Summer on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber

Debbie Macomber has a formula for her Blossom Street series, and her latest book, Summer on Blossom Street, doesn't depart from that formula. Lydia Goetz, owner of A Good Yarn on Seattle's Blossom Street, offers a knitting class, and a small group of needy people take the class, and find their lives changed. But, it's a successful formula, and the books are heartwarming. So why mess with success?

It's summer, the perfect time to give people the chance to change, so Lydia's new class is Knit to Quit. Phoebe Rylander signs up, trying to get over a man. She's just broken her engagement to a man her mother adores, and she knows she'll be tempted to go back to him. Bryan "Hutch" Hutchinson has a prescription to attend the class. His doctor sent him to it, knowing his patient needed to lower his blood pressure and learn to relax, before his business kills him as it killed his father. And, Alix Turner, already a friend, the baker at the cafe across the street, needs to quit smoking before she and her husband can try to have a baby.

Macomber skillfully brings the group together, and throws in Lydia's friends from earlier classes. Slowly, Macomber is building a group of friends and family for Lydia. It's a close-knit community (pun intended) that comes together on Blossom Street. And, for those of us who are fans, Summer on Blossom Street is one of the stronger entries in the series. It's the type of book we all need occasionally. These are nice people who have troubles, and find a way to work through them. The Blossom Street books are feel good stories. Who doesn't want a book with a happy ending now and then? And, after a few tears and smiles at the end, there's a hint of a continuing story. It's a welcome hint for readers of this charming series.

Debbie Macomber's website is www.debbiemacomber.com


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Summer on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber. Mira, ©2009. ISBN 9780778326434 (hardcover), 368p.