What do you think?
Rate this book
From Shetland, With Love #2
From Shetland, With Love at Christmas
'A warm, funny, uplifting writer to celebrate!' KATIE FFORDEIf you love Lucy Diamond, Phillipa Ashley, Sue Moorcroft and Holly Martin, you'll LOVE Erin Green's novels of love, life and laughter!'A lovely, heart-warming story of three very different women trying to change their lives for the better . . . I was hooked! I hope there will be many more books in this lovely series!' CHRISTINA COURTENAY'A delicious Shetland setting and the exquisite writing of Green, come together for a delightful tale of friendship, family and love' JENNI KEERReaders are enchanted!'A lovely Christmas read . . . made me feel good. Excellent''An essential for anyone's pre-Christmas light and relaxing reading list''I couldn't put this book down it was that good. . . 10 stars at least''A wonderful festive read that makes you wish you were there''This was a beautiful escapist read''Great characters, great storyline and a big hug in book form will be found within the pages of this amazing festive book. Loved it''A lovely story of friendship, love, and starting over. I wish I lived in this town, could shop at their stores and be friends with these lovely characters'.....................................Friendship can be the greatest gift you'll ever give . . . Verity is embarking on a better-late-than-never gap year now that her sons have flown the nest, and dreams of turning a lifetime's hobby of knitting and crocheting into a profitable new enterprise at Lerwick Manor's gallery. Nessie has returned to Shetland after two years spent retraining as a blacksmith on the Scottish mainland. She's determined to do whatever it takes to reignite the traditional craft and prove that gender is no obstacle to taking on her family's heritage. Isla is fresh out of catering college, but she is desperate to prove she has what it takes to run Lerwick Manor's artisan café. Focused on perfecting her grandmother's traditional recipes, Isla has no time for anything else - especially not her pesky ex.With the island's Yule Day celebration fast approaching, it's the ideal moment for their crafts to shine. But they can't do it alone - and their friendship might turn out to be their greatest creation yet........................................'A perfect story full of hope, love and friendship' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'An uplifting, engaging and heart warming book. Loved it' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'An amazing book and makes you really think that your dreams of changing your life can really happen' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'The author has the knack <
422 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2021
54 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
Erin Green
14 books116 followersFor my dedicated FaceBook group, please search :
Erin Green Readers
Love Erin x
Erin Green Readers
Love Erin x
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
October 6, 2021
What a lovely book this really was. It was utterly charming, and I loved the cosy feel of all the various crafts in their own stables at Lerwick Manor.
We are treated to 3 viewpoints, Verity who is taking a year out of her life of being needed by all family members, and escaped to Shetland to run the Yarn Barn. Nessie who is trying to make it as a blacksmith, and is sharing her forge with Isaac the glassblower. And finally 19 year old Isla who has been entrusted with The Orangery, the onsite cafe to try to make it a success, with the help of her granny's recipe book.
Each character has their various ups and downs over the book, and I was really involved in each of the women's stories.
What I somehow didn't quite realise until I was half way through is that this is a sequel to From Shetland, With Love which I hadn't read, but may explain why it took me a while to fully feel invested in this book, and why if felt like I was a tad confused near the start. Purely as there are lots of mentions of what is clearly back story woven in so you don't feel lost, specifically for Jemima and Ned who run Lerwick Manor, and just how everyone in Shetland seems to be related to each other.
Once I twigged, and could accept that and to be fair the story did work perfectly well as a standalone, it probably just needed to be read in longer spurts that I could manage due to real world time issues, than I was doing.
Not really the most festive of Christmassy books, this could easily be read at any time in the year, although that said it really does work as a nice warm and cosy read, curled up with a hot drink and a blanket on your favourite sofa, and devoting some time to reading the loveliness inside.
I loved the various crafts, I really enjoyed Crispy Duck, and the various dramas that unfurled. Plus the hints of romance that are present. I can't help but wonder though with how the book has ended whether there will be another trip to Lerwick and Shetland in the future, as I would love to read more about all of these characters.
Thank you to Headline and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
We are treated to 3 viewpoints, Verity who is taking a year out of her life of being needed by all family members, and escaped to Shetland to run the Yarn Barn. Nessie who is trying to make it as a blacksmith, and is sharing her forge with Isaac the glassblower. And finally 19 year old Isla who has been entrusted with The Orangery, the onsite cafe to try to make it a success, with the help of her granny's recipe book.
Each character has their various ups and downs over the book, and I was really involved in each of the women's stories.
What I somehow didn't quite realise until I was half way through is that this is a sequel to From Shetland, With Love which I hadn't read, but may explain why it took me a while to fully feel invested in this book, and why if felt like I was a tad confused near the start. Purely as there are lots of mentions of what is clearly back story woven in so you don't feel lost, specifically for Jemima and Ned who run Lerwick Manor, and just how everyone in Shetland seems to be related to each other.
Once I twigged, and could accept that and to be fair the story did work perfectly well as a standalone, it probably just needed to be read in longer spurts that I could manage due to real world time issues, than I was doing.
Not really the most festive of Christmassy books, this could easily be read at any time in the year, although that said it really does work as a nice warm and cosy read, curled up with a hot drink and a blanket on your favourite sofa, and devoting some time to reading the loveliness inside.
I loved the various crafts, I really enjoyed Crispy Duck, and the various dramas that unfurled. Plus the hints of romance that are present. I can't help but wonder though with how the book has ended whether there will be another trip to Lerwick and Shetland in the future, as I would love to read more about all of these characters.
Thank you to Headline and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
October 23, 2021
I haven’t read the first book in this series, however From Shetland With Love at Christmas works well on its own.
I really enjoyed this story. It is Christmassy, and I really liked the collection of crafters. I loved the sense of community that they built in the stables. The book is well written, with well thought out details. The characters all have their own stories going on, and seem well realised.
However, I struggled with the sheer number of characters and plot lines going on. I felt like there wasn’t enough time spent on anyone’s story, so I never really got properly involved with any of the characters. I found the constant switching of POV confusing too. I would have liked to focus on Verity and Magnus’s story for this book, and had a separate one for Nessie and Isaac.
Overall, this was a fun, Christmassy story, with a good sense of community.
I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this story. It is Christmassy, and I really liked the collection of crafters. I loved the sense of community that they built in the stables. The book is well written, with well thought out details. The characters all have their own stories going on, and seem well realised.
However, I struggled with the sheer number of characters and plot lines going on. I felt like there wasn’t enough time spent on anyone’s story, so I never really got properly involved with any of the characters. I found the constant switching of POV confusing too. I would have liked to focus on Verity and Magnus’s story for this book, and had a separate one for Nessie and Isaac.
Overall, this was a fun, Christmassy story, with a good sense of community.
I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
August 4, 2022
Verity to me makes this book. The sole narrative should have been hers. Nessie and Isla are not bad just not as strong as Verity. Having one lead would have been better. Not quite as good as book one in the series. I take to some of the descriptions of Shetland but most of the time pretend it is set somewhere else. It is not how I would describe the place in many parts. Having said all this it is still a light read.
October 25, 2021
Thanks to Headline for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I’m sorry, but you’ve given me a book that is set on a magical Scottish island, features cooking and baking, homemade crafting, friendship, family and new love, all during the build up to the best time of the year, and you expect me to give it anything other than a 5 star review? Not a chance. It had me won over before I’d even opened the first page.
What I loved is, whilst I know it’s only October, I read this whilst in my newly purchased tartan winter pyjamas (I’ll give you a moment to get that sexy image out your head), with Christmas music on the radio, tucked up under a big blanket with the only the dog for company. It was simply idyllic, and this book made it even more so.
What struck me about this book, is whilst it is that typical happily-ever-after type festive book, and it’s about people living their dreams with their own handmade businesses, and the magic of Christmas on an isolated island etc, it is so very human. Each of our main characters - and some of our background ones too - have their flaws. They’re not perfect, like every person reading it (sorry if that’s you, but we’re not perfect). They have insecurities, either about themselves physically or their talents or the future; they’re worried and scared, they say the wrong things, they go after the wrong people and push the right ones away. But they try their best, they work hard and they do their upmost to achieve their goals, overcoming small and big obstacles on the way. There’s light and love and life and happiness, but there’s sadness and grief and inner troubles.
Now, I don’t live in a small community. I live in a nice neighbourhood, with lovely neighbours, situated in a very busy town 20 minutes outside of London, so I don’t know what it’s like to live on a sparsely populated island with a small close-knit community. But Erin writes it in such a way that I don’t doubt that every nuance she writes about is absolutely perfect, and whilst I do like the company of others, the idea of doing what one of her protagonists does, and run away for an adult gap year in a far-flung place, with no-one but me to answer to, working on myself and my passions - and falling in love along the way, hopefully - sounds idyllic.
And now, if you don’t mind, I must go and book the next flight to the Shetland islands.
I’m sorry, but you’ve given me a book that is set on a magical Scottish island, features cooking and baking, homemade crafting, friendship, family and new love, all during the build up to the best time of the year, and you expect me to give it anything other than a 5 star review? Not a chance. It had me won over before I’d even opened the first page.
What I loved is, whilst I know it’s only October, I read this whilst in my newly purchased tartan winter pyjamas (I’ll give you a moment to get that sexy image out your head), with Christmas music on the radio, tucked up under a big blanket with the only the dog for company. It was simply idyllic, and this book made it even more so.
What struck me about this book, is whilst it is that typical happily-ever-after type festive book, and it’s about people living their dreams with their own handmade businesses, and the magic of Christmas on an isolated island etc, it is so very human. Each of our main characters - and some of our background ones too - have their flaws. They’re not perfect, like every person reading it (sorry if that’s you, but we’re not perfect). They have insecurities, either about themselves physically or their talents or the future; they’re worried and scared, they say the wrong things, they go after the wrong people and push the right ones away. But they try their best, they work hard and they do their upmost to achieve their goals, overcoming small and big obstacles on the way. There’s light and love and life and happiness, but there’s sadness and grief and inner troubles.
Now, I don’t live in a small community. I live in a nice neighbourhood, with lovely neighbours, situated in a very busy town 20 minutes outside of London, so I don’t know what it’s like to live on a sparsely populated island with a small close-knit community. But Erin writes it in such a way that I don’t doubt that every nuance she writes about is absolutely perfect, and whilst I do like the company of others, the idea of doing what one of her protagonists does, and run away for an adult gap year in a far-flung place, with no-one but me to answer to, working on myself and my passions - and falling in love along the way, hopefully - sounds idyllic.
And now, if you don’t mind, I must go and book the next flight to the Shetland islands.
December 8, 2022
A feelgood read, out of the first person perspective of three wonderfull women. Loved it!
October 27, 2021
4 stars. This book had all the right things: friendship, crafters, small business owners, Christmas craft show time, and Shetland (one of my favorite places on Earth!). I didn't realize it was the second in a series so I'm definitely going to go back and hunt up the first. Just a highly enjoyable read that hit all the feels and made you want to curl up with tea and a comfy blankie.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy to read in exchange for my honest opinion. My views are my own and not influenced by anybody. Ever.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy to read in exchange for my honest opinion. My views are my own and not influenced by anybody. Ever.
October 30, 2021
I found From Shetland, With Love at Christmas to be an easy read which I read in a couple of days. It was light hearted and entertaining. I didn’t find the characters entirely convincing but it is still an enjoyable book to get lost in over the festive period.
October 9, 2021
This is a lovely, heart-warming story of three very different women trying to change their lives for the better: Isla, young but determined to manage a café and start her adult life in the best possible way; Nessie, wanting to follow her family’s tradition of being a blacksmith even though she faces prejudice as a woman; and Verity, who after nearly 20 years of being a single mum, just wants some time to be herself, and some peace and quiet. They are all in the best possible place – set against the backdrop of a gorgeous stable block at a stately home, converted to workshops for local artisans, and the stunning surroundings of Shetland in autumn and winter, the reader is immediately drawn into the lives of these characters. I loved their determination to succeed, the camaraderie among the artisans, and meeting well-loved characters from the previous book in the series. When the possibility of romance entered the equation too, I was hooked! Yet again, I long to visit the Shetland Islands, and I hope there will be many more books in this lovely series!
October 8, 2021
FROM SHETLAND WITH LOVE AT CHRISTMAS by ERIN GREEN
This is the second book in Erin Green’s From Shetland With Love series. Always best to read in order, but this was easy to read as a stand alone story.
This book takes us on a journey with Verity, Nessie and Isla. Three woman all at different stages of their lives and all with their own story to tell.
We follow their ups and downs and see how the three women become firm friends.
With less emphasis on Christmas than the cover may suggest, this book is so warm and feel good. It has a stunning, well described setting, some uplifting friendships, lots of crafting, cooking, a bit of romance and will leave your heart thoroughly warmed.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
With thanks to #Netgalley and #Headline for an ARC of #FromShetlandWithLoveAtChristmas by #ErinGreen.
October 8, 2021
This is my first book by Erin Green and what a brilliant book it was. I'll definitely be reading more of her books.
. I loved the sense of community and belonging you can feel within the book. As a crocheter I loved The Yarn Barn but I also found it really interesting to learn about other crafts within the book.
The story for me was a really interesting take on a christmas story featuring around the 3 main characters; Nessie, Isla and Verity.
I hope we get follow up books on Isla and Nessie's stories as essentially this was Verity's story with a glimpse into Isla and Nessie's lives.
Great book!
. I loved the sense of community and belonging you can feel within the book. As a crocheter I loved The Yarn Barn but I also found it really interesting to learn about other crafts within the book.
The story for me was a really interesting take on a christmas story featuring around the 3 main characters; Nessie, Isla and Verity.
I hope we get follow up books on Isla and Nessie's stories as essentially this was Verity's story with a glimpse into Isla and Nessie's lives.
Great book!
September 19, 2021
What an amazing return to the Shetland’s. I loved this from start to finish. It was great to visit all friends and meet new ones. Veritys story really touched me, as a mother of three teenage boys myself I certainly empathised with where she was coming from. I loved her bond with them still even when she’s away and how mature they all were in looking after themselves and allowing her to have her ‘me’ time. I also loved her growing relationship with Magnus. The wool dying fiasco really made me laugh, I don’t think I can look at a sheep quite the same way again.
I loved Nessie and Isaac, I was rooting for them from the start, and I loved that moment under the mistletoe.
Isla was an interesting character, so young and so much potential, I loved that each woman telling their story was from a different generation, there’s something there for many readers to identify with. I loved their friendship and how they all supported each other, girl power has no age limit.
I was fascinated by all the crafts that were part of the storyline, I was particularly drawn to Nessie and her wonderfully sculpted pieces.
I really hope there’s going to be more visits to the Shetlands and we get to meet these characters again.
I loved Nessie and Isaac, I was rooting for them from the start, and I loved that moment under the mistletoe.
Isla was an interesting character, so young and so much potential, I loved that each woman telling their story was from a different generation, there’s something there for many readers to identify with. I loved their friendship and how they all supported each other, girl power has no age limit.
I was fascinated by all the crafts that were part of the storyline, I was particularly drawn to Nessie and her wonderfully sculpted pieces.
I really hope there’s going to be more visits to the Shetlands and we get to meet these characters again.
October 13, 2021
2.5 stars. I truly wanted to like this, but I found it very boring. I requested it from Netgalley (thanks for the copy!) because of the storyline: three women entrepreneurs, who are all doing their best to grow their respective creative businesses. I love the idea of an artist conglomerate space, and I love that they are working in close proximity and able to bounce ideas off of and encourage each other in a community.
Verity definitely had the most interesting storyline. She took a year off from being mom to her three adult sons that she raised on her own, and chose to focus on growing her business herself. It's the first thing she's done for herself in a long time. It's brave - and necessary - for women, and more specifically mothers, to put themselves first. Her slow but meaningful, relationship with Magnus felt believable and passionate.
Nessie's storyline was a lot of internal dialogue/brainstorming/worrying. The part of me who does all of that for my own business understands completely, but it also got to be a little bit... almost stressful to read. I felt like I wanted to help or encourage her, and I couldn't just enjoy it as part of the story. Her relationship with Isaac could have been really nice, but nothing interesting happened between them until the book was 80% over.
Isla's bit of the story was the most boring for me. She's young and she is proving everyone wrong that she can be successful in the baking and restaurant business. But it was a lot of her just telling us over and over that she was proving people wrong, or worrying that she wasn't doing a good enough job. It felt like her part of the story could have been eliminated and the book would have been exactly the same.
The setting and community aspects were nice, but this book was not for me.
Verity definitely had the most interesting storyline. She took a year off from being mom to her three adult sons that she raised on her own, and chose to focus on growing her business herself. It's the first thing she's done for herself in a long time. It's brave - and necessary - for women, and more specifically mothers, to put themselves first. Her slow but meaningful, relationship with Magnus felt believable and passionate.
Nessie's storyline was a lot of internal dialogue/brainstorming/worrying. The part of me who does all of that for my own business understands completely, but it also got to be a little bit... almost stressful to read. I felt like I wanted to help or encourage her, and I couldn't just enjoy it as part of the story. Her relationship with Isaac could have been really nice, but nothing interesting happened between them until the book was 80% over.
Isla's bit of the story was the most boring for me. She's young and she is proving everyone wrong that she can be successful in the baking and restaurant business. But it was a lot of her just telling us over and over that she was proving people wrong, or worrying that she wasn't doing a good enough job. It felt like her part of the story could have been eliminated and the book would have been exactly the same.
The setting and community aspects were nice, but this book was not for me.
August 8, 2022
I initially picked this up because I loved the idea of all the crafters coming together, selling different items, in their converted stables in Lerwick Manor, with one of them being a yarn store, which is right up my street!
I liked all the characters; Verity with her Yarn Barn, Nessie the blacksmith, Isaac the glassblower and Isla who is running The Orangery, the cafe in the little complex. And of course Ned and Jemima who own Lerwick Manor, well Ned does, and Jemima is his partner from the previous book (which I haven't read but didn't really detract from this book).
I did find Verity slightly irritating. She's the single mother to three grown boys (youngest 17), all still living at home, and decides that she's going to have a year to herself doing whatever she wants to do, and takes herself off to Shetland to open her shop, all without discussing or telling anyone, just leaving a note! Now there's nothing wrong with that if that's what you want to do, but who really ups and leave their family with just a note when they're leaving for a whole year! It just felt a bit odd to me.
I did enjoy the interactions of the various characters whilst trying to build their businesses, but I wouldn't really say it was a Christmas book, even though it was set at Christmas. It didn't have the Christmassy 'feels', but enjoyable nonetheless with the start of various romances too.
I liked all the characters; Verity with her Yarn Barn, Nessie the blacksmith, Isaac the glassblower and Isla who is running The Orangery, the cafe in the little complex. And of course Ned and Jemima who own Lerwick Manor, well Ned does, and Jemima is his partner from the previous book (which I haven't read but didn't really detract from this book).
I did find Verity slightly irritating. She's the single mother to three grown boys (youngest 17), all still living at home, and decides that she's going to have a year to herself doing whatever she wants to do, and takes herself off to Shetland to open her shop, all without discussing or telling anyone, just leaving a note! Now there's nothing wrong with that if that's what you want to do, but who really ups and leave their family with just a note when they're leaving for a whole year! It just felt a bit odd to me.
I did enjoy the interactions of the various characters whilst trying to build their businesses, but I wouldn't really say it was a Christmas book, even though it was set at Christmas. It didn't have the Christmassy 'feels', but enjoyable nonetheless with the start of various romances too.
September 14, 2021
Firstly I want to say I really enjoyed the stories in this book It’s a wonderful escapist read. It is the second book in a series but you definitely don’t need to have read the first to enjoy this one.
It focuses around 3 female characters - Verity, Nessie and Isla who are all different ages with completely separate journeys to develop but their stories and experiences intertwine beautifully. It’s a book or friendships, self discovery and romance all set in Shetland .
Each character has their story told from first person point of view which is not my favourite style of story telling but Erin Green really makes it work.
If you’re looking for a gentle, feel good story, one that leaves you feeling relaxed and happy then this is the perfect book for you. If you enjoy small town romance by authors like Debbie Macomber or Robyn Carr then this has a similar feel but set in Shetland rather than the US.
I haven’t previously ready Erin Green but I’m clicking away on Amazon to pick up some more of her books.
It focuses around 3 female characters - Verity, Nessie and Isla who are all different ages with completely separate journeys to develop but their stories and experiences intertwine beautifully. It’s a book or friendships, self discovery and romance all set in Shetland .
Each character has their story told from first person point of view which is not my favourite style of story telling but Erin Green really makes it work.
If you’re looking for a gentle, feel good story, one that leaves you feeling relaxed and happy then this is the perfect book for you. If you enjoy small town romance by authors like Debbie Macomber or Robyn Carr then this has a similar feel but set in Shetland rather than the US.
I haven’t previously ready Erin Green but I’m clicking away on Amazon to pick up some more of her books.
August 19, 2021
This was a beautiful escapism read and made me want to follow veritys example and escape to the Shetland’s. This is the first book I have read by this author and won’t be my last. I hadn’t read the previous book in the Shetland series but this didnt detract from this one as it could easily be read as a Stand Alone. This was a heartwarming and at times a heartbreaking read of love friendship and finding yourself again in an upside down world and how the different characters found escapism in their respective crafts. The descriptions of the knitting and black smithing and baking etc all jumped off the page and could visualise the orangery being a hive of activity and coming to life. This was an uplifting read of how friendships and pulling together in a community can change lives and how anything is possible if you put your mind to it. I would love a sequel to this book to see where verity and magnuses relationship goes and to see if she continues to love her life in the Shetland’s and becomes a permanent resident.
August 30, 2021
2.5 stars. I really wanted to like this book more than I ended up.
While it is the second in a series, it does not feel like you need to have read the first book to understand what’s going on (though maybe that’s where my issues stem from and it might be a good idea to read the 1st?).
The shifts in narrators (along with having 3 of them), though, lends itself to feeling somewhat disjointed. Lots of characters also make for a difficult time of keeping everyone straight. The Christmas timing comes later in the book, so it doesn’t feel like it has full focus on that.
Now, for the good stuff! I loved the setting as it’s off the beaten track and makes for a great location, and the writing paints a picture. Also makes me wish I had a Jutt of my own.
I’m sure there are many readers this book will connect with. Alas, I don’t happen to be one of them, sadly.
Many thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for providing a free copy for review.
While it is the second in a series, it does not feel like you need to have read the first book to understand what’s going on (though maybe that’s where my issues stem from and it might be a good idea to read the 1st?).
The shifts in narrators (along with having 3 of them), though, lends itself to feeling somewhat disjointed. Lots of characters also make for a difficult time of keeping everyone straight. The Christmas timing comes later in the book, so it doesn’t feel like it has full focus on that.
Now, for the good stuff! I loved the setting as it’s off the beaten track and makes for a great location, and the writing paints a picture. Also makes me wish I had a Jutt of my own.
I’m sure there are many readers this book will connect with. Alas, I don’t happen to be one of them, sadly.
Many thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for providing a free copy for review.
September 2, 2021
The titlegrabbed me straightaway with Erin Green's book. As an avid knitter, and a fan of the Shetlandland series , I felt some kinship with this book. However the multiple narrators are a tad confusing and the book seems disjointed. Also there are a lot of details pertaining to set up and supply, and selling of wares. The Chrismas feel good was present though, and sometimes that is what we need during that busy holiday time. I wanted to love this one a bit more than I did.
August 24, 2021
I’m more of a mystery gal, but this title and abstract spoke to me and I HAD to read it. I’m so glad I did. The story was uplifting and truly armed my heart and makes me want to visit Shetland as well. But I am grateful for my friends, community and my creative outlets, making this a book I can really relate to. Christmas reads always manage to bring out the optimist in me.
November 11, 2021
LOVED this book. It is such a delight to read about an area I have not visited (and probably never will) yet I was able to feel like I was there. I could picture the land and the life described.
I always enjoy a book with strong female characters ad this one begins with Verity escaping the life she has had for the past 18 years or so as a single mother of three boys, all teenagers now. Pregnant at a young age then married at that same young time, she had two more children then her husband walked out, not to be seen again, Finally Verity had it and decided to take her "gap year," normally taken as a younger person between the end of high school and college. Yes, Verity is a little late...so what? Knitting has been her hobby for years so she decides to head to the Shetlands where a large community of craftspeople will be opening shops on a large estate and she can create her Yarn Barn within this creative atmosphere. Her adventure of life on her own begins with being dropped off at a small cabin at the end of a long dark driveway; sounds like the beginning of a murder mystery!
Along with Verity, we have blacksmith Wednesday (Nessie) who is a fourth generation blacksmith. The things she creates sound absolutely beautiful and she is able to design all these items when someone suggests anything. She is also a. kind young soul as she looks at her fellow craftspeople in the barn (set up in old stalls) and creates beautiful useful pieces she thinks might benefit their sales. All she asks is that they allow her business card to be placed with the items. She shares her forge area with handsome young Isaac, a glassblower. (Yes, there are some men who play important roles in the story.) Struggling to create her business, her determination s wonderful to see.
In the kitchen, 19-year-old Isla is in charge. Recently finishing up at cooking school, she does a remarkable job with providing all the food needed for the shoppers and those who just come in to have tea and cakes. For her young age, she comes up with new ideas as well as easily handles the ideas brought to her by the merchants. However, her youth shows when her ex-boyfriend shows up and she must constantly remind herself what her mum told her about him when he broke her heart previously. She show so much personal growth in dealing with this tempestuous young man.
The men in the story are strong, island men. Their families are strong and the men know how to live with the land where they reside. In fact, for all who live here, their family values are strong as are their family ties; everyone knows everyone and is probably related in some fashion. There is so much respect shown to elder family members as well as to those already passed.
Yes, we have some drama and sweet romance....and the romance is truly sweet with a bit of humor for the understanding reader.
Now for my educator's viewpoint: While I don't think this would be used as part of a curriculum, excerpts could be shared if this part of the world was being studied. Also, high schoolers could be referred to this book if they are interested in reading about life in other countries.
#FromShetlandWithLoveatChristmas #NetGalley
I always enjoy a book with strong female characters ad this one begins with Verity escaping the life she has had for the past 18 years or so as a single mother of three boys, all teenagers now. Pregnant at a young age then married at that same young time, she had two more children then her husband walked out, not to be seen again, Finally Verity had it and decided to take her "gap year," normally taken as a younger person between the end of high school and college. Yes, Verity is a little late...so what? Knitting has been her hobby for years so she decides to head to the Shetlands where a large community of craftspeople will be opening shops on a large estate and she can create her Yarn Barn within this creative atmosphere. Her adventure of life on her own begins with being dropped off at a small cabin at the end of a long dark driveway; sounds like the beginning of a murder mystery!
Along with Verity, we have blacksmith Wednesday (Nessie) who is a fourth generation blacksmith. The things she creates sound absolutely beautiful and she is able to design all these items when someone suggests anything. She is also a. kind young soul as she looks at her fellow craftspeople in the barn (set up in old stalls) and creates beautiful useful pieces she thinks might benefit their sales. All she asks is that they allow her business card to be placed with the items. She shares her forge area with handsome young Isaac, a glassblower. (Yes, there are some men who play important roles in the story.) Struggling to create her business, her determination s wonderful to see.
In the kitchen, 19-year-old Isla is in charge. Recently finishing up at cooking school, she does a remarkable job with providing all the food needed for the shoppers and those who just come in to have tea and cakes. For her young age, she comes up with new ideas as well as easily handles the ideas brought to her by the merchants. However, her youth shows when her ex-boyfriend shows up and she must constantly remind herself what her mum told her about him when he broke her heart previously. She show so much personal growth in dealing with this tempestuous young man.
The men in the story are strong, island men. Their families are strong and the men know how to live with the land where they reside. In fact, for all who live here, their family values are strong as are their family ties; everyone knows everyone and is probably related in some fashion. There is so much respect shown to elder family members as well as to those already passed.
Yes, we have some drama and sweet romance....and the romance is truly sweet with a bit of humor for the understanding reader.
Now for my educator's viewpoint: While I don't think this would be used as part of a curriculum, excerpts could be shared if this part of the world was being studied. Also, high schoolers could be referred to this book if they are interested in reading about life in other countries.
#FromShetlandWithLoveatChristmas #NetGalley
January 11, 2023
THERE ARE SMALL SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW
As is often the case, I didn’t realise that this was part of a series and I have read it as a stand-alone, and it easily holds itself up as such.
This novel follows three women on Shetland, what has brought them there and how they grow.
Verity - a likeable older character who was abandoned by husband and the father of their children, leaving her to raise them on her own. I love that she gets her own romance, however, got very frustrated at how she let her family walk over her.
Nessie - younger and starting her own business in the family craft (blacksmith), I enjoyed how it showed the struggles with her confidence and the difficulty in starting a business, as well as how she was supported by her family and friends. And her romance was predictable, but it was still enjoyable.
Isla - the most frustrating character. I understand that she is young and immature, however, how she thought she could ignore the fact that her keys had gone missing is ridiculous, especially when you consider how long it went on for and the obvious fact that someone was getting into the premise overnight. I did enjoy her standing up to her vile ex-boyfriend, but would have liked to have seen her make better choices.
Overall, an enjoyable read.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As is often the case, I didn’t realise that this was part of a series and I have read it as a stand-alone, and it easily holds itself up as such.
This novel follows three women on Shetland, what has brought them there and how they grow.
Verity - a likeable older character who was abandoned by husband and the father of their children, leaving her to raise them on her own. I love that she gets her own romance, however, got very frustrated at how she let her family walk over her.
Nessie - younger and starting her own business in the family craft (blacksmith), I enjoyed how it showed the struggles with her confidence and the difficulty in starting a business, as well as how she was supported by her family and friends. And her romance was predictable, but it was still enjoyable.
Isla - the most frustrating character. I understand that she is young and immature, however, how she thought she could ignore the fact that her keys had gone missing is ridiculous, especially when you consider how long it went on for and the obvious fact that someone was getting into the premise overnight. I did enjoy her standing up to her vile ex-boyfriend, but would have liked to have seen her make better choices.
Overall, an enjoyable read.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 25, 2022
From Shetland, With Love at Christmas by Erin Green
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Headline and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Verity is embarking on a better-late-than-never gap year now that her sons have flown the nest, and dreams of turning a lifetime's hobby of knitting and crocheting into a profitable new enterprise at Lerwick Manor's gallery.
Nessie has returned to Shetland after two years spent retraining as a blacksmith on the Scottish mainland. She's determined to do whatever it takes to reignite the traditional craft and prove that gender is no obstacle to taking on her family's heritage.
Isla is fresh out of catering college, but she is desperate to prove she has what it takes to run Lerwick Manor's artisan café. Focused on perfecting her grandmother's traditional recipes, Isla has no time for anything else - especially not her pesky ex.
With the island's Yule Day celebration fast approaching, it's the ideal moment for their crafts to shine. But they can't do it alone - and their friendship might turn out to be their greatest creation yet...
I really enjoyed this story - I felt at home with all of the crafts going on throughout the book. The book is well-written and so thought out, I mean who hasn't thought of taking a gap year to escape from the kids. A fun Christmassy story, full of community spirit.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Headline and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Verity is embarking on a better-late-than-never gap year now that her sons have flown the nest, and dreams of turning a lifetime's hobby of knitting and crocheting into a profitable new enterprise at Lerwick Manor's gallery.
Nessie has returned to Shetland after two years spent retraining as a blacksmith on the Scottish mainland. She's determined to do whatever it takes to reignite the traditional craft and prove that gender is no obstacle to taking on her family's heritage.
Isla is fresh out of catering college, but she is desperate to prove she has what it takes to run Lerwick Manor's artisan café. Focused on perfecting her grandmother's traditional recipes, Isla has no time for anything else - especially not her pesky ex.
With the island's Yule Day celebration fast approaching, it's the ideal moment for their crafts to shine. But they can't do it alone - and their friendship might turn out to be their greatest creation yet...
I really enjoyed this story - I felt at home with all of the crafts going on throughout the book. The book is well-written and so thought out, I mean who hasn't thought of taking a gap year to escape from the kids. A fun Christmassy story, full of community spirit.
Rating 4/5
December 13, 2021
When Verity needs some space from her family, what better place than the Shetland Isles; to do what makes her happy.
While creating a new life for herself, she meets Isla a nineteen-year-old aspiring baker and Nessie the blacksmith.
Told through the POV of these three characters this novel will take you on a journey of love, growth, friendship and family.
I really related with Verity and felt an understanding towards her and her actions. She was my favourite character.
The scene where Verity is dying wool, I laughed so hard I nearly fell off the exercise bike!! (Yes, I was on an exercise bike while reading this.)
Green gives us unique and realistic characters that every reader can relate to, with some truly heartwarming moments thrown in.
This novel is part of a series, which I hadn't realised, but didn't feel I was missing out on things when I was reading it. However, once finishing I do want to go back and read the first novel (plus more by Green) and have just asked my other half can we go to Shetland for Christmas! 😁🎅🎄🤶
Such a wonderful Christmas read and one I recommend to get you into the festive spirit or simply a read to lift your mood!
While creating a new life for herself, she meets Isla a nineteen-year-old aspiring baker and Nessie the blacksmith.
Told through the POV of these three characters this novel will take you on a journey of love, growth, friendship and family.
I really related with Verity and felt an understanding towards her and her actions. She was my favourite character.
The scene where Verity is dying wool, I laughed so hard I nearly fell off the exercise bike!! (Yes, I was on an exercise bike while reading this.)
Green gives us unique and realistic characters that every reader can relate to, with some truly heartwarming moments thrown in.
This novel is part of a series, which I hadn't realised, but didn't feel I was missing out on things when I was reading it. However, once finishing I do want to go back and read the first novel (plus more by Green) and have just asked my other half can we go to Shetland for Christmas! 😁🎅🎄🤶
Such a wonderful Christmas read and one I recommend to get you into the festive spirit or simply a read to lift your mood!
December 5, 2021
This is book two in the series, but it can easily be read on it's own.
From Shetland, With Love at Christmas is a wonderful winter romance I devoured in no time at all.
It is book two in the series, but it can easily be read on it's own.
A new founded small community of crafter's with a cafe at the heart, and I loved how important their respective crafts were for book!
There's three POVs.
A single mum who goes away for a long overdue time out. She runs a yarn and knitting stall and after almost 18 years of concentrating on her three boys she might have found an interesting man and time to focus on herself...
A young woman who is trying to make her own way in the world. She runs the café and has to prove she's able to do so, even at her young age. There's also an ex boyfriend who keeps showing up uninvited...
A blacksmith who loves her art, but struggles to make ends meet and to find what will sell best. She left her "normal" and now has to proof to herself and everyone that this wasn't just wishful thinking, but can be a full time carrer...
I liked how different the three were to each other and how they each had their own stories as well as some overlap through their work. At times I felt a little bit more depth would have been nice, especially when things resolve somewhat all on their own after having quite a build up.
I did like the characters, the setting, and especially the crafting to more than just make up for that though!
So overall I really loved the whole book, and will happily read more about
From Shetland, With Love at Christmas is a wonderful winter romance I devoured in no time at all.
It is book two in the series, but it can easily be read on it's own.
A new founded small community of crafter's with a cafe at the heart, and I loved how important their respective crafts were for book!
There's three POVs.
A single mum who goes away for a long overdue time out. She runs a yarn and knitting stall and after almost 18 years of concentrating on her three boys she might have found an interesting man and time to focus on herself...
A young woman who is trying to make her own way in the world. She runs the café and has to prove she's able to do so, even at her young age. There's also an ex boyfriend who keeps showing up uninvited...
A blacksmith who loves her art, but struggles to make ends meet and to find what will sell best. She left her "normal" and now has to proof to herself and everyone that this wasn't just wishful thinking, but can be a full time carrer...
I liked how different the three were to each other and how they each had their own stories as well as some overlap through their work. At times I felt a little bit more depth would have been nice, especially when things resolve somewhat all on their own after having quite a build up.
I did like the characters, the setting, and especially the crafting to more than just make up for that though!
So overall I really loved the whole book, and will happily read more about
February 5, 2022
The book was fantastic. I had no expectations, but anything I could have expected have been totally smashed.
It opens with Verity who moves to Shetland from England on a year out. We come to meet all of her new craft colleagues and where she is now going to spend her time. The book is split between various craftspeople, but this just leads to the deeper Shetland fabric, especially as all of the characters are so tightly linked together, both in their lives and in their family lines.
There are so many twists and turns about the barn and Lerwick Manor, and the people in it. From Isla baking in the cafe to Nessie and Isaac in the forge and up to the bosses in the Manor, you just don't want to put the book down. Isla is also a central character as she is part of the place that interlinks everyone else's lives, caffeinating and feeding them... her recipes and ideas making me hungry... and gives everyone else so much inspiration that their lives change.
I am so glad that I read this book and would recommend it to anyone, and Shetland is now firmly in my to-visit list.
It opens with Verity who moves to Shetland from England on a year out. We come to meet all of her new craft colleagues and where she is now going to spend her time. The book is split between various craftspeople, but this just leads to the deeper Shetland fabric, especially as all of the characters are so tightly linked together, both in their lives and in their family lines.
There are so many twists and turns about the barn and Lerwick Manor, and the people in it. From Isla baking in the cafe to Nessie and Isaac in the forge and up to the bosses in the Manor, you just don't want to put the book down. Isla is also a central character as she is part of the place that interlinks everyone else's lives, caffeinating and feeding them... her recipes and ideas making me hungry... and gives everyone else so much inspiration that their lives change.
I am so glad that I read this book and would recommend it to anyone, and Shetland is now firmly in my to-visit list.
November 12, 2021
Oh I loved this book! I had no idea it was a sequel so now I’m definitely reading the first one!
This was such a cozy read for the holiday season. I loved the characters and the setting, as well as the writing.
The book is told from the perspectives of three women: Verity, Nessie, and Isla. Verity is taking a gap year by escaping to Shetland, where she can relax and leave her motherly responsibilities behind. Nessie is trying to make a living as a blacksmith. And Isla is in charge of running a cafe.
All three women are embarking on new journeys in their lives as they try to run a business and try to live a life of their own.. And some even find love.
I love these independent women and their creativity and willingness to work for what they want. They gave me so much motivation and inspiration to work for what I want.
I absolutely loved reading this book whenever I could. I appreacited the pace and the sense of feeling that I was there with them.
This was such a cozy read for the holiday season. I loved the characters and the setting, as well as the writing.
The book is told from the perspectives of three women: Verity, Nessie, and Isla. Verity is taking a gap year by escaping to Shetland, where she can relax and leave her motherly responsibilities behind. Nessie is trying to make a living as a blacksmith. And Isla is in charge of running a cafe.
All three women are embarking on new journeys in their lives as they try to run a business and try to live a life of their own.. And some even find love.
I love these independent women and their creativity and willingness to work for what they want. They gave me so much motivation and inspiration to work for what I want.
I absolutely loved reading this book whenever I could. I appreacited the pace and the sense of feeling that I was there with them.
January 5, 2022
From the points of views of three different women in Shetland during Christmastime, this cozy book is a fun and easy read. Perfect to curl up with during the holidays, this book will set the scene for a cozy Christmas. If you enjoy reading romances with very lovely, European holiday descriptions, then you will love this book. There is crafting, there is family, there is joy. Pick this one up by the fireplace and get a mug of hot chocolate. In a sense, this book is like a hallmark movie in book form, which is a purely comfort. I love easy, fun and descriptive holiday reads during Christmastime and this fits the bill!
Special thank you to Netgalley and Headline for this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Special thank you to Netgalley and Headline for this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 9, 2021
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review.
I'm torn between 3 and 3.5 for this book. All-in-all, it's a cozy read with likeable characters. There are three stories weaving in and out throughout the book, each focused on one woman. The reason I didn't give this 4 stars or higher is the Isla storyline. It just didn't gel for me. It's the only one of the three substories that doesn't feature a romance, but that's not a problem if there's something engaging going on in her story. Unfortunately, I didn't find her story arc interesting. The Nessie and Verity stories, however, were cute and enjoyable.
I'm torn between 3 and 3.5 for this book. All-in-all, it's a cozy read with likeable characters. There are three stories weaving in and out throughout the book, each focused on one woman. The reason I didn't give this 4 stars or higher is the Isla storyline. It just didn't gel for me. It's the only one of the three substories that doesn't feature a romance, but that's not a problem if there's something engaging going on in her story. Unfortunately, I didn't find her story arc interesting. The Nessie and Verity stories, however, were cute and enjoyable.
November 10, 2021
This book is the sequel to From Shetland with love, a book that I really enjoyed reading. I enjoyed reading this book, but it wasn't quite as enjoyable as the first one in my opinion. I didn't get with some of the characters in this book. I loved reading about the crafts and would love to be able to visit somewhere like there and have a slice if cake in the Orangery. This book starts in the lead up to Christmas, so it's not quite as festive as the title and cover suggests. It is still a nice and cosy read to curl up with. This is a fun, feel good read. I hope that there are more books set in this location. Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.
November 16, 2021
Three very different women take a leap of faith by making a new start to their lives when they join the fledgling gallery at Lerwick Manor, which is owned by Ned and run by Jessica. Told from the perspectives of Verity, Nessa and Isla this is a lovely Christmas read. It follows the opening of the Gallery and makes you want to visit immediately, especially if you haven’t started your shopping yet. The sort of book that just lifts your mood and a delight to read. It has everything you want from a book in this genre and does it really well. Although it is part of a series it’s also a stand-alone read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
November 27, 2021
A cute, quick, and easy read for the holiday season. I haven't read the first book in this series, and probably will eventually. I enjoyed all of the characters and loved the inclusion of homemade crafting and the focus on friendship. I did find it somewhat difficult to follow all of the characters' stories and think this could have easily been divided into 3 books. I was most invested in Verity and Magnus' story and felt distracted by Nessie's and Isla's plotlines thrown in. I just think these 2 ladies deserved their own books, with a little more detail added to each. Overall though, this is a light-hearted, enjoyable read to get you in the mood for Christmas!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews