Summer On Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber
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Book Reviews of Summer On Blossom Street
Book Review: A Nice, Easy, Uplifting Read
Summary: 4 Stars
Finished this book at 1 a.m. this morning--as with the other books in the series, I couldn't put it down. New characters are inroduced to the Blossom Street group, and as always, it's interesting to see how previous characters develop and mingle with the new. I would love to give this book a five star review, yet feel unable to do so. It's a good, easy, uplifting novel (as are all of the author's books), and that's a huge plus in times like these. I appreciate the "everything turns out well" style of Debbie Macomber, aware that some might criticize a seriously happy-ending style. What can I say? I love a happy ending.
My main disappointments in this book (versus the others in the series) have to do with characterization. I've lived all over the country, known many, many women in all walks of life, and have never known someone like Pheobe. She just didn't seem plausible to me. By that, I mean her inner struggle didn't seem appropriate for a relatively short term relationship and fiance. Had she been involved with the man she hoped to "knit to quit" over the course of many years, or had she been married to him, her emotional tug-of-war would have made better sense. Perhaps there was something in her background to cause her to question herself repeatedly? The reader doesn't know if there is. Her character's background isn't developed... in previous books, the character's backgrounds come into play and help readers understand why they think and act as they do.
I also wanted to know more about Casey. A lot of critical information was void there. Some of her background was touched upon, yet left me wondering about more specific details.
Then, having "gotten to know" Ellen in the last book fo the series (Twenty Wishes), I felt it unlikely she'd immediately warm up to people she'd never met before in an environment away from Blossom Street. The scene (and chapter) seemed rushed in my opinion.
Finally, the ending felt rushed, as if the auther were trying to wrap up everything far too quickly. Overall, though, it's a worthwhile read. To those with editorial tendancies, there are a few oops (wrong name used, etc.). Nothing too serious.
I'd expect this to be a great beach blanket read.
Book Review: A fun read
Summary: 4 Stars
Lydia Goetz, owner of A Good Yarn is back for more fun and adventures. She is joined by some old as well as some new friends. So sit back, relax, and enjoy Summer on Blossom Street.
Phoebe Rylander works as a physical therapist at Madison Avenue Physical Therapy. While out for a walk, she finds herself on Blossom Street and in front of A Good Yarn. She spots in the store window a sign advertising a knitting class called Knit to Quit. Phoebe signs up for the class. The knitting class will be the perfect distraction for her to get her mind off her ex-fiance and her broken engagement.
Alix and her husband Jordan are finally ready to start a family but first Alix needs to quit smoking. Alix decides to sign up for Knit to Quit as she has something to quit.
Bryan Hutchinson has taken over his family's chocolate company. Between all of the responsibilities of running a company and the lawsuit, it is no wonder he is under a lot of stress. Bryan's physician suggests that he take up knitting.
Anne Marie Roche and her adopted daughter, Ellen have just returned home from a trip to Paris. They are barely unpacked before a mysterious man comes around asking about Ellen.
Finally there is Lydia. She, her husband, and their son Cody have taken in twelve year old girl named Casey. Casey was only suppose to be with them for a few days. Now Lydia and her family have to find a way to bring harmony to their lives. It won't be easy as Casey has the biggest chip on her shoulder.
Debbie Macomber's latest Summer on Blossom Street is the perfect way to start out my summer. I instantly felt welcomed like I was part of the group on Blossom Street. The only other series where I felt the same way is Robyn Carr's Virgin River series. Debbie Macomber is in good company. What I enjoyed about this book is that all of the characters from the previous novels were back as well as the fact that I was introduced to new ones as well. So if you are wanting the perfect summer, where you can hang out with good friends then pick up a copy of Summer on Blossom Street today. You won't be sorry.
Book Review: When Life Gets You Down, Just Visit Blossom Street
Summary: 4 Stars
Debbie Macomber never fails to uplift readers and SUMMER ON BLOSSOM STREET is classic Debbie---warm, friendly, and guaranteed to have a happy ending. Yes, it may be pretty predictable but arriving at happy-ever-after is still a sweet journey filled with romantic pairings and landmark decisions.
Once again, Lydia Goetz, owner of the local knit shop, has a class called Knit to Quit designed for those trying to overcome some problem. For Phoebe Rylander, her problem is an errant fiancé who has been caught yet again paying for sex. Alix Turner needs to quit smoking so she can become pregnant and begin the family she and Jordan want. Bryan "Hutch" Hutchinson becomes the series' first male knitter as he joins on doctor's orders to overcome the stress of running his family's chocolate empire.
Lydia has problems of her own as she and Brad attempt to adopt an infant. When they agree to take twelve-year-old Casey in on a temporary basis, they get more than they bargained for. Surly and bad-tempered, this young girl gives the whole family a hard time.
Anne Marie Roche, the charming book store owner whom we met in TWENTY WISHES, has returned from Paris with adopted daughter Ellen and becomes a focal point of this entry without being in the knitting class. A handsome stranger is looking for Anne Marie and his questions could cause trouble with her new life as Ellen's mom. Anne Marie's story is my favorite part of this book and her alternatives at book's end have me happily anticipating the next entry in the series.
Yes, everything is quite predictable and there won't be any great surprises. Yet, I just couldn't put this book down. It radiates such a happy, feel-good quality that it's just what we all need for a bit of escapism. No wonder everyone on Blossom Street is so happy---life always works out for them, and for those of us whose lives are not quite so cheery, it's nice to know that happy endings are possible, if only in our dreams and Debbie Macomber novels.
Book Review: engaging entry
Summary: 4 Stars
In Seattle at the Blossom Street yarn store, A Good Yarn, owner Lydia feels great about overcoming cancer for the second time. To celebrate and to bring in new clients she and her sister Margaret decide to start a new group "Knit to Quit". However, Lydia also notices her sibling is extremely careful with her words, but Lydia expects that will pass soon enough.
Lydia and her spouse Brad discuss adopting an infant. In the interim, Lydia allows twelve year old Casey to move into her home with tom's agreement. The baker Alix wants a baby too, but her spouse Pastor Jordon demands she give up smoking first so she considers joining the new class. At the advice of his doctor who is worried that chocolate CEO Hutch will suffer a stroke or heart attack if he does not slow down, he joins the group. Finally concerned bookstore owner Ann Marie needs a stress releaser so she also attends Knit to Quit so she can get away from the demands of her adopted daughter's biological father, a recovering addict, wanting to see her child.
The latest Blossom Street tale is an engaging entry due to a strong cast struggling with issues and traumas. The multiple subplots are all engaging and tie together at the Knit to Quit group. Fans will enjoy this warm SUMMER ON BLOSSOM STREET as Debbie Macomber stitches a multifaceted good yarn.
Harriet Klausner
Book Review: Easy story to like
Summary: 4 Stars
Reading the books in the Blossom Street series is like returning to good friends that you have lost touch with and want to catch up with again. Macomber creates likable characters in her series, which keep readers returning. As some other reviewers have stated, this entry in the series is lacking in some areas. Plot lines are a bit unbelievable, such as Phoebe falling for Hutch so quickly and fiercely; Casey's foster to adoption track; Ellen's wish for a father and then who enters the picture; Anne Marie's feelings for Tim. At times, I felt frustrated with the direction these plots were taking because of their predictability or their lack of depth.
Yet, I think the reader wants everything to happen the way Macomber has written the story. It is gratifying to have the happy ending, and satisfying to read the text and have the story play out the way you think it will. Would a little more realism and drama have added to the book? Yes. But not having those elements wouldn't keep me from me from recommending the book to those who have been reading the series. It is a light book and I believe, that is the intention. So go out and get this latest addition and enjoy meeting some new characters, as well as revisiting those from previous installments.