It takes a special gift to be able to bring a group of 6 special gals to my attention and then have them equally share in the storyline without any one of them stealing the spotlight. I think ensemble books are incredibly hard to write, generally one character takes the lead while showing or telling what is happening in the lives of the others. Beth Patillo has a true talent for ensemble writing. "Sweetgum Ladies Knit For Love" is book #2 in the Sweetgum Ladies series and while I really enjoyed the first book, this second book was a sheer delight to me. The way she balanced telling about the lives of these 6 ladies who were connected once a month by their book club and knitting group and yet by so much more was amazing to me.

Eugenie, the librarian who has finally found her first love again. Esther, who has just lost her first love. Merry, the young wife and mother who only thinks she knows that love is overwhelming. Hannah, the youngest of the group at 13 who has experienced more of life than some of the grown-ups already. Camille, who's life has been all about sacrifice and is now about solitude since the death of her ailing mother. And now the newest member of the group, Maria, who is trying to find where she fits in.

These ladies quickly become old friends and I really wanted to see how everything would play out for them. The ending was beautiful and bittersweet, not everyone gets their lives wrapped up with a red bow (good for Beth!) and yet I was so satisfied at the end. You do not have to enjoy knitting to enjoy this book, a truly pleasureable read.

"The Sweetgum Ladies Knit for Love" by Beth Pattillo, is a warm and welcoming story! I almost felt as if I'd been invited to join the group (though I certainly don't knit). The characters are honest and flawed, each with their own struggles and triumphs. Each of the ladies in this group is going through her own "stuff" and in many ways it seems an awful lot like real life - complicated, messy, difficult, and heavy at times, but it doesn't stay that way. Following the "stuff" there are second chances at life and love, surprising twists, and even happy endings.

I loved this book. I liked the characters in the story...the loving ladies of Sweetgum, Tennessee, are a group anyone would want to have in their town and to be a part of their "society."

The diverse group complemented each other even though there were age differences...I really enjoyed their book club and how they used knitting along with the book choices.

All the trials and tribulations and joys of these women will keep your interest. The bonding between the women made me glad I am a woman...we do have a special way of helping each other.

It reminded me of the book THE WEDNESDAY SISTERS, but with a different theme of course.

I hope whoever reads it enjoys the book as I did...AND....the poignant question to ask: How do you define love? You have to read the book to understand this comment.

It was a pleasurable read. (

Not having read the first book in the series, The Sweetgum Ladies Knit Lit Society, the book started a little slow for me. I had to meet the characters in the first few chapters. I found that reading the first book was not necessary to enjoy this one. The author does a wonderful job describing the characters so that you feel they are very real and could possibly live in your very own small town. I was drawn into their lives and eagerly turning the pages to learn what was going to happen next.
I love romance stories and this book had plenty of romance to keep me satisfied. Early on in the book the ladies give their definitions of love during a meeting of the Lit Society. Little do they know that their concepts of love and being loved are to be tested.
Although there are some loose ends at the end of the book, I'm assuming that we will learn more about what happens to the Sweetgum Ladies in Pattillo's next installment of the series.
I enjoyed this book and will be looking for it's follow-up.

One word for my description of this book can be found in the title. Sweet. This is a sweet, comfy, cozy, relaxing read. There is no great mystery, no great conflict, no harrowing tale to be told here. What is here is a lovely little story about 6 women in the community of Sweetgum who get together monthly to do a bookclub that revolves around knitting. Withing the story are woven bits and pieces of each of these women's lives, loves, and decisions of daily living. I enjoyed it tremendously; enough that I will see out "The Sweetgum Knit Lit Society".
Pattillo's characters are easily understood. Part of the charm of her story is that the characters do have morals and values and are quite like the people one finds in communities and villages everywhere.
I highly recommend this Beth Pattillo novel to anyone who is seeking a relaxing read. Most likely it will be preferred by more women than men. I gave it 4 our of 5 for the quality of the storyline and the smoothness of the writing.