How to Knit a Love Song: A Cypress Hollow Yarn [Paperback]

Rachael Herron (Author)

Book Description

Release date: March 2, 2010

“The perfect book to curl up with, as warm and cozy as your favorite sweater.”
—New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs

 

Author Rachael Herron spins a delightful yarn in her wonderful debut novel How to Knit a Love Song. The first in her Cypress Hollow Yarn series of smart, witty, and wonderful love stories woven around a knitting theme, How to Knit a Love Song is a delightful indulgence certain to charm every reader who loved The Friday Night Knitting Club, as well as devoted fans of the heartwarming fiction of Debbie Macomber, Sheryl Woods, and Susan Wiggs.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Herron steps briskly into formula in her debut about knitting and a mismatched couple who hate to love each other. When knitting book author Abigail is bequeathed a cottage and a small piece of land on a ranch owned by her best friend and mentor, Eliza Carpenter, she decides to give it a go in sleepy Northern California. Instead of her idealized version of a quaint abode, she arrives to find a decrepit, junk-filled shack and an irascible rancher, Cade—nephew of Eliza—who, despite his anger at Abigail having anything to do with his ranch, allows her to stay in his house until she gets the cottage in order. The two gorgeous strangers quickly realize an attraction they swear to fend off, but, of course, they don't, though there's a lot of fussing along the way. Herron, a popular knitting blogger, weaves in her love of the art throughout the rote romance. It has sweet moments, but the uninspired plot gets tiresome. (Mar.)
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From Booklist

Abigail Durant is on the run from a psychopathic lover. When her good friend Eliza Carpenter, a legend in the knitting world, leaves her a cottage, the land it occupies, and all its contents, she hightails it from San Diego to the central California coast to claim her inheritance. But Eliza’s nephew, the strong-willed and stunningly attractive rancher Cade MacArthur, expected to inherit everything and is now understandably upset at what he considers her claim-jumping. Undaunted, Abigail is determined to create a new life for herself, using Eliza’s generous gift to establish her dream of a shop and retreat for other knitters. Herron’s debut contemporary romance capitalizes on the current craze for knitting-based novels about women’s lives and relationships, offering a glimpse into the complementary but very different lives of sheep ranchers and fiber enthusiasts. Loose ends and occasional inconsistencies aside, this is a riveting tale. --Lynne Welch

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks; 1 edition (March 2, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061841293
• ISBN-13: 978-0061841293
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (55 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #774,601 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Rachael Herron received her MFA in English and Creative Writing from Mills College. She lives in Oakland, CA with her family and has way more animals than she ever planned to, though no sheep or alpacas (yet). She learned to knit at the age of five, and generally only puts the needles down to eat, write, or sleep, and sometimes not even then.

The newest book in the Cypress Hollow Yarn series, WISHES AND STITCHES is out now. HOW TO KNIT A LOVE SONG and HOW TO KNIT A HEART BACK HOME are the first in the series. Her memoir, A LIFE IN STITCHES, is available from Chronicle Books. Visit her at www.yarnagogo.com. (Photo: Khalil Robinson)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic romance (with some great knitting tips!) March 2, 2010

By Orli Gal

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Rachael Herron's writing is familiar to me, since I've been following her blog for quite a while now. This book is more than just a longer blog entry though--it is a sweet, funny, and sometimes sad romance that I literally could not put down. I purchased the book at 1:32am (Kindle edition) and it is now 4:19am and I've just finished.

The characters are real and human, and like any good romance, offer many points where the reader can almost imagine themselves in their shoes. I love Abigail and her naivete, and I love Cade and his stubborn brashness. Most of all, I love "EC"'s little tips at the beginning of every chapter.

The knitting pattern at the end of the book is a great little bonus as well. In fact, the knitting aspect is not just thrown in as so many of the current chick-lit novels seem wont to do. There is a real understanding of the craft and the people who live and love it, without alienating people who don't knit (yet--they will want to learn after reading this book!).

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just for knitters! May 20, 2010

By Cory Rumbaugh

Format:Paperback

I am a huge Nicholas Sparks fan. After finishing all of his books I found myself lost as to what to read next. I spent over an hour browsing through Borders trying to sift through all the books and pick my next get a way. I really don't know what drew me to "How to Knit a Love Song" but whatever it was I am greatly thankful.
I do not knit, nor have I ever shown any interest in knitting. But as soon as I read the first page I was drawn in. I read the book cover to cover in one day. Only stopping to take pee breaks and maybe microwave some popcorn. I am very picky when it comes to books and very opinionated. Only a handful of books have made it into my list as a favorite. I want a book that has "meat" with characters that I feel I know. Something that speaks to my soul and takes me off of my couch and put me into the story. This book did all of those things. The day after I finished I lent my copy to my best friend, you can't keep such a good story to yourself. You have to share! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A very enjoyable diversion! April 15, 2010

By K. J. Hudson

Format:Paperback

I cannot remember the last time I willingly purchased a romance novel, but I was willing to give this one a try. I have enjoyed Rachael's blog for years and I knew her writing would be quality entertainment at the very least. This book was a smooth, fast read, offering a pleasant diversion from everyday life. I found myself excited to read the next chapter, and pleasantly surprised at some of the twists in the storyline. This is a romance novel, yes, but don't assume that it will have a predictable Harlequin plot. The female lead is bright, capable, and hardworking, and the male lead is honest, respectful, and easy to adore. I recommend any fiction lover to try this one on for size.