Review: 'The Great Christmas Knit Off' by Alexandra Brown (2014)

Heartbroken after being jilted at the altar, Sybil has been saved from despair by her knitting obsession and now her home is filled to bursting with tea cosies, bobble hats, and jumpers. But, after discovering that she may have perpetrated the cock-up of the century at work, Sybil decides to make a hasty exit and, just weeks before Christmas, runs away to the picturesque village of Tindledale.
There, Sybil discovers Hettie’s House of Haberdashery, an emporium dedicated to the world of knitting and needle craft. But Hettie, the outspoken octogenarian owner, is struggling and now the shop is due for closure. And when Hettie decides that Sybil’s wonderfully wacky Christmas jumpers are just the thing to add a bit of excitement to her window display, something miraculous starts to happen…
Over the last couple of years it seems like Christmas novels are getting more and more popular, because each year we are being treated to numerous festive books. So many I don't even have enough time in December to pick all of them up! Last year I actually planned to read Alexandra Brown's 'The Great Christmas Knit Off' but unfortunately never got to it. So, I made sure to find enough time to read the book this year, especially since it was the first part of Alexandra Brown's new book series which I really really want to check out. I loved her previous series about the department store Carringtons', and I can't believe it took me this long to read her next release. However, I finally found the time and couldn't wait to step into the world of Tindledale!
After being jilted at the altar by her ex-fiancee who decided to run off with her twin sister, Sybil finds it difficult to get on with her life. When she is afraid she has made a big mistake that might cost her her job as well, Sybil decides she needs a break from it all and flees to the small village of Tindedale to visit her good friend Cher for a few days. Sybil just wants some alone time to focus on her true passion: knitting. When she visits Hettie's House of Haberdashery, a small shop in Tindledale focused on everything having to do with knitting, Sybil decides to help out old lady Hettie, who is in financial trouble and about to lose her shop. But will Sybil be able to help Hettie and also find some purpose in her own life again after everything that has happened?
I can't believe it took me so long to read this novel; another fantastic read by Alexandra Brown, who is undoubtedly one of my favourite chick lit authors. If you're looking for a warm-hearted and fun romcom, just pick up one of her novels and you won't be disappointed. 'The Great Christmas Knit Off' is a great start to a new series and I already can't wait to read the second part, 'The Great Village Show.' The book is set in the town of Tindledale which is a lovely village I want to move to straight away! There is even a map at the beginning of the book which was a great touch. The community spirit is fantastic and there are numerous great characters who I can't wait to get to know better and learn more about in the parts that are still to come. 
I easily fell in love with protagonist Sybil; she has been through a rough time and ends up in Tindledale for a short break away from it all. I also really liked Sybil's cute dog Basil, and there is a fabulous selection of secondary characters such as Sybil's good friend Cher, handsome doctor Ben, loveable Lawrence, Hettie, Ruby... The book focuses a lot on knitting; a topic which I'm not too familiar with, but which really suited the story and I ended up loving it. This book just really had it all for me; I loved it and can't wait to read the author's next novel! 'The Great Christmas Knit Off' is a heartfelt, simply lovely, uplifting and festive read that will leave you with a big smile on your face; loved it from start to finish!

Rating:10/10

  For more information about this book: Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads