Helpful Score: 2
Another excellent *yarn* from Terri DuLong! I fell in love with the unique and quirky character in Spinning Forward, and was overjoyed to catch up with them in Casting About, but also make some new friends. Being able to watch Monica's relationship develop and grow with Adam's daughter, Clarissa Jo, and her friend, "Billie" was a very touching story.
Even though I've tried over and over again to teach myself to knit, I just can't seem to get the hang of it - I'm all thumbs! LOL I think it would be a wonderful hobby to learn, so I plan to keep trying. ;)
I really, really hope this is going to be a long-standing series! I'm already impatiently waiting to see when/if the third installment will be available.
5 stars -- highly recommend!!
Even though I've tried over and over again to teach myself to knit, I just can't seem to get the hang of it - I'm all thumbs! LOL I think it would be a wonderful hobby to learn, so I plan to keep trying. ;)
I really, really hope this is going to be a long-standing series! I'm already impatiently waiting to see when/if the third installment will be available.
5 stars -- highly recommend!!
Helpful Score: 1
I've tried knitting; had several folks try to teach me. I am uncoordinated and will stick to crochet. But there is just something comforting about the click of the needles. To start out with just some thread, or yarn so to speak, and with deft movements and creativity, blend it all together into something beautiful.
That's how I felt after reading Casting About. It's the second in the Cedar Key series, but I did not read book one. However, Ms. Dulong does a terrific job of catching the reader up so you don't feel like your stuck in the middle of nowhere. The first in the series is Spinning Forward.
Meet Monica Brooks. Monica just took over her mother's knitting shop in Cedar Cove, and she is a newlywed - five months! She's adjusting to her new life and has all sorts of plans for her shop. But then something happens, a stitch drops. I heard that expression from my grandma! Her husband Adam's ex-wife has an accident involving alcohol and is declared an unfit parent. Adam is thrilled his eight year old daughter Clarissa is moving in with them. But Monica isn't ready for a ready-made family. She isn't even sure she wants children of her own. But being a good wife, Monica pushes her self doubts aside and takes on the job as step-mom.
She has many trials and errors but eventually, the three of them weave a bond and become a family. Through it all are other wonderful characters, such as Adams's mom, Monica's best friend, and Monica's aunt. Not to leave anyone out, there is sporadic appearances from Monica's deceased grandmother. Haven't you heard of a ghost stitch? A very charming book that is perfect to curl up with in an afternoon with a good cuppa. Ms. Dulong's writing captures your heart and her characters will entrance you. I highly recommend this book!!
That's how I felt after reading Casting About. It's the second in the Cedar Key series, but I did not read book one. However, Ms. Dulong does a terrific job of catching the reader up so you don't feel like your stuck in the middle of nowhere. The first in the series is Spinning Forward.
Meet Monica Brooks. Monica just took over her mother's knitting shop in Cedar Cove, and she is a newlywed - five months! She's adjusting to her new life and has all sorts of plans for her shop. But then something happens, a stitch drops. I heard that expression from my grandma! Her husband Adam's ex-wife has an accident involving alcohol and is declared an unfit parent. Adam is thrilled his eight year old daughter Clarissa is moving in with them. But Monica isn't ready for a ready-made family. She isn't even sure she wants children of her own. But being a good wife, Monica pushes her self doubts aside and takes on the job as step-mom.
She has many trials and errors but eventually, the three of them weave a bond and become a family. Through it all are other wonderful characters, such as Adams's mom, Monica's best friend, and Monica's aunt. Not to leave anyone out, there is sporadic appearances from Monica's deceased grandmother. Haven't you heard of a ghost stitch? A very charming book that is perfect to curl up with in an afternoon with a good cuppa. Ms. Dulong's writing captures your heart and her characters will entrance you. I highly recommend this book!!
This was a disappointing sequel. All about the daughter and her husband and a stepdaughter. I found the characters in book one so interesting, but just couldn't find any hook to caring about the daughter's life.
Good story in the series of cedar key. A little predictable, but characters very likeable and easy read.
