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Christmas at the Village Sewing Shop: A cosy, feel-good read filled with festive spirit and family secrets
'The perfect festive read!' DEBBIE JOHNSON 'Full of festive spirit and intriguing family secrets!' HEIDI SWAINCan three sisters stitch their family back together? Loretta loves running the little village sewing shop in Butterbury. Some of her most precious memories are sitting with her three daughters Daisy, Ginny and Fern, stitching together pieces of material - and their hopes and dreams.But this Christmas the family is coming apart at the Fern feels like she's failing at motherhood and marriage, Ginny's passion for her job as a midwife is fading, Daisy is desperate to prove she ' s changed since her wild younger years - and most of all, Loretta seems to be hiding something...As they come together to create a new festive quilt, the bond between the sisters begins to heal. But when Loretta reveals the real reason she's brought them all home, can the sisters mend the quilt, and their family, in time for Christmas?Full of kindness, community and festive magic, this is a treat to curl up with this Christmas! Perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley, Jenny Colgan and Ali McNamara
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2021
91 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
About the author
Helen Rolfe
69 books129 followersHelen Rolfe also writes as Helen J. Rolfe
Helen Rolfe writes contemporary women's fiction and enjoys weaving stories about family, friendship, secrets, and relationships. Characters often face challenges and must fight to overcome them, but above all, Helen's stories always have a happy ending.
Location is a big part of the adventure in Helen's books and she enjoys setting stories in different cities and countries around the world. So far, locations have included Melbourne, Sydney, New York, Connecticut, Bath and the Cotswolds. She also loves creating village settings or places with a small-town feel and a big sense of community.
Born and raised in the UK, Helen graduated from University with a business degree and began working in I.T. This job took her over to Australia where she eventually turned her attentions back to the career she'd dreamt of when she was fourteen. She studied writing and journalism and wrote articles for women's health and fitness magazines. Helen began writing fiction in 2011 and hasn't missed the I.T. world one little bit... in fact she may just have found her dream job!
To learn more about Helen, find her at:
www.helenjrolfe.com
https://www.facebook.com/helenjrolfew...
https://twitter.com/hjrolfe
https://www.instagram.com/helen_j_rolfe/
Helen Rolfe writes contemporary women's fiction and enjoys weaving stories about family, friendship, secrets, and relationships. Characters often face challenges and must fight to overcome them, but above all, Helen's stories always have a happy ending.
Location is a big part of the adventure in Helen's books and she enjoys setting stories in different cities and countries around the world. So far, locations have included Melbourne, Sydney, New York, Connecticut, Bath and the Cotswolds. She also loves creating village settings or places with a small-town feel and a big sense of community.
Born and raised in the UK, Helen graduated from University with a business degree and began working in I.T. This job took her over to Australia where she eventually turned her attentions back to the career she'd dreamt of when she was fourteen. She studied writing and journalism and wrote articles for women's health and fitness magazines. Helen began writing fiction in 2011 and hasn't missed the I.T. world one little bit... in fact she may just have found her dream job!
To learn more about Helen, find her at:
www.helenjrolfe.com
https://www.facebook.com/helenjrolfew...
https://twitter.com/hjrolfe
https://www.instagram.com/helen_j_rolfe/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
November 15, 2022
“𝘛𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘮 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘤, 𝘢𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵.”
✮ ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮
I thoroughly enjoyed this Christmassy book! I’m a sucker for these sweet village reads, but this one had an air of mystery throughout, which some big secret that kept me guessing, which I did have an inkling at one point, but wowza…. Yeah… That was incredible! I cried so many tears but it left me with a happy, cosy feeling! It had me chuckling throughout too, especially when the town Santa Claus ripped his bottoms!
I always love these village based books, ones that the community all know and love each other, and they all come together! I think this is the perfect read for anyone this Christmas 🎄 especially lovers of women’s fiction!
My main takeaway from this book was that no matter how hard we try, imperfection is always better than perfection. A great message to accompany a great read!
Thank you to Helen Rolfe and Orion Books for my gifted copy, and to Random Things Tours for my space on the tour!
𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐲.
✮ ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮
I thoroughly enjoyed this Christmassy book! I’m a sucker for these sweet village reads, but this one had an air of mystery throughout, which some big secret that kept me guessing, which I did have an inkling at one point, but wowza…. Yeah… That was incredible! I cried so many tears but it left me with a happy, cosy feeling! It had me chuckling throughout too, especially when the town Santa Claus ripped his bottoms!
I always love these village based books, ones that the community all know and love each other, and they all come together! I think this is the perfect read for anyone this Christmas 🎄 especially lovers of women’s fiction!
My main takeaway from this book was that no matter how hard we try, imperfection is always better than perfection. A great message to accompany a great read!
Thank you to Helen Rolfe and Orion Books for my gifted copy, and to Random Things Tours for my space on the tour!
𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐲.
November 11, 2021
As a sewer, albeit a novice, I found Christmas at the Village Sewing Shop by Helen Rolfe a fascinating and really lovely read.
Daisy, Ginny and Fern are the daughters of Loretta who lives in Butterbury where she runs a shop - the Butterbury Sewing Box, started by Loretta's Nan, Eve. The business has been in the family for more than seventy years but Daisy, Ginny and Fern have their differences. Full of family, forgiveness and love, I took great delight from this Christmassy novel. It was was fun following the sisters and reading about their pasts, their childhood memories and life choices. There was a good community vibe too, centred around the shop. Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Orion via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Daisy, Ginny and Fern are the daughters of Loretta who lives in Butterbury where she runs a shop - the Butterbury Sewing Box, started by Loretta's Nan, Eve. The business has been in the family for more than seventy years but Daisy, Ginny and Fern have their differences. Full of family, forgiveness and love, I took great delight from this Christmassy novel. It was was fun following the sisters and reading about their pasts, their childhood memories and life choices. There was a good community vibe too, centred around the shop. Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Orion via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
November 10, 2021
I loved my return to Butterbury, and this entirely new standalone story that has almost made me want to get my own quilt.
It certainly had me feeling warm and cozy, like I was wrapped up in a loving hand made quilt as I was reading this truly lovely story.
And you can certainly feel the touch of the season of goodwill while you are reading, as there are strong themes of family, love, forgiveness and personal growth within the pages.
Loretta is clearly hiding something, you get that feeling from the opening chapter, and is determined to have her three adult daughters back home for a few weeks in the run up to Christmas, in the hopes they will reconnect and feel like a family again. But just what is she keeping from everyone. I had an inkling really early on and was delighted to be very wrong!
Fern is a bit of a control freak with her family, but is definitely struggling. She was for me the hardest to gel with initially. Ginny is fairly easy going, but is starting to feel like she doesn't want to keep travelling around the world. While Daisy is the one working in the family's sewing shop but it's clear she has other passions and some secrets, And just what caused her to go off the rails as a teen. Ok that one I had a strong inkling and I was partially correct about!
The three sisters are all so different, and the story is told in 4 alternating view points, each of the siblings plus Loretta. After about two rotations so about eight chapters I had a grip on the characters at least at which point I started to enjoy the book a lot more, as felt once I knew who was who, it became a lot more interesting, as the family dynamics start to become clear, and change.
I just loved the whole vibe of this book, and there was plenty to keep me on my toes and thoroughly enjoying everything. I found I loved all four of our main characters by the end, and just wanted good things for the whole family. And there were definitely many moments that made me smile.
Another wonderful book from the always talented author. I loved it!
Thank you to Orion and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
It certainly had me feeling warm and cozy, like I was wrapped up in a loving hand made quilt as I was reading this truly lovely story.
And you can certainly feel the touch of the season of goodwill while you are reading, as there are strong themes of family, love, forgiveness and personal growth within the pages.
Loretta is clearly hiding something, you get that feeling from the opening chapter, and is determined to have her three adult daughters back home for a few weeks in the run up to Christmas, in the hopes they will reconnect and feel like a family again. But just what is she keeping from everyone. I had an inkling really early on and was delighted to be very wrong!
Fern is a bit of a control freak with her family, but is definitely struggling. She was for me the hardest to gel with initially. Ginny is fairly easy going, but is starting to feel like she doesn't want to keep travelling around the world. While Daisy is the one working in the family's sewing shop but it's clear she has other passions and some secrets, And just what caused her to go off the rails as a teen. Ok that one I had a strong inkling and I was partially correct about!
The three sisters are all so different, and the story is told in 4 alternating view points, each of the siblings plus Loretta. After about two rotations so about eight chapters I had a grip on the characters at least at which point I started to enjoy the book a lot more, as felt once I knew who was who, it became a lot more interesting, as the family dynamics start to become clear, and change.
I just loved the whole vibe of this book, and there was plenty to keep me on my toes and thoroughly enjoying everything. I found I loved all four of our main characters by the end, and just wanted good things for the whole family. And there were definitely many moments that made me smile.
Another wonderful book from the always talented author. I loved it!
Thank you to Orion and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
December 31, 2022
against all odds I managed to complete my reading goal with this wonder of a book! Following the entwined lives of the three daughters and all their backstory was very interesting and engaging. The ending was absolutely perfect too I would definitely recommend though maybe not to read in January maybe save it for next Christmas
October 30, 2021
A lovely cosy Christmas read I would definitely recommend.
A story of three sisters who used to be very close. Nicknamed The Three Sewing Girls by their grandad who was over the moon they loved sewing as it was the family business - a sewing shop. There is also a family secret to be revealed.
The sisters sadly grew apart and two of them lost interest in sewing. One is now married with two sons but her marriage is far from perfect. Another left Butterbury to become a midwife and then travel. The youngest daughter stayed to help her widowed mum run the shop although her heart lies in photography.
When Loretta, the girls’ mum, pleads with them all to have a family Christmas with their grandad they are concerned he may be seriously ill and all agree to put their differences aside for the sake of their beloved grandad.
Will they build bridges and become a tightly knit family again?
Well I was certainly hoping they would.
I enjoyed the way the book was written from the mother and each daughter’s POV in alternating chapters. I got to know each daughter and the mother and the reasons for their choices in life.
I also enjoyed the possibility of romances between the two single sisters and two brothers who all grew up in Butterbury.
The Christmas theme yarn bombing was brilliant. I live seeing photos of post boxes with knitted Christmas tops pop up in the news!
I was very surprised to read in the acknowledgements that the author was not a quilter as it felt like it was written from the heart. The girls bonded over making a quilt for their grandad and it was the focus of the story.
I truly did fall in love with this gorgeous story.
A story of three sisters who used to be very close. Nicknamed The Three Sewing Girls by their grandad who was over the moon they loved sewing as it was the family business - a sewing shop. There is also a family secret to be revealed.
The sisters sadly grew apart and two of them lost interest in sewing. One is now married with two sons but her marriage is far from perfect. Another left Butterbury to become a midwife and then travel. The youngest daughter stayed to help her widowed mum run the shop although her heart lies in photography.
When Loretta, the girls’ mum, pleads with them all to have a family Christmas with their grandad they are concerned he may be seriously ill and all agree to put their differences aside for the sake of their beloved grandad.
Will they build bridges and become a tightly knit family again?
Well I was certainly hoping they would.
I enjoyed the way the book was written from the mother and each daughter’s POV in alternating chapters. I got to know each daughter and the mother and the reasons for their choices in life.
I also enjoyed the possibility of romances between the two single sisters and two brothers who all grew up in Butterbury.
The Christmas theme yarn bombing was brilliant. I live seeing photos of post boxes with knitted Christmas tops pop up in the news!
I was very surprised to read in the acknowledgements that the author was not a quilter as it felt like it was written from the heart. The girls bonded over making a quilt for their grandad and it was the focus of the story.
I truly did fall in love with this gorgeous story.
December 31, 2022
Mysig julbok om sömnad och hur viktig familj är - här är det en splittrad familj som samlas och syr ett lapptäcke ihop och på så sätt repareras familjen.
November 30, 2021
This book is a really lovely story about sisterhood and family. If you are looking for a well written and lovely Christmas chicklit book, this one is for you! Just beware, it's a bit slow-paced and that is why I gave a 4 stars (and not a 5 to this book), but you won't get bored. There is also a bit of romance for those who like that!
November 1, 2022
Christmas at the Village Sewing Shop is a beautiful, emotional story about the strength of family and knowing when to ask for help.
I loved the relationships between Daisy, Fern and Ginny. They’d been through so much and when pulled back together that Christmas, I loved seeing how the three of them got together. The story of their quilting was one that resonated with me and brought back my own memories of my mum sewing.
The village of Butterbury sounded idyllic especially with the Christmas festivities in full flow.
As always Helen Rolfe has written a heartwarming story and I’d recommend completely.
I loved the relationships between Daisy, Fern and Ginny. They’d been through so much and when pulled back together that Christmas, I loved seeing how the three of them got together. The story of their quilting was one that resonated with me and brought back my own memories of my mum sewing.
The village of Butterbury sounded idyllic especially with the Christmas festivities in full flow.
As always Helen Rolfe has written a heartwarming story and I’d recommend completely.
November 5, 2021
This book is told from the perspective of all three sisters and their mum, Loretta, which I was a bit unsure about as I find that sometimes it can get a bit confusing as you flit between characters from previous books. However, I didn’t find that this was the case with this book and was able to distinguish who was speaking by the voice of the chapter and what was happening, I think the fact that they all have rather different personalities helped this to.
I really liked the shop being the central part of this story and how the community was involved to, it really set off a cosy vibe and made me really want to visit - especially with the final surprise! The shop itself was quite partial to the girls and their stories, helping to revoke those childhood memories and stir something up inside them all, but I especially loved how their mum and Grandad subtly pushed them even closer together. Ivor is such a character and it sounds like he gets up to all sorts of trouble - reminds me of Angus in Heidi Swain’s books!
The girls themselves are very set in their ways at first and it’s clear that the passing of their father had a massive affect on them all, driving them away from each other rather than together. It was so interesting to see how they’d all reacted in completely different ways and then when we hit the turning point it’s such a lovely moment. I don’t want to say too much more otherwise I’ll spoilt elements of the story!
There were a few bumpy parts of the book and a lot of secrets came out - none of which I was expecting at first but then the little puzzle pieces started to slot together! Such a well written story that has left me craving gingerbread men and makes me want to get my crafting box out!
I really liked the shop being the central part of this story and how the community was involved to, it really set off a cosy vibe and made me really want to visit - especially with the final surprise! The shop itself was quite partial to the girls and their stories, helping to revoke those childhood memories and stir something up inside them all, but I especially loved how their mum and Grandad subtly pushed them even closer together. Ivor is such a character and it sounds like he gets up to all sorts of trouble - reminds me of Angus in Heidi Swain’s books!
The girls themselves are very set in their ways at first and it’s clear that the passing of their father had a massive affect on them all, driving them away from each other rather than together. It was so interesting to see how they’d all reacted in completely different ways and then when we hit the turning point it’s such a lovely moment. I don’t want to say too much more otherwise I’ll spoilt elements of the story!
There were a few bumpy parts of the book and a lot of secrets came out - none of which I was expecting at first but then the little puzzle pieces started to slot together! Such a well written story that has left me craving gingerbread men and makes me want to get my crafting box out!
October 18, 2021
I received a digital ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve long been a fan of this author and have read and enjoyed many of her books. They are always filled with great stories and plenty of romance. Naturally, I expected more of the same, but was pleasantly surprised. For this story, romance took a back seat and let family ties be the main focus.
I loved all the characters in this story but felt drawn to Daisy. The three sisters are all quite different, Fern is married with a couple of children, Ginny is an adventurer and Daisy seems to be a homebird. At least, those are the impressions from the opening chapters. As the story unfolds, we learn that those assumptions are wrong and that the sisters have also judged each other unfairly. Their common bond, beside an historic love of sewing, is their love for their mother and their ageing grandfather.
I read this book in a single session and enjoyed every minute of it. I kept second guessing which way the story would go, but with less emphasis on romance, it was difficult to guess what was coming next. There are some huge surprises for the family to deal with and they each are faced with accepting the results of their actions. Whilst romance may be lower down the list, there is a very happy ending.
This is a Christmas book with a difference. It brings the focus back to the joy of family and revisits the secrets of years gone by. As each secret is revealed, there is a chance for the family bonds to become a little stronger. I am now left wishing that I could sew, as I would love a Christmas Quilt.
I’ve long been a fan of this author and have read and enjoyed many of her books. They are always filled with great stories and plenty of romance. Naturally, I expected more of the same, but was pleasantly surprised. For this story, romance took a back seat and let family ties be the main focus.
I loved all the characters in this story but felt drawn to Daisy. The three sisters are all quite different, Fern is married with a couple of children, Ginny is an adventurer and Daisy seems to be a homebird. At least, those are the impressions from the opening chapters. As the story unfolds, we learn that those assumptions are wrong and that the sisters have also judged each other unfairly. Their common bond, beside an historic love of sewing, is their love for their mother and their ageing grandfather.
I read this book in a single session and enjoyed every minute of it. I kept second guessing which way the story would go, but with less emphasis on romance, it was difficult to guess what was coming next. There are some huge surprises for the family to deal with and they each are faced with accepting the results of their actions. Whilst romance may be lower down the list, there is a very happy ending.
This is a Christmas book with a difference. It brings the focus back to the joy of family and revisits the secrets of years gone by. As each secret is revealed, there is a chance for the family bonds to become a little stronger. I am now left wishing that I could sew, as I would love a Christmas Quilt.
October 20, 2021
Christmas at the Village Sewing Shop - Helen Rolfe
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Can three sisters stitch their family back together?
Loretta loves running the little village sewing shop in Butterbury. Some of her most precious memories are sitting with her three daughters Daisy, Ginny and Fern, stitching together pieces of material - and their hopes and dreams.
Having previously enjoyed books by Helen Rolfe, and being a crafter myself this book screamed out at me to be read. It is a beautiful and emotional story about family. Helen has written a festive and heart-warming story that I would happily recommend.
In a change to what I expect from Helen, this book does not necessarily focus on romance. Without the romance aspect of a Christmas book it was difficult to work out what path this book was going to take - ultimately as a reader this kept me more engaged.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Can three sisters stitch their family back together?
Loretta loves running the little village sewing shop in Butterbury. Some of her most precious memories are sitting with her three daughters Daisy, Ginny and Fern, stitching together pieces of material - and their hopes and dreams.
Having previously enjoyed books by Helen Rolfe, and being a crafter myself this book screamed out at me to be read. It is a beautiful and emotional story about family. Helen has written a festive and heart-warming story that I would happily recommend.
In a change to what I expect from Helen, this book does not necessarily focus on romance. Without the romance aspect of a Christmas book it was difficult to work out what path this book was going to take - ultimately as a reader this kept me more engaged.
Rating 4/5
October 30, 2022
times I felt like Loretta, filled with love for these women who all stole a piece of my heart. Along with the sense of family, there are a couple of love interests just to get the readers heart fluttering with the promise of romance. It was everything I would have hoped for from this genre of novel.
Christmas at the Village Sewing Shop is a heart-warming and wonderful read set at the festive time of the year. It’s definitely the perfect read to snuggle up on the sofa with and lose yourself into. For me it shows the true meaning of family and whilst all families hit some bumps along the way, it’s the strong bond that ties everyone altogether and the being there for each other that made this an uplifting read that left me with a smile on my face and bursting with joy!
My thanks to Anne Cater for an invite to be part of the blog tour. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Christmas at the Village Sewing Shop is a heart-warming and wonderful read set at the festive time of the year. It’s definitely the perfect read to snuggle up on the sofa with and lose yourself into. For me it shows the true meaning of family and whilst all families hit some bumps along the way, it’s the strong bond that ties everyone altogether and the being there for each other that made this an uplifting read that left me with a smile on my face and bursting with joy!
My thanks to Anne Cater for an invite to be part of the blog tour. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
December 21, 2024
This is such a sweet book which has beautifully combined my love of Christmas, sewing and reading 🥰
It is an easy read and I would definitely recommend reading it on the run up to Christmas 💕
Following the lives of 3 sisters trying to repair their frayed relationship, this book takes you through all of the emotions the girls are experiencing as they discover the secrets and hurt that they have all gone through leading to their falling out.
It is an easy read and I would definitely recommend reading it on the run up to Christmas 💕
Following the lives of 3 sisters trying to repair their frayed relationship, this book takes you through all of the emotions the girls are experiencing as they discover the secrets and hurt that they have all gone through leading to their falling out.
November 13, 2021
I think I’ve read only perhaps one or two books previously by Helen Rolfe and after reading this wonderful, feel-good, festive story - Christmas at the Village Sewing Shop, I really do need to rectify that and go back and read so much more from this great author. First of all, doesn’t this cover just scream Christmas and all things cosy and certainly get you excited for the most wonderful time of the year? Then the title just said to me, read me now, you won’t be disappointed and I wasn’t in the slightest. A wonderful setting, brilliantly described with a wide range of characters that capture your interest, a family divided but there is hope they will come back together and a mystery at the centre of it all and all based around the run up to Christmas and not forgetting the community spirit. Well, really you have everything you want and crave in a festive read.
Loretta runs the Butterbury Sewing Box and it has been in her family for over 70 years but she has a lot on her mind and is finding keeping up the pretence of everything being a bed of roses quite difficult. What she found out a few months ago could potentially throw the very fabric of her family’s existence apart and there is not much she can do about it. Loretta wants her three daughters to return to the village for the weeks leading up to Christmas. Seems a simple request, right? Well that’s not the case as her three daughters, Ginny, Fern and Daisy, are not the solid sisterhood they once were. Loretta urges them to all get together as their grandfather Ivor, now resident in the local care home, is not the sprightly man he once was and she feels as a family they need to spend more time with him. You could see from the outset that whatever was on Loretta’s mind weighed heavily and reading between the lines there is a good and valid reason for setting her plan in motion.
Loretta hates that the girls are no longer as close as they once were and she really wants to do something about it but at the same time there is a mystery at the centre of this story. It’s a secret that when revealed you truly appreciate how wonderfully woven it was throughout the story and the way it was developed was brilliant. Loretta wants to bring the happy memories of times gone past back to the forefront of her daughters lives. Has she left it too late and when they discover what she has been hiding will they be able to forgive her? The further I delved into the story the more I just wanted to know what was so big that Loretta felt the need to put a plan into action. Why all the secrecy and plotting? Could she not just come out and say what was troubling her?
The girls are all vastly different and to be honest initially I found it challenging to keep track of who was who and what their back story was. But once I got things clear in my head I was able to really sit back and enjoy the story that was unfolding. That was the only minor issue I had with the story but perhaps it was more so me and my concentration levels when I started to read the book. Fern is married to Everett and they have two sons. She is very dedicated to her job and her home life but cracks are beginning to show in their marriage. She feels like the harder she tries the more she fails and to be honest I found her to be quite unnecessarily tough on herself. She placed such high expectations on herself and what she tries to do for other people that they couldn’t all possibly become a successful reality.It’s normal to make mistakes and to have to let people down but she just places too much pressure on herself to be perfect in every practical way. She feels like she is failing both her family and herself, that she is not completely holding things together and she is no longer happy and in control. Will returning home for an extended period of time and reconnecting with her mother and sisters help her to face the issues that complicate her life on a daily basis?
Ginny gave up her permeant midwifery job four years ago and since then has signed to an agency and moves around and works as a midwife whenever a vacancy comes up. But is the travelling bug deserting her? Has this way of life lost its allure? She doesn’t come home to Butterbury all that often and I sensed a piece of her heart had been left there when former partner Lucas decide to take a job across the Atlantic Ocean. Ginny came across as someone who was drifting and needed direction. She needed to be tethered to the one place for awhile in order to reassess the next steps she wished to take in life. Deep down, you knew that Ginny actually knew what she wanted but didn’t want to upset others by expressing this. Miscommunication or on the other hand not communicating at all really affected how the three sisters dealt with things and a lot of problems could have been easily solved had they been more open.
Daisy was the sister who stayed behind to run the sewing shop with their mother. She loved photography and the reader could clearly see this was her big passion in life but she has taken on the responsibility of making sure that her mother is happy. After all, she has been on her own since their beloved father passed away leaving a gaping void in all their lives. But is Daisy just passing time? Is sewing and quilting really what she wants to spend the rest of her life doing or does she feel obliged to do so? Daisy at times was tense and she tended to almost want to start arguments amongst the sisters. It was evident that all three girls had their own private issues and Loretta hopes that by coming back together that everything will come out in the open. Will it be a success or a complete disaster?
Given that sewing is mentioned in the title of course it would have to feature and it forms a real backbone to the story. To be honest, I don’t have any major interest in sewing or quilting but it’s thanks to the brilliant and vivid descriptions from the author that this pastime came alive for me on the pages. I could visualise this unique, warm and comforting little shop and as the sisters began a quilt for their grandfather it stirred so many memories for them and I just really loved all the little details and Christmas imagery being conjured up. It really was inspirational and gave you that feel good Christmassy feeling inside. One question was always on my mind whilst reading - how had the sisters relationship become so disjointed? How had they gone from such closeness to having lives that rarely crossed? I was keen to discover the answer. The more the book developed I found it to have a real focus on family and sisterhood rather than romance which was such a refreshing change to many books in this genre and this turned into such a lovely, magical and memorable story.
I am always left disappointed when a Christmas read claims to be that and then falls so far short of the mark when Christmas is barely if at all mentioned. Do some authors just tend to jump on wagon of the Christmas genre which only grows bigger every year as more and more people want to feel that Christmassy feeling in what they are reading? Thankfully Helen Rolfe didn’t fall into that trap and Christmas at the Village Sewing Shop ticked every box when it came to my Christmas reading checklist and I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent with Loretta, Ginny, Fern and Daisy. The themes, issues and emotions explored were carefully considered and the storyline as a whole was well plotted and realistic with one or two surprising turn of events. The book as a whole really gave me that feel good feeling that you want at what can be for some one of the darkest times of the year but it also it offers an ideal escape away from the hustle and bustle of all the preparations that lead up to the big day. It’s an engaging story about family, friendships, secrets and community. You won’t go far wrong in picking up this delightful read if you need to get away from things for a little while. I really do hope that Helen Rolfe will return to the setting of Butterbury in future books. It and it’s residents have captured a place in my heart.
Loretta runs the Butterbury Sewing Box and it has been in her family for over 70 years but she has a lot on her mind and is finding keeping up the pretence of everything being a bed of roses quite difficult. What she found out a few months ago could potentially throw the very fabric of her family’s existence apart and there is not much she can do about it. Loretta wants her three daughters to return to the village for the weeks leading up to Christmas. Seems a simple request, right? Well that’s not the case as her three daughters, Ginny, Fern and Daisy, are not the solid sisterhood they once were. Loretta urges them to all get together as their grandfather Ivor, now resident in the local care home, is not the sprightly man he once was and she feels as a family they need to spend more time with him. You could see from the outset that whatever was on Loretta’s mind weighed heavily and reading between the lines there is a good and valid reason for setting her plan in motion.
Loretta hates that the girls are no longer as close as they once were and she really wants to do something about it but at the same time there is a mystery at the centre of this story. It’s a secret that when revealed you truly appreciate how wonderfully woven it was throughout the story and the way it was developed was brilliant. Loretta wants to bring the happy memories of times gone past back to the forefront of her daughters lives. Has she left it too late and when they discover what she has been hiding will they be able to forgive her? The further I delved into the story the more I just wanted to know what was so big that Loretta felt the need to put a plan into action. Why all the secrecy and plotting? Could she not just come out and say what was troubling her?
The girls are all vastly different and to be honest initially I found it challenging to keep track of who was who and what their back story was. But once I got things clear in my head I was able to really sit back and enjoy the story that was unfolding. That was the only minor issue I had with the story but perhaps it was more so me and my concentration levels when I started to read the book. Fern is married to Everett and they have two sons. She is very dedicated to her job and her home life but cracks are beginning to show in their marriage. She feels like the harder she tries the more she fails and to be honest I found her to be quite unnecessarily tough on herself. She placed such high expectations on herself and what she tries to do for other people that they couldn’t all possibly become a successful reality.It’s normal to make mistakes and to have to let people down but she just places too much pressure on herself to be perfect in every practical way. She feels like she is failing both her family and herself, that she is not completely holding things together and she is no longer happy and in control. Will returning home for an extended period of time and reconnecting with her mother and sisters help her to face the issues that complicate her life on a daily basis?
Ginny gave up her permeant midwifery job four years ago and since then has signed to an agency and moves around and works as a midwife whenever a vacancy comes up. But is the travelling bug deserting her? Has this way of life lost its allure? She doesn’t come home to Butterbury all that often and I sensed a piece of her heart had been left there when former partner Lucas decide to take a job across the Atlantic Ocean. Ginny came across as someone who was drifting and needed direction. She needed to be tethered to the one place for awhile in order to reassess the next steps she wished to take in life. Deep down, you knew that Ginny actually knew what she wanted but didn’t want to upset others by expressing this. Miscommunication or on the other hand not communicating at all really affected how the three sisters dealt with things and a lot of problems could have been easily solved had they been more open.
Daisy was the sister who stayed behind to run the sewing shop with their mother. She loved photography and the reader could clearly see this was her big passion in life but she has taken on the responsibility of making sure that her mother is happy. After all, she has been on her own since their beloved father passed away leaving a gaping void in all their lives. But is Daisy just passing time? Is sewing and quilting really what she wants to spend the rest of her life doing or does she feel obliged to do so? Daisy at times was tense and she tended to almost want to start arguments amongst the sisters. It was evident that all three girls had their own private issues and Loretta hopes that by coming back together that everything will come out in the open. Will it be a success or a complete disaster?
Given that sewing is mentioned in the title of course it would have to feature and it forms a real backbone to the story. To be honest, I don’t have any major interest in sewing or quilting but it’s thanks to the brilliant and vivid descriptions from the author that this pastime came alive for me on the pages. I could visualise this unique, warm and comforting little shop and as the sisters began a quilt for their grandfather it stirred so many memories for them and I just really loved all the little details and Christmas imagery being conjured up. It really was inspirational and gave you that feel good Christmassy feeling inside. One question was always on my mind whilst reading - how had the sisters relationship become so disjointed? How had they gone from such closeness to having lives that rarely crossed? I was keen to discover the answer. The more the book developed I found it to have a real focus on family and sisterhood rather than romance which was such a refreshing change to many books in this genre and this turned into such a lovely, magical and memorable story.
I am always left disappointed when a Christmas read claims to be that and then falls so far short of the mark when Christmas is barely if at all mentioned. Do some authors just tend to jump on wagon of the Christmas genre which only grows bigger every year as more and more people want to feel that Christmassy feeling in what they are reading? Thankfully Helen Rolfe didn’t fall into that trap and Christmas at the Village Sewing Shop ticked every box when it came to my Christmas reading checklist and I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent with Loretta, Ginny, Fern and Daisy. The themes, issues and emotions explored were carefully considered and the storyline as a whole was well plotted and realistic with one or two surprising turn of events. The book as a whole really gave me that feel good feeling that you want at what can be for some one of the darkest times of the year but it also it offers an ideal escape away from the hustle and bustle of all the preparations that lead up to the big day. It’s an engaging story about family, friendships, secrets and community. You won’t go far wrong in picking up this delightful read if you need to get away from things for a little while. I really do hope that Helen Rolfe will return to the setting of Butterbury in future books. It and it’s residents have captured a place in my heart.
April 4, 2024
I discovered a gem in Christmas at the Village Sewing Shop by Helen Rolfe. And it brought back lovely warm fuzzy memories from my youth of mum, aunties and granny sewing outfits on cold, dark and wintry nights.
Loretta lives in Butterbury, running the Butterbury Sewing Box, started by Loretta's Nan, Eve more than 70 years ago.
The story is told in four alternating Points of view, daughters Daisy, Ginny and Fern plus Loretta. It took a couple of rotations to get a handle on the characters and family dynamics; from then on I was all about enjoying the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book's vibe and eventually loved all main characters, following the sisters and discovering their pasts, childhood memories and the choices they made in life. The community feel, centered around the shop was delightful.
****recommended
I received a complimentary copy of this novel via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased and honest opinion.
Loretta lives in Butterbury, running the Butterbury Sewing Box, started by Loretta's Nan, Eve more than 70 years ago.
The story is told in four alternating Points of view, daughters Daisy, Ginny and Fern plus Loretta. It took a couple of rotations to get a handle on the characters and family dynamics; from then on I was all about enjoying the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book's vibe and eventually loved all main characters, following the sisters and discovering their pasts, childhood memories and the choices they made in life. The community feel, centered around the shop was delightful.
****recommended
I received a complimentary copy of this novel via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased and honest opinion.
October 2, 2021
Thanks to Orion for the gifted copy of this title in return for an honest review.
This is such a sweet little festive book. With so many characters, this could have been confusing trying to get your head round who was who and what their connection was, but Helen has made it very concise that it is clear what’s going on. The three sisters, Daisy, Ginny and Fern, are so different, but have enough shared history and characteristics that it’s clear they’re sisters, even if they have had their differences. The other characters of Loretta, Ivor, Lucas, Joshua, Carrie, Harry, Everett, Jacob and Cooper all bring their own individual personalities to the book to make the sisters’ lives in Butterbury just that little bit more interesting.
As someone who lost her father young, and just before Christmas, I know how difficult those days, weeks, months, even years of grief can be, especially when the remaining family members are all together for big occasions, such as the festivities. It’s hard to accept they’re gone and that you’re new future is the new normal. And whilst, the family in this book through slightly different circumstances than myself, I think Helen has got a really good grasp on how to depict different ways to cope with grief without being over the top or insensitive.
I love the setting of a haberdashery! I have always loved sewing machines and fabric and playing around with the idea of making my own soft furnishings and clothing. And then I remember I can barely use a sewing machine to sew a straight line let alone anything else. But I can really appreciate the magic that comes with browsing a sewing shop, touching all the fabrics and losing yourself in the wonder of it all. That combined with the inevitable feeling of magic and wonder of Christmas time, I think this is a beautiful book that, whilst touching on some difficult subjects, shows that underneath everything, family really is the most important gift of all.
This is such a sweet little festive book. With so many characters, this could have been confusing trying to get your head round who was who and what their connection was, but Helen has made it very concise that it is clear what’s going on. The three sisters, Daisy, Ginny and Fern, are so different, but have enough shared history and characteristics that it’s clear they’re sisters, even if they have had their differences. The other characters of Loretta, Ivor, Lucas, Joshua, Carrie, Harry, Everett, Jacob and Cooper all bring their own individual personalities to the book to make the sisters’ lives in Butterbury just that little bit more interesting.
As someone who lost her father young, and just before Christmas, I know how difficult those days, weeks, months, even years of grief can be, especially when the remaining family members are all together for big occasions, such as the festivities. It’s hard to accept they’re gone and that you’re new future is the new normal. And whilst, the family in this book through slightly different circumstances than myself, I think Helen has got a really good grasp on how to depict different ways to cope with grief without being over the top or insensitive.
I love the setting of a haberdashery! I have always loved sewing machines and fabric and playing around with the idea of making my own soft furnishings and clothing. And then I remember I can barely use a sewing machine to sew a straight line let alone anything else. But I can really appreciate the magic that comes with browsing a sewing shop, touching all the fabrics and losing yourself in the wonder of it all. That combined with the inevitable feeling of magic and wonder of Christmas time, I think this is a beautiful book that, whilst touching on some difficult subjects, shows that underneath everything, family really is the most important gift of all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2021
Butterbury Sewing Box has been in the family for years and Loretta loves running it, and enjoyed all the time she spent with her three daughters in the shop. Creating wonderful family items but also creating memories with her girls; Daisy, Ginny and Fern.
As Christmas approaches once again, Loretta is saddened by how fractured her family has become and that her daughters do anything to spend as little time together as possible. Loretta with some help from her father, hatch a little plan to make this a Christmas more special than any other.
We get to see each of the girls in turn, and the story goes between all of them, including their mother. Daisy the youngest stayed after tragedy struck the family and whilst she knows her stuff in the Sewing Box, photography is her real passion.
Middle daughter Ginny, is a midwife and has spend her years travelling everywhere and spending as little time as possible in Butterbury than she has to. But being back in the village and bumping into past friends and relishing the joy she once got out of creating, Ginny thinks maybe coming home now was the right thing to do.
Fern, the eldest and the one who has to be in control is slowly unravelling it seems. Some simple moments of forgetfulness and the pressure she puts on herself it seems that she is heading for burnout. Going back home is going to be the toughest for Fern.
AS the three women come back home, they discover the past has not been forgotten and that they need to all work out their differences and at the same time get to the bottom of their mother’s request for them to be home at this particular Christmas.
It also turns out Loretta does have a few secrets of her own and they are not what you think they are going to be.
As Christmas looms and their aim to finish their piece of creative collaboration for their grandfather finally comes together, it seems that the three sisters have sewn something else together as well. What a wonderful present for them all.
This is the second visit to Butterbury, first featured in The Little Cottage in Lantern Square and like that one, is full of the wonders that types of craft can bring to a community as well as individuals. This made the book more wonderful for me as crafts is something I love to do as well. I hope there are more tales to come from Butterbury and if they are at Christmas even better!
The perfect book; full of community, cheer, and Christmas!
As Christmas approaches once again, Loretta is saddened by how fractured her family has become and that her daughters do anything to spend as little time together as possible. Loretta with some help from her father, hatch a little plan to make this a Christmas more special than any other.
We get to see each of the girls in turn, and the story goes between all of them, including their mother. Daisy the youngest stayed after tragedy struck the family and whilst she knows her stuff in the Sewing Box, photography is her real passion.
Middle daughter Ginny, is a midwife and has spend her years travelling everywhere and spending as little time as possible in Butterbury than she has to. But being back in the village and bumping into past friends and relishing the joy she once got out of creating, Ginny thinks maybe coming home now was the right thing to do.
Fern, the eldest and the one who has to be in control is slowly unravelling it seems. Some simple moments of forgetfulness and the pressure she puts on herself it seems that she is heading for burnout. Going back home is going to be the toughest for Fern.
AS the three women come back home, they discover the past has not been forgotten and that they need to all work out their differences and at the same time get to the bottom of their mother’s request for them to be home at this particular Christmas.
It also turns out Loretta does have a few secrets of her own and they are not what you think they are going to be.
As Christmas looms and their aim to finish their piece of creative collaboration for their grandfather finally comes together, it seems that the three sisters have sewn something else together as well. What a wonderful present for them all.
This is the second visit to Butterbury, first featured in The Little Cottage in Lantern Square and like that one, is full of the wonders that types of craft can bring to a community as well as individuals. This made the book more wonderful for me as crafts is something I love to do as well. I hope there are more tales to come from Butterbury and if they are at Christmas even better!
The perfect book; full of community, cheer, and Christmas!
October 2, 2021


Member Review

Christmas at the Village Sewing Shop
by Helen Rolfe
Pub Date: 14 Oct 2021
Review by

jeanie m, Reviewer
Last updated on 2 Oct 2021
My Recommendation
With grateful thanks to netgalley and Helen Rolfe for an early copy in return for an honest opinion. Helen smashes it once again, The Cosy setting Of Butterbury is the setting for a fabulous Christmas tale, its quite a family affair this year at the butterbury Sewing shop. Loretta has decided she needs her girls altogether this year so by hook and by crook she has Fern Ginny and Daisy home all under one roof for a few weeks what is her ulterior motive you may ask all is revealed along with family secrets that some have known about but said nothing. Lantern Square is looking absolutely splendid and all ready for the festivities, I just totally adore this tale of its okay not to be okay and ask for help if you need it, this book flowed seamlessly from beginning to end and a few tissues might be needed in the process outstandingly beautiful and poignant.
Don't forget! Come back to your Review on the pub date, 14 Oct 2021, to post to these retailers.

Member Review

Christmas at the Village Sewing Shop
by Helen Rolfe
Pub Date: 14 Oct 2021
Review by

jeanie m, Reviewer
Last updated on 2 Oct 2021
My Recommendation
With grateful thanks to netgalley and Helen Rolfe for an early copy in return for an honest opinion. Helen smashes it once again, The Cosy setting Of Butterbury is the setting for a fabulous Christmas tale, its quite a family affair this year at the butterbury Sewing shop. Loretta has decided she needs her girls altogether this year so by hook and by crook she has Fern Ginny and Daisy home all under one roof for a few weeks what is her ulterior motive you may ask all is revealed along with family secrets that some have known about but said nothing. Lantern Square is looking absolutely splendid and all ready for the festivities, I just totally adore this tale of its okay not to be okay and ask for help if you need it, this book flowed seamlessly from beginning to end and a few tissues might be needed in the process outstandingly beautiful and poignant.
Don't forget! Come back to your Review on the pub date, 14 Oct 2021, to post to these retailers.
December 14, 2021
As a rule, I don’t change my reading matter according to the time of year but I saw this, liked the blurb, & thought I’d give it a go. This is a standalone story although other books by the author are set in Butterbury.
Loretta runs the Butterbury Sewing Box with her daughter Daisy. Her other two daughters, Fern & Ginny, have their own lives away from the village. However, since the death of her husband, Harry, Loretta has realised that they are all becoming more distant, not just physically, & with her father, devises a plan to get everyone together for Christmas.
This is a gentle, feel-good story & yes, I did shed a tear or two. Well written, in a very easy-to-read style, you don’t actually feel as though it’s going anywhere. That’s not a criticism, it flows & takes you where you need to go.
Full of typical family dynamics, shared history & understanding; I’m sure it will resonate with many as it did with me. Yes, it is set at Christmas but that is used more as a lynchpin to hold the story together. Recommended.
Thank you to Orion for a complimentary copy via NetGalley. This is my unbiased review.
Loretta runs the Butterbury Sewing Box with her daughter Daisy. Her other two daughters, Fern & Ginny, have their own lives away from the village. However, since the death of her husband, Harry, Loretta has realised that they are all becoming more distant, not just physically, & with her father, devises a plan to get everyone together for Christmas.
This is a gentle, feel-good story & yes, I did shed a tear or two. Well written, in a very easy-to-read style, you don’t actually feel as though it’s going anywhere. That’s not a criticism, it flows & takes you where you need to go.
Full of typical family dynamics, shared history & understanding; I’m sure it will resonate with many as it did with me. Yes, it is set at Christmas but that is used more as a lynchpin to hold the story together. Recommended.
Thank you to Orion for a complimentary copy via NetGalley. This is my unbiased review.
April 24, 2022
It’s the middle of April and I decided to read Christmas at the Village Sewing Shop and I’m now wishing it was Christmas. I absolutely loved every festive minute, the description of Butterby was so amazing I want to walk the streets and visit Lantern Square..
A magical story of 3 sisters Fern, Ginny and Daisy who have all chosen different lives and have sadly become estranged. When their mother Loretta who owns the family run sewing shop Butterby Sewing Box asks them all to come home to spend Christmas with her and their grandad Ivor they realise that life is short and the sister bond is still there just needs a bit of understanding and forgiveness.
Through all finding each other again they also find what they all truly want from their life’s. Can they stitch their life’s back together.
I loved the quilting story that runs through and it’s made me want to look into it in more depth.
This is my first Helen Rolfe book and I’m excited to look out for more. A fabulous book, full of ideas and festive spirit ( even in April)
A magical story of 3 sisters Fern, Ginny and Daisy who have all chosen different lives and have sadly become estranged. When their mother Loretta who owns the family run sewing shop Butterby Sewing Box asks them all to come home to spend Christmas with her and their grandad Ivor they realise that life is short and the sister bond is still there just needs a bit of understanding and forgiveness.
Through all finding each other again they also find what they all truly want from their life’s. Can they stitch their life’s back together.
I loved the quilting story that runs through and it’s made me want to look into it in more depth.
This is my first Helen Rolfe book and I’m excited to look out for more. A fabulous book, full of ideas and festive spirit ( even in April)
December 5, 2025
great Xmas read
Christmas at the Village Sewing Shop by Helen Rolfe is an utterly charming, comforting festive read that feels like stepping into a world stitched together with love, nostalgia, and second chances. From the moment you enter Buttercup Close and meet the wonderful women of the sewing shop, you’re wrapped in a feeling of community and kindness that only a small village at Christmastime can offer.
This story weaves together family bonds, old wounds, and the gentle art of mending—not just fabric, but hearts. The characters felt beautifully real, each carrying secrets, hopes, and regrets that unfold with tenderness and warmth. Watching them create something meaningful together, especially against the backdrop of twinkling lights and snowy days, was an absolute joy.
It’s a heartwarming tale of friendship, forgiveness, and finding your place, filled with festive magic and emotional depth. A perfect curl-up-and-sigh Christmas read that left me smiling long after I turned the last page.
Christmas at the Village Sewing Shop by Helen Rolfe is an utterly charming, comforting festive read that feels like stepping into a world stitched together with love, nostalgia, and second chances. From the moment you enter Buttercup Close and meet the wonderful women of the sewing shop, you’re wrapped in a feeling of community and kindness that only a small village at Christmastime can offer.
This story weaves together family bonds, old wounds, and the gentle art of mending—not just fabric, but hearts. The characters felt beautifully real, each carrying secrets, hopes, and regrets that unfold with tenderness and warmth. Watching them create something meaningful together, especially against the backdrop of twinkling lights and snowy days, was an absolute joy.
It’s a heartwarming tale of friendship, forgiveness, and finding your place, filled with festive magic and emotional depth. A perfect curl-up-and-sigh Christmas read that left me smiling long after I turned the last page.
November 3, 2022
This was such a perfect, feel good, festive read.
I loved the family aspect of the book and I liked how such a simple thing as sewing could bring them back together and mend not only their family, but each other individually ... "One stitch at a time". Each daughter had their own story within the book and I liked how they each had their own paragraphs, with the story being told from their perspectives, which gives a better insight into their characters and a varied view on the story.
Ivor was at the centre of the family and he was such a cute character and I could imagine him getting into trouble at the lodge.
There were a few twists in the story along the way and I didn't expect some of them at all, but the idea of something not right kept me turning the pages till the end.
The setting of the story was so picturesque, especially Lantern Square and was the perfect location for this festive read.
I loved the family aspect of the book and I liked how such a simple thing as sewing could bring them back together and mend not only their family, but each other individually ... "One stitch at a time". Each daughter had their own story within the book and I liked how they each had their own paragraphs, with the story being told from their perspectives, which gives a better insight into their characters and a varied view on the story.
Ivor was at the centre of the family and he was such a cute character and I could imagine him getting into trouble at the lodge.
There were a few twists in the story along the way and I didn't expect some of them at all, but the idea of something not right kept me turning the pages till the end.
The setting of the story was so picturesque, especially Lantern Square and was the perfect location for this festive read.
November 18, 2022
This is one of those feelgood, festive reads which I like to read in the weeks before Christmas. You have the anticipation of the season but also a look at the pressures which families feel as the day draws near. Each of the sisters has their own issues and reasons for the distance which seems to have grown between them all. It is clear that their mother has a reason for wanting them all together and that she is keeping it secret from them. When it emerged, it was quite a surprise.
You certainly see the links between the generations, both within the families and community. The pull of family responsibility is strong. As each of the sisters come to terms with what they want for their futures, the storyline fits in with what we learn of their characters. There is an undercurrent of romance for the sisters but the most important part of the story centres around family relationships.
In short: family, community, feelgood
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book
You certainly see the links between the generations, both within the families and community. The pull of family responsibility is strong. As each of the sisters come to terms with what they want for their futures, the storyline fits in with what we learn of their characters. There is an undercurrent of romance for the sisters but the most important part of the story centres around family relationships.
In short: family, community, feelgood
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book
October 10, 2021
What an amazing story. The thought of spending a whole book in a crafting shop sewing was what drew me in, I love quilting. Seeing the quilt take shape throughout the book was lovely and having the whole process explained and described really made me feel part of it.
The three sisters each had a guilty secret that was eating at them, finally they get to share it with each other and mend past broken bridges. Fern was able to take a hard look at herself and her life and make changes that allowed her husband Everett to feel more an equal partner, and rekindle their love for each other.
Daisy and Ginny are finally able to open their hearts to the possibility of a happy ever after and find true love.
Returning to Lantern Square was wonderful too, seeing all the Christmas lights and the yarn bombing was amazing.
A wonderful festive family read.
The three sisters each had a guilty secret that was eating at them, finally they get to share it with each other and mend past broken bridges. Fern was able to take a hard look at herself and her life and make changes that allowed her husband Everett to feel more an equal partner, and rekindle their love for each other.
Daisy and Ginny are finally able to open their hearts to the possibility of a happy ever after and find true love.
Returning to Lantern Square was wonderful too, seeing all the Christmas lights and the yarn bombing was amazing.
A wonderful festive family read.
November 14, 2024
Three adult sisters who've grown apart over the years return home for an extended stay just before Christmas. Fern, the oldest, is married with children but tends to be tightly wound and is worried about her marriage. Ginny, the middle daughter, had a talent for needlework as a teen but left home and became a traveling midwife. The youngest, Daisy, gave up her place at college to stay home and run the family sewing shop after the death of their father.
The writing style was good, the setting very Christmas-y, but the plot wasn't great. I saw both of the twists/surprises coming from miles away, and the book consisted of a lot of introspection from the main characters, which doesn't make for super compelling reading. It could have been a better story with some tightening up and about 100 pages edited out.
The writing style was good, the setting very Christmas-y, but the plot wasn't great. I saw both of the twists/surprises coming from miles away, and the book consisted of a lot of introspection from the main characters, which doesn't make for super compelling reading. It could have been a better story with some tightening up and about 100 pages edited out.
October 11, 2021
What a lovely festive read! Loretta's family have run a sewing shop in a little village for generations. Sewing is in the family blood, and Loretta's three daughters, Fern, Ginny and Daisy, were all integral in the making of a family quilt when they were young. Various life events have seen the sisters lose their close bond - can Loretta encourage them back to each other with the help of their grandfather?
I really enjoyed this book. I sew myself, and I loved the theme running throughout, getting the sisters to recreate a special gift. The descriptions of the beautiful fabrics made me want to sew, but I couldn't stop reading to do so! I loved the individual stories of the family members, all beautifully woven together. A fantastic book to get you in the mood for Christmas!
I really enjoyed this book. I sew myself, and I loved the theme running throughout, getting the sisters to recreate a special gift. The descriptions of the beautiful fabrics made me want to sew, but I couldn't stop reading to do so! I loved the individual stories of the family members, all beautifully woven together. A fantastic book to get you in the mood for Christmas!
November 14, 2021
A heart-warming Christmas read focusing on three sisters who through quilting start to get to know and understand each other again. The story is set in the village of Butterbury. The youngest sister (Daisy) and mum ( Loretta) run a at a beautiful sewing shop which has been in the family for several generations. After years away Ginny (the middle sister) and Fern (the eldest sister) come home early for Christmas at the request of their mum. Loretta is worried that since their father passed away the bond that united the girls has gone. Through creating a Christmas present for their grandfather walls which have been between the girls start to come down but, will this new found bond/love be strong enough to keep them together when Loretta reveals a secret from many years ago!
December 2, 2021
Three very different sisters who lost their father a long time ago are called home home for Christmas by their mum. Neither is really happy about having to spent time with their sisters, as life has driven them ever more apart.
I love how they all have their own strengths and weaknesses, and now there isn't a right or wrong side, just different point of views.
The romance part was very predictable, but cozy and actually just a side story to the main plot.
The focus was definitely on family bonds, personal growth and finding one's one way in the world.
Having crafts like knitting and sewing as important part of the book also is a definite plus for me!
It definitely is a warm and fuzzy book that leaves you with a smile.
I love how they all have their own strengths and weaknesses, and now there isn't a right or wrong side, just different point of views.
The romance part was very predictable, but cozy and actually just a side story to the main plot.
The focus was definitely on family bonds, personal growth and finding one's one way in the world.
Having crafts like knitting and sewing as important part of the book also is a definite plus for me!
It definitely is a warm and fuzzy book that leaves you with a smile.
November 17, 2022
Christmas at the Village Sewing Shop is the perfect book to snuggle up with in front of the fire and lose yourself in. Loretta wants to bring her three girls back together again for Christmas and she wants them to make another quilt together.
This reminded me of what Christmas is really about and you get a sense of bringing everyone together. I loved the quilt making in the sewing shop and it was great getting to know the sisters individually as they have three very different personalities. A story about the true meaning of family with lots of festive fun along the way and a little romance. I smiled all the way through reading this as it truly is a magnificent book.
This reminded me of what Christmas is really about and you get a sense of bringing everyone together. I loved the quilt making in the sewing shop and it was great getting to know the sisters individually as they have three very different personalities. A story about the true meaning of family with lots of festive fun along the way and a little romance. I smiled all the way through reading this as it truly is a magnificent book.
November 22, 2022
If your after a great festive read, this is the perfect book for you, also I love how it was set around the Village sewing shop, it was a little different which I liked. It was the perfect book to snuggle up with on a cold winter's day. Loretta who runs the sewing shop has three older daughters who have gone off to do their own things. I love finding out more about each one of them, they all have real life issues that they are going through. I felt drawn to this family straight away and I could not wait to read more about them. I felt as though I really got lost in this story and it felt truly magical.
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