Gil McNeil

The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club Gil McNeil

Brief Description: Includes a reading group guide (p. [419]-420) and a preview of the sequel to this book, "Needles and pearls" (p. [407]-418). Brief Description: Originally published in Great Britain as Divas don't knit in 2007 by Bloomsbury. Brief Description: When her husband dies in a car crash--not long after announcing he wants a divorce--Jo Mackenzie packs up her two rowdy boys and moves from London to a dilapidated villa in her seaside hometown where she takes over her beloved Gran's knitting shop. After a rough beginning, Jo soon finds comfort in a "Stitch and Bitch" group--a collection of quirky, lively women who share their stories, and their addiction to cake, with warmth and humor. Biographical Note: This is Gil McNeil's first US publication. She lives in Kent, England, with her son, and is currently working on the sequel to The Beach Street Knitting SOciety and Yarn Club--as well as a scarf and a rather tricky jumper. (Author's name is pronounced "Jill.") Review Quotes: "Smart novels about starting over don't get any better than this sweet treat. McNeil's top-notch writing and quick wit keep the plot spinning until the wholly satisfying, and not entirely expected, conclusion." "Publishers Weekly (starred review)""Review Quotes: "Funny and sparkling--a profoundly moving study of motherhood and true love." "Ruth Rendell""Marc Notes: Includes a reading group guide (p. [419]-420) and a preview of the sequel to this book, Needles and pearls (p. [407]-418).; Originally published in Great Britain as Divas don't knit in 2007 by Bloomsbury.; A novel--Cover.; Voice.; When her husband dies in a car crash--not long after announcing he wants a divorce--Jo Mackenzie packs up her two rowdy boys and moves from London to a dilapidated villa in her seaside hometown where she takes over her beloved Gran's knitting shop. After a rough beginning, Jo soon finds comfort in a Stitch and Bitch group--a collection of quirky, lively women who share their stories, and their addiction to cake, with warmth and humor. Publisher Marketing: For every woman who has ever dreamed of starting over, or being a better mother, or just knitting a really nice scarf . . . When her husband dies in a car crash--not long after announcing he wants a divorce--Jo Mackenzie packs up her two rowdy boys and moves from London to a dilapidated villa in her seaside hometown. There, she takes over her beloved Gran's knitting shop--a quaint but out-of-date store in desperate need of a facelift. After a rough beginning, Jo soon finds comfort in a "Stitch and Bitch" group; a collection of quirky, lively women who share their stories, and their addiction to cake, with warmth and humor. As Jo starts to get the hang of single-parent life in a small town, she relies on her knitting group for support. The women meet every week at the shop on Beach Street and trade gossip and advice as freely as they do a new stitch. But when a new man enters Jo's life, and an A-list actress moves into the local mansion, the knitting club has even more trouble confining the conversation to knit one, purl two. The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club is an uplifting, winning tale about the healing power of friendship and new beginnings. It's a charming novel that will delight all passionate knitters--and win over befuddled, would-be knitters, too. Review Citations:

Publishers Weekly 01/26/2009 pg. 98 (EAN 9781401340803, Hardcover) - *Starred Review

Library Journal 02/01/2009 pg. 66 (EAN 9781401340803, Hardcover)

Booklist 02/15/2009 pg. 27 (EAN 9781401340803, Hardcover)

Contributor Bio:  McNeil, Gil Gil McNeil has worked in advertising, film, and publishing and is now a director of Hobsbawm Macaulay Communications. She lives in Kent with her son.