Christmas at the Little Knitting Box

New York Ever After, #1 #1

by Helen Rolfe

The Little Knitting Box has been in Cleo’s family for nearly four decades, and Cleo’s to manage for four years - ever since she arrived in New York, fresh off the plane from the Cotswolds. But instead of an early Christmas card in the mail this year, she gets a letter that tips her world on its axis. New York was supposed to be her second chance, do people get third chances?

Dylan has had a tumultuous few years. His marriage broke down, his mother passed away and he’s been trying to pick up the pieces as a stay-at-home dad. All he wants this Christmas is to give his kids the home and stability they need. But when he meets Cleo, he begins to see it’s not always so easy to move on, especially when his ex seems determined to win him back.

When the snow starts to fall, both Cleo and Dylan realise life is rarely black and white, and both have choices to make. Will Dylan follow his heart or his head? And will Cleo ever allow herself to be a part of another family when her own fell apart at the seams?

Genres: Christmas, Holiday, Romance

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2022

About the author

Helen 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/

Reviews

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christmas at the Little Knitting Box by Helen Rolfe is the first book in the New York Ever After series. I found Christmas at the Little Knitting Box to be a satisfactory story. It has your standard romance scenario with two people who are drawn to each other, but there is something standing in their way. In this case, Dylan owns the building where Cleo has her knitting shop. Dylan needs to sell the building to pay expenses while he gets his new business off the ground. The two are attracted to each other. Cleo is hesitant to become involved because he has children and Dylan’s ex-wife still seems to be in the picture. There was chemistry between Cleo and Dylan in the beginning, but, as the book progressed, it seemed to dissipate. Cleo focuses on her issues and Dylan on his. The two took their time to work on their individual issues before diving into a romance. I had trouble liking Cleo. Her mother died when she was a child. When her father remarried after a few years, Cleo resented her new stepmother. It is natural for a kid to resent a new stepparent, but it is not natural to dislike the person over ten years later. I liked Cleo’s grandfather. He is a sweet man who is getting a second chance at romance. I enjoyed the descriptions of the yarn Cleo sold in her shop. I cannot imagine someone using expensive vicuna yarn for a pair of socks ($300 for one ounce 28 grams). There are some details that are dubious. There were British terms used throughout the story (flat and nappies are two examples). I understood Cleo using them, but they would not be normal for the other characters. I tried to get into the story, but I could not. Christmas at the Little Knitting Box is nice story, but it is forgetful.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas-themed fiction allows me to fully immerse my head in the season as well as live it in real life and that’s one of the reasons I love picking up a festive read when I start my Christmas holidays. I have time away from work to think about Christmas and extra time to relax and read about it! Plus, with so much uncertainty in the world, I can be guaranteed a happy ending.

All the key elements of a feel-good holiday story are here:
✔️ intriguing characters
✔️ engaging plot
✔️ great character growth
✔️ believable relationships
✔️ consistent tone
✔️ great conflict and resolution
✔️ heartwarming

…plus it has just enough Christmas to make it a holiday story without sacrificing the substance of the story in favour of the holiday. Rolfe focuses on the spirit of the holiday, not the trappings.

I thoroughly enjoyed this Hallmark-worthy tale of everyday miracles and second chances. The contrast in the settling (the Cotswolds and New York), and the nervousness of new beginnings (the protagonist teetering on the brink of middle age and having just experienced a recent divorce), all played well against each other and were well tempered with the comfort and nostalgia of Christmas and a family run business. The nod to ‘You’ve Got Mail’ was wonderful. As I turned over the final page, I was inspired to treat everyday like it’s Christmas.

Although I initially read this book for a read-along, I was hooked on the fabulous writing style and will definitely read more of this series.

New York at Christmas? What’s not to love!? If you haven’t experienced Helen J. Rolfe’s heartwarming stories, you must read this one this Christmas.

I was gifted this copy by Boldwood Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Hannah Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a few books by Helen Rolfe now and they always make me smile and want to try something new, especially those with a crafty element and this one was no different. This book was a lovely comfort blanket in the evenings when I wasn’t feeling 100% as it let me escape to New York and a cosy homely knitting shop.

It reminded me of one that use to exist when I was growing up, where you could walk in and the ladies would know exactly what you needed for whatever project it was that you were making. It always felt so festive in the Christmas run up as well.

I really liked all of the characters in this, even feeling a teensy bit sorry for Pru towards the end of the book, although Cleo and Dylan definitely had that magic spark and the kids were the cutest - especially little Ruby!

There isn’t any negative I can say about this book, it was just what I needed this week and I loved reading it, plus I’ve now got a whole series to catch up on!!!!

[Demi Freyser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute little love story. Very Hallmarky and I love that. Easy quick read!

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas at the Little Knitting Box is the type of story that I love on the Hallmark Channel at Christmas time. The Little Knitting Box has been in Cleo’s family for nearly four decades. When she left the Cotswolds four years ago, she ended up in the West Village in New York and has been running the store for her Grandpa Joe. This is her best season yet, so she was not prepared for the letter she got. The block of stores has been sold and they will have to move or close their businesses. Fortunately, they will get one year to make their decisions. Dylan, the man who sold them has had a difficult few years. His father died and he has to help his mother get out of debt, his marriage breaks up, and then his mother dies. He was always a stay at home dad, able to work from home, so with the income from the sale of the buildings, he will be able to expand his business. One night, Cleo and Dylan meet each other at a party and there is an instant attraction. As they get to know each other, it seems things might work out, but his ex reappears and wants to get back together, and Cleo is trying to decide what to do about her business. Will there be a happily ever after?

This was a fun story, with lots of ups and downs. The characters were likable and relatable, but for me, Dylan's kids steal the show. There are a lot of Christmas festivities, fun activities and get togethers that give this that Christmas feel. Cleo is a sweetheart, one that always looks for the good in everyone and she loves her Grandpa Joe. She has a strained relationship with her step-mother, and I loved the scene where they actually talk and sort things out. This story has all that I love in a Christmas Romance. There is family, friendship, a bad guy or conglomerate, kids, christmas activities and that Christmas Magic that ties it all up nicely with a happily ever after. If you are looking for a sweet, uplifting, somewhat predictable, Christmas Romance, then you will love this one.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cleo has run her grandparents' store The Little Knitting Box in New York for four years, after escaping the heartache of a failed marriage in the UK. She loves the life she has made here, but the arrival of an unexpected letter from the owner of the store has suddenly thrown all her plans into disarray. Where does her future lie now, and what should she do about the attraction she feels for Dylan, the man she has just met, who comes with complications of his own?

Dylan is a divorced single father, caring for his two small children after his wife walked out on them. Just when he thinks their lives are on an even keel, his ex-wife says she wants to try to pick up the pieces of their failed marriage and start again. But can they still be a family after all that has happened, and while he feels a strong attraction to Cleo? Should he follow his heart, or his head?

This is such a lovely little story about second (or even third) chances, and facing your fears to find a way to move on with the curved balls that life can throw at you. The story is told through the eyes of Cleo and Dylan as they try to deal with the very real dilemmas they face, with the added charm of a delightful meet-cute that unexpectedly strikes them both with Cupid's arrow. In true rom-com style, this meeting tips them headlong into a romantic adventure that is filled with the potential for something very special, if they are brave enough, but there are, of course, knotty situations and misunderstandings to be worked through before there can be a chance of a happy ending.

The setting of New York is a goldmine for a love story, and this has all the festive magic you could want - with a gorgeous nod to You've Got Mail. I loved the setting of a knitting shop, with so much detail about the wonderful yarns available, which really set my fingers twitching - this book needs yarn stockists listed in an appendix!

If you are after great multi-generational characters too, then there are more than enough to poke a stitch-holder at in these pages. I particularly loved how the relationship between Cleo and her step-mother Teresa develops over the course of the story, and how this changes Cleo's perspective on the direction she sees her own life taking. Tears were shed!

There is something very interesting about the wealth of relatable depth that Rolfe brings to the soul-searching decisions that Cleo and Dylan must face when considering their future, which makes it more than your average rom-com tale. It is not always easy to know the right choice to make, especially if emotion and logic are pulling you in different directions, and Rolfe nicely explores how the weight of grief, marital breakdown, and heavy responsibilities come into play. I was struck with how she goes to great lengths to make this a story with shades of grey, showing many sides of the characters rather than resorting to caricatures, just like real life. It was a nice touch, and it makes the joyful ending all the better.

This is the perfect book to settle down with a cuppa and a mince pie in the run up to Christmas, and I lapped it up in one satisfying sitting. What a treat!

[Amanda Webster · Rating 2 out of 5]

A sweet Christmas Scene

My favorite parts of this book were the Christmas details. The warm scenes, the details about cozy knitted goods, and the way family is brought together made me feel like sitting next to a fire with a cup of cocoa. It did stay within the Sweet Romance parameters and the twist at the end was somewhat well delivered all things considered.

Unfortunately I didn’t fall for the characters or the story line the way I hoped I would.

The characters spent more time in their own heads (or in the case of our love interest- with his ex) than they did binding with each other. A huge portion of the book was spent repeating the same details just to different characters. If I skipped to scenes where our Main Characters were together I’d have to skip large chunks of the book.
Their steamiest kiss happens in the first couple of chapters, and after that their interactions are rushed and the end kiss- the one that the whole story should be building towards- is skimmed over so quickly, it’s almost as if our main character didn’t even want it.


There were so many good opportunities, their interests individually give such rich fodder for conflict and connection. The premise of two people with heavy pasts trying to find a way to make it work despite the odds is such a compelling idea.

I would say, if you’re in the mood for character based chic-lit that spends a lot of time in the internal conflict of the story with a Christmas backdrop this would be a book I’d recommend

If you’re looking for a sweet Christmas romcom, this doesn’t quite hit the mark.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas at the Little Knitting Box by Helen Rolfe.
The Little Knitting Box has been in Cleo’s family for nearly four decades, and Cleo’s to manage for four years - ever since she arrived in New York, fresh off the plane from the Cotswolds. But instead of an early Christmas card in the mail this year, she gets a letter that tips her world on its axis. New York was supposed to be her second chance, do people get third chances?
Dylan has had a tumultuous few years. His marriage broke down, his mother passed away and he’s been trying to pick up the pieces as a stay-at-home dad. All he wants this Christmas is to give his kids the home and stability they need. But when he meets Cleo, he begins to see it’s not always so easy to move on, especially when his ex seems determined to win him back.
When the snow starts to fall, both Cleo and Dylan realise life is rarely black and white, and both have choices to make. Will Dylan follow his heart or his head? And will Cleo ever allow herself to be a part of another family when her own fell apart at the seams?
Really enjoyable read. I loved Dylan and Cleo. 5*.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

My expectations for this book weren’t extremely high as I’m well aware of the type of novel it is. It’s a simple, comfortable story with knitting references, which I’ve come to enjoy in a book. There were times when it got predictable and almost too corny and I felt as if I’d need to give it up and the. Suddenly it righted itself back to a story that was believable and less contrived. My biggest issue with this book is the vernacular. While Cleo the main character was from the UK, the majority of the characters were from the US where the story took place. Having recently read a series of knitting novels that took place in the UK I became familiar with the vernacular and it was used way too often by the American characters. They said things that Americans just don’t say. It threw me off at times and made the story seem less well-written. There were also some timing issues that threw me but the details are unnecessary. All in all it was a nice story with of course a happy ending. A simple read for those who enjoy both reading and knitting!

[Mary Aris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely, festive read. It makes you want to knit.

For over four decades, The Little Knitting Box has been a family-run business.
Based in New York City, Cloe now runs the store that her late Aunt started. But when Cloe received a letter telling store owners that their lease was running out, Cloe was worried that she would lose her store or have to relocate. She meets Dylan, a divorced father of two whose life has not been easy. He recently lost his mother and his ex-wife wants to get back together with him. Can Cloe stand a chance with Dylan and will she lose her knitting shop come the New Year?
I enjoyed reading this festive, romance novel.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great start to a series, and I can not wait for more! A handful of charmful and delightful characters had me engaged and invested throughout. Ok, so the plot was a little predictable, but isn't that the whole point of a rom-com? Warm-hearted, uplifting and offers a bit of escapism. A highly recommended read would make for an ideal, easy-flowing, quick read.

[Paula Lean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fab easy read

If like me you like knitting and thought the book would have some patterns in it you may be disappointed.. The book itself outweighed the disappointment. It was a lovely gentle read, you knew what was going to happen but with a few curve balls along the way. Merry Christmas! I hope there is a sequels

[Debbieafranklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Little Knitting Box

I've thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one. They are
written so well. I mistakenly read books 6 & 7 first. But I think you could easily read them out of sequence it's better to read them in order. Cleobury is so lovely and she deserves to start enjoying it & stop worrying so much. Now to read books 2.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure what it was about this book, but it just wasn't for me. The idea was adorable, as who doesn't love New York City at Christmas. I did find it a bit predictable as I saw many things coming. I also felt that the FMC was a bit too whiny about many things that made this a bit of a turn off for me.

[Ayla Rose · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lazy writing for a lazy read. Ok for a Christmassy read if you don’t want to think too hard.

Finished reading not because I wanted to know what happened to the characters but because I wanted it finished so I could move onto a better book.

*Spoiler* Can’t help thinking the love interest should have had a better grasp of contraception.

[janice tolchin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy Christmas Story

Wonderful Christmas story, realizing you can be happy, if you just take a chance and let people help you and get to know you.
Make peace with the past and see that people you thought were wrong are not anything like that.

[MaryLee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A feel good story

This is a good read for anyone but especially for knitters. The book leaves you guessing as it goes along as to just what the main character will do. No big surprises but a feel good story.

[susan malen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable story

A heart warming story with people who had some problems with moving forward with life and new loves ,
I enjoyed the author's description of the places in the story

[Stacie Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Easy to read simple storyline to follow, I enjoyed it apart from I felt the story ended to suddenly it would of been nice to see how cleo lived her life after considering her worries.

[Mary Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas at the Little Knitting Box

What a sweet, cozy, Christmas read! Good reminder that Christmas can be a happy time even if past mistakes and current problems seem to be overwhelming.

[david/Gill dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Lovely Christmas Story

A lovely, easy reading, Christmas story. Perfect for a cold winters day and evening. I felt like part of it.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Appropriate name for a yarn store

As an avid knitter, I couldn't put this book down. Book 1 was a good start for a series. The characters are loving and comfortable.

[Mrs Maureen Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

A really lovely story. I couldn't put it down and ended up finishing it at midnight.
Dehfinately one you should rea.d

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely festive read. Perfect to snuggle on sofa with

[Christine Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brill read

Full of love,laughter and excitement. It's a story you won't want to put down. I'm ready for the next in the series

[Joyce tuffs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good story.

This is the first in the Little Knitting Box series. The story of Chloe and Dylan and the meeting at the shop.

[Diane Wilder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely fabulous read one of the best ever.

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely quick easy read very enjoyable from start to finish. Highly recommend!

[neil williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A relaxing feel good book

I liked this book it was easy to read and pick up where you left off.
Lots of Christmas nostalgia.
I would love a shop like this.

[michelle Simons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Festive Romance

I loved this story of new beginnings and closing doors. It is a hug contained in the pages of a cosy romance with knitting at it's heart. A must read.