It is great to be joining in the celebrations for the launch of Poppy Dolan's latest book, The Woolly Hat Knitting Club which was published by Canelo on September 25th.
Finding happiness one stitch at a time.
When Dee Blackthorn's brother, JP,
breaks both wrists not only is he in need of a helping hand - or two -
but the knitting shop he owns can't function. Sisterly duties take Dee
away from her demanding job and she is unceremoniously fired amidst
rumours of inappropriate behaviour. Dee is certain that her hot-shot
nemesis, Ben, is behind it all but has no proof.
When
Dee bumps into an old friend who is a new mum to a premature baby she
convinces JP to enlist his knitting pals to make lots of tiny woolly
hats. Then Ben turns up denying involvement in Dee's sacking and she
ropes him into helping the knitting cause.
But
before long Dee's good intentions backfire and she risks losing her
friends, her family and Ben, who's turned out to be not so bad after
all...
My Thoughts
I quite often see books described as 'feelgood' or 'heartwarming' and I can honestly say that these both apply to this book. There are all sorts of strands to the story which reinforce its endearing qualities. The emphasis on selflessness and family values, love and friendship and creating and nurturing just put a smile on your face. It feels grounded and is a real celebration of the power of craft to make a difference to people's wellbeing.
You can't help but empathise with Dee who starts off the book as a tunnel vision workaholic but who comes to re-evaluate her priorities. Likeable, and caring yet assertive and capable, she is a well-rounded character. Behind her is a colourful cast of people who all have something to teach her and a special mention must go to her brother, PJ who adds humour and wit to the story.
Warm and comforting, the premature babies theme is touching without being saccharine. There is an interesting debate going on below the surface about charity and whether business involvement actually is exploitative. Above all though, the book feels like a celebration of life and that's just gorgeous.
In short: a witty, warm romance which loves life.
About the Author
Poppy Dolan is in her mid thirties and lives in Berkshire with her husband. She's a near-obsessive baker and a keen crafter, so on a typical weekend can be found moving between the haberdashery and kitchenware floors of a department store, adding to her birthday wish list. She has written three novels: The Bad Boyfriends Bootcamp, There's More to Life than Cupcakes and most recently The Bluebell Bunting Society. The Bad Boyfriends Bootcamp made it into the Amazon top 100 bestseller chart, so clearly someone other than her mum must have read it. She's currently working on her fourth novel – it's about friends, siblings and crafty things – and drinking far too much tea.
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