Gil McNeil

Knit One, Pearl One by Gail McNeil is a book I would consider a cozy story and also funny. Knitting and yarns are involved. I love the cover with all the bright, soft, beautiful different colors. It makes one want to plunge your face into the pile of yarn and squish/knead the yarn with your fingers. Sure glad there is no yarn Mr Whipple security.

Ms. McNeil makes everyday life with kids, family, and friends, etc, entertaining. We've all been through it, but the author has a knack to make it show more funny and enjoyable. And why is it, in all the books and movies, kids go to sleep? Mine bloody never did! show less

This is a nice read about Jo McKenzie, recently widowed and moved to the Kent coast with her two small boys to run a wool shop. There is plenty of light humour in the book, and not a great deal of depth, but it hits the spot for a fun and easy read.

I loved the descriptions of the shop, the wool, the Stitch and Bitch knitting group and their creations, and particularly Jo's relationship with the resident shop assistant, battleaxe Elsie, with whom Jo has several run-ins when she tries to show more change things. I also liked Jo's boys, Jack and Archie, who I thought were very cute characters.

I'll definitely be getting hold of a copy of the sequel as I thought Divas Don't Knit was an enjoyable read, and would recommend it if you're after something that doesn't tax the brain too much but keeps the reader interested. show less

This one reads like a conclusion to the series. Jo Mackenzie has made some decisions about her life, decisions that she's happy with and knows are right for her, not for someone else. She's come to terms with the loss of her husband and while it's a bit of a gaping hole in her life, she knows that it's not her fault and she can move on from that guilt that's been haunting her.

She's also dealing with some fame, her young toddler, Pearl, Pearl's dad Daniel, the man she likes and might love show more Martin, and all of her life juggling. Throughout it all she does her best, and though sometimes it's not the best that someone else might have done she does it herself.

It's cosy, light and at times very funny when she tries to deal with incidental stuff. I didn't notice much swearing really (the complaint by other reviewers actually took me by surprise, I hadn't remembered much swearing myself). I found the various parts of life realistic and well portrayed, with the frustrations and issues of real life - although most of us don't have wealthy friends willing to splurge on us.

Interesting, light fun. show less

I was so glad to go back to Jo's world and see how she's coping a year out from her husband's death. She has such a warm and funny personality and she is so patient with her kids, even though they drive her batty at times. I liked that Jo was able to recognize what she really wants and be o.k. with it, even though she has people telling her she should want other things. As women we often buy into all the messages out there - "you should have a fabulous career", "you shouldn't waste yourself show more on that", etc. I like that Jo doesn't listen to those voices. show less