The Knitter's Gift

by Judy Leslie

205 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 28, 2026

About the author

Who doesn’t love a good story? Judy Leslie's story starts in the vibrant city of Pasadena, California, where she grew up in a family as unique as they come. Her mother, a farm girl drawn to the allure of Hollywood, and her father, a charismatic Texan with talents in dance, art, and photography, provided a childhood filled with diverse influences. Her extended family was no less interesting, featuring a successful aunt who broke barriers as a gay interior designer and an uncle who worked as a chauffeur for Hollywood stars, among others. This colorful family backdrop offered Judy endless material for her future stories.

By the age of 20, Judy had moved to Bellingham, Washington, a cozy coastal town that seemed to whisper stories from its every nook. Running Yesteryear Antiques, her days began with the crackle of logs in the woodstove and the brewing of morning coffee, a routine that grounded her in simplicity and sparked her creative mind.

Her next chapter unfolded in a quaint beach cottage on the Lummi Indian reservation. This tranquil spot, where night mysteries seemed to merge with the ocean's rhythm, inspired the Cook’s Cove collection. Here, Judy's real-life experiences blended with her imagination, creating tales where mystery and romance seamlessly intertwined.

Judy's life also included dating a successful musician and living abroad, adding layers to her personal narrative. She has traveled extensively across the United States, exploring numerous small towns while riding on the back of her husband's Harley motorcycle.

Now, Judy splits her time between a home near Seattle and a cabin in Leavenworth, Washington, a place buzzing with Bavarian charm and outdoor activities. This contrast of settings continues to fuel her writing, inspiring her to explore stories about a family's search not for adventure or riches, but for a deep, enduring love – as timeless and profound as the mountains that surround her mountain retreat.

Reviews

[Sandy Goguen-Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart warming story with a Hallmark story vibe. A quick read sweet small town romance, with 5 POV.

Thanks to Book Sirens for this ARC book and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, let me say, I love this authors writing. Her books are fantastic. This story starts off with a couple, a family, and a granddaughter all having relationship issues. So you do have some angst Ellie, the grandmother to Emma the granddaughter sells her knitted scarves and sweaters during the Christmas time in a market in Leavenworth. Everyone that stops by she greets with kindness and patience and always says just the right thing. Through her these families find just what they need. This is a heartwarming story one that I absolutely loved.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Knitters Gift is a small town romance by Judy Leslie. I think that this story is so sweet and is a perfect Hallmark tale. Ellie knits items and sells them in a Christmas Mart. This wonderful story has 4 encounters with people at Christmas. Each of the people have problems and Ellie uses her knitted items and friendly personality to help them. This is a feel good holiday story. Get a cup of hot chocolate and escape into a good book. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Knitter’s Gift” by Judy Leslie
-A beautiful, heartwarming Christmas story filled with kindness, second chances, and hope. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Ellie’s Christmas Mart knitting booth brings together people struggling with family, marriage, and finding their way in life. It’s amazing that so much can happen in a small place.
Set in charming Leavenworth, Wa., this feels like a warm, comforting story and a wonderful read that leaves on a positive note.

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this story. The author was new to me, so I read the story with an open mind.

The characters were so real and relatable. Clair and David.. Their story was so true of many couples.

Ben and his dad, broke my heart. I actually was not liking his dad until the end.

Emma and Luke.. All I can say is happy.

My favorite is Ellie.. She says so much without saying much. She makes you think.

I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this author.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Leavenworth and wish I could live there. Each book introduces is to different citizens from the town, and I love each one. This one tells us a little story about 7 different people (3 families), and somehow their stories become interconnected. I love how this town is always willing to help each other out. I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I can't wait for the next story in Leavenworth.

[Simeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Knitter's Gift is a heartwarming Christmas novel that beautifully captures the power of kindness, second chances, and the unexpected connections that can change lives. Judy Leslie creates a comforting and emotionally rich story set against the enchanting backdrop of Leavenworth's festive Christmas Market, where every handmade gift carries a deeper meaning.

[AR bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Formatted as a series of character vignettes, this heart warming short story builds over a setting in a Christmas time theme village. Each character and couple find their own lifestyle resolution with the help of a local knitter vendor.

An entertaining Holiday story well written.

[Suze82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

exuding warmth

Reading this book is like snuggling in a warm knit blanket on a cold day, I liked the uplifting message that there are people who care about others and that a solution for every problem can be found, why not in an extraordinary way?

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful, heartwarming story. Ellie sells her handmade sweaters and scarves at the christmas market in Leavenworth each year. She sees people in a way a lot of us have forgotten how to do. She listens, and so helps others find their way through difficult or challenging moments. A couple who've lost their way in their marriage, a teen boy who wants something different from life but doesn't know how to make his father see that, and her own granddaughter who needs a new direction in her life. Beautifully written, full of gentle kindness.
Thanks to Book Sirens and Judy Leslie for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.