What do you think?
Rate this book
Cypress Hollow Yarn #1
Abigail's Shop
(Alternate cover edition of ASIN B09K5LJ9HQ.)
“I didn’t just imply that you weren’t welcome. I’m making sure you know that’s the case.”
Abigail’s out-of-the-blue inheritance of a mysterious cottage in the middle of nowhere is perfect timing, providing her refuge from the man she’s been trying to escape. But the grumpy, smoldering cowboy seems to come with the property, and his scowls are as dark as the storm clouds she’s hoping to escape.
Abigail intends to turn her cozy little windfall into a knitting shop and spend her days spinning, designing, and purling. But the gorgeous Cade, now owns everything surrounding Abigail’s ramshackle new home, and he views this sexy city girl as nothing but an unwanted interloper.
But chemistry working overtime is drawing two very different people closer than they ever thought possible, and when the past that Abigail thought she’d left behind comes calling, she’ll have to somehow learn to trust her handsome adversary with much more than just her heart.
Previously published as How to Knit a Love Song.
“I didn’t just imply that you weren’t welcome. I’m making sure you know that’s the case.”
Abigail’s out-of-the-blue inheritance of a mysterious cottage in the middle of nowhere is perfect timing, providing her refuge from the man she’s been trying to escape. But the grumpy, smoldering cowboy seems to come with the property, and his scowls are as dark as the storm clouds she’s hoping to escape.
Abigail intends to turn her cozy little windfall into a knitting shop and spend her days spinning, designing, and purling. But the gorgeous Cade, now owns everything surrounding Abigail’s ramshackle new home, and he views this sexy city girl as nothing but an unwanted interloper.
But chemistry working overtime is drawing two very different people closer than they ever thought possible, and when the past that Abigail thought she’d left behind comes calling, she’ll have to somehow learn to trust her handsome adversary with much more than just her heart.
Previously published as How to Knit a Love Song.
385 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2010
1060 people are currently reading
3484 people want to read
About the author
Rachael Herron
53 books899 followersUnofficial bio: Rachael eats way too many Cadbury Creme eggs, no matter time of year it is. She lives with a menagerie, and battles dog hair on a full-time basis. She's a Knitter with a capital-K, and she reads WAY more than she'd ever even think about exercising.
Official bio: Rachael Herron (RH Herron) is the internationally bestselling author of more than two dozen books, including thriller, mainstream fiction, feminist romance, memoir, and nonfiction about writing. She received her MFA in writing from Mills College, Oakland, and she teaches writing extension workshops at both UC Berkeley and Stanford. She is a proud member of the NaNoWriMo Writer’s Board. She’s a New Zealand citizen as well as an American.
Find her at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rachael.Herr...
Twitter: http://twitter.com/rachaelherron
Instagram: http://instagram.com/rachaelherron
Blog: http://rachaelherron.com/blog
Official bio: Rachael Herron (RH Herron) is the internationally bestselling author of more than two dozen books, including thriller, mainstream fiction, feminist romance, memoir, and nonfiction about writing. She received her MFA in writing from Mills College, Oakland, and she teaches writing extension workshops at both UC Berkeley and Stanford. She is a proud member of the NaNoWriMo Writer’s Board. She’s a New Zealand citizen as well as an American.
Find her at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rachael.Herr...
Twitter: http://twitter.com/rachaelherron
Instagram: http://instagram.com/rachaelherron
Blog: http://rachaelherron.com/blog
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 685 reviews
February 1, 2012
Can you say formulaic? From page 1, I could tell where this book was going. I was hoping for a little more knitting content, but after listening to more than half of the book, I finally gave up.
Where to start? Abigail is an impulsive idiot. Moves up to the cottage on a whim, buys alpacas and adopts a dog on a whim, decides to start a yarn shop on a whim. Most people who are this stupid in real life have to deal with natural consequences, but she just gets to blithely skate through it. As someone making a living in the yarn biz, I just can't get past the dumbass chirpy "I'll open a yarn store" dream whose practical underpinnings consist of "everyone loves Eliza, of course they'll all flock here!"
The contrived situations in which Abigail and Cade find themselves without their clothes on, totally by accident of course, are absurd beyond belief.
Some decent yarn talk might have saved this book, but there was hardly any. I thought I'd read somewhere that this was a fun knitting book, but it's neither fun nor about knitting.
Where to start? Abigail is an impulsive idiot. Moves up to the cottage on a whim, buys alpacas and adopts a dog on a whim, decides to start a yarn shop on a whim. Most people who are this stupid in real life have to deal with natural consequences, but she just gets to blithely skate through it. As someone making a living in the yarn biz, I just can't get past the dumbass chirpy "I'll open a yarn store" dream whose practical underpinnings consist of "everyone loves Eliza, of course they'll all flock here!"
The contrived situations in which Abigail and Cade find themselves without their clothes on, totally by accident of course, are absurd beyond belief.
Some decent yarn talk might have saved this book, but there was hardly any. I thought I'd read somewhere that this was a fun knitting book, but it's neither fun nor about knitting.
March 7, 2010
First things first: Rachael Herron is a romance writer. (Go read this blog post http://www.yarnagogo.com/blog/2008/08... -- I'll wait for you to come back.) A smart, happy, proud romance writer. This is important to know because do romance novels have conventions? Yes, yes, they do. Do you know, more or less, how this is all going to sort itself out? You do. But boy is it a lot of fun getting to the end of the ride.
This is not merely a knitting-themed romance. It's one that's incredibly accurate. Knitters really are a little loopy, and while the outside world might not understand the secret code, we do, and it's all here. There's a bit in a key scene between our main characters, Abigail and Cade, where Abigail zeros in on a difficult decrease stitch to avoid looking at him, and that's just perfect.
Cade and Abigail are both likable characters, and the tension between them is nicely constructed. It's built into the plot, and it's built into their expectations of themselves and each other. The supporting cast is boisterous and funny (with a key exception), and they help to advance the story line without overwhelming it or seeming unnecessary.
The dialogue is both abundant and very good. There is a pervasive spirit of good humor that runs through the story, even as the drama between the characters plays out. Abigail is successful, accomplished, and ambitious, but also playful, charming, and utterly endearing. Cade is manly and stubborn, but tender, too.
On the whole, a thoroughly enjoyable read--I loved spending time with these characters in their world. There is a bonus sweater pattern at the end...but the knitters will already know that!
This is not merely a knitting-themed romance. It's one that's incredibly accurate. Knitters really are a little loopy, and while the outside world might not understand the secret code, we do, and it's all here. There's a bit in a key scene between our main characters, Abigail and Cade, where Abigail zeros in on a difficult decrease stitch to avoid looking at him, and that's just perfect.
Cade and Abigail are both likable characters, and the tension between them is nicely constructed. It's built into the plot, and it's built into their expectations of themselves and each other. The supporting cast is boisterous and funny (with a key exception), and they help to advance the story line without overwhelming it or seeming unnecessary.
The dialogue is both abundant and very good. There is a pervasive spirit of good humor that runs through the story, even as the drama between the characters plays out. Abigail is successful, accomplished, and ambitious, but also playful, charming, and utterly endearing. Cade is manly and stubborn, but tender, too.
On the whole, a thoroughly enjoyable read--I loved spending time with these characters in their world. There is a bonus sweater pattern at the end...but the knitters will already know that!
April 5, 2022
Abigail's Shop by Rachael Herron really nails the quirky and fun personalities of knitters. Abigail's inheritance is a wonderful relief and she is so excited to move into her friend's home. Although it is not quite livable yet, so she winds up staying with the owner of the rest of the property..... her friend's Eliza's other heir, Cade. So Cade thought he would inherit everything on the ranch, and he did except for the cottage house. ELiza has it all stocked with all the things that Abigail would need to stock a knitting shop...so that is exactly what she does.
The chemistry between Cade and Abigail is hot from the beginning in this enemies to lovers novel. I love all the knitting references and fun characters that we meet! I do not knit (yet) but I do crochet just a little. Definitely a fun romance read with light suspense.
The chemistry between Cade and Abigail is hot from the beginning in this enemies to lovers novel. I love all the knitting references and fun characters that we meet! I do not knit (yet) but I do crochet just a little. Definitely a fun romance read with light suspense.
June 5, 2021
I liked this one. Very good but not great. I would continue to listen to the series if the books were included in my basic Audible membership (like this one is) or free via CloudLibrary.
September 15, 2016
This book was chosen by a discussion group. Because it was a "knitting book" I wanted to give it a shot.
Womanizing Cowboy meets Knitter Barbie who is a dismally poor judge of men but handed a knitter's dream inheritance.
Contrived, predictable plot with lots of sugary soft porn peppered with painfully numerous cheesy descriptions of how overwhelmingly sexy both main characters are.
Cade, the hero is rude, suspicious, hot-headed, accusing and a complete jerk repeatedly through the story. Despite this the heroine ostensibly cannot resist a leather-scented cowboy. Abigail is likeable as a knitter but an infuriatingly poor judge of men. Cade, it seems also can't resist a woman he hates because evidently his hormones utterly overrule his repulsion of her and her plans. When he finally realizes he's is a dumbass, he immediately proposes.
Just as bad are the many plot inconsistencies such as Clara the dog suddenly disappearing from the last part of the story with no explanation. I prefer to believe this was just a horrendous editing fail. I shudder to think the author actually meant for us to assume she was crushed to death in the big crash scene since she was with Abigail in the scene just prior to that one.
Awful.
Womanizing Cowboy meets Knitter Barbie who is a dismally poor judge of men but handed a knitter's dream inheritance.
Contrived, predictable plot with lots of sugary soft porn peppered with painfully numerous cheesy descriptions of how overwhelmingly sexy both main characters are.
Cade, the hero is rude, suspicious, hot-headed, accusing and a complete jerk repeatedly through the story. Despite this the heroine ostensibly cannot resist a leather-scented cowboy. Abigail is likeable as a knitter but an infuriatingly poor judge of men. Cade, it seems also can't resist a woman he hates because evidently his hormones utterly overrule his repulsion of her and her plans. When he finally realizes he's is a dumbass, he immediately proposes.
Just as bad are the many plot inconsistencies such as Clara the dog suddenly disappearing from the last part of the story with no explanation. I prefer to believe this was just a horrendous editing fail. I shudder to think the author actually meant for us to assume she was crushed to death in the big crash scene since she was with Abigail in the scene just prior to that one.
Awful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2010
I saw this book at B&N more than once over the last few weeks but wasn’t sure whether to give this new romance writer a try. Let me just say that I am so glad I picked up this book. This is honestly one of the best romance books I’ve read in a very long time. I know absolutely nothing about knitting but that was OK; this sweet romance is for everyone.
There’s the strong, determined heroine looking for a new start (Abigail), the handsome stubborn hero (Cade), interesting secondary characters, a little suspense and sweet, sexy love scenes! I loved this book and I hated to see it end. This book will definitely be going on my keeper shelf!
I can’t wait to read more from this author!
There’s the strong, determined heroine looking for a new start (Abigail), the handsome stubborn hero (Cade), interesting secondary characters, a little suspense and sweet, sexy love scenes! I loved this book and I hated to see it end. This book will definitely be going on my keeper shelf!
I can’t wait to read more from this author!
April 1, 2022
I received a copy from Booksprout; this is my honest review
TRIGGER ALERT: horrific details of a stalker and conjugal abuse in all forms all through the book.
-The book is categorized a romantic comedy. If this is a romantic comedy, how would this author write horror? Rom Com 2 stars. Now, if she had categorized it as a romantic suspense, then I would give a 3-4 stars. Four for the beginning and 3 for the last parts; it was just getting over-the-top too serious, too dramatic, too horrific for me.
-I love most parts of the story, especially when the farmers/ranchers were around, ever Hooper or Janet.
-Eliza gave Abigail such a great gift when everyone thought it was junk all over the cottage like a hoarder would. Wow, even a pinwheel.
-Confused: Why did Jesse see Abigail at the laundromat?
-I get Cade when someone says his aunt was a knitting genius and all that stuff. My DH won lifetime awards but when he comes home at night, he just my DH.
-Tom & Janet? Wow. Who would have thought? I didn't know either of them very much but wow. It was insta-love, insta-lust with those two.
-"Was it like magic, that she always had knitting on her person ..." I can relate with my Kindle.
-LOL: "...had no idea how to get out of the tub". Why did you get in in the first place?
-Some unbelievable points: 1. Abigail would not have remembered Cade at the funeral just because he's good looking. My FIL passed away and in all the pictures are M. Trudeau standing right by me, consoling me. My SIL was passing by the church when we got out and saw me with her and couldn't believe her eyes; when she saw me after that, she asked me why MT was there at the funeral. I was crying so hard I didn't see anyone, nor did I recognized any celebrity. 2. When Cade found Samuel's body at the hospital and told Abigail about it, as a victim of abuse she would never have taken his words for it - she would have searched for the body and checked it out, just to make sure.
-There are three paragraphs where Cade is thinking about his bedroom, his sheets etc. but they are not his; they did the deed in her bedroom (he turned around to get protection and she stayed).
-When the bed and other furniture arrived for the cottage, the rooms were not arranged as Abigail had planned earlier in the book - she was specific about it and why.
-At 70%, Cade is all lovey-dovey and tell Abigail to get rid of her friends at the party, "I want you to myself" etc. Samuel did exactly that to her. Didn't she learn anything? Or did the author forget about it?
TRIGGER ALERT: horrific details of a stalker and conjugal abuse in all forms all through the book.
-The book is categorized a romantic comedy. If this is a romantic comedy, how would this author write horror? Rom Com 2 stars. Now, if she had categorized it as a romantic suspense, then I would give a 3-4 stars. Four for the beginning and 3 for the last parts; it was just getting over-the-top too serious, too dramatic, too horrific for me.
-I love most parts of the story, especially when the farmers/ranchers were around, ever Hooper or Janet.
-Eliza gave Abigail such a great gift when everyone thought it was junk all over the cottage like a hoarder would. Wow, even a pinwheel.
-Confused: Why did Jesse see Abigail at the laundromat?
-I get Cade when someone says his aunt was a knitting genius and all that stuff. My DH won lifetime awards but when he comes home at night, he just my DH.
-Tom & Janet? Wow. Who would have thought? I didn't know either of them very much but wow. It was insta-love, insta-lust with those two.
-"Was it like magic, that she always had knitting on her person ..." I can relate with my Kindle.
-LOL: "...had no idea how to get out of the tub". Why did you get in in the first place?
-Some unbelievable points: 1. Abigail would not have remembered Cade at the funeral just because he's good looking. My FIL passed away and in all the pictures are M. Trudeau standing right by me, consoling me. My SIL was passing by the church when we got out and saw me with her and couldn't believe her eyes; when she saw me after that, she asked me why MT was there at the funeral. I was crying so hard I didn't see anyone, nor did I recognized any celebrity. 2. When Cade found Samuel's body at the hospital and told Abigail about it, as a victim of abuse she would never have taken his words for it - she would have searched for the body and checked it out, just to make sure.
-There are three paragraphs where Cade is thinking about his bedroom, his sheets etc. but they are not his; they did the deed in her bedroom (he turned around to get protection and she stayed).
-When the bed and other furniture arrived for the cottage, the rooms were not arranged as Abigail had planned earlier in the book - she was specific about it and why.
-At 70%, Cade is all lovey-dovey and tell Abigail to get rid of her friends at the party, "I want you to myself" etc. Samuel did exactly that to her. Didn't she learn anything? Or did the author forget about it?
July 19, 2010
This books was a great distraction and I had a LOT of fun reading it. (MMMM trash....) But, I'll be honest, if follows a very specific formula for romance novels. (I've read enough trashy romance novels to consider myself an expert.)
Boy and girl meet. Boy dislikes girl, girl dislikes boy. Suddenly they are thrown together in some plot device, and boy and girl must get along... ultimately giving into their passion. Then, girl finds herself in perilous situations where boy must save her and then boy and girl have hot sex. (PS... Herron wrote some great smut scenes... made me blush and get a little hot under the collar on my flight!) They get married and live happily ever after.
Sometimes I wish romance writers could mix up the formula a little. (That being said, it clearly works...) The book did not deviate far from this formula. It probably sounds like I'm being harsh on this book- and the truth is I did enjoy it, it didn't require a lot of hard thinking, or intense focus. It was mindless and fun, just nothing I'd go out of my way to recommend, unless you were a knitter who really likes romance novels. (Which, I am...)
Boy and girl meet. Boy dislikes girl, girl dislikes boy. Suddenly they are thrown together in some plot device, and boy and girl must get along... ultimately giving into their passion. Then, girl finds herself in perilous situations where boy must save her and then boy and girl have hot sex. (PS... Herron wrote some great smut scenes... made me blush and get a little hot under the collar on my flight!) They get married and live happily ever after.
Sometimes I wish romance writers could mix up the formula a little. (That being said, it clearly works...) The book did not deviate far from this formula. It probably sounds like I'm being harsh on this book- and the truth is I did enjoy it, it didn't require a lot of hard thinking, or intense focus. It was mindless and fun, just nothing I'd go out of my way to recommend, unless you were a knitter who really likes romance novels. (Which, I am...)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2011
A charming but somewhat simple romance. The characters are basic and understandable, the hero alpha but ultimately humane. This is a nice story for knitters who like romance (the deceased character based on Elizabeth Zimmerman was delighful) and people who like new beginnings.
For a first book, it was pretty well done, but as most of the resolution and conflict was handled by BOTH of the characters internally, there were some missed opportunities. Writing Guru Virginia Kantra says something along the lines of 'if it's an issue, why aren't they talking about it? If it's an important issue, why aren't they fighting about it?'
The setting was nice and the minor characters seamlessly interwoven,I expect to be seeing more from this author and I'll be getting the second in her series!
For a first book, it was pretty well done, but as most of the resolution and conflict was handled by BOTH of the characters internally, there were some missed opportunities. Writing Guru Virginia Kantra says something along the lines of 'if it's an issue, why aren't they talking about it? If it's an important issue, why aren't they fighting about it?'
The setting was nice and the minor characters seamlessly interwoven,I expect to be seeing more from this author and I'll be getting the second in her series!
January 1, 2011
This was a comfortable, easy-to-read love story with an element of suspense and a high level of intelligence and humor. It's much more sophisticated than what I tend to think of when I think "romance novel".
The main character (Abigail) and love interest (Cade) ring true; they are multi-dimensional and believable. Ms. Herron obviously fell in love with her characters and their stories. As a knitter and horsewoman myself, the fact that the novel centers around a sheep ranching cowboy and a knitwear designer fascinated with all things fibrous made it even more appealing. I've not attempted to knit the sweater pattern included in the back, but it's an additional treat.
My one criticism of this book is that the "bad guy" doesn't ring quite as true as the other characters; we don't see into his motivation or understand why he is the way he is or chooses to act toward his victim the way he does. Also, without spoiling the plot, the after effects of what the bad guy did to the victim would lead the victim to behave differently in certain situations than the victim did.
However, this IS a romance novel; in a perfect world, love conquers all, even post-traumatic stress disorder. Because of the deliciousness of the rest of the novel, I can overlook this detail, and I thoroughly look forward to reading her next book. I heartily recommend "Love Song" to anyone with an interest in fibers, knitting, cowboys, and love looking for a story to cozy up to on a long winter's night.
The main character (Abigail) and love interest (Cade) ring true; they are multi-dimensional and believable. Ms. Herron obviously fell in love with her characters and their stories. As a knitter and horsewoman myself, the fact that the novel centers around a sheep ranching cowboy and a knitwear designer fascinated with all things fibrous made it even more appealing. I've not attempted to knit the sweater pattern included in the back, but it's an additional treat.
My one criticism of this book is that the "bad guy" doesn't ring quite as true as the other characters; we don't see into his motivation or understand why he is the way he is or chooses to act toward his victim the way he does. Also, without spoiling the plot, the after effects of what the bad guy did to the victim would lead the victim to behave differently in certain situations than the victim did.
However, this IS a romance novel; in a perfect world, love conquers all, even post-traumatic stress disorder. Because of the deliciousness of the rest of the novel, I can overlook this detail, and I thoroughly look forward to reading her next book. I heartily recommend "Love Song" to anyone with an interest in fibers, knitting, cowboys, and love looking for a story to cozy up to on a long winter's night.
June 7, 2014
rated R for racy. the plot sounded interesting and I probably would have rated it 3 stars (that is a good rating from me) if there weren't sex scenes and swear words. it was hard stop reading cause I wanted to find out what was going to happen. I rationalized that it may be improving my intimacy. but the strong deciding factor was that I would never want to jeopardize the ability for the Holy Spirit to be with me and for me to be able to recognize it's influence. so, although I didn't receive specific inspiration on needing to stop reading, I am not going to take the chance.better to be safe than sorry. there isn't anything it the world more important to me than God's influence. He is the means to all truth, understanding, and love. I am going to do everything I can to promote my oneness with Him. media is a sneaky way for Satan to edge his way into our lives and drive wedges in-between us and God.
January 11, 2022
I liked the knitting aspect of this book. I would’ve liked this book more if Cade wasn’t such a jerk the whole time. I understood his reservations at the start of the book but it got so annoying and frustrating after a while. He also kept giving Abigail mixed signals and rarely apologised for his bad behaviour.
I liked Abigail at first because of the knitting stuff but she was too much of a pushover and didn’t stand up to Cade. It was ridiculous how quickly she fell in love with Cade considering her past, the fact that he accused her of doing awful things and his distrust of her. Also, Cade only realised he loved her at the very end when he thought something bad happened to her which was lazy.
The Samuel situation didn’t pack as much of an emotional punch as it should have because it was sudden, and the constant misunderstandings made me over the book at this point.
I liked Abigail at first because of the knitting stuff but she was too much of a pushover and didn’t stand up to Cade. It was ridiculous how quickly she fell in love with Cade considering her past, the fact that he accused her of doing awful things and his distrust of her. Also, Cade only realised he loved her at the very end when he thought something bad happened to her which was lazy.
The Samuel situation didn’t pack as much of an emotional punch as it should have because it was sudden, and the constant misunderstandings made me over the book at this point.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2016
Eh, this was okay, but the characters seemed like stock romance characters, and in a way that didn't appeal to me. The main female character made silly decisions, and I guess the guy was supposed to only *seem* like a womanizing jerk (which is supposed to support how strong their love is that the main character can bag this guy who "cats around" ::eye roll::).
I did enjoy the fake quotes at the beginning of each section from the Elizabeth Zimmerman-esque woman who bequeathed her land and yarn to the main character. Other than that, there wasn't that much knitting, and this read like a Harlequin romance, but unfortunately not as short.
I did enjoy the fake quotes at the beginning of each section from the Elizabeth Zimmerman-esque woman who bequeathed her land and yarn to the main character. Other than that, there wasn't that much knitting, and this read like a Harlequin romance, but unfortunately not as short.
March 5, 2010
Even my husband liked this book! The scenes are vivid and engaging, the characters very real, and the suspense adds another dimension to what is predominantly a charming romance. I thoroughly enjoyed the knitting and spinning aspects, but there is way more to the story than textiles. Rachael's portrayal of a small ranching town is spot on. I love the way she works so much interesting detail and splendid humor into the story while maintaining the pace and flow of the plot. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
March 17, 2010
So. Freaking. Good! I couldn't put it down! The knitting and spinning elements were very natural in the flow of the story. The suspense kept me hanging on to every last word. Of course, the chemistry between Abigail and Cade was undeniable.
The end seemed a tad rushed to me, but I can honestly say that it may have just been me reading quickly to find out what happens next. That said, this is a must-read for knitting and romance fans combined. I think this is a wonderful debut novel, and I can't wait to see what's next for Cypress Hollow!!
The end seemed a tad rushed to me, but I can honestly say that it may have just been me reading quickly to find out what happens next. That said, this is a must-read for knitting and romance fans combined. I think this is a wonderful debut novel, and I can't wait to see what's next for Cypress Hollow!!
October 25, 2009
Hands down the best romance novel I have ever read.
June 10, 2020
Yikes. There were parts of this book I really enjoyed and other parts that I really didn't.
Pros: The knitting part was fabulous. I was knitting as I listened, so that made it even better. I really enjoyed the knitting words of wisdom from Aunt Eliza, as well as Abigail's progress toward starting a yarn shop. All of that was fascinating, and the two main characters were very enjoyable as well.
Cons: I'll just get it out of the way. I found the "adult scenes" to be just plain silly. That might just be me though, or my age, or that I don't normally read such. I couldn't even be offended. I was too busy laughing. Silly. Like high school silly. Also, I felt the adult language was forced, as if the author was trying to prove it was an adult book. No need. It didn't strengthen the book at all. Then there's the ending. A bit ... over the top.
But that's just my opinion. If you love knitting, you might want to give it a try.
Pros: The knitting part was fabulous. I was knitting as I listened, so that made it even better. I really enjoyed the knitting words of wisdom from Aunt Eliza, as well as Abigail's progress toward starting a yarn shop. All of that was fascinating, and the two main characters were very enjoyable as well.
Cons: I'll just get it out of the way. I found the "adult scenes" to be just plain silly. That might just be me though, or my age, or that I don't normally read such. I couldn't even be offended. I was too busy laughing. Silly. Like high school silly. Also, I felt the adult language was forced, as if the author was trying to prove it was an adult book. No need. It didn't strengthen the book at all. Then there's the ending. A bit ... over the top.
But that's just my opinion. If you love knitting, you might want to give it a try.
March 3, 2022
This book has so much potential to be my 5⭐ fiction reading: the solid plot, feminist characters (the male and the female), nice humor, beautiful opening quotes for every chapter and the one of the main character's dead...But during the reading I get that book is just a "Hallmark" story, however with believable and beautiful bed scenes.
And one of the things I liked in this story. It has plentiful scenes, that'll stuck in my head for a long while. Despite that I compared this love story to Hallmark movies, authors main feature in writing ✍ is weirdness, but in a good way 🤝!
Thanx to the Rachael Herron for warm and beautiful escape!
And one of the things I liked in this story. It has plentiful scenes, that'll stuck in my head for a long while. Despite that I compared this love story to Hallmark movies, authors main feature in writing ✍ is weirdness, but in a good way 🤝!
Thanx to the Rachael Herron for warm and beautiful escape!
October 29, 2014
This novel was escapist, delightful, and especially fun for someone who loves to see those little nods to knitting and spinning, although the author was obviously very careful to keep the detail light to keep from bogging the story down. Excellent balance.
Was it formulaic? Absolutely! Was it predictable, contrived, and maybe even a little simplistic? Yeah, probably. Was it escapist and fluffy? Yup! It never purports to be anything else, and it does what it set out to do: provide a few hours of light and pleasant entertainment while throwing a skein to the fiber fiends. And how nice it was to see a yarny novel that wasn't also a murder mystery!!!
A note on the supposed sexual elements: sadly, soft-core porn this ain't. There are a few quickie (hehe) mentions of "he moved over her" and such, but there is nary a mention of naughty bits, no "dirty words", and no explicit acts. I think the dirtiest it ever gets is "manhood". It's a step beyond "shut the door and fade to black", but barely, and it was incredibly tame compared to a lot of contemporary romance. I suppose my granny might be shocked, but then again, probably not.
Was it formulaic? Absolutely! Was it predictable, contrived, and maybe even a little simplistic? Yeah, probably. Was it escapist and fluffy? Yup! It never purports to be anything else, and it does what it set out to do: provide a few hours of light and pleasant entertainment while throwing a skein to the fiber fiends. And how nice it was to see a yarny novel that wasn't also a murder mystery!!!
A note on the supposed sexual elements: sadly, soft-core porn this ain't. There are a few quickie (hehe) mentions of "he moved over her" and such, but there is nary a mention of naughty bits, no "dirty words", and no explicit acts. I think the dirtiest it ever gets is "manhood". It's a step beyond "shut the door and fade to black", but barely, and it was incredibly tame compared to a lot of contemporary romance. I suppose my granny might be shocked, but then again, probably not.
March 12, 2010
I'm fairly new to knitting so I don't possess the expertise needed to knit much more than a scarf but I love to read about knitting. How To Knit A Love Song is a romance about Abigail Durant, an accomplished knitter, and Cade MacArthur who owns a sheep ranch. She inherits a cottage (from her mentor Eliza) that happens to be in the middle of the sheep ranch run by the handsome Cade (nephew of Eliza). It's the set-up of all set-ups and you can almost hear Eliza laughing as Cade and Abigail begin to realize what she did.
The two are very confident and headstrong characters which makes for a lot of tension throughout the novel. Will Cade ever come to terms with a knitting store on his ranch? Will Abigail be able to leave her past behind and feel safe in her new surroundings? There is a lot more to the novel but you'll want to read it to find out.
Rachael Herron's novel has drama, romance, humor and a great setting. It's about new starts, learning to trust, and taking a chance on love. I enjoyed it and look forward to the next book in the Cypress Hollow series.
The two are very confident and headstrong characters which makes for a lot of tension throughout the novel. Will Cade ever come to terms with a knitting store on his ranch? Will Abigail be able to leave her past behind and feel safe in her new surroundings? There is a lot more to the novel but you'll want to read it to find out.
Rachael Herron's novel has drama, romance, humor and a great setting. It's about new starts, learning to trust, and taking a chance on love. I enjoyed it and look forward to the next book in the Cypress Hollow series.
February 22, 2022
Abigail's Shop is a contemporary romance that, in my opinion, was on the longer side and had a lot of subjects together.
Rachael Herron has a very prolific way of writing, but at the same time, there were a lot of repetitive scenes between the two main characters.
There’s the strong, determined heroine looking for a new start (Abigail), the handsome, stubborn hero (Cade), interesting secondary characters, a little suspense, and sweet, sexy love scenes!
This is a nice story for knitters who like romance (the deceased character based on Elizabeth Zimmerman was delightful) and people who like new beginnings.
Well, I might continue with the series, but it will take some time.
Rachael Herron has a very prolific way of writing, but at the same time, there were a lot of repetitive scenes between the two main characters.
There’s the strong, determined heroine looking for a new start (Abigail), the handsome, stubborn hero (Cade), interesting secondary characters, a little suspense, and sweet, sexy love scenes!
This is a nice story for knitters who like romance (the deceased character based on Elizabeth Zimmerman was delightful) and people who like new beginnings.
Well, I might continue with the series, but it will take some time.
February 14, 2024
This book was marketed as a romantic comedy, which it wasn't. It was maybe more of a romantic suspense ? Though the suspense came very late. The book came with several other factors that just made no sense.
-----------Spoilers-----------
The main problem I had was specifically with Cade. She told him about the abuse, and the very next day, he threw it in her face and said it was manipulation and a way to get what she wanted. The only time he took her serious was when he had physical proof of the problem. Then he just has to apologize, and they're married. It's also obvious that Samuel cut the Alpacas fence, but it was never addressed. In my opinion, I don't see how she fell in love with Cade as he wasn't just grumpy he was a jerk.
-----------Spoilers-----------
The main problem I had was specifically with Cade. She told him about the abuse, and the very next day, he threw it in her face and said it was manipulation and a way to get what she wanted. The only time he took her serious was when he had physical proof of the problem. Then he just has to apologize, and they're married. It's also obvious that Samuel cut the Alpacas fence, but it was never addressed. In my opinion, I don't see how she fell in love with Cade as he wasn't just grumpy he was a jerk.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2014
Okay, I have been reading her blog for way linger than I care to admit. I love that her author's insights include a sweater pattern. I am hoping I don't have to wait as long for her next novel to come out since I am enjoying this one
I had the chance to meet Rachael at Maryland Sheep and Wool this past weekend. She is utterly amazing!!! I will be patient and wait until the next book comes out. I love the sweater pattern in the back of this book and am thinking of making it out of handspun that I will spin up and maybe dye as well.
I had the chance to meet Rachael at Maryland Sheep and Wool this past weekend. She is utterly amazing!!! I will be patient and wait until the next book comes out. I love the sweater pattern in the back of this book and am thinking of making it out of handspun that I will spin up and maybe dye as well.
Read
March 31, 2010If you like to knit, or not, you will enjoy this book. Great characters all linked to Great Aunt Eliza who has recently passed away and is acting as a match-maker beyond the grave. Great characters, washboard abs and all, even the animals are fun to get to know. Fun read, and great bonus sweater pattern for knitting readers. Good story, except for Clara getting left out of the ending, but check the author's blog for the resolution of that issue. http://www.amazon.com/How-Knit-Love-S...
February 27, 2017
Knitting is an art, powerful imagination, a bit of mathematics on how to line up fiber. Eliza & Abigail are talented girls in this industry & are able to make incredible patterns. People know them as 'grandmas' because of what they do with their hands & thoughts. I liked how the story progressed, it went back & forth between present & past smoothly, I was not lost. Even though I tried to guess upcoming happenings, it sometimes did not work well. Marriage of a City Girl & a Cowboy could not be bonded better than that. (7 out of 15 goal achieved)
September 11, 2019
This was my first Rachael Herron book, and I have to say that I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would. The story was original, well-paced, and well-written. I felt that the climax was rushed and short, especially compared to the mounting suspense. At least we got the happily ever after that we deserved after all of the back and forth that we had to endure along the way. Very enjoyable and worth the time to read.
February 2, 2017
Yes, it's a romance. I normally detest romances. This one has elements I know. Knitting, spinning, yarn, and wool. It's a little bit predictable, but it's pleasant fluff, if you'll forgive the pun. Sometimes, this is the book I want to read. Fluff, sweet, kind of dumb, rather like my now departed cat. But a nice way to while away a few hours.
November 26, 2017
A light and fun romance, with knitting as a bonus.
November 28, 2022
** thar be potential spoilers below ***
This might have been a coffin nail in my romance novel reading career. For a little while at any rate.
How to Knit a Love Song is a better than average romance. The author has clear depth of knowledge where it comes to ranching, sheep, all things yarn and many other things. They have a good sense of setting and managed building of tension well. Descriptions of landscapes and materials were thorough and tactile. If this had been a book only about starting a fibre store out in the country, living the development day by day, I'd have been all in.
But they honestly lost me at the love story. The love interest is kind of red flag city and I can't suspend enough disbelief to buy that they pivoted from uncommunicative, threatening, vaguely misogynistic, argumentative and commitment phobic to all-in in love. Paired with a protagonist who's literally been abused and stalked? And they never actually talk about the things that they're dealing with? And nobody's been in therapy? And the misunderstanding troupe is heartily used. Naw.
Also I have a bone to pick with the thoroughly confusing car chase/accident thing at the end.
But yeah. The yarn parts are good. So.
This might have been a coffin nail in my romance novel reading career. For a little while at any rate.
How to Knit a Love Song is a better than average romance. The author has clear depth of knowledge where it comes to ranching, sheep, all things yarn and many other things. They have a good sense of setting and managed building of tension well. Descriptions of landscapes and materials were thorough and tactile. If this had been a book only about starting a fibre store out in the country, living the development day by day, I'd have been all in.
But they honestly lost me at the love story. The love interest is kind of red flag city and I can't suspend enough disbelief to buy that they pivoted from uncommunicative, threatening, vaguely misogynistic, argumentative and commitment phobic to all-in in love. Paired with a protagonist who's literally been abused and stalked? And they never actually talk about the things that they're dealing with? And nobody's been in therapy? And the misunderstanding troupe is heartily used. Naw.
Also I have a bone to pick with the thoroughly confusing car chase/accident thing at the end.
But yeah. The yarn parts are good. So.
November 12, 2022
Good story. Realized about halfway that the narration was better at about 1.3.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 685 reviews