Sweetgum Ladies Knit for Love by Beth Pattillo ~ FIRST Wildcard & Giveaway

The Sweetgum Ladies Knit for Love

Number of Pages: 352

ISBN-13: 9781400073955

Random House, Inc / 2009 / Paperback

Summary for The Sweetgum Ladies Knit for Love

Once a month, the six women of the Sweetgum Knit Lit Society gather to discuss books and share their knitting projects. Inspired by her recently-wedded bliss, group leader Eugenie chooses “Great Love Stories in Literature” as the theme for the year’s reading list–a risky selection for a group whose members span the spectrum of age and relationship status.

As the Knit Lit ladies read and discus classic romances like Romeo and Juliet, Wuthering Heights, and Pride and Prejudice, each member is confronted with her own perception about love. Camille’s unexpected reunion with an old crush forces her to confront conflicting desires. Newly widowed Esther finds her role in Sweetgum changing and is surprised by two unlikely friends. Hannah isn’t sure she’s ready for the trials of first love. Newcomer Maria finds her life turned upside-down by increasing family obligations and a handsome, arrogant lawyer, and Eugenie and Merry are both asked to make sacrifices for their husbands that challenge their principles.

Even in a sleepy, southern town like Sweetgum, Tennessee, love isn’t easy. The Knit Lit ladies learn they can find strength and guidance in the novels they read, the love of their family, their community–and especially in each other.

My Review



I'd like to thank Ashley at Multnomah Books, a division of Random House, for providing me with my copy of Beth Pattillo's book. To learn more about this book and other Random House books visit The Sweetgum Ladies Knit for Love.

This is the second installment of the Sweetgum series. I really enjoyed book 2. There are a lot of stories going on in this book, but they are extremely easy to keep track of. I guess the only time I had to re-read a part was when it changed from Eugenie to Esther. The two "E" names kept messing me up. :)

Eugenie has chosen the theme of "love" for this years reading genre. Of course, it makes most everyone groan at the thought. Camille, who's mother has passed away and is stuck in Sweetgum never having gotten to live her dream. Esther who has just lost her husband, Frank. Eugenie who has married a local pastor and is trying to figure out what role she plays. Maria, who's father died and left her family financially strapped and is a 30-something single woman with no real chances of meeting anyone in Sweetgum. Merry, the mom who seems to have it all with her husband and children. And finally, Hannah, the teenager who's only just now learning the love of an adult after being abandoned by her mom.

Each of their stories will touch the heart of the reader. Camille gets a chance at love again, but is trying to keep him at arms length. Maria, the newcomer to the group, is taking over the responsibilities of running the Five and Dime. She wonders how she's going to deal with the men who are buying her family farm. Eugenie is trying to be part of church activities, even though Paul has told her he has no expectations of her. She's also trying to keep an eye on her new charge Hannah, when she's never even been a mom. Esther is learning about love on a different playing field in the form of a dog, a dog she hit with her Jaguar. The new vet in town, Brady, who is at least 10 yrs her junior befriends her and shows her what a wonderful friendship can be like. Merry has a chance to help out at her husband's office, but that means putting her toddler into daycare. Will she end up being bitter and what will the other stay-at-home-moms think? Hannah knows no one at school could give a rip about her until a friend from middle school shows back up and shows some interest in her. Unfortunately, he's the star quarterback, and the pressure put on him doesn't help him make the best decisions.

This was a wonderfully quick read for me and I enjoyed getting into the lives of the characters again. The only thing that I would say is there's not a lot of biblical references, other than Eugenie being badgered by Hazel (who I wanted to slap!) to prove her faith. The characters never talk about their faith or relying on God. One of the men in the book prays during a meal, but that's about it. I realize that this isn't that big of an issue. I just like reading about the faith of people in stories. I typically find a way to relate to them on a spiritual level. I don't in this series. It seems to me that they all relied on themselves, never once seeking the Lord.

About the Author

RITA Award-winning Beth Patillo combines her love of knitting and books in her engaging Sweetgum series. Pattillo served churches in Missouri and Tennessee before founding Faith Leader, a spiritual leadership development program.
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