Needles and Pearls is the second book about Jo Mackenzie, keen knitter, yarn shop owner and star of Divas Don't Knit (US title: The Beach Street Knitting and Yarn Club).

By the end of the first chapter of Divas, Jo's life had taken a couple of unexpected turns. After the loss of her husband, she returned with her two boys to her hometown to run her grandmother's yarn shop.

A year later, as Needles and Pearls opens, things are settling down: her kids are settle at school, she's made some friends and she's even managing to persuade her very traditional shop assistant, Elsie, that some change is good.

Of course, things never stay simple for long – particularly when your life includes a mega-star who's learning to knit, a best friend with your best interests at heart, a chaotic dog called Trevor and a gorgeous photographer with bedroom eyes.



Why I like it by Elizabeth Bagwell, Simply Knitting's Production Assistant
I'm a keen reader and love finding books which pick up on my other interests, as well as providing an entertaining and enjoyable read.

Needles and Pearls isn't new out, but it has such a lovely, summery cover I wanted to save it to read in the sunshine – and that was a good choice, as dipping into the book is like taking a British beach holiday without leaving your home.

Jo's idyllic town is well drawn, and her scrapes and adventures are fun and quirky, making it an engaging yet relaxing read, perfect for the beach or a lazy day in the park.

I really like that Jo is centred in her community and has supportive friends and family to help her deal with the slings and arrows which come her way. I really got the sense that knitting has helped create a community of women who are willing to stand together and help each other out, whether it's through small problems or life-changing events.

Without spoiling the plot, I think it's fair to say that the upheavals which Jo faces are pleasingly realistic – the only disappointment is that her yarn shop doesn't really exist!