Sometimes the best gifts aren't wrapped in paper... they're the friends we find along the way. After a difficult year, Hattie is determined to bring a little festive magic back into her life—and into Settledown's newly revamped Knitting Nook. But when her crochet club attracts more chatter and wine than crafting, her boyfriend grows distant, and her perfect Christmas plans start to unravel, Hattie wonders if she's been stitching her hopes onto the wrong future. With the unexpected support of two new friends—and a charming newcomer who stirs her heart—Hattie discovers that the true spirit of the season isn't about perfection, but about finding laughter, love, and a place to belong. A heartwarming festive treat about friendship, second chances, and believing in yourself. Perfect for fans of Heidi Swain, Cathy Bramley, and Jenny Colgan.
I'm a full time writer, lucky enough to live between the UK and France. And when I'm not tapping away on the computer creating my own literary masterpiece, I usually have my head in someone else's.
This is such a cute yet dramatic small town Christmas story that had me much more invested than I was expecting. Hattie the poor girl gets put through the mill this Christmas with her boyfriend Gideon working long hard hours in finance. They’re struggling to find time together and on top of that the small town gossip is flowing through everyone’s ears and it seems that Hattie is not the only one having a rough Christmas period. At least there’s a cute new bartender to ogle at, befriend and welcome into Hattie’s 3 person crochet club. Things between her and Gideon get more and more challenging and she chooses to not listen to the crochet clubs theories so she throws everything at trying to make her relationship work with a much less enthusiastic Gideon. As the plot thickens all it takes is one rather entertaining train journey to connect so many dots that are completely laughable and magical. I thoroughly enjoyed this quick little read and great for a little Christmas reading time.
A fun lighthearted read to really get you into the Christmas spirit!!! It’s hard not to root for Hattie, but I mainly looked forward to the chapters with her pals Joyce and Erin. Lots of fun and energy between them!! I’m missing the gang already!
Gideon is a t**t pass it on. This was such a feel good book for the winter season and I had a really good time reading it. Was it perfect? No. But I felt a real strong connection with these characters especially Hattie. I really felt for her at times, however I did find myself shouting at points. Gideon I could literally punch in the face.I finished over an hour ago and I could still punch him in the face. I am intrigued by other books written by this author and will be exploring them in the cosy seasons to come.
This is the kind of Christmas book you curl up with, accompanied by a good drink, perfectly content to let the world drift by while nothing too serious happens on the page. Set in a snug small town called Settletown, where everyone knows everyone else’s business, the story leans hard into cosy vibes: wool shops, knitting needles clicking, crochet clubs, festive gossip and friendships that feel as comforting as a handmade scarf.
Hattie, the heroine, owned a wool shop she inherited from her grandmother and was like the emotional true north of the town. Her life revolved around colour, vibrancy, yarn, routine and her new crochet club with Erin and Joyce. These two club members seemed to steal every scene they were in, particularly Joyce with her cheerfully chaotic marital situation (and husband who was the world’s worst cook). When Hattie’s boyfriend Gideon, an increasingly distant accountant, became absorbed in long hours and questionable work friendships, the town’s rumour mill spun into action. Enter Alex, the new barman. He was charming, creative, and handsome, and seemed to slot neatly into Hattie’s world as a friend she needed, with a romantic possibility.
The story ambled along in a very familiar direction, complete with many misunderstandings, constrained decision-making and a relationship that was clearly on its way out. And that was precisely the charm of it all. You don’t need to overanalyse its motivations, questions or plausibility too deeply. The Christmas Eve train journey might be the cherry rolling down the Christmas hill, but it seemed to tie everything up with festive flair (with a Christmas birth!).
Predictable? Entirely. A little stereotyped? Possibly. Was it comforting? Without question. It was a light, warm and yarn-filled, celebrating friendship, small town life and the joy of not taking life, too seriously. This was why it was on my wishlist – it was nothing like I’d usually grab to read, and I don’t mind a cute holiday book. Perfect seasonal escapism!
Well this festive little number gave me all the feels...it’s definitely a heartfelt, quietly charming story about rediscovering joy when life doesn’t go to plan (at all). Suzie Tullett's writing captures the essence of friendship, second chances, and the real meaning of the holidays without ever tipping sideways into sentimentality.
After a difficult year, our herione Hattie is determined to bring festive cheer back into her life through her newly revamped Knitting Nook. But between the crochet club that turns into more of a social hour (my kind of club), a boyfriend who’s drifting away (don’t get me started) and the pressure of creating a 'perfect' Christmas, she really does start to question what she’s working towards. With the help of new friends....and an unexpected newcomer (please get me started on Alex) who stirs something she’d almost forgotten, Hattie begins to find that the season’s magic lies less in grand gestures and more in quiet, genuine connections.
This book is grounded in feelings and Tullett doesn’t shy away from showing Hattie’s insecurities or the small disappointments that come with trying to hold everything together....which truly resonate completely. Yet there’s an optimism threaded through every page that's gentle, believable, and warm. The friendships are crafted with care and feel lived-in, with the kind of humour and honesty that only real companionship can bring.
While there’s romance, it really is on the side of understated. The focus lingers on self-discovery and belonging, giving the story a depth that resonates. The festive setting enhances rather than overwhelms and by the end, I found myself smiling at how naturally everything came together....I do love a good happy ending.
Tis The Season is a cosy, character-driven read that reminds us that even when life unravels a little, something beautiful can still be made from the threads. For my first festive read of the season....I'm a happy girl.
A Christmas Story to Warm Your Heart There is something about reading a good Christmas story that can make you smell fir trees and hot chocolate and logs burning in the fireplace. Even though I read this book in the midst of a steamy New Orleans summer, I could smell all those aromas and felt like I was tucked in with my coziest blanket in front of a fire. This book has all you want in a cozy Christmas story: a love story, good friends, and even a surprise visit by Santa near the end of the book. Also, Hattie, the main character owns a knitting shop named The Knitting Nook. There is just something about a book set in a knitting shop that gives me that cozy feeling even though I have never been able to learn to knit. As the crochet club set up by Hattie never actually crochets but instead meets to have drinks, does give some comfort to my feelings of knitting envy. I don’t want to give away too much of the plot but the story begins with Hattie’s involvement with a boyfriend that you just wish would disappear. A sexy bartender does come along to liven things up, but you will just have to read the story to find out all of the mischief that happens along the way. This is a very enjoyable cozy Christmas novel with characters that you will come to love (or hate) along the way.
+ Christmas + Small town setting + Three very different women with an interesting friendship + Light and easy to read + Well development characters
But ... - it took way to long for Alex and Hattie's story to start, it doesn't actually even start until the very end and I would rather have the story being more about them than the useless Gideon - Gideon and Hattie's relationships was one long and draw out annoyance; the story would have benefited greatly from their relationship ending sooner - I liked Hattie, but I also felt her character lacked a little back story, I didn't quite understand how she could be so alone in the world when she comes across as so likeable and capable - Some of the characters and situations felt a bit construed, made up (well duh... it's a novel...) less beleiveable with some characters just being a bit ... not how I could picture any adult acting (dinner situation). - I also wished there was more to Gideon and Hattie's relationship, I couldn't see ANY reason for them to be together at all
Enjoyable, but also very forgetable. A good enough escapism book with friendship and community vibes, a little romance and Christmas. If this is the type of book you're in the mood for, you could do a lot worse. That said, you could equally also probably do better...!
This was my first Christmas read of the year and was a nice easy read it did take me a couple of Chapters to get into to. Hattie takes over her grandmother’s wool shop when she passes and decides to try and run a crochet club where she meets Joyce and Erin and they decide to go to the bar instead and become fast friends. Hattie is looking forward to Christmas as this was always her and her grandmothers favourite time of year, last year she spent it with Gideon’s family and a very formal experience. Gideon, who is an accountant, seems to be putting work in front of meeting up with Hattie and Hattie is beginning to wonder if there is another woman. In true Christmas style the bar facing the wool shop has a new Bar Manager who is good looking and seems interested in Hattie . Who will win the heart of Hattie?
If you are looking for a lighthearted Christmas read, that is not demanding, and allows you to escape from the stresses of this busy season, then this book is ideal. The characters are rather stereotyped; accountants are wooden, creatives are fun, professional people are snobbish, a free and easy young shopkeeper will make friends wherever she goes. There do not seem to be any faults in the good guys, nor any redeeming features in the baddies. However, this is not a book for anyone demanding deep psychological analysis. Nor does it intend to be. It is exactly what you expect and demand. A good, well written, entertaining read, perfect for dark December days.
"Tis the Season" by Suzie Tullett is a heartwarming festive romance about second chances, friendship, and finding happiness when life doesn't go according to plan.
This charming Christmas story draws you in with its fascinating characters, strong friendships, humour, and just the right amount of drama.
Hattie faces many challenges after losing her grandmother. Having her boyfriend and best friends around is essential, but what should she do when things aren’t working out? She can’t just hide in her business or knitting group, but perhaps she could get a tenant. However, her boyfriend is not happy about this idea. Will Hattie let that stop her?
Well, this book I enjoyed in parts but overall it didn’t hit where I wanted it to it has so much potential and premise of it being perfect festive tale but sadly that didn’t happen for me. The main problem for me was how it took 30+ chapters for Hattie to grow a back bone and stop taking Gideon’s rubbish and sadly that was just to long for my liking - she seemed like such a sensible character but let him be rubbish for much longer than she should have. This book could have been the most perfect festive read had they finished this couple within the first 10 chapters when he was obviously awful from the start. I wished this was then the focus of Alex and Hattie because I actually enjoyed their elements and the crochet friends and their family hole dynamic - still an enjoyable read in the most part but it could of been so much better for me.
thank you for the opportunity to read and review the book 📖
Hattie is the owner of a cute little wool shop inherited from her Nan who she grew up with and still feels the loss of her as much as the day she went.
she is dating Gideon who only seems interested in his work and his own life. Alex is new to town and all the local ladies seem to have noticed him drawing behind the bar but all he has eyes for is Hattie.
Hattie Life gets turned up side down due to a budding friendship with Joyce and Erin.
Hattie owns a wool shop in a small village where everyone knows each other's business. She inherited the shop from the grandmother who brought her up. Boyfriend Gideon is an accountant and seems to be distancing himself while getting very close to his colleague. New local barman Alex is attracted to Hattie and they begin an awkward friendship. The backbone of Hattie's life is friendship with two older women, Erin and Joyce. Joyce's marital situation is the source of much amusement. The story culminates ub a fateful christmas Eve train journey, where true colours are revealed.
Hattie is trying to think about her future after a tragic loss and forms The Knitting Nook’s first crochet group. Group members Joyce and Erin, and new pub barman Alex, bring some laughter when Gideon, her boyfriend, starts acting strangely. This was an enjoyable read, illustrating how people deal with various situations. The characters were well-defined, and the new friendships that were formed shone through. Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the eARC.
A really lovely festive romance, I really enjoyed this book. Hattie is a very likeable main character, even if she couldn't see that Gideon was a wrong 'un! The friendships she has within her crochet group were very believable, and I loved her blossoming relationship with Alex and was so glad he was there when Gideon got his comeuppance! The plot moves at a great pace. I'd thoroughly recommend this festive romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Lovely light hearted read, and I do love a good Christmassy story. Hettie is such a sweet soul, and still trying to cope with loosing her beloved nan who brought her up. Hettie is plodding along in her love life with Gideon feeling he isn’t really committing to the relationship as he should. Cue tall dark and handsome Alex who is new to town. Is it time to shake things up with Gideon and give him an ultimatum or is Hettie holding on to something that doesn’t want to be held on to.
My first Christmas book of 2025 and it's only September! This was the perfect way to start my festive reading. A good romance (will they, won't they) a horrible boyfriend and a wonderful list of side characters. Suzie, I'm hoping for more Erin please. I need to know how she is doing. I'm now feeling all warm and fuzzy and want to put my tree up.
What a brilliant seasonal book Suzie Tullett has created. I couldn't put it down, it has Christmas all the way through which is just what I want from a Christmas book, the characters are believable and so is the storyline. Well worth the 5* I have given it.
Hattie is having doubts about her boyfriend constantly missing their dates because of having to work late but when she decides to get herself a lodger to help with her bills he becomes a little more attentive. But does he have ulterior motives? A great little book for Christmas.
A cute small town Christmas book with good characters and story line. Sometime the best things are friends we meet along the way and this is what this book is about, friendships. Well worth a read to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Really enjoyed this book. I was very invested in the characters and especially disliked gideon! the storyline kept me interested, and I couldn't put the book down. Very enjoyable christmas read
I loved this book from beginning to end. Such a cosy romance and the last few chapters were superb. A well written book as always from this author. Thank you Suzie.
❤️ Blurb - Sometimes the best gifts aren't wrapped in paper... they're the friends we find along the way. After a difficult year, Hattie is determined to bring a little festive magic back into her life—and into Settledown's newly revamped Knitting Nook. But when her crochet club attracts more chatter and wine than crafting, her boyfriend grows distant, and her perfect Christmas plans start to unravel, Hattie wonders if she's been stitching her hopes onto the wrong future. With the unexpected support of two new friends—and a charming newcomer who stirs her heart—Hattie discovers that the true spirit of the season isn't about perfection, but about finding laughter, love, and a place to belong. A heartwarming festive treat about friendship, second chances, and believing in yourself. Perfect for fans of Heidi Swain, Cathy Bramley, and Jenny Colgan. 🩷 This was such a cute and cosy read. It's the perfect book to curl up with over the festive season. Being under 300 pages it can be read in one sitting. I loved the author's writing and the story was easy to follow and heartwarming. I also loved the place settings in the story and the great mix of characters. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author. 💝 Thank you to instabooktours, the author and publisher for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
3 things about this book: •Festive Read •Small town setting •Uplifting story
ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Tis the Season is a festive read set in the small town of Settledown - I am a sucker for a small town so that really appealed to me.
Hattie had been through a lot before the story started and I really felt for her as she had this awful boyfriend and just seemed to be ambling through life. This really shows how just because it’s Christmas doesn’t change life in the slightest and people are going through so much even at “the most wonderful time of the year”.
Overall I enjoyed the story but what I am pleased about is that this is looking to be the first in a series and we get to return to Settledown and get to know the characters better (please provide a map!)
As soon as I saw this was a festive book & it mentioned knitting in the blurb, I knew I’d love it! As a huge Xmas lover, I thoroughly enjoyed this from the very beginning. You can’t help but love the main character, Hattie, & I loved seeing how her story developed. I would happily recommend this book & am looking forward to reading more from this author.