Christmas at the Little Knitting Box

Christmas is coming and New York is in full swing for the snowy season. But at The Little Knitting Box in the West Village, things are about to change …

The Little Knitting Box has been in Cleo’s family for nearly four decades, and since she arrived fresh off the plane from the Cotswolds four years ago, Cleo has been doing a stellar job of running the store. But instead of an early Christmas card in the mail this year, she gets a letter that tips her world on its axis.

Dylan has had a tumultuous few years. His marriage broke down, his mother passed away and he’s been trying to pick up the pieces as a stay-at-home dad. All he wants this Christmas is to give his kids the home and stability they need. But when he meets Cleo at a party one night, he begins to see it’s not always so easy to move on and pick up the pieces, especially when his ex seems determined to win him back.

When the snow starts to fall in New York City, both Cleo and Dylan realise life is rarely so black and white and both of them have choices to make. Will Dylan follow his heart or his head? And will Cleo ever allow herself to be a part of another family when her own fell apart at the seams?

Full of snow, love and the true meaning of Christmas, this novel will have you hooked until the final page.

GUEST POST

Setting for a novel

As well as characters, themes and a good plot for my books, setting is a major element in my writing. I love to set books in different places because it means I can research towns or cities I’ve either never been to, places I’d love to go, or places I have seen and absolutely loved. 

I have set a few of my books in Australia, because I lived there for fourteen years and have so many lovely memories. It’s such an amazing country with so many possibilities, and returning there in my novels is a real treat. I have set other books in the Cotswolds, Bath and New York, and Christmas at the Little Knitting Box returned to Manhattan where my main character, Cleo, lives. 

The setting of a book becomes a character in its own right in a way and can help to tell the story. Cleo left England and went to New York to run a business and she loves the bright lights, the big city and the life she has formed. It is easier for her to keep going with what she knows, rather than alter anything, so when she is faced with a major change, one of her biggest challenges will be altering the stable existence she has and it won’t come easy. 

Cleo finds herself in Inglenook Falls, a town in Connecticut that may just be what she needs, and the different setting here represents a different pace of life. Part of the enjoyment is helping a character process their emotions and make changes they didn’t realise would be good for them in the long run.

As a reader I love to read books set in different places. Sometimes it may be the reason I pick up a book and buy it. I love books set in Australia, particularly Melbourne, because it takes me back there. I recently read a book set in San Francisco, and another in Prague, and both of these places are now on my must-see list! I think books have the power to really transport you through setting into an entirely different world, and I love it.

Author Bio

Helen J Rolfe writes contemporary women's fiction with an emphasis on relationships and love. She enjoys weaving stories about family, friendship, secrets, and characters who face challenges and fight to overcome them. Helen enjoys creating strong female lead characters and although her stories often deal with serious issues, they always have a happy ending.

Location is a big part of the adventure in Helen's books and she enjoys setting stories in different cities and countries around the world. So far, locations have included Melbourne, Sydney, New York, Connecticut, Bath and the Cotswolds.

Born and raised in the UK, Helen graduated from University with a business degree and began working in I.T. This job took her over to Australia and it was there that she studied writing and journalism and began writing for women's health and fitness magazines. She also volunteered with the PR department of a children's hospital where she wrote articles and media releases. Helen began writing fiction in 2011 and hasn't missed the I.T. world one little bit, although the I.T. skills have come in handy of course, especially when it comes to creating and maintaining a website.

After fourteen years of living in Australia, Helen returned to the UK and now lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and their children.

Website - http://www.helenjrolfe.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/helenjrolfewriter