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How many a man has dated a new era in his life from the reading of a book. ~Henry David Thoreau
I love getting lost in a good book, but admittedly, I don’t make time to read as much as I did when my responsibilities simply included school and work. I joined Walmart’s Book Club in part, to give myself that time to immerse myself within the stories of real and/or imagined characters created by authors like Debbie Macomber. Last year, I read Rose Harbor in Bloom, by the New York Times best-selling author, and it was the type of book I simply could not put down. With her latest book Blossom Street Brides now available, I decided to spend a cozy afternoon getting to know the stories of the three women who’s lives converge at A Good Yarn, the fictional little shop on Blossom Street in Seattle where Macomber’s book series takes place.
What I find so compelling about Macomber’s books is the realism she brings to the characters and their stories. While always hopeful, the author (who is also a Christian), does not shy away from exploring the painful situations we often find ourselves in. Cancer, abuse, infidelity, out-of-wedlock pregnancies and divorce are some of the challenges her characters have faced throughout her books, but Macomber manages to present her characters as strong in the midst of circumstances that are often unforeseen.
Blossom Street Brides tells the stories of Lauren Elliott, Bethanne Scranton, and Lydia Goetz, brought together over their love for knitting and the charming yarn store on Blossom Street. Lauren has waited too long for her boyfriend of 3 years to propose. The news that her younger sister is pregnant is the impetus she needs to make one of the most audacious decisions yet, freeing her for true love and the possibility of lifelong happiness.
After enduring a painful divorce, Bethanne Scranton has finally found love and fulfillment in Max, her second husband. But their long-distance marriage, her ex-husband’s meddling and pursuit of her, and a strained relationship with Bethanne’s daughter, forces the two of them to re-evaluate their work-life situation, and ultimately their commitment to each other.
A Good Yarn owner Lydia Goetz has concerns about the future of her store with the lull in business, which has served as both a resource and a gathering place for the women in her community. When a mysterious, pay-it-forward mission begins turning up baskets of yarn across town, Lydia finds herself increasingly inquisitive about the originator and how that fits into the store’s ultimate fate.
The intricate way Macomber weaves these women’s stories is engaging and I honestly couldn’t put the book down (hence the reason I read it in one afternoon). The author’s eloquent, vivid style draws readers in, immediately forming a connection between them. Because Macomber lives in Washington, most of her books focus on life in the Pacific Northwest and I found myself longing to visit simply because of the beauty with which she portrays the area.
Much like Macomber’s other book series, these books do not need to be read sequentially, however, many of the characters introduced in the first book continue their stories and I found myself wanting to know more about Lydia, including how she started her business A Good Yarn.
While reading Rose Harbor in Bloom, I felt a wave of emotions and even cried at some points through the book. Blossom Street Brides though poignant, is a much more sanguine read and incredibly redemptive.
Blossom Street Brides is now available at Walmart for the incredible price of $17.97 (31% off the list price). You can also find most of Debbie Macomber’s books for a reduced price at your local Walmart and on Walmart.com.
Do you know a bride-to-be? Debbie Macomber has partnered with Walmart to offer one lucky winner a $3,000 Walmart Gift Card to start her new life together with her new husband. You can enter through May 25th, 2014 by visiting DebbieMacomber.com.
Images: Debbie Macomber
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Awesome book review that everyone can enjoy through it.