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Sweetgum Knit #2
The Sweetgum Ladies Knit for Love
On the third Friday of each month, six women meet at the Sweetgum Christian Church to enjoy the two things that connect them: a love of knitting and a passion for books. The Sweetgum ladies face the challenges of love in all its forms as the Knit Lit Society begins a new year and a new reading list. Eugenie's newlywed bliss falters as she learns to balance her roles as foster mother, town librarian, and pastor's wife. New member Maria, must come to terms with the loss of her father and her home while Camille resists a romance that would tie her to Sweetgum forever. Freshman outsider Hannah can't believe she's being pursued by the star quarterback of the football team, and Merry faces the challenge of becoming a working mother. Esther's financial difficulties mean that her position as the social leader of Sweetgum might be coming to a bitter end.
367 pages, Hardcover
First published June 2, 2009
10 people are currently reading
733 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
July 31, 2018
The six women of Sweetgum meet once a month for a book discussion and a knitting project that pertains to the book. This years series is great love stories and each woman is confronted with her own ideas about love. This book continues the stories of the ladies in the first book and was an enjoyable read.
November 13, 2024
Well, a decade later than the first in the series, I got to this one. It was cute, fluffy, sweet at the outside. But I really really didn't like all the men being pushy, and kissing without permission to end an argument, and insisting that the women aquiesce against their judgement--it honestly left me with an icky feeling.🤷♀️ And no one with icky behavior ever felt consequences for it.
January 12, 2018
Well written but did not find the sappy happy ending I expected.
February 28, 2012
It was a mostly fun read. This book was by the same author as Jane Austen Ruined My Life, which I enjoyed. The books was good, the only thing I really didn't like was the part of the story line that mimicked Pride & Prejudice. Although that particular story line has been used many, many times, in this particular book it wasn't even used cleverly. Some of the writing almost sounded like a word-for-word copy of the original. It really took away from the rest of the book and was just so bad that it lowered my opinion of the rest of the book. I love Jane Austen and all...but if you're going to use one of her story lines, you should at least make it good.
March 10, 2016
A new to me author, and not something I would pick from a shelf for myself. However, I got this in a book box, and since it was set in Tennessee, I read it for a state challenge I am doing. I found myself liking what was the 2nd in the series, but I didn't have any trouble figuring things out. A small group of women get together once a month to discuss the book of the month, show off knitting projects and just discuss what is going on in their lives.
June 24, 2012
Once again we meet the Sweetgum Ladies. As a little time has passed, some found love, some lost a loved one, some can now follow their dreams. And hope is never far :-) The books read by the ladies this time are Great Love Stories in Literature. A subject that can arise passion!
I found the book a little too predictable but it was once again a nice and cozy read.
I found the book a little too predictable but it was once again a nice and cozy read.
to-find
August 29, 2009
May 9, 2021
How fun to be able to find out "what ever happened to...." the characters in a recently read book club book beause the one that follows is already ready!
New year, new list of books, some new characters and another great story by our most recent in person author, Beth Pattillo.
The theme for this year's book list is great love stories and and guess what's reflected most in the continuing stories of this enterprising band of book clubbers and friends? Yep. Love is in the air.
New year, new list of books, some new characters and another great story by our most recent in person author, Beth Pattillo.
The theme for this year's book list is great love stories and and guess what's reflected most in the continuing stories of this enterprising band of book clubbers and friends? Yep. Love is in the air.
April 5, 2020
An easy read which is what I needed. I felt like the author took the easy way out. Too many deaths and characters to keep track of. Two ladies whose names started with “E,” two who started with “M,” two store owners, three who reconnected with an old friend/flame, etc. There was no creativity. I wish the love stories had been developed a little more.
June 22, 2017
The first installment of the Sweetgum series was so enjoyable I picked up the second. It didn't disappoint. I enjoyed strolling through this quaint town and getting acquainted with some of its residents.
January 1, 2020
Reminded me of Debbie Macomber 's style. Wished there had been even more references to knitting. Really appreciated that there were older women as main characters facing changes and finding happiness later in life. An all round pleasant read.
November 12, 2021
Cozy story of a group of ladies who knit and read and meet once a month. The theme of this year's books is love stories, and they are given a new stitch to work into a project relating to each month's book selection.
July 2, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. Sad there aren't more.
November 21, 2017
Not as good as the first in the series. Predictable.
August 20, 2018
Read this one, because I enjoyed the first one. Brain candy, but it is what I wanted at the time.
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
August 20, 2020
Love the characters and the story.
April 22, 2022
Where's the third book???? I really have enjoyed this series but this book needs about 6 more chapters and an epilogue.
May 30, 2022
Sometimes dropping a stitch is how you save another.
August 18, 2024
Another comforting book of knitting and friendship.
September 5, 2024
Loved all the characters and how their perspectives about love changed as they read the books and their lives changed.
September 13, 2025
Fair. It was about six ladies living in a small town. They had a knitting club combined with a book club. Followed the path of their lives for about a year.
August 21, 2012
Sferruzzando col pensiero a Lizzy e Darcy
Questo libro è il secondo di una serie scritta da Beth Pattillo, in cui le protagoniste sono i membri di club letterario e della maglia, la Knit-Lit Society, sotto la guida di Eugenie Pierce, la bibliotecaria, che nel precedente libro ha ritrovato Paul Carson, il suo vecchio amore, e l’ha sposato. Paul è il parroco di Sweetgum e Eugenie dovrà affrontare le signore dei vari comitati parrocchiali, che la vorrebbero più coinvolta nelle attività del marito.
Alcuni membri del precedente romanzo non ci saranno più, mentre ci saranno new-entry nel club di ‘sferruzzatrici’. Non preoccupatevi, però! Il libro è comprensibilissimo anche se non si è letto il primo della serie (io non l’ho fatto!)
Ma in che modo questo libro rientra nei nostri festeggiamenti per il Bicentenario di Orgoglio e Pregiudizio? Ve lo dico subito: Eugenie decide di affrontare come tema della nuova stagione di letture l’amore, leggendo ogni mese un grande romanzo d’amore e abbinando ad esso un punto di maglia con cui realizzare un capo ispirato dalla lettura. Naturalmente fra le letture non poteva mancare Orgoglio e Pregiudizio!
Si comincia con Romeo e Giulietta. Hannah, la figlia affidataria dei Carson è alle prese con le prime cotte adolescenziali: ha appena incontrato il suo vecchio compagno d’infanzia, Josh, il quarterback della squadra di football del liceo, appena ritornato a Sweetgum. Nella sua storia ho visto qualche richiamo a Mansfield Park, quando l’insegnante di letteratura fa leggere alla classe divisa in gruppi proprio Romeo e Giulietta e Courtney Mc Gavin decide che lei interpreterà il ruolo di Giulietta, mentre Josh sarà Romeo, lasciando ad Hannah tutti i ruoli secondari. Ma soprattutto in questa storia si può vedere una sorta di retelling di Cime Tempestose a ruoli capovolti, con Josh nei panni di Cathy e Hannah di Heathcliff, mentre Courtney sarebbe l’Edgar Linton della situazione, essendo più ‘mondana’ e dunque più adatta ai canoni richiesti dalla madre di Josh, a cui risulta più benaccetta.
Esther Jackson è appena diventata vedova. Il marito l’ha lasciata in pessime condizioni finanziarie: da guida carismatica delle signore della buona società di Sweetgum, si è ritrovata a dover vendere la sua casa e a trasferirsi in un piccolo appartamento. Un incontro/scontro fortuito (in cui ho visto dei vaghi riferimenti a Jane Eyre, libro che non verrà letto dalla Knit-Lit Society) troverà una ragione per andare avanti nella sua vita, una ragione che la cambierà radicalmente.
Le storie si intrecciano; i membri del club interpretano i libri da discutere secondo le proprie esperienze, traendone spesso indicazioni sulla loro vita. I lavori a maglia procedono passando dai punti più semplici ai punti più complessi. Le signore realizzano capi per se stesse e per i loro cari. E ciascuna delle storie richiama una grande storia d’amore.
Naturalmente Orgoglio e Pregiudizio è presente sia fra le i libri da leggere che tra le storie parallele delle infaticabili lavoratrici del tricot.
Maria Munden, appena entrata a far parte delle Ladies, incontrerà James Delevan (così si chiama il nostro Mr Darcy!), un avvocato giunto a Sweetgum per rilevare proprio la fattoria della famiglia di Maria per conto di Evan Baxter (il nostro Mr Bingley). C’è anche Jane/Daphne, la sorella di Maria. E alcune scene saranno costruite dalla Pattillo per richiamare il nostro amato romanzo.
Unica pecca: la Pattillo ha inserito Cime Tempestose fra le letture senza forse apprezzarlo troppo – così risulta dai commenti delle Ladies della Knit-lit society e dal fatto che abbia scritto Henshaw anziché Earnshaw (forse gli atteggiamenti di Cathy l’hanno fatta pensare a una gallina? Hen = gallina). Inoltre c'è uno stranissimo commento sul padre di Cathy, come se fosse stato lui a contrastare il suo amore per Heathcliff… che l’autrice si sia confusa con Hareton, il fratello?
Questo romanzo richiama per molti versi The Jane Austen Book Club di Karen Joy Fowler, con un club di lettura formato da persone di età differenti e con problemi più o meno gravi sia economici, che sentimentali. L’elemento della maglia, però, rende il progetto della Society della Pattillo ancora più avvincente per una sferruzzatrice impenitente come me. Mi chiedo che capi avrei potuto realizzare al posto delle protagoniste, da abbinare alle letture…
The Sweetgum Ladies Knit for Love è un romanzo leggero, che parla della quotidianità in una cittadina del Sud, scandita da cinque grandi storie d’amore della Letteratura. Una storia di solidarietà e di amicizia, di quelle che fa sempre piacere leggere, soprattutto in questa calda estate, in cui libri come questo si bevono in un sorso.
Potete leggere l'articolo completo QUI
Questo libro è il secondo di una serie scritta da Beth Pattillo, in cui le protagoniste sono i membri di club letterario e della maglia, la Knit-Lit Society, sotto la guida di Eugenie Pierce, la bibliotecaria, che nel precedente libro ha ritrovato Paul Carson, il suo vecchio amore, e l’ha sposato. Paul è il parroco di Sweetgum e Eugenie dovrà affrontare le signore dei vari comitati parrocchiali, che la vorrebbero più coinvolta nelle attività del marito.
Alcuni membri del precedente romanzo non ci saranno più, mentre ci saranno new-entry nel club di ‘sferruzzatrici’. Non preoccupatevi, però! Il libro è comprensibilissimo anche se non si è letto il primo della serie (io non l’ho fatto!)
Ma in che modo questo libro rientra nei nostri festeggiamenti per il Bicentenario di Orgoglio e Pregiudizio? Ve lo dico subito: Eugenie decide di affrontare come tema della nuova stagione di letture l’amore, leggendo ogni mese un grande romanzo d’amore e abbinando ad esso un punto di maglia con cui realizzare un capo ispirato dalla lettura. Naturalmente fra le letture non poteva mancare Orgoglio e Pregiudizio!
Si comincia con Romeo e Giulietta. Hannah, la figlia affidataria dei Carson è alle prese con le prime cotte adolescenziali: ha appena incontrato il suo vecchio compagno d’infanzia, Josh, il quarterback della squadra di football del liceo, appena ritornato a Sweetgum. Nella sua storia ho visto qualche richiamo a Mansfield Park, quando l’insegnante di letteratura fa leggere alla classe divisa in gruppi proprio Romeo e Giulietta e Courtney Mc Gavin decide che lei interpreterà il ruolo di Giulietta, mentre Josh sarà Romeo, lasciando ad Hannah tutti i ruoli secondari. Ma soprattutto in questa storia si può vedere una sorta di retelling di Cime Tempestose a ruoli capovolti, con Josh nei panni di Cathy e Hannah di Heathcliff, mentre Courtney sarebbe l’Edgar Linton della situazione, essendo più ‘mondana’ e dunque più adatta ai canoni richiesti dalla madre di Josh, a cui risulta più benaccetta.
Esther Jackson è appena diventata vedova. Il marito l’ha lasciata in pessime condizioni finanziarie: da guida carismatica delle signore della buona società di Sweetgum, si è ritrovata a dover vendere la sua casa e a trasferirsi in un piccolo appartamento. Un incontro/scontro fortuito (in cui ho visto dei vaghi riferimenti a Jane Eyre, libro che non verrà letto dalla Knit-Lit Society) troverà una ragione per andare avanti nella sua vita, una ragione che la cambierà radicalmente.
Le storie si intrecciano; i membri del club interpretano i libri da discutere secondo le proprie esperienze, traendone spesso indicazioni sulla loro vita. I lavori a maglia procedono passando dai punti più semplici ai punti più complessi. Le signore realizzano capi per se stesse e per i loro cari. E ciascuna delle storie richiama una grande storia d’amore.
Naturalmente Orgoglio e Pregiudizio è presente sia fra le i libri da leggere che tra le storie parallele delle infaticabili lavoratrici del tricot.
Maria Munden, appena entrata a far parte delle Ladies, incontrerà James Delevan (così si chiama il nostro Mr Darcy!), un avvocato giunto a Sweetgum per rilevare proprio la fattoria della famiglia di Maria per conto di Evan Baxter (il nostro Mr Bingley). C’è anche Jane/Daphne, la sorella di Maria. E alcune scene saranno costruite dalla Pattillo per richiamare il nostro amato romanzo.
Unica pecca: la Pattillo ha inserito Cime Tempestose fra le letture senza forse apprezzarlo troppo – così risulta dai commenti delle Ladies della Knit-lit society e dal fatto che abbia scritto Henshaw anziché Earnshaw (forse gli atteggiamenti di Cathy l’hanno fatta pensare a una gallina? Hen = gallina). Inoltre c'è uno stranissimo commento sul padre di Cathy, come se fosse stato lui a contrastare il suo amore per Heathcliff… che l’autrice si sia confusa con Hareton, il fratello?
Questo romanzo richiama per molti versi The Jane Austen Book Club di Karen Joy Fowler, con un club di lettura formato da persone di età differenti e con problemi più o meno gravi sia economici, che sentimentali. L’elemento della maglia, però, rende il progetto della Society della Pattillo ancora più avvincente per una sferruzzatrice impenitente come me. Mi chiedo che capi avrei potuto realizzare al posto delle protagoniste, da abbinare alle letture…
The Sweetgum Ladies Knit for Love è un romanzo leggero, che parla della quotidianità in una cittadina del Sud, scandita da cinque grandi storie d’amore della Letteratura. Una storia di solidarietà e di amicizia, di quelle che fa sempre piacere leggere, soprattutto in questa calda estate, in cui libri come questo si bevono in un sorso.
Potete leggere l'articolo completo QUI
November 19, 2013
Maybe the problem is I came to this on the second book rather than the first. Because Knit for Love is the second book in the series. I honestly feel like I probably didn't miss much, just a little backstory. But maybe it would have helped me connect to the characters a bit more.
The Sweetgum Knit Lit Society studies books and knitting. Together. A group of ladies get together once a month to read a book and knit a project related to that book. And this year, the leader Eugenie chooses love stories, probably as a result of her recent marriage to the preacher. Her foster daughter Hannah is pursued by a new boy in school, but he is in a different social realm than her and it makes her nervous. Camille too is pursued by an old crush who doesn't want to lose her, but she desires to get out of the town and finally go to college. Esther finds herself greatly in debt after the loss of her husband and has to make some hard decisions. Merry struggles with leaving her child at daycare and going to work full time with her lawyer husband and Maria too has financial troubles brought on by her father's death. And sometimes the club just isn't enough to help these ladies get through their day.
There are a lot of dead people mentioned in this book. Nearly every character has lost someone. But rather than focus on that, the theme is on love instead which means there are all kinds of romances happening in this book. Maria's admirer started off as pompous and considering her old, yet seems drawn to her in a way he can't control. I found him a bit cold, but to each their own I guess. Merry has a good husband who sees her through. Although she's a bit spastic about her children, which I guess only a mother could understand. Eugenie's husband, for being a preacher, is pretty quiet and secretive, which surprises me in a new marriage. Hannah's boyfriend seems a bit too good to be true which Hannah suffers from a low self esteem. Which is actually pretty realistic for a teenager her age. Camille and her boyfriend are in the book, but felt more like afterthoughts to me as their stories weren't developed quite as much or focused on.
I liked reading all of the different stories for the characters but felt they were too rushed and incomplete. It's obvious this book is part of a series and it suffers from middle-book syndrome. It couldn't just stand alone but made you want to read the rest book as you wanted to finish the stories. Which I'm not even sure if there's a next book out yet. But the pace did hurt this book quite a bit. That and the lack of actual knitting. It was mentioned here and there, along with different stitches, but it and the books took a back seat to all the drama of the characters. I would have really liked to hear more about the knitting. Luckily, in the literature's case, they did at least have a short one or two page discussion about a book each time. This is a slightly religious book too as the church is mentioned several times (since one of the characters is married to the preacher) and the Song of Solomon is one of the selections for the club. It's not overt though.
I'd probably read the next book just to finish up the characters stories. And maybe the first book, just to see if the series started out strong. But this one was just average.
The Sweetgum Ladies Knit for Love
Copyright 2009
354 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2013
More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
The Sweetgum Knit Lit Society studies books and knitting. Together. A group of ladies get together once a month to read a book and knit a project related to that book. And this year, the leader Eugenie chooses love stories, probably as a result of her recent marriage to the preacher. Her foster daughter Hannah is pursued by a new boy in school, but he is in a different social realm than her and it makes her nervous. Camille too is pursued by an old crush who doesn't want to lose her, but she desires to get out of the town and finally go to college. Esther finds herself greatly in debt after the loss of her husband and has to make some hard decisions. Merry struggles with leaving her child at daycare and going to work full time with her lawyer husband and Maria too has financial troubles brought on by her father's death. And sometimes the club just isn't enough to help these ladies get through their day.
There are a lot of dead people mentioned in this book. Nearly every character has lost someone. But rather than focus on that, the theme is on love instead which means there are all kinds of romances happening in this book. Maria's admirer started off as pompous and considering her old, yet seems drawn to her in a way he can't control. I found him a bit cold, but to each their own I guess. Merry has a good husband who sees her through. Although she's a bit spastic about her children, which I guess only a mother could understand. Eugenie's husband, for being a preacher, is pretty quiet and secretive, which surprises me in a new marriage. Hannah's boyfriend seems a bit too good to be true which Hannah suffers from a low self esteem. Which is actually pretty realistic for a teenager her age. Camille and her boyfriend are in the book, but felt more like afterthoughts to me as their stories weren't developed quite as much or focused on.
I liked reading all of the different stories for the characters but felt they were too rushed and incomplete. It's obvious this book is part of a series and it suffers from middle-book syndrome. It couldn't just stand alone but made you want to read the rest book as you wanted to finish the stories. Which I'm not even sure if there's a next book out yet. But the pace did hurt this book quite a bit. That and the lack of actual knitting. It was mentioned here and there, along with different stitches, but it and the books took a back seat to all the drama of the characters. I would have really liked to hear more about the knitting. Luckily, in the literature's case, they did at least have a short one or two page discussion about a book each time. This is a slightly religious book too as the church is mentioned several times (since one of the characters is married to the preacher) and the Song of Solomon is one of the selections for the club. It's not overt though.
I'd probably read the next book just to finish up the characters stories. And maybe the first book, just to see if the series started out strong. But this one was just average.
The Sweetgum Ladies Knit for Love
Copyright 2009
354 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2013
More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
July 14, 2009
If I read an entire 348 page book between 6 and 11 one night, I guess that means I liked it. The Sweetgum Ladies Knit for Love is the second book in Beth Pattillo's series.
Like the first book (which you do not need to read in order to enjoy this one), Knit for Love is about a group of ladies who meet in the local church each month to discuss a book and show off a knitting project related to the book. The group is lead by Eugenie, the town librarian, who just married her high school sweetheart, 40+ years after high school. He is the minister and she is adjusting to life as the minister's wife. Other members include Maria, a 30ish single woman who is supporting her mom and two sisters after her father's death. They've had to sell the family farm to pay of debts and the small-town hardware store that is their livelihood isn't doing well. Camille owns the local clothing store, which she inherited from her mother. Her mother died in the last book, after a long illness. Camille has always wanted to go to college and to leave Sweetgum. Now that she has her chance, a complication has arisen. His name is Dante. He is an ex-NFL player, the former star of the local high school team, who is now back in town as the new head coach--oh, and he's Black, and she's not. Esther was widowed in the last book and now she is learning that her husband left her almost no assets. How is she going to make it? Hannah is a troubled teen. She has been taken in by Eugenie and her new husband, but not by the kids at school, except for the new star quarterback, who had been a childhood friend. Will he stick by her when cheerleaders get in his path? Merry is the mom of four, including a six month old. Her husband has his own law firm, which is on shaky financial grounds. He needs more help but can't afford to hire anyone. She has always stayed home with the kids and doesn't want to leave this baby; but realizes that providing for the kids is a kind of love too.
Their reading theme this book year is love stories and each of these women is dealing with love of one sort or another and trying to determine how it fits in her life. The loves in this book include an inter-racial relationship, self-love, love of animals, marital love, parent-child love, teen love, all of which can be a reflection of Divine love.
This "group of women" book will probably appeal to you if you like Debbie Macomber's Blossom Street books, or the Potluck Club books, or other books where a group of women share their lives. While this book is classified as Chrisian fiction, it is about the least preachy of the genre I've read. Much of the action takes place in the church and Eugenie is married to the minister, but we don't hear sermons or prayers; no gets "saved" and no one's problems go away because she found God.
The end of the book left a lot of ends open for the next book, which I can hardly wait to read.
Like the first book (which you do not need to read in order to enjoy this one), Knit for Love is about a group of ladies who meet in the local church each month to discuss a book and show off a knitting project related to the book. The group is lead by Eugenie, the town librarian, who just married her high school sweetheart, 40+ years after high school. He is the minister and she is adjusting to life as the minister's wife. Other members include Maria, a 30ish single woman who is supporting her mom and two sisters after her father's death. They've had to sell the family farm to pay of debts and the small-town hardware store that is their livelihood isn't doing well. Camille owns the local clothing store, which she inherited from her mother. Her mother died in the last book, after a long illness. Camille has always wanted to go to college and to leave Sweetgum. Now that she has her chance, a complication has arisen. His name is Dante. He is an ex-NFL player, the former star of the local high school team, who is now back in town as the new head coach--oh, and he's Black, and she's not. Esther was widowed in the last book and now she is learning that her husband left her almost no assets. How is she going to make it? Hannah is a troubled teen. She has been taken in by Eugenie and her new husband, but not by the kids at school, except for the new star quarterback, who had been a childhood friend. Will he stick by her when cheerleaders get in his path? Merry is the mom of four, including a six month old. Her husband has his own law firm, which is on shaky financial grounds. He needs more help but can't afford to hire anyone. She has always stayed home with the kids and doesn't want to leave this baby; but realizes that providing for the kids is a kind of love too.
Their reading theme this book year is love stories and each of these women is dealing with love of one sort or another and trying to determine how it fits in her life. The loves in this book include an inter-racial relationship, self-love, love of animals, marital love, parent-child love, teen love, all of which can be a reflection of Divine love.
This "group of women" book will probably appeal to you if you like Debbie Macomber's Blossom Street books, or the Potluck Club books, or other books where a group of women share their lives. While this book is classified as Chrisian fiction, it is about the least preachy of the genre I've read. Much of the action takes place in the church and Eugenie is married to the minister, but we don't hear sermons or prayers; no gets "saved" and no one's problems go away because she found God.
The end of the book left a lot of ends open for the next book, which I can hardly wait to read.
March 27, 2014
Six very different women meet once a month to knit, talk and socialise. Each month they try out a new knitting project inspired by one of the books the group leader and master librarian, Eugenie has picked out.
This year Eugenie thought she'd try something new. Inspired by her recent marriage, she thought it would be interesting to have "Classic love stories" as the common book topic. What she hadn't stopped to think about, was that these books of love might not seem quite as easy reads to the others... Esther, who'd just lost her husband... Camille, who desperately wants to get away from Sweetgum - even now that her old beau has returned... Hannah, the 13-year-old girl Eugenie agreed to foster after her mother skipped town... Merry, who's discovering that love can be quite overwhelming... and newest member Maria, who sorely resents having to sell her family property to a new-comer and his arrogant business partner.
Still, all six women find something to relate to in the different novels, and from Shakespeare to Brontë, they find they can apply the literary experiences to their own lives, and either learn from them... or make the same mistakes themselves.
In style as well as genre Beth Pattillo's novel most of all reminded me of the Mitford series by Jan Karon with a touch of a Jane Austen thrown in (okay... sometimes more than "a touch"... it was occasionally glaringly obvious, but I love P&P, so I'll let that slide ;) - a small tranquil town, a pastor and his wife, and the coming and goings of the people around them. The atmosphere of Sweetgum appealed to me, and I enjoyed reading about the friendships that grew between the ladies of the Knit Lit society.
The Sweetgum Ladies Knit for Love is the sequel to The Sweetgum Knit Lit Society, but can easily be read on its own. I didn't feel like I missed any inside information that would have been beneficial, but will go ahead and read them in reverse order - I want to read more about these lovely ladies, even though I already know "what happens next".
Definitely one of the cosiest reads I've had so far this year. I couldn't put it down, and ended up going to bed much too late in order to finish it.
This year Eugenie thought she'd try something new. Inspired by her recent marriage, she thought it would be interesting to have "Classic love stories" as the common book topic. What she hadn't stopped to think about, was that these books of love might not seem quite as easy reads to the others... Esther, who'd just lost her husband... Camille, who desperately wants to get away from Sweetgum - even now that her old beau has returned... Hannah, the 13-year-old girl Eugenie agreed to foster after her mother skipped town... Merry, who's discovering that love can be quite overwhelming... and newest member Maria, who sorely resents having to sell her family property to a new-comer and his arrogant business partner.
Still, all six women find something to relate to in the different novels, and from Shakespeare to Brontë, they find they can apply the literary experiences to their own lives, and either learn from them... or make the same mistakes themselves.
In style as well as genre Beth Pattillo's novel most of all reminded me of the Mitford series by Jan Karon with a touch of a Jane Austen thrown in (okay... sometimes more than "a touch"... it was occasionally glaringly obvious, but I love P&P, so I'll let that slide ;) - a small tranquil town, a pastor and his wife, and the coming and goings of the people around them. The atmosphere of Sweetgum appealed to me, and I enjoyed reading about the friendships that grew between the ladies of the Knit Lit society.
The Sweetgum Ladies Knit for Love is the sequel to The Sweetgum Knit Lit Society, but can easily be read on its own. I didn't feel like I missed any inside information that would have been beneficial, but will go ahead and read them in reverse order - I want to read more about these lovely ladies, even though I already know "what happens next".
Definitely one of the cosiest reads I've had so far this year. I couldn't put it down, and ended up going to bed much too late in order to finish it.
August 27, 2009
Picking up where the first novel left off, we again meet The Sweetgum Knit Lit Society: a group of women get together once a month to talk about the latest book they've read for the book club and show off the latest knitting project. It sounds so good and, relatively speaking, it is. Prickly librarian Eugenie has married her youthful sweetheart, now a widowed pastor and finds herself trying to find her place in his life and church. Esther is newly widowed with a potential younger suitor. Hannah finds first love and heartbreak in high school. Merry struggles with returning to work and Camille tries to find her place in the world. Newest addition, Maria, tries to find a new life and home for her family.
I'm not sure what it is about this series that doesn't quite do it for me. The premise sounds so promising, but like the first one, it sort of falls flat. The women here are more likeable, even the prickly Eugenie and Esther. But, it's completely predictable. Eugenie chooses "Great Love Stories in Literature" for the group's reading list and as the chapters unfold, we find the inevitable comparisons: Maria and James are Elizabeth and Darcy; Hannah can relate to Wuthering Heights and Romeo and Juliet; Camille can sympathize with Scarlett O'Hara and her desire to put her own needs before everyone else's...
There was a bit more depth to it and the characters seemed to interact more than in the first one. Here, they actually seemed more like friends. Two missing parts stand out to me: we never really do find out why Camille always turned down Dante in high school, even though she liked him and the bit about Esther's first child was just tossed in without any subsequent explanation, even though it seemed significant to her.
It's very light Christian and the faith of these women isn't in the forefront of their lives, it's more of an afterthought.
Still, it's a light, entertaining read and I did enjoy it more than the first one. While reading the first book adds a bit of history, each stands alone well. I'd give it 2.5 stars if I could.
I'm not sure what it is about this series that doesn't quite do it for me. The premise sounds so promising, but like the first one, it sort of falls flat. The women here are more likeable, even the prickly Eugenie and Esther. But, it's completely predictable. Eugenie chooses "Great Love Stories in Literature" for the group's reading list and as the chapters unfold, we find the inevitable comparisons: Maria and James are Elizabeth and Darcy; Hannah can relate to Wuthering Heights and Romeo and Juliet; Camille can sympathize with Scarlett O'Hara and her desire to put her own needs before everyone else's...
There was a bit more depth to it and the characters seemed to interact more than in the first one. Here, they actually seemed more like friends. Two missing parts stand out to me: we never really do find out why Camille always turned down Dante in high school, even though she liked him and the bit about Esther's first child was just tossed in without any subsequent explanation, even though it seemed significant to her.
It's very light Christian and the faith of these women isn't in the forefront of their lives, it's more of an afterthought.
Still, it's a light, entertaining read and I did enjoy it more than the first one. While reading the first book adds a bit of history, each stands alone well. I'd give it 2.5 stars if I could.
October 30, 2009
Beth Pattillo writes again about the Ladies of Sweetgum, Tennessee. Camilla’s mother has passed but rather than finding her freedom her high school almost-sweetheart returns to coach the football team. Amusingly his star quarterback is the childhood friend of Hannah, still holding back from her now foster parents affection. Eugenie deep in newly-wedded bliss decides they all need to read love stories. Let us ignore the fact that one is recently widowed and two are spinsters. (Old term, but this town is old school.) I like the simple give them a technique to work on theme for the knitting, but sheesh. I loved the Pride and Prejudice moments, but I think Beth Pattillo is laying it on a bit thick.
The Sweetgum Ladies Knit for Love is fluff, but the ending is not all there. I feel like I was let down before she was through. She writes chick lit fluff, but isn’t willing to go that extra mile of sweetness. She leaves some bitter. This time Camilla runs away from town and the love of her life because she has sacrificed so much for her mother. It will be best for her, but she doesn’t really give her boyfriend a chance to stand by her. I see the argument that given any pressure she would never have left, but I can’t decide if that is right. There is also the unanswered questions about what is next for Marie. She shows us what could happen. James buys Esther’s house complete with greenhouse. Marie has everything including the labels to start her own line of bath products. We just aren’t shown what happens next. I suppose Beth is using cliff hanger styles to keep us going, but I just can’t shake that she left us with half a book here. I suppose I will keep reading to see what happens next, but if you are writing a serial drama don’t call it a novel.
The Sweetgum Ladies Knit for Love is fluff, but the ending is not all there. I feel like I was let down before she was through. She writes chick lit fluff, but isn’t willing to go that extra mile of sweetness. She leaves some bitter. This time Camilla runs away from town and the love of her life because she has sacrificed so much for her mother. It will be best for her, but she doesn’t really give her boyfriend a chance to stand by her. I see the argument that given any pressure she would never have left, but I can’t decide if that is right. There is also the unanswered questions about what is next for Marie. She shows us what could happen. James buys Esther’s house complete with greenhouse. Marie has everything including the labels to start her own line of bath products. We just aren’t shown what happens next. I suppose Beth is using cliff hanger styles to keep us going, but I just can’t shake that she left us with half a book here. I suppose I will keep reading to see what happens next, but if you are writing a serial drama don’t call it a novel.
August 29, 2009
It takes a special gift to be able to bring a group of 6 special gals to my attention and then have them equally share in the storyline without any one of them stealing the spotlight. I think ensemble books are incredibly hard to write, generally one character takes the lead while showing or telling what is happening in the lives of the others. Beth Patillo has a true talent for ensemble writing. "Sweetgum Ladies Knit For Love" is book #2 in the Sweetgum Ladies series and while I really enjoyed the first book, this second book was a sheer delight to me. The way she balanced telling about the lives of these 6 ladies who were connected once a month by their book club and knitting group and yet by so much more was amazing to me.
Eugenie, the librarian who has finally found her first love again. Esther, who has just lost her first love. Merry, the young wife and mother who only thinks she knows that love is overwhelming. Hannah, the youngest of the group at 13 who has experienced more of life than some of the grown-ups already. Camille, who's life has been all about sacrifice and is now about solitude since the death of her ailing mother. And now the newest member of the group, Maria, who is trying to find where she fits in.
These ladies quickly become old friends and I really wanted to see how everything would play out for them. The ending was beautiful and bittersweet, not everyone gets their lives wrapped up with a red bow (good for Beth!) and yet I was so satisfied at the end. You do not have to enjoy knitting to enjoy this book, a truly pleasureable read.
Eugenie, the librarian who has finally found her first love again. Esther, who has just lost her first love. Merry, the young wife and mother who only thinks she knows that love is overwhelming. Hannah, the youngest of the group at 13 who has experienced more of life than some of the grown-ups already. Camille, who's life has been all about sacrifice and is now about solitude since the death of her ailing mother. And now the newest member of the group, Maria, who is trying to find where she fits in.
These ladies quickly become old friends and I really wanted to see how everything would play out for them. The ending was beautiful and bittersweet, not everyone gets their lives wrapped up with a red bow (good for Beth!) and yet I was so satisfied at the end. You do not have to enjoy knitting to enjoy this book, a truly pleasureable read.
September 2, 2009
The Sweetgum Ladies
Knit for Love
Beth Pattillo
2009
Waterbrook Press
Christian Fiction/Chicklit
Reviewed by Cindy Loven
A knitting and reading group combined, the Sweetgum Knit Lit Society gathers once a month to discuss the book they have read that month and to share their knitting projects.
Made up of 6 women, Eugenie Carson the minister's new wife and town librarian and leader of the group. Merry McGavin, wife of a local lawyer, Camille St. Clair, the owner of Maxine's Dress Shop, Esther Jackson, Sweetgum's social leader, Hannah Simmons, a teenagers that lives with Eugenie, and new member, Maria Munden the owner of the local five and dime. The Knit Lit ladies are all in for a surprise this time around. Eugenie has chosen love as the theme for this season's session. Books on love, classic love stories, even the look book in the Bible.
Each woman is battling her own lesson in love, dealing with family deaths, new loves, new lives and new homes. Follow along as Beth Pattillo leads you through a wonderful story of women learning to love, themselves and others. See the romance as new love blossoms among different members of the group. Cry as they grieve their lost family members, deal with frightening sicknesses. Giggle and worry through the angst of teenage love. Be amazed by the wonderful story that Beth has written.
Truly a wonderful story and an easy book to read, you will not want to put this book down, until it is finished.
Knit for Love
Beth Pattillo
2009
Waterbrook Press
Christian Fiction/Chicklit
Reviewed by Cindy Loven
A knitting and reading group combined, the Sweetgum Knit Lit Society gathers once a month to discuss the book they have read that month and to share their knitting projects.
Made up of 6 women, Eugenie Carson the minister's new wife and town librarian and leader of the group. Merry McGavin, wife of a local lawyer, Camille St. Clair, the owner of Maxine's Dress Shop, Esther Jackson, Sweetgum's social leader, Hannah Simmons, a teenagers that lives with Eugenie, and new member, Maria Munden the owner of the local five and dime. The Knit Lit ladies are all in for a surprise this time around. Eugenie has chosen love as the theme for this season's session. Books on love, classic love stories, even the look book in the Bible.
Each woman is battling her own lesson in love, dealing with family deaths, new loves, new lives and new homes. Follow along as Beth Pattillo leads you through a wonderful story of women learning to love, themselves and others. See the romance as new love blossoms among different members of the group. Cry as they grieve their lost family members, deal with frightening sicknesses. Giggle and worry through the angst of teenage love. Be amazed by the wonderful story that Beth has written.
Truly a wonderful story and an easy book to read, you will not want to put this book down, until it is finished.
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