Review of 'The Knitting Club at Wagtail Ridge' by Janet Gover
Release date: Jan 1st, 2025
Publisher: HQ
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REVIEW
Janet Gover has a wonderful way with words that draws me in to her characters’ lives and their life changing events. From the first page, I was invested and wanted to know more about Bree Johnston, her family conflicts and expectations and her choice to give up her position as a lawyer to raise alpacas and set up a wool shop. She has the support of her grandmother, even if her parents (particularly her mother) are not happy about her decision. Bree is tired of trying to always gain her parents’ approval and decides to stop and pursue her own dreams: make herself happy. But her new found freedom comes with its own sacrifices.
But this story is not only about Bree and her new business. It is also about the community of people she gets to know. There is both friction and synergy as when times are tough— everyone works together to bring about change. We get to see the dynamics of relationships and how with all their differences each person affects the other either positively or negatively at times. Bree has a very positive effect on her community as she starts her new business with her alpacas, knitting classes and wool shop. Her influence also extends to a man and his young daughter who are grieving and stumbling along after the loss of their loved one. Bree’s compassion shines through as she begins to care about and try to help them through a rough time. She even gets to utilise her lawyer background to offer support when needed.
Matt is a real estate agent who finds Bree the perfect property and her grandmother a new flat and shop. He is a loving father to his daughter Vicki, a kind friend to his neighbours, a good knitter! and is drawn to Bree who compliments his characteristics well. Their journey towards each other is gentle and beautifully unfolds. But there are some bumps in the road from external sources plus he must learn to live again after the loss of his great love. Does he have a second chance at another wonderful relationship?
This is a very moving story about the effects of grief. Sally has lost her daughter to cancer two years ago and Matt lost the love of his life and his daughter lost her mother. How they navigate through this minefield of emotions is challenging. Sally begins to unravel and we cannot help but feel sorry for her, along with Matt who tries to be patient but when Sally loses the plot all together, he fears for his daughter’s safety. As the lines between sanity and derangement blur, he is forced into a difficult position.
Bree’s grandmother Rose is another lovely supportive character. I enjoyed the wisdom she offers her granddaughter but also her courage to move forward after the loss of her beloved husband. She has a second chance at love again with a kind gentleman that everyone agrees is a great match.
Growth is also seen in Bree’s parents, too. Little glimpses of change come through—particularly in her mother. Her father continues to hold a fair bit of pride for his daughter and knows she will be a big success in her new venture—even if it is not in the field of law.
I loved this novel and the many topics it covered—which were handled reverently and with great understanding. The pain of family conflicts, the unpredictable effects of grief after loss of a partner, daughter, mother on mental health are seen clearly and realistically on these pages. But there are also positive topics like self-fulfilment, having courage to follow your dreams, fresh beginnings, second chances in relationships and new work directions. Life can begin again after loss of a partner or husband as Matt and Rose learn. This novel just hums along gracefully and effortlessly with scenarios and solutions we can all relate to in one way or another. The importance of friendships, family support and community spirit are evident, too.
I was deeply impressed by the execution, topics, setting and plot of The Knitting Club at Wagtail Ridge. There’s even a bit of danger and mystery that put me on the edge of my seat! A win, win, on all accounts as everything comes together like a beautifully knitted afghan with the various colours, textures and designs of community life and its residents. It has a happy ending as after the labour pains of trauma, new birth springs forth (including adorable baby alpacas!). A novel I highly recommend. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to HQ and Netgalley for a review copy.
