I quite often see books described as 'feelgood' or 'heartwarming' and I can honestly say that these both apply to this book. There are all sorts of strands to the story which reinforce its endearing qualities. The emphasis on selflessness and family values, love and friendship and creating and nurturing just put a smile on your face. It feels grounded and is a real celebration of the power of craft to make a difference to people's wellbeing. 

    You can't help but empathise with Dee who starts off the book as a tunnel vision workaholic but who comes to re-evaluate her priorities. Likeable, and caring yet assertive and capable, she is a well-rounded character. Behind her is a colourful cast of people who all have something to teach her and a special mention must go to her brother, PJ who adds humour and wit to the story.

    Warm and comforting, the premature babies theme is touching without being saccharine. There is an interesting debate going on below the surface about charity and whether business involvement actually is exploitative. Above all though, the book feels like a celebration of life and that's just gorgeous.

In short: a witty, warm romance which loves life

I have a confession to make I love the idea of knitting but I'm not actually that great at it. I do my best but I know my limits which appear to be knitting scarves. So when I saw the description for this book I knew I had to read it. 

The characters are well written and instantly drew me into the story. The premature baby storyline gave an emotional pull that I wasn't necessarily expecting and really tugged at my heart strings. Even though there is emotion the story also has an uplifting vibe with plenty of funny moments that are guaranteed to make you smile. JP and Dee together made for some great scenes and I loved getting to know them.

Dee's character goes on quite a journey and it was just perfect to see how she makes certain realisations about her life. There are some wonderful themes of family, love and friendship all coming together to create a story perfect for seeing us into Autumn. With very likeable characters making this book a delight to read, Poppy Dolan has a lovely writing style that drew me right in. I really enjoyed the pace of the story along with the heart warming nature.

The Woolly Hat Knitting Club is full of love and heart!

 With thanks to Ellie at Canelo for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Dee's brother JP owns a knitting shop and when he breaks both of his wrists Dee rushes over to her old hometown Fenwild to help him out. Unfortunately because of her sudden absence, which coincidentally coincides with a nasty rumor, she loses her job. She is trying not to despair and is now able to spend some extra time helping JP with his shop. When Dee runs into her old friend Becky, who just had a premature baby, she wants to do something. To help her out she and JP start a knitting project to get tiny hats for Becky's baby. This is such a success that soon they're being made for other small babies as well. Will this new project give Dee hope again for the future?

Dee's ex colleague Ben doesn't stop trying to get in touch with her. Dee doesn't want to have anything to do with him, but he's persistent. He declines all involvement in the problems she ran into at work. To convince her he even helps JP with his knitting projects. Is Ben the horrible man Dee always thought he was or is he actually kindhearted and has she misjudged him? If so, what does that mean for their future relationship?

The Woolly Hat Knitting Club is a fun and heartwarming story. Dee is a kind and caring woman who does everything to protect the people she loves. However, she doesn't always read situations very well and she often messes things up because of it. She regularly ends up being misunderstood and that leads to a lot of trouble, which is a great basis for a story. I couldn't wait to find out if she'd be able to sort it out and couldn't put The Woolly Hat Knitting Club down because of it.

The Woolly Hat Knitting Club has such a wonderful setting, a knitting shop. Poppy Dolan makes JP's pride and joy come to life incredibly well. JP lives for his work and his passion is both charming and catchy. I really enjoyed reading about his woolly hat project and thought it was sweet and thoughtful. It's also excellently suits the atmosphere of the story, The Woolly Hat Knitting Club is adorable and cheerful and it put a big smile on my face. It's an entertaining, endearing and romantic book.

As a knitter myself i seen the cover and fell in love with this book and new i had to read it. It was a lovely feel good book. Nice characters that all blended in well. Great story and well written

I'm a knitter so that was my main draw to this book.  I think it's the first book about a yarn shop I've read that was from the perspective of someone who doesn't craft.  Crafters truly are the kindest people so the fast response in the book to knit and send in tiny hats is no shock to me.
I felt like the story was written very well and accurate from a knitters perspective.
I really enjoyed Dee's story as she finds herself and her purpose in life.  As an older sister myself I could really relate to her.
I also really enjoyed the twist as to who the "bad" guy was.  
I really enjoyed this book all over.  A quick fun read with a good amount of laughs.

Enjoyable read. Very easy going read. Cant wait to read more from poppy

What a gorgeous book. Dee was a high flyer who loses her job unexpectedly. She's been called to help her brother who has managed to break both of his wrists. He runs a wool shop and has a vlog where he has lots of followers. When Dee spends time in the shop her background has her thinking of plenty of ways to raise the profile of the shop and raise lots of money.
Spending time with her brother has a great effect on her- she realises that her family is very important to her and that her work had overtaken her life. She also catches up with an old friend who's just had a prem baby.
That brought back lots of memories of being in hospital with prem twins and feeling that they didn't really belong to me until we could take them out of the incubator.
I loved the charity drive to knit lots of little hats for them and the way it was organised you could imagine yourself there.
I loved all of the characters- plenty of family relationships, friendships, romance all wrapped up in a lovely heartwarming story.
It made me want to visit a lovely 'yarn shop' and buy enough wool to make a pretty project- but as I am the world's slowest knitter, I might be tempted to pass it onto my mum

I have always been a lover of knitting. I must have been about 5 years old when my Grandma first taught me so there have been a multitude of creations made since then. So how could I possibly refuse this appealing title – The Woolly Hat Knitting Club.

Dee is a workaholic, she lives and breathes her job, always afraid of missing a call or an email but then horror of horrors she gets fired from her high powered job in the city.

Fortunately she co-owns a haberdashery with her brother Julian (JP) he is the main source of inspiration behind the venture, does all the knitting, ordering and understanding of yarns, needles etc.

But when JP breaks both wrists and becomes incapacitated with plaster casts sticking out front, Dee has to come to the rescue! Problem is she has no idea how to deal with any of the crafting side of the business. 

However it becomes a learning curve for her when she sees how kind and caring the blogosphere that JP has formed with his knitting blog can be. A lovely reaction to premature babies with lots of woolly hats being made.

It’s during this time that Dee realises getting back into the rat-race of her career doesn’t look quite so appealing. A lovely story filled with warmth, family and friendship. 

I really liked JP, there are some hilarious moments where he struggles with restricted hands, think shower, toilet etc, sisterly love becomes necessity! I struggled a bit with Dee while she was still working, just wanted to tell her to calm down and live life so I was extremely pleased when the emphasis moved onto the woolly side! 

If this doesn’t get your fingers twitching to grasp the needles and wool nothing will. Absolutely perfect for an afternoon in a cosy armchair with a cup of tea. 

Thanks to Poppy, Canelo and Netgalley for my copy which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

When a book combines my love of reading AND knitting I get excited..

This is an hilarious and fabulous read and just the sort of pick me up you need for a soggy Autumn evening. 

Dee, works hard..in fact work is all she does, she has no social life, (but if like her I co-owned a haberdashery, I don't think I would want to do anything else either) It is however her brother JP who is the knitting enthusiast and when he breaks both his wrists and she gets fired from her job in the city,  Dee steps in and takes over.

The Woolly Hat Knitting Club is all about finding a balance..something that most people find hard. A book about rediscovering what's important and combining your passions and commitments to make life fabulous.

Poppy Dolan has re-ignited my love for chick-lit. It is a special book, it's premature baby theme is very touching and every character offers a beautifully realistic look at life. It is also hilarious, and with all the knitting paraphernalia it was definitely THE book for me.

 I just want to spend the rest of the year in my hand knitted blanket with a mug of hot chocolate and my knitting needles in hand, feeling blessed with my family.

TWG and knitting do not go hand in hand. I'm more likely to tie myself in a knot with the wool instead of knitting with it (and no, not in the kinky way either). I used to knit...a very long time ago, but I expected one of those Jean Greenhowe doll patterns to be completed a lot quicker than it actually was. Granted I was eight, but that's not the point. As an avid reader, I have only read one other book which has knitting as its theme...surprisingly! As soon as I saw Poppy Dolan's new novel I was rather eager to let myself loose into the knowledge of, er, purl stitch and such. Well, that and it looked so much fun.

To be perfectly honest, I really didn't know what I was expecting 'The Woolly Hat Knitting Club' to entail (apart from the obvious), yet I was still rather surprised when the 'drama' bells rang within the storyline after several pages. I rubbed my hands together with glee thinking that I was in for a bumpy ride....and it was two broken wrists. TWO BROKEN WRISTS. I never knew knitting was such a dangerous sport! I jest....kinda. I will probably sound mean now, but as soon as the two broken wrists became part of the storyline in great detail, I couldn't help but giggle. I could just imagine two arms stuck out like a snowman. Let me just say that if it happened to me, I wouldn't be laughing, but it was just the way it was described in the storyline that made me chuckle.

Whilst I hoped I would laugh, I never expected to feel tears prick my eyes when the storyline went from jokey, to incredibly serious. Reader, it gave me all the feels and I'm not even joking. Two words - premature babies. That's all I'm saying (it's in the blurb so I won't get told off). For me personally, the direction in which the storyline took after the emotional scene made the entire novel go up several notches. Instead of it just being about knitting and broken wrists; the storyline started to have meaning and incredible depth.

Now, as I admitted at the start of this novel - I am not a knitter. However, after reading about the woolly hats for premature babies, I have decided to re-learn how to knit and get some premature baby hats knitted for my local area. That whole situation hit home for many, many personal reasons and thanks to Poppy Dolan, I am actually going to give something back. Without the author's important message in her storyline, I wouldn't have been given the kick up the backside.

I thoroughly enjoyed 'The Woolly Hat Knitting Club' as it was cleverly written and so unique. That said, I couldn't really work out what the issue with Dee was later on in the book, I didn't see an issue in her actions so I became a little confused by her brothers reactions. Maybe that's just me I don't know!

The highlight of Poppy Dolan's novel (aside from the hats), was the 90's references. I laughed out loud to several of the band names, even re-reading a previous page to see whether what I read was actually what I read! Absolutely brilliant. 

All in all, 'The Woolly Hat Knitting Club' is a feel good novel which is guaranteed to make you giggle, whilst also preparing you for world dominance - knitting style. A perfect paced read from start to finish; Poppy Dolan has written a storyline with a heart of gold and never-ending hugs. The perfect pick me up book.

Thanks Canelo,

This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. The story flowed very well and was very enjoyable. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

Poppy Dolan is back again with her new novel "The Woolly Hat Knitting Club", and even though knitting is totally not my thing (but I have other talents, really!), it IS Poppy Dolan's book and I requested it without hesitation - I fell in love with her books some time ago and I am incredibly happy that after a long break she's back with her second book this year - keep them coming, Poppy!

The story started very promising and engaging, with Dee being very suddenly being fired from her beloved job. Then I think it went a little downhill and slowed down a bit but I was still caught up in the novel and kept my fingers crossed for (almost) everybody. Dee has really gone on a journey of self - developing and finding her priorities, becoming a new person in short. She had a passion, when she did something she put all her heart into it and she loved her family. She didn't hesitate for a single moment to leave behind her life in London when her younger brother JP breaks both his wrists and needs help. Actually, this is where her new life starts - even if she doesn't know it yet herself! What we don't know about JP yet is that he's a knitter, runs a blog and the crafting gangs out there just love him. Dee doesn't knit. At all. But she's still there to help him, especially as after a chance encounter with her school friend Becky Dee realises they can help! So then we follow her, JP and some of their friends (and enemies) bringing the challenge to life.

I admit, I had some problems to get into the book. I mean, all this knitting, the structure and colours of the yarn, descriptions of needles or whatever the right name is, and generally, there was something keeping me back, but fortunately this overwhelming feel - good factor, the positivity and the wonderful message took over and I just simply started to enjoy this book. It was so warm that you just can't not like it, and I really am not sure what my problem was.

We see Dee changing, seeing there are other things that count in life than work, seeing different perspectives, and I enjoyed watching her realising all those things. I always like such characters that set their priorities right. Actually, all of the characters are really well drawn. They are down to earth, they have their battles and struggles and they really feel realistic. They play their parts well and there is enough personality in all of them to like them and fell for them, even though their futures are a little bit predictable.

"The woolly Hat Knitting Club" was a lovely story about realising the importance of a family and friends with a beautiful message in it, also touching upon issues that are so important but not often talked about such as premature babies. It is thoughtful but also light - hearted and easy to read, fun and poignant and I simply liked it. It was written in a lovely, warm way and actually, it was all I was expecting from this book. Recommended!

I do have an affinity for knitting and I certainly don't get my needles out often enough, but I was drawn to The Woolly Hat Knitting Club like a granny to a woolshop.  I expected it to be a bit of a chicklit book, with a bit of knitting in it, so I was really surprised to find myself taking note of some life lessons along the way.  I love a book that gives me something to think about at the end, and I think it's rather apt that I am starting a new job on the day that I am releasing my review of The Woolly Hat Knitting Club for the blog tour.  You will see why if you read on...

Delilah and her brother, Julian, (Dee and JP to their friends) co-own a haberdashery in the picturesque village of Fenwild.  Not one to be sexist, but you would expect Dee to be the knitting enthusiast but instead it is her brother JP.  JP has made quite a name for himself on social media as About a (Knitting) Boy so he is distraught when he breaks both his wrists and has to call on his sister for help.  Luckily for JP, Dee has just been fired from her high-powered job in the city so she is around to help out...or take over and PR the hell out of his knitting business, more like!  When she's not seething about her arch-rival, Ben, who she thinks got her fired, Dee is trying to secure investment in JP's business...but is that what JP wants or is it all that Dee knows?

When Dee runs into an old friend, Becky, in the local supermarket a new business plan is born.  Becky has just prematurely given birth to her son, Chester, but she hasn't even been able to hold him yet, never mind find clothes to fit him.  Although JP is unable to knit in his current predicament, Dee asks him to give a shout out to his followers to knit tiny baby hats and they are overwhelmed by the response. The idea snowballs into a knitathon and JP really gets to see who his friends are...with Dee finally seeing that there's more to life than work.

What a thought-provoking story this was, both about paying it forward by being charitable and about the work/life balance.  I've heard all the 'work to live not live to work' sayings many times and at the beginning I really didn't see what was wrong with Dee throwing herself into her work 24/7 - after all that's all she had.  EXACTLY!!!  That's all she had but she could have so much more!  Family, friends and love are all waiting to be plucked from the tree of life but you have to take a walk into the forest to see this as you can't see it from your desk at work.  As soon as Dee felt the warm glow of happiness, I had a bit of an epiphany and saw where I had been going wrong for the last however many years.  So like I say, I expected to settle down to some warm glow hot chocolate sipping chicklit but got a lot more out of The Woolly Hat Knitting Club than I expected.

The Woolly Hat Knitting Club ticked all the boxes for me with family and friendship playing a huge part, but also thinking of others as well as yourself.  There really is something extra special about giving a gift you have made yourself as there's a little bit of love and happiness woven into the item along with every stitch.  The Woolly Hat Knitting Club is what I would call an onion book; it has so many layers and it's a delight to see them being peeled away to reveal a shiny new core or whatever an onion has in its middle.  Maybe an onion doesn't have a kernel, but there's definitely a kernel of wisdom in this book should you choose to see it.

I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.  I am releasing my review as part of the blog tour.

This book is definitely an example of how one person can try to help one person and it snowballs into helping many as well as finding what you thought you were looking for in your own backyard.

Wow! I loved this book!  You are right at home in JP,s knitting store.  If you are a knitter you will almost feel the yarn and needles in your hands as you grow to love Delilah, JP, Becky and the rest.  A lesson in what really makes us happy, love,family and friends.  And beautiful yarn knitted into tiny hats!

Poppy Dolan is fast becoming my new favourite author. First up lets discuss this beautiful and colourful cover. It's bright and draws you in immediately. Add in the stripped awning and you're in love with the cover! I love the cute little woolly hats hanging up in the shop window and the small potted plants either side.

Now with the story itself ... I can't say much else other than I loved it! As soon as I saw the cover of the book I knew I just had to read it. The description was intriguing and I couldn't wait to find out what the story was all about. As the whole story is based around Dee, her brother JP and his knitting shop. It's a completely different kind of story to which you normally tend to read and for that I found it to be totally refreshing and so, so interesting.

The characters themselves are so easy to relate to and I found myself loving each and every one of them. There wasn't a character that I thought was a bit annoying, or a storyline that was a bit far fetched. It was light-hearted and easy to read. Exactly what you want from a Chick Lit novel.

Without giving too much away, the story revolves around Dee and her workaholic life. After she's fired, she heads back home to help JP run their knitting shop, and it's there that she bumps into old school friend Becky. Becky had just had a baby - but he was born weeks and weeks early so found it difficult to find clothes that fit him to keep him warm. This is where JP and Dee step in, they plan on raising awareness and knitting lots of baby hats to help premature babies around the UK.

However, along the way there is of course romance, humour and some drama too! Which makes for a very enjoyable read. I just found this story to be so heart-warming, especially because it's all based around a good cause and raising awareness for it.

Overall, I loved this story and I'm sure you will too! Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

The Woolly Hat Knitting Club is a nice and cute story that will touch your heart from the bright cover until the last page.

I liked to follow Delilah in this adventure.She is a workaholic who can't never live without a plan but I appreciated how she changes chapter after chapter becoming an improved person in the end,a person who enjoy her life and finds the time to live outside of her office.

Poppy Dolan created such a good group of characters that make this book really enjoyable.

This was a nice story although I did struggle to get into it. There was too much information about Dee's job at the beginning.

Dee rushes off to help her brother JP after he breaks his wrists. JP owns a knitting shop.

Dee is fired from her job and after meeting up with a friend who has a premature baby, she enlists the help of JP s friends in knitting baby hats.

Ben who worked at the same place as Dee swears he had nothing to do with her being fired. After a while she she gets Ben involved in the knitting and realises he is very nice.

This is a nice romantic comedy and I would advise you persevere with it.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley for my unbiased opinion of the book.  I enjoyed this book.  There were a few clues in the early part of the book was a dead giveaway as to how it was going to end.  I fell in love with all the characters and hope the author continues it into a series.