, shines bright like a Christmas ornament. Even though she has been through hell, Sybs remains optimistic when helping others. Her focus outward helps her heal inward.
I am not a knitting enthusiast but I could still enjoy the fun during the "knitting days"; everyone in town helped out. Brown reminds us of the Christmas message - hope, community, and forgiveness. Sprinkle in pop culture, rustic charm, and a budding romance with the country doctor for heartwarming story for the coming holidays.
Recommended read for fans of British Chick Lit, small town romance, and cheering for underdogs.
November 5, 2014
When it comes to a Christmas book, as readers we can only hope for a few things. Snow, family, some kind of drama, and a love story. It’s exactly what Christmas is like in real life so why would we want anything else? Book one in Alexandra Brown’s new Tindledale series brings us everything on that list with an old fashioned twist.
The Great Christmas Knit Off gives us a good, steady, and emotional read. With a quirky plot and fabulous eccentric characters we really are spoiled. We are introduced to heroine, Sybil Bloom, or Sybs to her nearest and dearest, in a time in her life which let’s just say isn’t the best. Running away with her black Scottie dog Basil to the middle of nowhere, to visit her best friend Cheryl, to try clear her head is the only option she feels is right. Luckily for me and most probably you lot too, this is most definitely the right choice.
I can’t go into any detail at all about this plot because I think it’s needed to be a secret to allow you to fully submerge yourself into the snow, heartache and suffering of Sybs. I have to say I am surprised in a really good way at how AB has given us something totally different then the style we have become used to with her. Fun, fast, dramatic! Here, we still have fun, a lot of fun in fact, but we also have a soothing journey full of so much emotion in every possible way, that it breaks your heart a little. It really is a cracking Christmas read, and a brilliant start to a new series. I am really interested to see what the next book brings in.
If you’re looking for a book to buy someone for Christmas, I recommend this one. The warmth it generates is enough to make a cold winter’s night so much better.
5/5
The Great Christmas Knit Off gives us a good, steady, and emotional read. With a quirky plot and fabulous eccentric characters we really are spoiled. We are introduced to heroine, Sybil Bloom, or Sybs to her nearest and dearest, in a time in her life which let’s just say isn’t the best. Running away with her black Scottie dog Basil to the middle of nowhere, to visit her best friend Cheryl, to try clear her head is the only option she feels is right. Luckily for me and most probably you lot too, this is most definitely the right choice.
I can’t go into any detail at all about this plot because I think it’s needed to be a secret to allow you to fully submerge yourself into the snow, heartache and suffering of Sybs. I have to say I am surprised in a really good way at how AB has given us something totally different then the style we have become used to with her. Fun, fast, dramatic! Here, we still have fun, a lot of fun in fact, but we also have a soothing journey full of so much emotion in every possible way, that it breaks your heart a little. It really is a cracking Christmas read, and a brilliant start to a new series. I am really interested to see what the next book brings in.
If you’re looking for a book to buy someone for Christmas, I recommend this one. The warmth it generates is enough to make a cold winter’s night so much better.
5/5
November 12, 2014
After worrying that she may have made a dreadful mistake at work, Sybil decides she needs a short break with her best friend at the pub she is now running with her husband. She is still trying to overcome being jilted by her fiance and things are threatening to overwhelm her.
She grabs her knitting bag, a small suitcase and her beloved dog and catches the train to Tindledale. Various residents from the village are sharing her compartment and everyone seems to know each other.
Her friend is unexpectedly on a course and they have to find her a bed for the night at a lovely B&B- where the proprieter takes her under his wing.
On exploring the village she is drawn to Hettie's House of Haberdashery- which seems to have been preserved in a time warp with distressed old stock- but a feisty old lady in charge. She has troubles of her own- but they strike up a great friendship over their love of knitting. Hettie has got money worries- but the whole village get behind Sybil's attempt to get the shop profitable again and set up a knitting circle to fulfill the new website orders!
Romance in the form of the gp- who is one of the men from the train carriage. A lovely village feel about the whole book- where you only have to sneeze and the village telegraph will pass it on to everyone!!!!
Highly recommend this one!
She grabs her knitting bag, a small suitcase and her beloved dog and catches the train to Tindledale. Various residents from the village are sharing her compartment and everyone seems to know each other.
Her friend is unexpectedly on a course and they have to find her a bed for the night at a lovely B&B- where the proprieter takes her under his wing.
On exploring the village she is drawn to Hettie's House of Haberdashery- which seems to have been preserved in a time warp with distressed old stock- but a feisty old lady in charge. She has troubles of her own- but they strike up a great friendship over their love of knitting. Hettie has got money worries- but the whole village get behind Sybil's attempt to get the shop profitable again and set up a knitting circle to fulfill the new website orders!
Romance in the form of the gp- who is one of the men from the train carriage. A lovely village feel about the whole book- where you only have to sneeze and the village telegraph will pass it on to everyone!!!!
Highly recommend this one!
August 19, 2022
Oh, I am in LOVE! With Hettie's House of Haberdashery and the Knit and Natter group! Sigh, an old-fashioned needlework store...in a small town...be still my heart! It has a MAP of the village! A knitting pattern at the end! (I don't knit but I do all kinds of other needlecraft - could easily use the knitting pattern for a cross stitch design). A charming English village and villagers and it is set at Christmas! It is also first in a series! A cute scottie named Basil!
I will so definitely be reading the rest of the series.
Sybil, who goes by the unfortunate 'Sybs', has not only possibly caused some huge financial error at work, but is still mourning being stood up at the altar when her fiancee ran off with her twin sister. Seeing a lonely Christmas ahead and just needed to get away from her problems, Sybs heads off to Tindledale to spend a long weekend with her best friend who owns a pub there. Best decision she ever made as she quickly becomes swept up on the village and villagers, especially Hettie Honey, the elderly owner of said House of Haberdashery and desperately needing help from the plans of her dasterdly nephew, though too proud to accept it. There's a touch of real romance, several real surprises in the plot, and a wonderful set of villagers to provide fodder in future series books.
I will so definitely be reading the rest of the series.
Sybil, who goes by the unfortunate 'Sybs', has not only possibly caused some huge financial error at work, but is still mourning being stood up at the altar when her fiancee ran off with her twin sister. Seeing a lonely Christmas ahead and just needed to get away from her problems, Sybs heads off to Tindledale to spend a long weekend with her best friend who owns a pub there. Best decision she ever made as she quickly becomes swept up on the village and villagers, especially Hettie Honey, the elderly owner of said House of Haberdashery and desperately needing help from the plans of her dasterdly nephew, though too proud to accept it. There's a touch of real romance, several real surprises in the plot, and a wonderful set of villagers to provide fodder in future series books.
February 10, 2016
See raamat alguses ei pälvinudki mu tähelepanu. Töökaaslane soovitas seda mulle ja ma mõtlesin, et vaatan, mida raamat endast kujutab. Ma ei tea, miks ma kaanepildile vaadates mõtlesin, et tegu on kuiva ja igava raamatuga. Aga hoopis vastupidi. Raamat on mõnusalt humoorikas ja hoogne. Sekka ka roosamannat, aga väga nauditav lugemine.
Peategelaseks on Sybil, kellele meeldib kududa. Sybil on omadega ummikus, sest ta kihlatu jättis ta altari ette ootama ja laskis tema kaksikõega jalga. Sybil on masenduses ja päästerõngaks saab talle sõbranna Cher, kes kutsub ta endale Tindledale'i külasse külla. Seal ta kohtub pudupoe omaniku Hettiega. Hettie on tegus kaheksakümnendates eluaastates proua, kelle pood on rahalistes raskustes. Sybil pakub ennast appi poodi päästma ja lõpuks tuleb sellega kaasa ka terve külakogukond. Pood saab päästetud ja Sybili mured lahendatud. Ja lõpuks ei puudu raamatust ka üks seksikas arst.
Peategelaseks on Sybil, kellele meeldib kududa. Sybil on omadega ummikus, sest ta kihlatu jättis ta altari ette ootama ja laskis tema kaksikõega jalga. Sybil on masenduses ja päästerõngaks saab talle sõbranna Cher, kes kutsub ta endale Tindledale'i külasse külla. Seal ta kohtub pudupoe omaniku Hettiega. Hettie on tegus kaheksakümnendates eluaastates proua, kelle pood on rahalistes raskustes. Sybil pakub ennast appi poodi päästma ja lõpuks tuleb sellega kaasa ka terve külakogukond. Pood saab päästetud ja Sybili mured lahendatud. Ja lõpuks ei puudu raamatust ka üks seksikas arst.
December 3, 2014
This could have been a good little story apart from two things which were really annoying - it is overwritten, with so much padding and boring detail, that by a couple of chapters in I was reading three lines a page, still getting the gist of the story and wanting to get the end as quickly as possible; and the author went overboard on the emotional background. Yes, I get the heroine has had her heart broken, now get on with the story!!!
Another minor irritation was the overuse of the word 'literally'. An expression I wholeheartedly abhor. It is a completely unnecessary emphasis and simply manages to magnify my feeling that the writing is rather poor. I did manage to finish the book which is something I suppose, but its mediocrity and predictability means this is chic-lit at its worst (Mr Darcy as love interest. Yes, really!!). Avoid at all costs.
Another minor irritation was the overuse of the word 'literally'. An expression I wholeheartedly abhor. It is a completely unnecessary emphasis and simply manages to magnify my feeling that the writing is rather poor. I did manage to finish the book which is something I suppose, but its mediocrity and predictability means this is chic-lit at its worst (Mr Darcy as love interest. Yes, really!!). Avoid at all costs.
December 12, 2015
Sybil, or Sybs, as her friends call her, needs to getaway for the weekend so when her friend, Cher, invites her to visit she ends up in the small village, Tindledale. There she meets an assortment of interesting characters.
First off, this is not a romance. There is a romantic element in the last half of the book but this is more of the chick lit genre. That said, it wasn't a bad book. It was a bit slow at times with all the knitting stuff. (Sorry, I don't knit). But there were some quirky and interesting characters and Sybil's dog, Basil, was a pleasure.
First off, this is not a romance. There is a romantic element in the last half of the book but this is more of the chick lit genre. That said, it wasn't a bad book. It was a bit slow at times with all the knitting stuff. (Sorry, I don't knit). But there were some quirky and interesting characters and Sybil's dog, Basil, was a pleasure.
October 9, 2016
Absolutely loved this story of Sybil, after being left at the alter and following a major 'cock up' at work finds a new life and new love in Tindledale, doing what she's always loved, knitting.
December 21, 2017
Really enjoyed this book. Very easy to read but hard to put down. Recommended.
November 3, 2014
"The Great Christmas Knit Off" belongs to the most difficult category of books for review because I could actually only tell: amazingly great, bloody brilliant, freaking fantastic... You know what I mean. And there are also some books that even if I read them on my kindle, I'd order my paperback copy: just to hold them in my hands, to strike them, and all Alexandra's books belong to this category. This one is also pre - ordered already.
I was really not expecting to be approved for this book on NetGalley, so when the email came, telling me that I, indeed, was accepted, I have downloaded it as fast as possible to my kindle in case the publisher changes his mind, and started to read it immediately. Yes, I must admit, I was a little scared, because I thought, knitting, what? And me, with two link hands when it comes to such needlework... Oh, I would so love to be able to knit but probably not in this life... Sadly... And so, how can you write a book about knitting? But believe me, Alexandra Brown can. And who would have think that a wacky ho - ho - ho self - made jumper will change so many lives?
I have fallen in love with this book just after seeing the very lovely map of Tindesdale at the beginning. And then, very soon, Alex described Hettie, with her hair, in those grandma - slippers on her stockinged legs, in the dress, and it just so tugged at all the right heartstrings! She was just like my very own Grandma! And then it was only better and better.
Sybil is my third (!) bride jilted at the altar in a very short reading time! You couldn't not like her from the very beginning and you couldn't not fell for her reading HOW JILTED was she in fact. Being betrayed by her own fiancé didn't hurt as much as being betrayed by her own twin - sister. This whole situation really impacted Sybil, in a very negative way, and after being sure that she's just made a very big mistake at work, she flees to Tindesdale, where her best friend has just bought her own pub. As fate likes it, Sybil meets a lot of new people on her way to Tindesdale, and in Tindesdale, and one of them is the above mentioned lovely Hettie, who's struggling very much to make ends meet with her haberdashery shop and very greedy nephew. Sybil is really a nice girl and she can't walk indifferently past those who are in need, and so she organizes the Great Christmas Knit - Off.
Sybil is a very likeable, very prone to accident character and she always assumes the worst but it doesn't make her less likeable! Oh no, she's so funny in her pessimism and seeing everything in black colours. She's also absent - minded and distracted to a very large degree because she has once forgotten her dog Basil. Basil is the other story, oh my gosh, give me a book with a brilliant dog in and I'm sold! Sybil has also the biggest and warmest heart in the world and she always puts other people before herself, well, she even looked for an excuse for her sister and for what she did to her. So, cutting the long story short, she's a lovely, funny girl who, despite her shitty times and assuming the worse, is full of optimism and warmth.
All the other characters are the same. Alexandra Brown has, with a real gift, created many believable, complex characters, characters that we loved or loved to hate, characters that we kept our fingers crossed for and that we, simply speaking, enjoyed from start to finish. She has put so many effort to the details while writing the characters and it paid off because they're larger than life, they pop out of the pages and feel so friendly. I can't say that I had my favourites, no, I loved and enjoyed all of them, even the baddies :)
The book couldn't be sweeter if it wanted to be and even though it is nothing like in real life, I was drawn in into the story immediately. I'm very sorry for what I'm going to say right now, but it also couldn't be more clichéd: a heroine leaving her own life behind, finding her new herself in a very small village, a lot of funny and warm villagers around, but also some unfriendly ones but then turning out to be not so bad, a very bad black character who of course will be taught a thing or two, some secrets, unexpected romance, snowing in the right moments... Yes, we have all this and much more but let me tell you: so what? So what, if the book felt so wonderful and left me feeling better and with a smile on my lips? I couldn't ask for more from Alexandra Brown, really.
This book has it all. I have laughed out loud, I have smirked, giggled, shed some tears. I have felt as if Sybil was sitting next to me and whispered the whole story to me herself. There were a lot of situations, usually featuring Sybil, that made me laugh out loud, it is unbelievable what Alexandra put this poor girl into! She felt so often embarrassed and mortified, really, it would be enough for two or more characters :) The story was full of action and very unexpected situations, very embarrassing but funny moments and worldly wisdom given us in a very accessible, easy way.
Alexandra Brown has such a light touch that you're flying through the pages. I've read the book in two days as I literally couldn't put it down. It has such a cosy, friendly feeling to it, there isn't any nastiness in it, it has unbelievably high feel - good factor. It put me already in a festive mood and I have actually looked for Ho - Ho - Ho jumpers in internet. it makes us realise how important it is to have people that you can turn to in your weakest moments and that actually it is worth to have dreams - they can one day come true. A wonderful, festive, charming, warm read for all, not only Alexandra's fans.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
I was really not expecting to be approved for this book on NetGalley, so when the email came, telling me that I, indeed, was accepted, I have downloaded it as fast as possible to my kindle in case the publisher changes his mind, and started to read it immediately. Yes, I must admit, I was a little scared, because I thought, knitting, what? And me, with two link hands when it comes to such needlework... Oh, I would so love to be able to knit but probably not in this life... Sadly... And so, how can you write a book about knitting? But believe me, Alexandra Brown can. And who would have think that a wacky ho - ho - ho self - made jumper will change so many lives?
I have fallen in love with this book just after seeing the very lovely map of Tindesdale at the beginning. And then, very soon, Alex described Hettie, with her hair, in those grandma - slippers on her stockinged legs, in the dress, and it just so tugged at all the right heartstrings! She was just like my very own Grandma! And then it was only better and better.
Sybil is my third (!) bride jilted at the altar in a very short reading time! You couldn't not like her from the very beginning and you couldn't not fell for her reading HOW JILTED was she in fact. Being betrayed by her own fiancé didn't hurt as much as being betrayed by her own twin - sister. This whole situation really impacted Sybil, in a very negative way, and after being sure that she's just made a very big mistake at work, she flees to Tindesdale, where her best friend has just bought her own pub. As fate likes it, Sybil meets a lot of new people on her way to Tindesdale, and in Tindesdale, and one of them is the above mentioned lovely Hettie, who's struggling very much to make ends meet with her haberdashery shop and very greedy nephew. Sybil is really a nice girl and she can't walk indifferently past those who are in need, and so she organizes the Great Christmas Knit - Off.
Sybil is a very likeable, very prone to accident character and she always assumes the worst but it doesn't make her less likeable! Oh no, she's so funny in her pessimism and seeing everything in black colours. She's also absent - minded and distracted to a very large degree because she has once forgotten her dog Basil. Basil is the other story, oh my gosh, give me a book with a brilliant dog in and I'm sold! Sybil has also the biggest and warmest heart in the world and she always puts other people before herself, well, she even looked for an excuse for her sister and for what she did to her. So, cutting the long story short, she's a lovely, funny girl who, despite her shitty times and assuming the worse, is full of optimism and warmth.
All the other characters are the same. Alexandra Brown has, with a real gift, created many believable, complex characters, characters that we loved or loved to hate, characters that we kept our fingers crossed for and that we, simply speaking, enjoyed from start to finish. She has put so many effort to the details while writing the characters and it paid off because they're larger than life, they pop out of the pages and feel so friendly. I can't say that I had my favourites, no, I loved and enjoyed all of them, even the baddies :)
The book couldn't be sweeter if it wanted to be and even though it is nothing like in real life, I was drawn in into the story immediately. I'm very sorry for what I'm going to say right now, but it also couldn't be more clichéd: a heroine leaving her own life behind, finding her new herself in a very small village, a lot of funny and warm villagers around, but also some unfriendly ones but then turning out to be not so bad, a very bad black character who of course will be taught a thing or two, some secrets, unexpected romance, snowing in the right moments... Yes, we have all this and much more but let me tell you: so what? So what, if the book felt so wonderful and left me feeling better and with a smile on my lips? I couldn't ask for more from Alexandra Brown, really.
This book has it all. I have laughed out loud, I have smirked, giggled, shed some tears. I have felt as if Sybil was sitting next to me and whispered the whole story to me herself. There were a lot of situations, usually featuring Sybil, that made me laugh out loud, it is unbelievable what Alexandra put this poor girl into! She felt so often embarrassed and mortified, really, it would be enough for two or more characters :) The story was full of action and very unexpected situations, very embarrassing but funny moments and worldly wisdom given us in a very accessible, easy way.
Alexandra Brown has such a light touch that you're flying through the pages. I've read the book in two days as I literally couldn't put it down. It has such a cosy, friendly feeling to it, there isn't any nastiness in it, it has unbelievably high feel - good factor. It put me already in a festive mood and I have actually looked for Ho - Ho - Ho jumpers in internet. it makes us realise how important it is to have people that you can turn to in your weakest moments and that actually it is worth to have dreams - they can one day come true. A wonderful, festive, charming, warm read for all, not only Alexandra's fans.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
January 23, 2018
It was really easy to focus on the magic of this story about Sybil entering the lovely little town of Tindledale. It even made me ignore the narrative details that usually would have bothered me.
I also liked that it's more about Sybil processing her past and regaining her passion in life. Without that typical storyline of life sucks, new place, new love - happy end. (Even though that 'new love' part could have been a tiiiiny bit more.)
All in all, a wonderful christmas-y story.
Finally, I have to mention that this obligatory clarifying talk with her sister was just as awful as I feared. But at least the author forgot to cram further unrealistic love, peace and harmony into the epilogue. I'm very grateful for that. :D
I also liked that it's more about Sybil processing her past and regaining her passion in life. Without that typical storyline of life sucks, new place, new love - happy end. (Even though that 'new love' part could have been a tiiiiny bit more.)
All in all, a wonderful christmas-y story.
Finally, I have to mention that this obligatory clarifying talk with her sister was just as awful as I feared. But at least the author forgot to cram further unrealistic love, peace and harmony into the epilogue. I'm very grateful for that. :D
December 21, 2022
Things are going very badly for Sybil. First she was ditched at the altar of her Star Wars themed wedding and now she believes she has made a horrible and costly mathematical error at work, so Sybs decides to visit her good friend Cher in Tindledale.
It is in this glorious Christmas village that things begin to be set up right for Sybs.
The Great Christmas Knit Off was just a wonderful light read for the season with plenty of "feel-good" tinsel thrown in.
It is in this glorious Christmas village that things begin to be set up right for Sybs.
The Great Christmas Knit Off was just a wonderful light read for the season with plenty of "feel-good" tinsel thrown in.
December 15, 2017
The story is about Sybil, who, after being left at the altar and cocking up something important at work, flees to the tiny village of Tindledale for a few days of peace, where her best friend Cher runs the local pub.
Sybil's passion is knitting, so when she finds Hettie's House of Haberdashery, she's in heaven. But the shop struggles, and so does Hettie. Of course, Sybil wants to do something, and with the help of her new friends she starts to really make an impact...
So, that was a lovely little story. I'd love to knit my own Christmas jumper now. Sybil was a very nice girl and the villagers as well, including her new love interest, of course.
Well, what else can I say? It's not totally your typical girl-opens-shop story, it's a little different, I would say. But not that much, if that makes sense. There's also a bit of why-is-the-old-lady-so-sad-and-withdrawn? in it, which was not at all as annoying as in the last book I read, so that was nice. I also liked the way Sybil met her new love interest, it was really cute.
That's all I can say, just a really nice book!
Sybil's passion is knitting, so when she finds Hettie's House of Haberdashery, she's in heaven. But the shop struggles, and so does Hettie. Of course, Sybil wants to do something, and with the help of her new friends she starts to really make an impact...
So, that was a lovely little story. I'd love to knit my own Christmas jumper now. Sybil was a very nice girl and the villagers as well, including her new love interest, of course.
Well, what else can I say? It's not totally your typical girl-opens-shop story, it's a little different, I would say. But not that much, if that makes sense. There's also a bit of why-is-the-old-lady-so-sad-and-withdrawn? in it, which was not at all as annoying as in the last book I read, so that was nice. I also liked the way Sybil met her new love interest, it was really cute.
That's all I can say, just a really nice book!
December 8, 2023
super fun festive read to try & get myself in the spirit
November 6, 2019
Such a lovely Christmas read.
December 2, 2014
I have to admit that when I first read the title of Alexandra Brown's new book I did wonder just how much I would like it. Knitting is not something that interests me in the slightest, and the book reminded me of the one person I would love to recommend it to but can't (never getting that hour spent in Liberty's Haberdashery department back). I remember my Nan used to knit when I was younger but that's about it. That said though I think Alexandra is an author that could write about anything and I'd read it, and after finishing this I actually think it's impossible for her to write a bad book (no pressure for the next one).
Given how much I love the Carrington's series, as with any author writing something completely new, it's hard not to compare them whether that be with the storyline, characters, setting, whatever. I did try and put Carrington to one side though and focus solely on Knit Off. With the setting of Tindledale that was incredibly easy, I want to pack my bags right now and move to Tindledale it is just the most perfect setting for a book and with the map at the start and Alexandra's beautiful descriptions, I had a really vivid picture of it in my mind. Living in a city and barely knowing (or even liking) my neighbours, it's always fascinating to read about such close knit communities that pull together, know each other's business and live a life that us city people can't even comprehend - do places like this exist?!
Our main character Sybil arrives in Tindledale after being jilted at the altar. She arrives just weeks before Christmas, meeting Hettie who owns Hettie's House of Haberdashery, a business which is struggling and needs a miracle if it is to survive another Christmas. Sybil, a self-confessed knitting addict might just have the thing that Hettie needs to save the business. So, despite not having an interest in knitting the basis of the story is an interesting one and it wasn't long before I was hooked on this book. As always it's hard to discuss the plot too much, but there is of course a romantic storyline in the book, now for returning readers who fell in love with Mr Carrington himself, how does the love interest here fare? Well... You'll have to read it and find out!
What I love about Alexandra's books is the characters that she creates. Georgie from the Carrington's series has probably become one of my favourite Chick Lit characters ever, and here in Knit Off I really liked Sybil almost from the minute we met her. It's also her ability to make her stories unique and original. Over the past few years a lot of authors have written stories where the main character is left a shop/cafe/B&B and has to renovate it and make it a success (which they invariably do) and often some of them can feel quite samey, I felt that the character of Sybil along with the journey she went on throughout the book makes this book so much more enjoyable, and better than similar ones. You can tell when reading a book just how much love and care has been put into it, I got this feeling with the Carrington books but I felt it even more here.
Overall then this book comes highly recommended by me, whether you are familiar with the work of Alexandra Brown or are a completely new reader, pick up this book and fall in love with it like I did. And if you're a new reader, go and get the Carrington series right after you finish this book, you honestly will not regret it. After a few disappointing festive reads (some I abandoned because they were 'normal' books marketed as Christmassy) this one came along at just the right time. Get the fire on (or run a hot bath), get a hot chocolate and settle in for the night because once you start reading this book you won't stop until the very end. As this is the start of a new series, the book ends leaving you wanting more, which is always an exciting (and annoying) thing, so roll on book two!
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
Given how much I love the Carrington's series, as with any author writing something completely new, it's hard not to compare them whether that be with the storyline, characters, setting, whatever. I did try and put Carrington to one side though and focus solely on Knit Off. With the setting of Tindledale that was incredibly easy, I want to pack my bags right now and move to Tindledale it is just the most perfect setting for a book and with the map at the start and Alexandra's beautiful descriptions, I had a really vivid picture of it in my mind. Living in a city and barely knowing (or even liking) my neighbours, it's always fascinating to read about such close knit communities that pull together, know each other's business and live a life that us city people can't even comprehend - do places like this exist?!
Our main character Sybil arrives in Tindledale after being jilted at the altar. She arrives just weeks before Christmas, meeting Hettie who owns Hettie's House of Haberdashery, a business which is struggling and needs a miracle if it is to survive another Christmas. Sybil, a self-confessed knitting addict might just have the thing that Hettie needs to save the business. So, despite not having an interest in knitting the basis of the story is an interesting one and it wasn't long before I was hooked on this book. As always it's hard to discuss the plot too much, but there is of course a romantic storyline in the book, now for returning readers who fell in love with Mr Carrington himself, how does the love interest here fare? Well... You'll have to read it and find out!
What I love about Alexandra's books is the characters that she creates. Georgie from the Carrington's series has probably become one of my favourite Chick Lit characters ever, and here in Knit Off I really liked Sybil almost from the minute we met her. It's also her ability to make her stories unique and original. Over the past few years a lot of authors have written stories where the main character is left a shop/cafe/B&B and has to renovate it and make it a success (which they invariably do) and often some of them can feel quite samey, I felt that the character of Sybil along with the journey she went on throughout the book makes this book so much more enjoyable, and better than similar ones. You can tell when reading a book just how much love and care has been put into it, I got this feeling with the Carrington books but I felt it even more here.
Overall then this book comes highly recommended by me, whether you are familiar with the work of Alexandra Brown or are a completely new reader, pick up this book and fall in love with it like I did. And if you're a new reader, go and get the Carrington series right after you finish this book, you honestly will not regret it. After a few disappointing festive reads (some I abandoned because they were 'normal' books marketed as Christmassy) this one came along at just the right time. Get the fire on (or run a hot bath), get a hot chocolate and settle in for the night because once you start reading this book you won't stop until the very end. As this is the start of a new series, the book ends leaving you wanting more, which is always an exciting (and annoying) thing, so roll on book two!
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
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