The Knitting Diaries: The Twenty-First Wish / Coming Unraveled / Return to Summer Island

Summer Island #contains 0.5

by Debbie Macomber, Susan Mallery, Christina Skye

The Twenty-First Wish by Debbie Macomber
Anne Marie Roche and her adopted daughter, ten-year-old Ellen, have each written a list of twenty wisheson which they included learning to knit. But Ellen has quietly added a twenty-first wish: that her mom will fall in love with Tim, Ellen's birth father, who's recently entered their lives.
Coming Unraveled by Susan Mallery
When Robyn Mulligan's dreams of becoming a Broadway star give way to longing for her childhood home, she returns to Texas, running her grandmother's knitting store. But the handsome, hot-tempered T. J. Passman isn't making it easy on her. If he can learn to trust Robyn, and overcome his tragic past, they just might discover a passion like no other.
Return to Summer Island by Christina Skye
After a devastating car accident, Caro McNeal is welcomed by a community of knitters on Oregon's sleepy Summer Island. She also finds meaning and purpose in the letters she exchanges with a marine serving in Afghanistan. But when life takes another unexpected turn, will Caro pick up the threads of hope, opening her heart to wherever it takes her?
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Genres: Romance, Fiction, Knitting, Anthologies, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit

347 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.

In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.

Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.

She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

If I had known this book was a collection of three cheesy romance stories when one of my knitting buddies offered to lend it to me, I would have declined. The stories are hopelessly formulaic - young single woman with some sort of tragedy in her life (the only things that got her through was knitting!!!) meets a young man with an equally tragic past and they fall instantly and madly in love, but both of them are too damaged to admit it until they simply can't contain their epic emotions any longer - and when at last I finished, I noticed on the back cover that the publisher was a division of Harlequin. Oy. Cheesy romance novels are NOT my thing, and I would have given this book a single star, but I did get two interesting knitting patterns out of it. That must be worth another star.

[Coffee-crafts&books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good knitting fiction book, I loved the 3 stories about 3 couples love life and there love of knitting

[Hannah Beth (Hannah's Book Cafe) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book isn't really anything special, sadly. There is also spice in the second story, which I was not expecting. The third story I kind of skimmed through.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE KNITTING DIARIES - 3.5 STARS

"The Twenty-First Wish" by Debbie Macomber - 3 stars

This is the first thing that I've ever read by Debbie Macomber. I've never really been too interested in reading her books so it was nice to get a little feel of her writing from this novella. I would say that this one is definitely a nice story, but it wasn't really for me. Everything just felt too...neat.

"Coming Unraveled" by Susan Mallery - 5 stars

"Coming Unraveled" is the story of Robyn and T.J., and if sort of a prequel to Mallery's latest, upcoming novel Already Home. It is a very cute story and I'm glad I read it. I always love Mallery's novels/novellas and this was no exception. It is definitely more along the lines of romance than Already Home, which is women's fiction.

"Return to Summer Island" by Christina Skye - 2.5 stars

This story started out dumb. Very dumb. First, Caro and Gage tell their life stories to each other after knowing each other for approximately twenty minutes. Huh. Yes, I can definitely see that happening. Then, they make-out after knowing each other for about an hour and a half. Very sensible. However, notice that I said it started out dumb. I actually did like it by the end and found it to be very sweet. Although that might have a lot to do with the adorable animals, Bogart and Bacall.

[SmartBitches · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review at Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

For me, knitting is a comfort activity. It stimulates me creatively, but the repetitive motions of knitting and purling are incredibly soothing. I don’t knit as much in the summer, but now that fall is upon us (at least, it is here), I want the cozy feeling of curling up with a movie and my latest knitting project.

When I picked up The Knitting Diaries, I was hoping for the same feeling of coziness. Normally I don’t read a lot of sweet contemporaries, but it was storming out, I was achy from fibro, and the fact that all the stories featured knitting compelled me to try the anthology.

I loved 2/3 of the book, and the whole reading experience left me warm and fuzzy. The book also comes with three knitting patterns (one for a purse, one for a puppet, one for arm warmers), but the patterns don’t contain pictures which I find unhelpful. I’d definitely recommend this anthology for knitters or anyone looking for a comfort read. Just bring tissues.

- Elyse

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have recently discovered the love of yarn so this was a fun, informative read. Plus you get some knitting patterns!

These short stories were delightful and well written:
The Twenty-First Wish - Debbie Macomber
Coming Unraveled - Susan Mallery
Return to Summer Island - Christina Skye

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book with 3 stories!

If you loved Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macmber, you will love the first story called
The Twenty First Wish!

I enjoyed Coming Unraveled by Susan Mallery - a great romance "sizzling" in a Knitting store!

The last story is by Christina Skye - describing a romance between Caro and a handsome Marine she meets while staying with her Grandmother, I loved this story, and plan on looking for more books by
Christina Skye.

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun collection of knitting-themed short stories. I liked that they included patterns, but it's unfortunate (but understandable) that a picture couldn't be included. A perfectly satisfying, light read.

[Norma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful set of short stories all brought together under one common theme – the love of knitting. I never learned to knit or crochet because I just wasn’t coordinated to do it. My mom, however, would sit for hours on end with needle and yarn in hands.

At the start of each story, there is a knitting pattern provided that ties in with the story. I can’t judge if they are simple or not because I don’t knit. But they did sound very interesting.

Twenty-One Wishes by Debbie Macomber

I have been a long time fan of Debbie’s work. She lived up to my high expectations of her.

Twenty-One Wishes is part of her Blossom Street series. This one follows along as Anne Marie Roche and her adopted daughter Ellen make a tough transition of moving off of Blossom Street. Tim, Ellen’s biological father, wants to spend more time with not just Ellen, but Anne also. To add another ball of yarn into the mix, Anne is dating Mel, who gets extremely jealous but just doesn’t get her heart pumping.

Coming Unraveled by Susan Mallery

This is the first story I had read by Susan. I really enjoyed it. I know that this is part of a series that she has going on. So I know that I will be tracking down more of her books. In fact, this is supposed to be a prequel to one of her books.

Robyn is a failed actress returning to her hometown. She goes to work for her grandmother and her friends in her store, Only Ewe. The elderly women who run the store befriend T.J. Passman who instantly becomes wary of Robyn. Do they have the ability to overcome the tension between them?

Return to Summer Island by Christina Skye

This is the first story that I had read by Christina. This was my least favorite out of the three. It was still an okay story. I just felt that she could have done so much more with it.

Caro is trying to overcome the car accident that she was in. Lt. Grayson is getting ready to head back to Afghanistan. He was supposed to leave his pets with a friend of his, but his friend became seriously ill and unable to care for them. So Gage did the only thing he could think of. He left them at an animal shelter in hopes that they get adopted by a loving family. Little did he know that Caro would be the one to adopt them.

In conjunction with the Wakela's World Disclosure Statement, I received a product in order to enable my review. No other compensation has been received. My statements are an honest account of my experience with the brand. The opinions stated here are mine alone.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

What could an anthology of three short romances by these authors be but sweet? All feature knitters, and all three stories are preceded by knitting patterns. The Twenty-First Wish is the continuation of Macomber's Twenty Wishes (my review) and like Macomber's recent work, it is squeaky clean. With its short length, I didn't really get a feel for the characters, but since I "knew" them from Twenty Questions, it wasn't a problem. Without that background, it is simply a predictable story with an overused plot--should she go for Mr. Steady and Reliable, or Mr Makes Her Heart Go Pitter Patter.

The hero and heroine in Coming Unraveled are better developed than Macomber's characters. Mallery's characters begin the book disliking each other but end it.... Both are hurting in their own way, each brings healing to the other and Grandma and her friends make this as cozy as a hand-knit scarf. It is the only one of the three stories with an intimate scene, and I'd describe it as moderately graphic.

Return to Summer Island is about a young woman recovering from physical injuries and a young Marine she meets on the day before he is to return to Afghanistan. While a bit unrealistic, the story was heartwarming, and if you are an animal lover, you'll be glad to know that a dog and cat are major characters.

While I doubt any of these stories will make an list of classic literature, they were all fun reads and if you like these authors and/or clean romances, give them a try. Grade: B-

Thanks to the publisher for making a complimentary review copy available to me via NetGalley. I was not obligated to provide any review, much less a positive one.

[Marian · Rating 3 out of 5]

To my knowledge, I've never read anything by any of these authors, but I was sitting in the car waiting for someone to make it out of the grocery store and I needed something to read. Normally I start books that way and never finish them because they aren't my kind of book, but these stories were fluffy and sweet and had enough tension to keep things moving. I have no idea if they add anything to the series they're set in, but each story is very easily read and understood without having previously read the series they branch out from. When each ended, I wanted more.

There were two issues for me. Coming Unraveled built up tension between our love interests and then had it dissipate after maybe two interactions. It was a let down and the story never quite recovered that balance I think is required for a romance. Home to Summer Island made a bit of a thing about a B-list romance and then never went anywhere with it. I'm not sure if this is picked up elsewhere or not, but I wanted to know more about what happened to the artist and the vet. :p

[Fedora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three stories about knitters :) They each connect to other stories by the respective authors.

The Twenty-First Wish by Debbie Macomber
A bit of a follow on to Twenty Wishes, this tells the part where Anne Marie and Tim finally get it together and fulfill Ellen's (Anne Marie's adopted and Tim's birth daughter) twenty-first wish.

Coming Unraveled by Susan Mallery
Robyn Mulligan returns home to Texas to help her grandmother out after knee surgery, and decides it's the perfect time for a fresh start. TJ Passman doesn't trust that she isn't out to take advantage of her. They get to know each other better and manage to change their first impressions.

Return to Summer Island by Christina Skye
Caro McNeal returns to Oregon's Summer Island to heal after a devastating accident. She unexpectedly meets a soldier, and that's a turning point for them both.

[Mayda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Debbie Macomber, Susan Mallery, and Christina Skye each contributed a story to The Knitting Diaries, the common link being knitting. The best story by far is Macomber’s. If you are looking for a summer beach-read that won’t interfere with your afternoon snooze, this is the book for you. The stories are shorter than the average novel, and perhaps that is why they lack character development and a more involved plot. But if all you want is a bit of a problem along the way to a happy ending, you may like this book.

[Gulen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bu kitabı sadece ilk öykü için, Debbie'nin Twenty Wishes ve Summer on Blossom Street'e ek öykü olan 21st Wish için okudum; ancak hazır başlamışken 2. ve 3. öyküyü de okuyayım dedim. Daha önce hiç okumadığım haklarında hiç bir fikrim olmayan yazarlardan Susan Mallery fena değildi de, Christina Skye'ın hikayesi beni çok sıktı. Romance ve Contemporary'de dram olması janrların gerekliliklerinden ama son hikayedeki gibi dram üstüne dram üstüne dram beni sıkıyor.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this anthology for the Mallery story; the other 2 authors were new to me. I really liked the Mallery story and I loved Skye's Summer Island story. I didn't care for Macomber's story as much. The resolution of the love triangle felt too contrived; I think this one needed to be a full-length novel in order for her to develop the changes in Mel and Anne Marie's feelings and relationships to really make it make sense. I enjoyed the basic storyline though. In Mallery's story, it was such fun to watch Robyn and T.J. come to know and respect and care for one another. The three old ladies were a hoot. And I loved meeting Caro and Gage; I could almost feel that instant connection and fire between them. I wanted both Mallery's and Skye's stories to be longer only because I didn't want to say goodbye. But in both cases, the characters and relationships were well-developed in a short amount of space.

[Teri-K · Rating 2 out of 5]

In Progress-
First Wish by Debbie Macomber -
I didn't read this one, I was really interested in the Susan Mallery entry.
Coming Unraveled by Susan Mallery -
This story was OK. The hero was rather judgemental at first, and most of the interesting action seems to have taken place before the story opened, so it felt like it should have been part of a series, though I don't think it is. Overall the story was pretty forgetable. 2.5 stars
Return to Summer Island by Christine Skye -
I liked this better, it was interesting reading about a young woman damaged in an accident so badly she couldn't knit. I wasn't as crazy about the soldier returning from Afghanistan story. I'm uncomfortable idealizing the suffering and struggles of those returning from a war zone. Falling in love doesn't solve all their problems, any more than it does ours. But, since it's a novella, I'll give that a pass, I guess. 3 stars otheriwse.

[Doris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book encompasses three very different and individual storylines, with knitting as thair common thread. However, while the first two are quite closely connected to crafting as well as covering 'trust issues', the third wears off from that subject a bit and also includes intuition, the human and animal kind which is quite intriguing.
These three stories by three different authors are the 'easy and quick read' kind, very entertaining and with the usual feel-good factor at the end, even if the reader might not see the reveal and outcome at first. This just makes it so much more of a 'can't put that book down' experience - perfect for the Festive Season ... or any time of the year, really.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was three short romances in one, all with a knitting theme. The first was by Debbie Macomber, The 21st Wish, about a mom and an adopted daughter and the road for the adopted mom and biological father to get together to find love and become a family. It has a bit of her famous Blossom Street rolled in there. The second was Coming Unraveled by Susan Mallory which I read in almost in 1 sitting. A story of coming home again and how two wounded souls can find love. The last was Retunn to Summer Island by Christina Skye. I am not usually one for military themed love stories but overall another quick short love story, albeit a quirky ending. Not sure how you declare love after knowing someone for 1 hour and a few emails. Overall a good read of some short love stories

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was only planning to read The Twenty-First Wish by Debbie Macomber since it ties in with the Blossom Street series but I was on a plane and ended up reading all the stories. They were nice quick little stories and I did enjoy them all.

I didn't know about this book containing The Twenty-first Wishes when I originally read the series and I read somewhere that it ties in after Twenty Wishes. I does mention Casey though who is young girl that Lydia and Brad decided to foster. She shows up in Summer on Blossom Street. It's not a big deal though since she is not a major character in The Twenty-First Wish.

[Katie Leversuch · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEWS CONTAIN SPOILERS!

Addition: Review e-book from netGalley

Genre: Female fiction, romance

Rating: 4 out of 5

This is a collection of short stories, written by prolific chick-lit authors Debbie Macomber, Susan Mallery and Christina Skye.

Debbie Macomber

Knitting is a way of life: The Twenty-First Wish by Debbie Macomber

Anne Marie Roche and her adopted daughter, ten-year-old Ellen, have each written a list of twenty wishes - on which they included learning to knit. But Ellen has quietly added a twenty-first wish: that her mom will fall in love with Tim, Ellen's birth father, who's recently entered their lives...

This short story follows on from the Blossom Street stories. Anne Marie had recently adopted Ellen, a girl who had been bought up by her Grandma until her death. Ellen's Dad - Tim, who didn't know until he was a father until Ellen was adopted has been spending a lot of time with both his daughter and Anne Marie. Both adults developed feelings for each other but Tim had a fiancée. When she found out about Ellen, she went back to drinking, and Tim - a recovering alcohol left her. However, Anne Marie felt messed around Tim and decided to have nothing more to do with him. However, Ellen has one wish she has told no one - that Anne Marie and Tim fall in love. Will her wish come true?

I love Debbie Macomber, and I enjoyed this story. Sadly, it was too short! Macomber writes a lovely story about friendship, family and love. My favourite character was Ellen. She was cute and so likeable. She is passionate and just a delight to read. I think Macomber writes really warm, friendly characters and it is so easy to fall in love with them.

The ending was not a surprise - but it was so nice! I was satisfied and happy by the conclusion. The only problem with this story was it was too short. I love the Blossom Street series - the characters, the knitting and the friendship. I really hope Macomber writes another in this series.

Susan Mallery

Knitting is a passion: Coming Unraveled by Susan Mallery

When Robyn Mulligan's dreams of becoming a Broadway star give way to longing for her childhood home, she returns to Texas, running her grandmother's knitting store. But the handsome, hot-tempered T.J. Passman isn't making it easy on her. If he can learn to trust Robyn, and overcome his tragic past, they just might discover a passion like no other. Susan's story in this anthology is linked to her book ALREADY HOME (April 2011).

To be honest, I didn't enjoy this story too much. It follows Robyn, a girl who had always dreamt of becoming a Broadway star. She leaves Texas for New York, but her dreams don't come to anything. She returns to Texas when her Gran needs to go in for an operation. When she walks into the knitting shop she is greeted by an angry stare from a guy she has never met - T.J. After a short, hostile chat with him, she discovers he thinks she is a fraud, lying to her Gran and living off her money. He is wrong, but will she change his mind?

The problem I had with this story was it seemed really sex-driven. Every time T.J. and Robyn look at each other, Mallery seems compelled to describe all emotions and longings. It just made me bored and uncomfortable.

This is another love story with knitting thrown in. Again, the ending was predictable - but who doesn't like a happy ending?! I thought Robyn's Gran and her friends were lovely characters. They were funny and so caring. They were really supportive of Robyn, even after her acting career didn't work out.

This is a nice story, ruined by too much talk about sex, and the longing for it.

Christina Skye

Knitting is a comfort: Return to Summer Island by Christina Skye

After a devastating car accident, Caro McNeal is welcomed by a community of knitters on Oregon's sleepy Summer Island. She also finds meaning and purpose in the letters she exchanges with a marine serving in Afghanistan. But when life takes another unexpected turn, will Caro pick up the threads of hope, opening her heart to wherever it takes her?

Meet Caro. She loves knitting. When she isn't working, she knits. That is, until she is hit by a car and her right arm is mashed. She will face a long time in a cast, and then physiotherapy - with no guarantees that she will ever be able to knit again. She leaves Chicago to recover and goes back to the home she grew up in, with her Gran. A chance visit by Gage Greyson changes her mindset and her road to recovery. He is off to Afghanistan - leaving his pets in the care of the local vet. Caro and Gage stay in contact, will it lead to love?

This is a nice love story. It is love not just for another person, but for knitting and animals. It is a story of recovery, patience and art. I thought Caro was a lovely character. She was so gutted by her accident - and so frustrated that she couldn't knit - or do much in fact. Her mindset is changed by one lovely picnic, and the need to look after Gage's two animals.

To be honest, this is not a realistic story. It is about love at first sight and long-distance army relationship. Of course this book had a happy ending, I just didn't think any of this would happen. Gage is involved in a military attack, yet someone Caro's Gran knows was able to tell her confidential information and get her to the base where Gage was taken after the attack. It was lovely, just unrealistic.

This is a nice collection of stories, based around knitting. The stories and writings are different. It was a nice, quick read - very enjoyable.

[Lynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book because I was reading Twenty Wishes by Debbie MaComber and I wanted to see what The Twenty-First Wish was about. This book was very good and I was glad I read it I would rate it 5 stars.
I always liked Susan Mallery and I read Coming Unraveled and enjoyed this story very much. I would rate this story 5 stars.
I tried reading Return to Summer Island by Christina Skye and I couldn’t get past the first chapter. I found this book hard to get into and didn’t want to read any further.
I would rate this story 1 star
I guess 2 out of 3 isn’t bad

[Christine Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anne Marie is living a wonderful life with her adopted daughter Ellen. However, she wants love and companionship. She has been dating Mel for a few months, but cannot seem to escape thoughts (and feelings) of Ellen's father Tim. When these 2 men decide to make it known that they both care for Anne Marie, the sparks start to fly!

A good short story that continues the saga of the Blossom Street series.

[Charity Cunningham · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Knitting Diaries, by Debbie Macomber, Susan Mallery, and Christine Skye, was a compilation of three short stories regarding life challenges, resilience, and fortitude.

The Twenty-First Wish by Debbie Macomber was a sweet read.

Coming Unraveled by Susan Mallery was a lighthearted read with likable, wounded characters.

Return to Summer Island by Christina Skye was about bouncing back from tragedy.

[Sarah Hook · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first two stories. I didn't really care for Return to Summer Island. It was really far-fetched, which just made it uninteresting. Plus it really didn't have anything to do with knitting. I liked Debbie Macomber's story bc it fits with Blossom Street. The second story was equally interesting. All were quick and easy reads.

[Heather Bridson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book! Three well done short stories that are just heartwarming! The last one made me cry, but it had a great ending so it worked out well. I do not knit, but I crochet. I think I will have to learn to knit for sure now. And there is a pattern to go with each story. Love that little extra! Anyway, well written sweet stories.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are 3 authors in this book. I've read Christina Skye's Return to summer Island. It is part of a series of her books. I thought it was a very good story, but I wanted it to be a longer story of this couple. Well told, but some question's not answered. I've also read the next two books in the series. I would recommend the series.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This are 3 light romance stories. The first one is part of the Blossom Street series. I would recommend at least reading Twenty wishes before reading this one. The second story is a typical romance story. The third story is somewhat unlikely but it has a dog and cat in the story so as an animal lover I enjoyed it despite the fact that I don’t believe in love at first sight.

[SandyL · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three short stories about women who knit. I'm not a big fan of short stories - there isn't enough time to get into the characters, and I like my romance with more spice. The first two stories were okay, but I did like the third story by Christina Skye better. This book did make me want to pick up my long unused knitting needles!!!

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was not what I expected. There are multiple stories. First Ellen was adopted by Anne Marie with The Twenty-First Wish. Second is Coming Unraveled with Robyn and her grandmother. T.J. Then there is Caro getting hit by a green van in Return to Summer Island.

[MileHighSunshine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such feel good stories

As a knitter, I totally feel as the characters do about their needles and yarns. These stories relay knitting your way through good and tough times. These stories will warm your hearts.