I recently received a copy of The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club to read and review. I chose this book (had a few to select from) because the synopsis of it reminded me of the support women can give each other, and the inner strength women have but sometimes need to find again.
Plus, it just sounded so fun....definitely a "woman's" kind of story. Not too serious, melodramatic or emotionally draining, kwim? It sounded like an enjoyable light read that I would want to curl up with to read with a cup of tea by my side.
I have to say, now that I have finished reading it, that I absolutely chose right! My expectations were met, and then some. The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club was so much fun to read... I reached for the book every free moment I could. It is the type of story that has characters that develop and grow and draw you into their lives along the way. The kind of story you wish wouldn't end because you want to stay involved....see what happens next.
The main character of the story is Jo- a mom of two "lively" little boys (see-- my first connection with the character already!) who chose to leave her career and become a stay at home mom full time. Life changes literally overnight for Jo when first her husband announces he is leaving her for another woman, and then the husband suddenly dies that same night in a car accident.
I do not want to give too much of the story away in my review-- but yes, we of course do follow Jo as she begins a new life with her sons. It could seem like a "I've read this kind of book before...." type of novel, but it written with such warmth and wit and in a style that is filled with British humor that I really enjoyed it. You do need to be ready for the colorful language that comes along, and the unique English humor that is throughout the book. It is written by British author, Gil McNeil and definitely has a unique voice to it. It also took me a bit longer than I like to truly get into the story, but once I did.I was hooked.
I would call this a light funny read overall, about motherhood, life, women, relationships and day to day struggles we all encounter in one form or another. A great choice for a summer book.