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Let It Sew
It’s the day before the last day of term and Year One teacher Harry Britton has a problem: all of the costumes for his nativity play have been destroyed by accident. The only person who can possibly help him is Edward Saunders, who runs a small tailor and alterations shop in the village.
Edward is more than a little shocked to be asked to make seventeen costumes for five year old children—he’s more comfortable making bespoke men’s suits. But there’s something beguiling and utterly charming about Harry Britton, so despite all his hesitations, he agrees to help.
Edward is more than a little shocked to be asked to make seventeen costumes for five year old children—he’s more comfortable making bespoke men’s suits. But there’s something beguiling and utterly charming about Harry Britton, so despite all his hesitations, he agrees to help.
ebook
First published November 24, 2019
About the author
Anna Martin
48 books480 followersAnna Martin is from a picturesque seaside village in the south west of England. After spending most of her childhood making up stories, she studied English Literature at university before attempting to turn her hand as a professional writer.
Apart from being physically dependent on her laptop, she is enthusiastic about writing and producing local grassroots theatre (especially at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where she can be found every summer), travelling, learning to play the ukulele, and Ben & Jerry’s New York Super Fudge Chunk.
Although her most recent work is in the LGBT romance genre, in the past Anna has worked on a variety of different projects including short stories, drabbles, flash fiction, fan fiction, plays for both children and adults, and poetry. She has written novels in the Teen or Young Adult genre, Romance and Fantasy novels.
Anna is, by her own admission, almost unhealthily obsessed with books. The library she has amassed is both large and diverse; "My favourite books," she says, "are 'The Moonstone' by Wilkie Collins, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee and 'Oryx and Crake' by Margaret Atwood." She also owns multiple copies of Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park books and re-reads the Harry Potter novels with almost startling regularity.
Anna claims her entire career is due to the love, support, pre-reading and creative ass-kicking provided by her closest friend Jennifer. Jennifer refuses to accept any responsibility for anything Anna has written.
Apart from being physically dependent on her laptop, she is enthusiastic about writing and producing local grassroots theatre (especially at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where she can be found every summer), travelling, learning to play the ukulele, and Ben & Jerry’s New York Super Fudge Chunk.
Although her most recent work is in the LGBT romance genre, in the past Anna has worked on a variety of different projects including short stories, drabbles, flash fiction, fan fiction, plays for both children and adults, and poetry. She has written novels in the Teen or Young Adult genre, Romance and Fantasy novels.
Anna is, by her own admission, almost unhealthily obsessed with books. The library she has amassed is both large and diverse; "My favourite books," she says, "are 'The Moonstone' by Wilkie Collins, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee and 'Oryx and Crake' by Margaret Atwood." She also owns multiple copies of Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park books and re-reads the Harry Potter novels with almost startling regularity.
Anna claims her entire career is due to the love, support, pre-reading and creative ass-kicking provided by her closest friend Jennifer. Jennifer refuses to accept any responsibility for anything Anna has written.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
December 10, 2019
This adorable and sweet very short story is polished and complete... if your looking for a HEA this is not it as they are just about to go on their first date as the story ends. I loved both of the MCs and considering the length of the story very well developed. Definitely a fun and easy read and I would love to see the author to take these two further in additional stories!
November 21, 2024
3 Stars
Let It Sew is another charming M/M Christmas short by Anna Martin.
Set in a small English village, Edward, a local tailor and alterations expert, finds his skills in desperate need by the local primary school, when frazzled year one teacher, Harry, comes to him with a time-sensitive mission to replace all the ruined costumes for the school’s nativity play.
Spanning only 24 hours, and clocking in at only 42 pages, this short Christmassy romance was delightfully easy reading, showing the reader just enough of the promising chemistry between Edward and Harry to make it worthwhile and providing a perfect taste of Martin’s lovely storytelling, which, as always, is crisp, engaging, and moreish.
Let It Sew is another charming M/M Christmas short by Anna Martin.
Set in a small English village, Edward, a local tailor and alterations expert, finds his skills in desperate need by the local primary school, when frazzled year one teacher, Harry, comes to him with a time-sensitive mission to replace all the ruined costumes for the school’s nativity play.
Spanning only 24 hours, and clocking in at only 42 pages, this short Christmassy romance was delightfully easy reading, showing the reader just enough of the promising chemistry between Edward and Harry to make it worthwhile and providing a perfect taste of Martin’s lovely storytelling, which, as always, is crisp, engaging, and moreish.
December 6, 2019
I rather enjoyed this Christmas short. It was no steam no angst dual POV novelette featuring a banker turned elementary school teacher and a tailor in a small village in Dartmoor. I was charmed by the British colloquialisms and two men who were both a bit shy but wanted the same in life. The author managed to give just enough history about both men, Harry and Edward (the names alone are swoon worthy when put together), that I really cared and wanted them to be happy by the end of this little snippet. There was a promise of steady sweet romance that would end with a solid HEA. Very enjoyable!
December 24, 2019
Warm hearts have found hope !
A fantastic short story set in England at Christmas time. Edward is an established tailor working at his shop. A man rushes in with an important mission; to get Nativity costumes for his class. A tragedy befell the intended outfits, so time was of the essence. We like each man right away from their actions and demeanors. A night spent assembling the desired characters small sized apparel was intensely hard work. The two men get to talk and get to know each other, while 17 costumes take shape. Edward is extremely talented. The most important question is asked after the school’s musical Nativity ends.
Simply a scrumptious tale !
ENJOY !
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A fantastic short story set in England at Christmas time. Edward is an established tailor working at his shop. A man rushes in with an important mission; to get Nativity costumes for his class. A tragedy befell the intended outfits, so time was of the essence. We like each man right away from their actions and demeanors. A night spent assembling the desired characters small sized apparel was intensely hard work. The two men get to talk and get to know each other, while 17 costumes take shape. Edward is extremely talented. The most important question is asked after the school’s musical Nativity ends.
Simply a scrumptious tale !
ENJOY !
=======
December 9, 2019
Adorable!
Sweet little story of a grade 1 teacher, Harry, in need of help with costumes for the end of year school play. In comes Edward for the rescue. The two work together to get it done and well doing so get to know one another a little more.
Sweet little story of a grade 1 teacher, Harry, in need of help with costumes for the end of year school play. In comes Edward for the rescue. The two work together to get it done and well doing so get to know one another a little more.
December 7, 2019
4 Stars
This slice-of-life nibblet gave me the sweetest feeling of comfort and warmth. I love reading about small English villages, their inhabitants, and their local color. The two MCs face a big challenge, but they tackle it with optimism and admirable good cheer; even though the events happen quickly I was completely convinced that these two will make it work. They are perfect together!
This story was just plain cute, and I greatly enjoyed it!
What a tasty little holiday delicacy!
This slice-of-life nibblet gave me the sweetest feeling of comfort and warmth. I love reading about small English villages, their inhabitants, and their local color. The two MCs face a big challenge, but they tackle it with optimism and admirable good cheer; even though the events happen quickly I was completely convinced that these two will make it work. They are perfect together!
This story was just plain cute, and I greatly enjoyed it!
What a tasty little holiday delicacy!
December 11, 2019
I loved all of this except for how short it was. From the very first page I was caught up in the tale and knew I would want more.
Christmas magic!
Christmas magic!
November 27, 2019
This was a cute and charming little short story. It captured the christmas spirit. I admit, I'm not a great fan of short stories because I often feel like I'm missing out. But despite the fact that I would have loooooved to see the starting relationship to progress, this was the magical moment in time and I loved it. 4-5 stars
December 10, 2021
Two things made this work. One, and Martin is a talented writer. Two, we didn’t get an entire romance in one swoop, we got a really delicate start.
Ding, ding, ding…
Ding, ding, ding…
December 15, 2024
Sabem que tou a bater mal com muitas merdas quando ao invés de estudar decido ler um livro gay de natal enquanto ouço red da Taylor Swift… cornice é doença meu deus
December 14, 2022
This was a short quick read that I liked. Teacher Harry Britton has a problem he is in charge of the school play a nativity scene but the costumes get ruined so he goes into a tailor shop to get help. Edward Saunders, who owns and runs a small tailor and alterations shop in the village. When Harry runs into the shop looking for help he agrees to make the customs. This was a pretty good book that was short and sweet. This was my first time reading this author. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling.
December 1, 2019
This is a super sweet story about a teacher who turns to a local tailor to help him create 20 some nativity play costumes for the next day as the originals were ruined. He is called into help and after success, he makes the move to approach the tailor who is very shy. This takes place over about 24-36 hours so it's only the start of the story and if you like sweet stories with no explicit content this is for you. The panic of trying to find costumes and the calm cool Harry who just got onto the job had hand was very evident in the story. I was starting to panic myself. A nice start to the holiday season reading.
December 11, 2024
Even though this book was only 42 pages, it was a precious 42 pages.
December 20, 2019
This was an adorable one! I liked how Edward and Harry got connected easily. Maybe because in a little town, people usually less worry about talking to stranger.
Helping Harry made costumes for his students, they became close easily.
It was fast, but hey! Christmas is about magical things.
A definite comfort read in a holiday seasons! Happy holiday everyone!
November 13, 2020
I LOVED this sweet Christmas story.
It's charming and lovely with some snark to give it a little spice. It's exactly what I look for in a holiday tale.
It's charming and lovely with some snark to give it a little spice. It's exactly what I look for in a holiday tale.
November 25, 2019
Charming
This short brought to life a quaint English village and the bustle of last-minute preparations for a Christmas play, and the characters were endearing. I’m always a bit sad when just as the characters acknowledge interest in each other, the story is over, but I suppose there’s only so much you can fit in a short. Still, I enjoyed the read and the atmosphere it created.
This short brought to life a quaint English village and the bustle of last-minute preparations for a Christmas play, and the characters were endearing. I’m always a bit sad when just as the characters acknowledge interest in each other, the story is over, but I suppose there’s only so much you can fit in a short. Still, I enjoyed the read and the atmosphere it created.
November 28, 2021
This had the fixings of being a cute holiday story, but between Harry & Edward, they had about the same level of personality as a potato.
December 8, 2019
Low-key, charming sweetness.
November 26, 2019
Maybe closer to 3.5 stars - but, I so enjoyed the charming little story. <3 <3 <3
December 1, 2019
Sweet and just right
Exactly what one would expect for a sweet Christmas story with a beginning to a relationship I wish I could read more about. There’s enough subtext that you can guess that the costume shrinkage prompting the teacher to ask the tailor for help was accidentally-on-purpose, LOL. I like stories like this. Sweet as cranberry orange bread. 😊
Exactly what one would expect for a sweet Christmas story with a beginning to a relationship I wish I could read more about. There’s enough subtext that you can guess that the costume shrinkage prompting the teacher to ask the tailor for help was accidentally-on-purpose, LOL. I like stories like this. Sweet as cranberry orange bread. 😊
December 12, 2019
Low-key sweet and delightful without being sappy and tooth-gritting. Hit exactly the right note for a short-and-sweet holiday romance.
December 14, 2019
“My soul is fed with needle and thread.” ~ sewber.com
Edward, of ‘Let It Sew’ by Ana Martin, is surprised when a handsome young man. Harry, rushes into his shop with an urgent request. Harry is a first-year teacher at the local school. The costumes for their Advent presentation have been ruined and he needs Edward’s help to replace them. Edward is hesitant to take on the task, but Harry seems so desperate that he can’t turn him down.
The Advent play is an important event in town: Harry is worried about how it will look for him if it goes badly. Yet he is even more concerned about disappointing all of his children and their parents. Harry has never sewed in his life, but agrees to do what he can to help speed up the process. He jumps right into the task under Edward’s clear and concise directions. It is fortunate that Harry is such a fast learner because they have fourteen costumes to make in two days.
Since they are working so closely together, Edward gets to know Harry sooner than he may have otherwise. When he learns that Harry left a lucrative job in finance for a career in teaching, his admiration is even greater. Edward finds that the more he is around Harry, the more he is attracted to him. Edward decides that Harry is someone to whom he wants to be better acquainted with. From the signals he is receiving from Harry, he guesses that the attraction may be mutual.
This a short but endearing story about two men who, by necessity, are “sewn together” with great results. Thanks, Ana, for giving them their happy ending.
Edward, of ‘Let It Sew’ by Ana Martin, is surprised when a handsome young man. Harry, rushes into his shop with an urgent request. Harry is a first-year teacher at the local school. The costumes for their Advent presentation have been ruined and he needs Edward’s help to replace them. Edward is hesitant to take on the task, but Harry seems so desperate that he can’t turn him down.
The Advent play is an important event in town: Harry is worried about how it will look for him if it goes badly. Yet he is even more concerned about disappointing all of his children and their parents. Harry has never sewed in his life, but agrees to do what he can to help speed up the process. He jumps right into the task under Edward’s clear and concise directions. It is fortunate that Harry is such a fast learner because they have fourteen costumes to make in two days.
Since they are working so closely together, Edward gets to know Harry sooner than he may have otherwise. When he learns that Harry left a lucrative job in finance for a career in teaching, his admiration is even greater. Edward finds that the more he is around Harry, the more he is attracted to him. Edward decides that Harry is someone to whom he wants to be better acquainted with. From the signals he is receiving from Harry, he guesses that the attraction may be mutual.
This a short but endearing story about two men who, by necessity, are “sewn together” with great results. Thanks, Ana, for giving them their happy ending.
December 15, 2019
4-1/2 Stars
In my reading experience tailors of higher end quality items, whether they are in a large or small shop, tend to be a bit on the snooty side, thinking they are a little above everyday/off the rack items. Edward Saunders is not and I think that was what made me love him from the very beginning. When Harry Britton comes into his shop and is in need of children's costumes for a school Christmas play Edward sounds hesitant for a few minutes then sees the desperation on Harry's face and jumps in with his whole heart. Of course the chemistry between Edward and Harry is also extremely lovely, sweet, cute, and completely believable all the way. Holiday tales tend to bank on the magic of the season and in a way Let it Sew does the same, Harry's desperate need for costumes quickly brings the two together and because of the time spent with each other they talk and learn things that might normally take several chapters and several dates. It's this very same need and timing that makes the chemistry and "insta-connection" so believable and enjoyable. Another gem for my holiday library.
In my reading experience tailors of higher end quality items, whether they are in a large or small shop, tend to be a bit on the snooty side, thinking they are a little above everyday/off the rack items. Edward Saunders is not and I think that was what made me love him from the very beginning. When Harry Britton comes into his shop and is in need of children's costumes for a school Christmas play Edward sounds hesitant for a few minutes then sees the desperation on Harry's face and jumps in with his whole heart. Of course the chemistry between Edward and Harry is also extremely lovely, sweet, cute, and completely believable all the way. Holiday tales tend to bank on the magic of the season and in a way Let it Sew does the same, Harry's desperate need for costumes quickly brings the two together and because of the time spent with each other they talk and learn things that might normally take several chapters and several dates. It's this very same need and timing that makes the chemistry and "insta-connection" so believable and enjoyable. Another gem for my holiday library.
April 11, 2022
Joe as Joseph
This was 41 Kindle app-pages long but it seems like a full story. The characters were well developed and the imagery was spectacular. The plot seems plausible and not many leaps of logic are needed. This is a hard "Rated-G". lol
New first-year teacher, Harry Britton bursts into Edward Saunders's upscale tailor shop. The school's 17 nativity scene costumes were damaged and are unusable. It's one day before the first-years' play so Harry is frantically trying to find replacements.
Both men start to design, sew, and put together the new costumes. Edward needs Harry's help even though Harry hasn't used a sewing machine before. But it's for the 5- and 6-year old students!
Controlled chaos and fun ensues. I highly recommend this lighthearted and adorable story.
This was 41 Kindle app-pages long but it seems like a full story. The characters were well developed and the imagery was spectacular. The plot seems plausible and not many leaps of logic are needed. This is a hard "Rated-G". lol
New first-year teacher, Harry Britton bursts into Edward Saunders's upscale tailor shop. The school's 17 nativity scene costumes were damaged and are unusable. It's one day before the first-years' play so Harry is frantically trying to find replacements.
Both men start to design, sew, and put together the new costumes. Edward needs Harry's help even though Harry hasn't used a sewing machine before. But it's for the 5- and 6-year old students!
Controlled chaos and fun ensues. I highly recommend this lighthearted and adorable story.
December 19, 2023
Just Met or Happy For Now?
I have read this novella via Kindle Unlimited and this is my honest opinion of the short form.
If anyone is expecting a romantic story then you won't find it here.
The author is fantastic at starting a novella, sadly, I found having the two main characters meet up through circumstance and then agree to go on a date before the story is over, is greatly underwhelming.
It just feels like I've read two chapters of an unfinished story.
I won't be reading any other of the series of novellas, not because I dislike the writing skills of the author, but due to the lack of a middle and ending to the story.
Overall, I hope other readers enjoy the short form, but it's not the type of book I prefer to read.
I have read this novella via Kindle Unlimited and this is my honest opinion of the short form.
If anyone is expecting a romantic story then you won't find it here.
The author is fantastic at starting a novella, sadly, I found having the two main characters meet up through circumstance and then agree to go on a date before the story is over, is greatly underwhelming.
It just feels like I've read two chapters of an unfinished story.
I won't be reading any other of the series of novellas, not because I dislike the writing skills of the author, but due to the lack of a middle and ending to the story.
Overall, I hope other readers enjoy the short form, but it's not the type of book I prefer to read.
March 29, 2021
As much as I love the story, it was too short for my liking (like my height ;)). I like that it shows a story of where they came from and why they were in the place. I absolutely love that Harry asked him out despite just knowing each other in less than 24 hours. I mean, the man was lonely. And that was it, just the end after the asking out part which was like a cliffhanger for my drama-loving, spicy-loving heart. BUT it's still nice.
I finished the book in one sitting and I ain't surprised. It took me probably half an hour or an hour to finish the entire book. It was satisfying to end it quickly but the story progressed quick and left us with a kind-of a cliffhanger if I say so.
I finished the book in one sitting and I ain't surprised. It took me probably half an hour or an hour to finish the entire book. It was satisfying to end it quickly but the story progressed quick and left us with a kind-of a cliffhanger if I say so.
December 9, 2019
Charming little story to start me off on my Christmas reading. I've always found English Christmases to be quaint, charming and eclectic, and this little short story captured the mood of it with its setting. I liked that it was not a meet-cute-jump-into-bed kind of story, but rather a shy, slow dance with plenty of stealing glances and "is he or is he not into me". The ending might seem abrupt, but the sweet kiss at the end was a perfect punctuation to the story, though I would have loved it if the story was stretched out just that wee bit more.
July 8, 2020
I think this is the last of the short stories I had downloaded, and it seems I saved the best for last. This was a sweet and gentle romance set in a small village where everybody knew the new teacher was gay and wanted to pair him up with their gay tailor. The whole thing was so sweet, I thourghly enjoyed it. These two are the gentlest and sweetest men you could meet. The overwhelming watchful eyes of the whole village, while struggling to fit the little kids with their Christmas play costumes, the pressure of is on.
December 31, 2020
Dream jobs and hard work
This was such a cute and hopeful short story with just the right holiday connection to it and a very supportive town. Edward is a tailor who is very good at his job but also willing to help out in his small town, which is great when Harry comes by desperate for help making the costumes for the nativity play. The two work together so well and it makes for such a heart warming story. Their chemistry is undeniable and you can't help but root for the play to go off well and for them to be together by the end!
This was such a cute and hopeful short story with just the right holiday connection to it and a very supportive town. Edward is a tailor who is very good at his job but also willing to help out in his small town, which is great when Harry comes by desperate for help making the costumes for the nativity play. The two work together so well and it makes for such a heart warming story. Their chemistry is undeniable and you can't help but root for the play to go off well and for them to be together by the end!
November 25, 2019
Novellas are hard, and I just feel like this one slightly missed. Don’t get me wrong, it’s cute, but it just left me thinking “that’s it?!” And not because of the length. The MCs don’t really interact all that much in my opinion, and I don’t see how they’ve even started to fall for each other. I fully acknowledge this is probably a me issue though, so I still suggest everyone checks it out for themselves.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews