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Blossom Street #8
A Turn in the Road
Six years after he had walked out on his wife and kids, Grant was freshly single again and looking to reconcile with Bethanne Hamlin. To forgive the betrayal was one thing, she did that for herself. To forget was something that she didn’t think she could ever do and she wasn’t sure if she could ever trust him again either. Being willing to at least think about it for the sake of the grown kids, herself, him, she wasn’t sure, but think about it she was. Hearing that her ex-mother-in-law was planning a road trip across the country to her 50th class reunion in Florida was the perfect excuse to get away and do that thinking. With the addition of her daughter Annie, Ruth and Bethanne set out to see America. Even though Ruth had made plans, the addition of Annie added spontaneity to the group, taking them off the plotted course early in the trip. Helping out in a diner for an old friend of Ruth’s was the fist of may changes to come. Then they have trouble with the rental car with only one source of help, and that coming from a group of motorcycle riders they met at the diner. Offering a ride to the nearest town was the best way for Max to help, but the connection they found while offering confessions may make some decisions more difficult.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
915 people are currently reading
6433 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Macomber
895 books20.6k followersDebbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.
In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,112 reviews
December 9, 2020
This is a Women's Fiction/Romance, and this is the 8th book in the Blossom Street series. I love the Blossom Street series and I really love Debbie Macomber. This book is my favorite of the Blossom Street series. This is about a group friends go on a road trip, and they ran into two men that looks like bad boys through out the road trip. This book was so much fun to read, and I should really re-read this book. (*)
January 4, 2022
"Debbie Macomber's style is on a straight line. . I liked some places in the book but this is not valid for the whole thing. Usually if two people love each other, they have to kiss or have certain relations. I can not feel the coldness and the love between the characters in this subject."
March 18, 2025
A nice easy read.
I have always loved Blossom Street and A Turn in the Road is no exception. We see Bethanne struggling to decide whether to take Grant back six years after he cheated and left her in an earlier book A Good Yarn. She has a new confidence after starting a business that is very successful. There was some repetition and it really slowed down in the middle of the book but overall it's a nice story and love wins every time.
I have always loved Blossom Street and A Turn in the Road is no exception. We see Bethanne struggling to decide whether to take Grant back six years after he cheated and left her in an earlier book A Good Yarn. She has a new confidence after starting a business that is very successful. There was some repetition and it really slowed down in the middle of the book but overall it's a nice story and love wins every time.
September 16, 2011
This book was painful for me to read. The whole book was about whether or not she should get back together with her ex-husband. Her ex cheated on her, abandoned her and their kids, and then decided six years later that he couldn't live without her (after the new wife left him). Yeah, yeah, we need to forgive and all that, but the characters and the plot just bugged me. The only reason I kept on reading was because in the past, I have really liked a lot of Debbie Macomber books.
June 27, 2011
Without being mean or snippy I'll say that for a light read, and a clean conscious, this is a good book. Otherwise, I was bored at times. Again, too much repetition of facts I already know about the characters. Honestly, sometimes I think the new age writers, or their editors, believe the readers have trouble comprehending and remembering things we've previously read. It's an irritation for me. For instance, how many times does Bethanne have to repeat to herself,other characters, or to the reader, that she and Grant are divorced,and all that went into that...I don't like repetition if it's simply for filling pages. I've been reading so many authors that do this lately and it really irritates. Anyway, I did appreciate the relationship between Bethanne and Max, that it stayed on a mature level, in my view. However, it was kind of crazy they would fall in love....but this is romance so I can't knock it too much. For a nice,romance with more than one angle going on, Macomber did a good job. But please, writers, quit just filling pages with inane conversations of the characters problems we've already been through more than once. I get it!!!
August 1, 2020
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Liked it!
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I have this book for a long time on my reading list and decided to take a look at it. When I started reading, I immediately remembered the characters and the hateful way that the heroine's husband dismissed her with her children in exchange for an adventure with a younger woman. The cheater regrets and with the help of his daughter and his mother tries to win back the heroine, I was horrified by the chance that she would accept the SOB back. She still has a lot of resentment about him and what happened to her. She was discarded like yesterday's trash and replaced with a newer, brighter model.
His behavior was so horrible that his children and friends excluded him from their lives, he ended up missing the old security he had with heroine and regretted it.
The way for her to rediscover herself and put the past aside took a long time and I was afraid of her actions, but in the end she found happiness again.
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I have this book for a long time on my reading list and decided to take a look at it. When I started reading, I immediately remembered the characters and the hateful way that the heroine's husband dismissed her with her children in exchange for an adventure with a younger woman. The cheater regrets and with the help of his daughter and his mother tries to win back the heroine, I was horrified by the chance that she would accept the SOB back. She still has a lot of resentment about him and what happened to her. She was discarded like yesterday's trash and replaced with a newer, brighter model.
His behavior was so horrible that his children and friends excluded him from their lives, he ended up missing the old security he had with heroine and regretted it.
The way for her to rediscover herself and put the past aside took a long time and I was afraid of her actions, but in the end she found happiness again.
Six years ago her world had imploded when her husband confessed that he’d fallen in love with another woman.
The morning Grant told her he wanted a divorce would stay in her mind forever. He couldn’t seem to get away from her fast enough. He’d retained a lawyer and advised her to do the same, then coldly informed her that all future communication would be through their lawyers.
Unfortunately, Andrew’s relationship with his father remained cool. Her son had met his father’s desertion with a bitter resolve that only seemed to harden as he grew older.
Without ever thinking about the consequences of his actions, he’d ripped apart their family, betrayed her and their children, robbed them all of their security.
His betrayal had revealed that the man she’d married was selfish and shallow. And yet he hadn’t always been like that. She couldn’t forget the companionship—and the passion—of their early years together….
He hadn’t been concerned about this “united front” when he’d abandoned them.
Did he love her when he checked into a hotel room with Tiffany and then came home at night, all smiles? Did he love her the day he announced he wanted a divorce? He’d been heartless the morning he walked out the door. Bethanne had worked hard to forgive him, but she wasn’t sure she could ever forget the devastating pain Grant had brought into her life and her children’s.
July 15, 2013
Loved this book! I must have been in the mood for a warm, humorous, loving story because it's not that there's anything "meaty" about it, it was just enjoyable. I wasn't sure how it would end and that's always a good thing. Also, I could see myself and some of my family members as the characters. A light, fun read!
July 5, 2011
WOW!Such a wonderful read,excellent second chance read,i felt i was actually with Bethanie,Ruth n Annie on the road trip,such a excellent story about how each woman are trying to find answers and way to happiness
Bethanie liked her a lot but at some places i was irritated with her,taking all the crap things from her daughter though i was glad she never gave in and did what her heart wanted to do,and she took a long time taking the decision but was really really happy she went with Max,i agree Grant and she had a happy marriage but he did went and betrayed those vows and i disliked the fact Bethanie somewhere blamed herself for his cheating but Andrew gave her some sense she is a great mother and was a good wife it was Grant's fault totally
Ruth hurted Royce her first love horribly and things between them ended really bad now she wanted forgiveness and hope for second chance,liked their story very much and was glad theses two mended fences and were together
Annie is a intelligent smart selfish yet good at heart,i disliked her a lot in few scenes,she really acted very selfish and immature,she did'nt behaved as a 22 year old adult but most of time she behaved worse then a child and she crossed lines many times,who is she to get angry and see messages of her mother and spy on her really wanted to smack her for her immaturity,in start she analysis her behaviour after divorce how she blamed Bethanie more cause she became boring and her father went to Tiffany though she is ashamed but i still felt she still blamed Bethanie,i understand she wants her parents back but she really crossed lines many times,she acted selfishly but then as she passes through same phase as Bethanie though Vance did'nt cheat but he kept secret from her and realised hoe her mother might have felt and slowly she realised its not to going to work and gives up and when she gets to know Max she likes him and is happy for her mother
Max is one of the most favourite character in the book after Rooster,he has went through so much but his loyalty n determination and his confidence in his love made me adore him more,he never once did pressurize Bethanie let her make her own decision and finally his love wins
Grant what can i say as Andrew said whatever place he is in,however lonely he did it himself,way he abandoned his family and turned his back,today when he has no one he realises his importance of his family and regrets his actions but as he himself said it is too late,when he cried at end felt bad for him but as the saying goes "as you sow so shall you reap"
Overall a good read
Recommend it
Bethanie liked her a lot but at some places i was irritated with her,taking all the crap things from her daughter though i was glad she never gave in and did what her heart wanted to do,and she took a long time taking the decision but was really really happy she went with Max,i agree Grant and she had a happy marriage but he did went and betrayed those vows and i disliked the fact Bethanie somewhere blamed herself for his cheating but Andrew gave her some sense she is a great mother and was a good wife it was Grant's fault totally
Ruth hurted Royce her first love horribly and things between them ended really bad now she wanted forgiveness and hope for second chance,liked their story very much and was glad theses two mended fences and were together
Annie is a intelligent smart selfish yet good at heart,i disliked her a lot in few scenes,she really acted very selfish and immature,she did'nt behaved as a 22 year old adult but most of time she behaved worse then a child and she crossed lines many times,who is she to get angry and see messages of her mother and spy on her really wanted to smack her for her immaturity,in start she analysis her behaviour after divorce how she blamed Bethanie more cause she became boring and her father went to Tiffany though she is ashamed but i still felt she still blamed Bethanie,i understand she wants her parents back but she really crossed lines many times,she acted selfishly but then as she passes through same phase as Bethanie though Vance did'nt cheat but he kept secret from her and realised hoe her mother might have felt and slowly she realised its not to going to work and gives up and when she gets to know Max she likes him and is happy for her mother
Max is one of the most favourite character in the book after Rooster,he has went through so much but his loyalty n determination and his confidence in his love made me adore him more,he never once did pressurize Bethanie let her make her own decision and finally his love wins
Grant what can i say as Andrew said whatever place he is in,however lonely he did it himself,way he abandoned his family and turned his back,today when he has no one he realises his importance of his family and regrets his actions but as he himself said it is too late,when he cried at end felt bad for him but as the saying goes "as you sow so shall you reap"
Overall a good read
Recommend it
March 29, 2012
That had to be the longest road trip of my life. I know that some people can tolerate a great deal when a particular book in a series hits the wrong nerve, but having to put up with Annie, the 23ish year old daughter of main character Bethanne, was almost enough for me to wall bang this book and walk away from this series. If her constant immaturity and whining had been toned down a bit, I would have accepted what she had to say, but she was just too much.
In addition to Annie, other little things kept bothering me while reading this book. Why would a woman, Bethanne, whose husband left her for another woman six years prior, even consider getting back with him? What woman in her right mind, who has gone on to create a good stable career from scratch, ever considers this emotional U-turn? In addition, a little research needed to have been done on road trips - driving from Flagstaff, AZ to Albuquerque, NM takes five hours and not “a little over two”. This is where the bogging down in my reading occurred. Every time a travel distance or location come up I would have to stop and picture a map and wonder why they did what they did. Possibly, I was concentrating on the wrong parts of the story, but to be honest, I needed a break from Annie.
Ok, enough venting.
Bethanne Hamlin has agreed to take her ex-mother-in-law Ruth to her 50th high school reunion. Ruth was prepared to take the trip alone, but Bethanne was not too sure that a 70-something woman should drive from Seattle to Florida on her own. Annie, the annoying daughter, invites herself along so the three women jump into the car for a life changing drive across the United States. Being a “romance”, each woman has to come to terms with the men in their lives, Bethanne’s ex-husband Grant wants a second chance, Annie’s boyfriend realizes he has made a mistake and wants Annie to be home waiting for his return and Ruth, my favorite character in the book, agonizes over meeting up with a boy from high school.
I have enjoyed some books from this series, a few have hit the right chord with engaging characters, but other should just be skipped. Overall, I do not think that this particular story moved the Blossom Street series forward. Very little was mentioned of the original group or even Blossom Street in general.
In addition to Annie, other little things kept bothering me while reading this book. Why would a woman, Bethanne, whose husband left her for another woman six years prior, even consider getting back with him? What woman in her right mind, who has gone on to create a good stable career from scratch, ever considers this emotional U-turn? In addition, a little research needed to have been done on road trips - driving from Flagstaff, AZ to Albuquerque, NM takes five hours and not “a little over two”. This is where the bogging down in my reading occurred. Every time a travel distance or location come up I would have to stop and picture a map and wonder why they did what they did. Possibly, I was concentrating on the wrong parts of the story, but to be honest, I needed a break from Annie.
Ok, enough venting.
Bethanne Hamlin has agreed to take her ex-mother-in-law Ruth to her 50th high school reunion. Ruth was prepared to take the trip alone, but Bethanne was not too sure that a 70-something woman should drive from Seattle to Florida on her own. Annie, the annoying daughter, invites herself along so the three women jump into the car for a life changing drive across the United States. Being a “romance”, each woman has to come to terms with the men in their lives, Bethanne’s ex-husband Grant wants a second chance, Annie’s boyfriend realizes he has made a mistake and wants Annie to be home waiting for his return and Ruth, my favorite character in the book, agonizes over meeting up with a boy from high school.
I have enjoyed some books from this series, a few have hit the right chord with engaging characters, but other should just be skipped. Overall, I do not think that this particular story moved the Blossom Street series forward. Very little was mentioned of the original group or even Blossom Street in general.
August 1, 2023
I am normally a huge fan of this author, however the entire premise for this book felt super forced for me from the beginning. The fact that a man tells a woman after 20 years of marriage that he’s met someone and then tells her and the kids to speak to him further through divorce lawyers isn’t what’s far fetched. But the fact that his new marriage doesn’t work out and he’s automatically come back to reconcile with his first wife and she entertains it from day one is a little nuts to me. It seems like the author provided her with no brains but she’s supposed to be some power house business woman doesn’t settle well with me. It’s like they gave her no option of getting back with an ex from years ago. Then in comes a dude they painted as a rough and tumble biker who actually has a great heart and she’s somehow torn between a cheating ex and a super dude and she actually has a hard time choosing. This one wasn’t for me.
September 21, 2022
Bumped up to 4 stars on my second read. I decided to re-read it as I'm working my way through the whole series. Even better the second time around as I now was much more familiar with the back story from Book #2.
3.5 stars. Oh my goodness! This was SO good! I'm not sure if I've read anything else by this author (will check after I finish this review). In fact, I got her confused with Melody Carlson's Christmas stories as I think their styles may be similar. G-rated romance with a somewhat spiritual faith-based flavor.
Even though this was #8 in one of her series, it definitely is a stand-alone novel. I'm going to go back now and read the first book and just hope it's as good as this.
The story is very sweet without being sicky sweet and what I loved most of all was how thoughtful the main character was about making a life-changing decision. Although she waffled back and forth, it was clear that she wanted to make sure not to rush through such an important choice. I read some reviews that were impatient with her for doing this but, perhaps because I'm in my 60s, I celebrated the character's willingness to be thoughtful instead of snatching at happiness.
A surprising pleasure to read.
3.5 stars. Oh my goodness! This was SO good! I'm not sure if I've read anything else by this author (will check after I finish this review). In fact, I got her confused with Melody Carlson's Christmas stories as I think their styles may be similar. G-rated romance with a somewhat spiritual faith-based flavor.
Even though this was #8 in one of her series, it definitely is a stand-alone novel. I'm going to go back now and read the first book and just hope it's as good as this.
The story is very sweet without being sicky sweet and what I loved most of all was how thoughtful the main character was about making a life-changing decision. Although she waffled back and forth, it was clear that she wanted to make sure not to rush through such an important choice. I read some reviews that were impatient with her for doing this but, perhaps because I'm in my 60s, I celebrated the character's willingness to be thoughtful instead of snatching at happiness.
A surprising pleasure to read.
January 22, 2019
Rounded up from 3.5. Cute, but trope-y. I liked that it had sub-romances with the somewhat immature daughter and kooky ex-mother-in-law.
This is for those that love epic grovels, but don't like cheaters being forgiven.
This is for those that love epic grovels, but don't like cheaters being forgiven.
March 12, 2019
This book was so sweet. I loved Bethanne with Max ❤❤❤
April 26, 2011
Answers. Bethann needs answers. She’s a creative, decisive, successful business woman, but making a decision about a possible reconciliation with Grant, her contrite ex-husband has her flummoxed. Her daughter Annie and her ex-mother-in-law Ruth are lobbying hard for the reconciliation. Her son Andrew, who never quite forgave his father for leaving them six years ago, is not so gung-ho for it, but says it is up to her.
Hoping to reach a clear decision while making a trip with Ruth and Annie from Seattle to Florida, Bethann goes with the flow as Ruth and Annie adjust and readjust the original route they would travel. As Ruth reconnects with friends of long ago and Annie licks her emotions wounds from a romance that took a wrong turn, Bethann wrestles with her dilemma. Although she and Grant have a twenty-year marriage history, she had recreated herself in the last six years. She is no longer that person who would be content to just be an adjunct to Grant.
To add fuel to her quandary, a biker (can you imagine!) with sad, knowing eyes that flash with desire sends her body into overdrive, her heart racing, and her mind questioning her sanity and many other things. Life gets complicated for Bethann.
Grant knows he erred big time when he divorced Bethann. Now he, with the help of Annie, is working hard to get her back after six years. She had complemented him during all their years together, helping him become very successful. He needs her and wants her back like it used to be.
Max, the biker, and his friend Rooster ride with Willie and Skunk part of the time, But, at times, Max rides alone when Rooster goes back to tend to his advertising business. Max has not come to terms with the death of his daughter and wife. For three years he has drifted leaving his business in the hands of his brother.
When he sees Bethann, he realizes he can FEEL again, breath without pain, and face the future. He “gets right” with God after she told him about her situation and how she finally realized that she had to unclench her fists of anger to fill her hands with happiness, joy, and love. Max’s good deeds, sense of fair play, and amazing forbearance add depth to this man who deals so gently with Bethann.
The unique connection between Max and Bethann touches deep emotions. They both have lost what they most treasured. They recognize each other’s grief, a grief that eases as they share with each other in a way that transcends the physical.
Ruth’s hopes and fears about seeing her high school sweetheart and first love is a heartwarming part of A Turn in the Road. It has so many delightful revelations. While Ruth seeks an old love, Annie, so angry with her ‘old’ love, enjoys meeting and having fun with new guys as the three women make their way to Florida. The way each of these three women evolves to a new stage in their lives is mesmerizing reading.
Debbie Macomber does a magnificent job of creating characters so life-like that some feel like one’s very own friends and acquaintances, while others come across as plain-old ornery people one hopes to avoid. The reader vicariously experiences the thoughts, hopes, fears, and deepest desires of the characters. With humor, remarkable description, and phenomenal character development, Ms. Macomber takes the reader right along on this life-changing trip with Bethann, Annie, and Ruth, AND gives the reader heroes that make the heart dance with joy.
A Turn in the Road is exquisitely written and sparkles with humor and an appreciation for life. Super reading!
originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
Hoping to reach a clear decision while making a trip with Ruth and Annie from Seattle to Florida, Bethann goes with the flow as Ruth and Annie adjust and readjust the original route they would travel. As Ruth reconnects with friends of long ago and Annie licks her emotions wounds from a romance that took a wrong turn, Bethann wrestles with her dilemma. Although she and Grant have a twenty-year marriage history, she had recreated herself in the last six years. She is no longer that person who would be content to just be an adjunct to Grant.
To add fuel to her quandary, a biker (can you imagine!) with sad, knowing eyes that flash with desire sends her body into overdrive, her heart racing, and her mind questioning her sanity and many other things. Life gets complicated for Bethann.
Grant knows he erred big time when he divorced Bethann. Now he, with the help of Annie, is working hard to get her back after six years. She had complemented him during all their years together, helping him become very successful. He needs her and wants her back like it used to be.
Max, the biker, and his friend Rooster ride with Willie and Skunk part of the time, But, at times, Max rides alone when Rooster goes back to tend to his advertising business. Max has not come to terms with the death of his daughter and wife. For three years he has drifted leaving his business in the hands of his brother.
When he sees Bethann, he realizes he can FEEL again, breath without pain, and face the future. He “gets right” with God after she told him about her situation and how she finally realized that she had to unclench her fists of anger to fill her hands with happiness, joy, and love. Max’s good deeds, sense of fair play, and amazing forbearance add depth to this man who deals so gently with Bethann.
The unique connection between Max and Bethann touches deep emotions. They both have lost what they most treasured. They recognize each other’s grief, a grief that eases as they share with each other in a way that transcends the physical.
Ruth’s hopes and fears about seeing her high school sweetheart and first love is a heartwarming part of A Turn in the Road. It has so many delightful revelations. While Ruth seeks an old love, Annie, so angry with her ‘old’ love, enjoys meeting and having fun with new guys as the three women make their way to Florida. The way each of these three women evolves to a new stage in their lives is mesmerizing reading.
Debbie Macomber does a magnificent job of creating characters so life-like that some feel like one’s very own friends and acquaintances, while others come across as plain-old ornery people one hopes to avoid. The reader vicariously experiences the thoughts, hopes, fears, and deepest desires of the characters. With humor, remarkable description, and phenomenal character development, Ms. Macomber takes the reader right along on this life-changing trip with Bethann, Annie, and Ruth, AND gives the reader heroes that make the heart dance with joy.
A Turn in the Road is exquisitely written and sparkles with humor and an appreciation for life. Super reading!
originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
April 30, 2017
A Turn in the Road is a story about a woman in turmoil about whether or not she should take back the husband who wants her back after leaving her for a younger woman and in financial straits. The husband, after his young wife divorces him, wants his first wife back. The first wife meets a man, a good man, whose never cheated on his wife. A man who is honest and who hadn’t had sex since the death of his wife whom he was deeply in love.
Joyce Bean did an excellent job in making us feel the emotions of the characters.
Joyce Bean did an excellent job in making us feel the emotions of the characters.
May 5, 2016
I have loved all of Debbie Macomber's books so far. However, I found myself shaking my head throughout most of the book. Bethanne's indecision along with Annie's attitude had me very frustrated. I will continue the series though.
October 24, 2016
I always enjoy her books, easy reads and relaxing.
May 26, 2017
Awesome!
I hoped so much, Bethanne makes the right decision! Sie did!
I hoped so much, Bethanne makes the right decision! Sie did!
March 7, 2020
DNF. I stopped almost exactly half way. I so much didn't care how this would turn out, I didn't even skip to the end.
I have mostly loved the Blossom Street series so far. This book seems to lack all the things I have loved. As far as I read, there are none of the gut-wrenching or heartwarming moments that left me with a few tears in most of the other books. In most of the other books there have been parallel threads of different characters held together by some relationship between them like a knitting class. I usually found at least one person interesting and likeable.
Not in this book. We know Bethanne and her daughter Annie from the second book. Neither was among my favorite characters and in this story I find both even less appealing. Even worse, I don't care for Bethanne's situation here or how she's handling it. Her daughter is more of an annoyance than an interesting character in her own right. This book really only has the one story thread so far - can Bethanne forget the new man she has met and take back her cheating husband? I suspect that the two other women, Annie and Ruth, will each develop story threads of their own later on, but again, I don't care.
I'm a believer in forgiveness, but up to the halfway point, her ex, Grant, has done nothing endearing but rather is himself annoying. Bethanne's family is really pushing her to take him back. Her introspection leans toward guilt that she should do so. Certainly, Grant's behavior may change, but I don't care. Forgiveness is something we all should try to do, but trust is a completely different subject.
Quite simply, the book lost me almost from the beginning and went downhill from there. For example, there is an extended scene where the three women pitch in at a diner to help an old friend whose usual help hasn't shown up. Boring!
In looking at the summaries of later books, I find that there is a surprise in store, at least for me, but I still don't care enough to read the rest.
Mature themes: none, at least so far and based on the writer, I don't expect any. There's some kissing and a skinny dipping scene.
A word about reading sequence for the series: this book, at least so far, is almost totally unrelated to any of the earlier books except the second. But it has managed to drop a few facts that spoil earlier books. Many of the books are closely related to others and many of them give spoilers to earlier books, sometimes spoilers that really ruin a surprise. More than most series that I've read in this genre, this series should be read in order. However most of these books fill in enough details from earlier books, that they could be read as completely stand alone.
I have mostly loved the Blossom Street series so far. This book seems to lack all the things I have loved. As far as I read, there are none of the gut-wrenching or heartwarming moments that left me with a few tears in most of the other books. In most of the other books there have been parallel threads of different characters held together by some relationship between them like a knitting class. I usually found at least one person interesting and likeable.
Not in this book. We know Bethanne and her daughter Annie from the second book. Neither was among my favorite characters and in this story I find both even less appealing. Even worse, I don't care for Bethanne's situation here or how she's handling it. Her daughter is more of an annoyance than an interesting character in her own right. This book really only has the one story thread so far - can Bethanne forget the new man she has met and take back her cheating husband? I suspect that the two other women, Annie and Ruth, will each develop story threads of their own later on, but again, I don't care.
I'm a believer in forgiveness, but up to the halfway point, her ex, Grant, has done nothing endearing but rather is himself annoying. Bethanne's family is really pushing her to take him back. Her introspection leans toward guilt that she should do so. Certainly, Grant's behavior may change, but I don't care. Forgiveness is something we all should try to do, but trust is a completely different subject.
Quite simply, the book lost me almost from the beginning and went downhill from there. For example, there is an extended scene where the three women pitch in at a diner to help an old friend whose usual help hasn't shown up. Boring!
In looking at the summaries of later books, I find that there is a surprise in store, at least for me, but I still don't care enough to read the rest.
Mature themes: none, at least so far and based on the writer, I don't expect any. There's some kissing and a skinny dipping scene.
A word about reading sequence for the series: this book, at least so far, is almost totally unrelated to any of the earlier books except the second. But it has managed to drop a few facts that spoil earlier books. Many of the books are closely related to others and many of them give spoilers to earlier books, sometimes spoilers that really ruin a surprise. More than most series that I've read in this genre, this series should be read in order. However most of these books fill in enough details from earlier books, that they could be read as completely stand alone.
December 11, 2011
While this book was so out of the ordinary for the Blossom Street series, I ended up truly enjoying myself.
A road trip to Florida from Oregon helps to find love, hope and happiness.
Bethanne takes a road trip with her daughter. Annie and her ex-mother-in-law, Ruth. During the time the three spend driving to Florida for Ruth to make her 50th reunion, they share experiences that at times are crazy and fun and at other times are bittersweet. Each of them has a decision to make and will take the time to work it out in their own way.
A road trip to Florida from Oregon helps to find love, hope and happiness.
Bethanne takes a road trip with her daughter. Annie and her ex-mother-in-law, Ruth. During the time the three spend driving to Florida for Ruth to make her 50th reunion, they share experiences that at times are crazy and fun and at other times are bittersweet. Each of them has a decision to make and will take the time to work it out in their own way.
July 3, 2011
Debbie Macomber “ A Turn in the Road”
From Seattle’s Blossom Street, Bethanne Hamlin, her daughter Annie, and her ex-Mother-in-law, Ruth, take a road trip of a lifetime !
Ruth was determined to drive to her 50th class reunion in Florida. She has secret hopes to also see her high school sweetheart, Bryce. Ruth wants to make amends with her first love, all these years she has felt horrible for the way she left him.
Bethanne agreed to accompany Ruth on the trip, she needed time to reflect on the fact that her ex-husband, that left her six years ago for another woman, wants a chance to reconcile.
The adventure brings them to many turns in the road, like their first stop, Pendleton Oregon. It brought Ruth back to the place she lived as a newlywed, and she was able to connect with a long lost friend. Bethanne also meets a biker, Max whom she cant get out of her mind. This makes her decision to reconcile even more complicated.
This book is an amazing example of the saying “It isn’t the ending, but the journey that matters” You will fall in love with the characters, and feel like part of the family. Debbie Macomber has a wonderful ability of drawing you into her character’s lives. Her books stay with me, even after I have closed the cover.
From Seattle’s Blossom Street, Bethanne Hamlin, her daughter Annie, and her ex-Mother-in-law, Ruth, take a road trip of a lifetime !
Ruth was determined to drive to her 50th class reunion in Florida. She has secret hopes to also see her high school sweetheart, Bryce. Ruth wants to make amends with her first love, all these years she has felt horrible for the way she left him.
Bethanne agreed to accompany Ruth on the trip, she needed time to reflect on the fact that her ex-husband, that left her six years ago for another woman, wants a chance to reconcile.
The adventure brings them to many turns in the road, like their first stop, Pendleton Oregon. It brought Ruth back to the place she lived as a newlywed, and she was able to connect with a long lost friend. Bethanne also meets a biker, Max whom she cant get out of her mind. This makes her decision to reconcile even more complicated.
This book is an amazing example of the saying “It isn’t the ending, but the journey that matters” You will fall in love with the characters, and feel like part of the family. Debbie Macomber has a wonderful ability of drawing you into her character’s lives. Her books stay with me, even after I have closed the cover.
October 15, 2011
I enjoyed this story of 3 Generations of women driving Cross Country from Seattle to Florida.
Ruth ( the Grandmother and Ex Mother in law ) wants to go to her High School Reunion and possibly rekindle a old romance.
Bethanne is struggling with her decision on whether or not to go back to her ex-husband and decides to take this Cross Country trip, and her
Daughter rides along also.
Along the way they have several adventures, and meet two very nice Gentleman.
A loving story of family and finding love again.
June 17, 2011
I really, really loved this!!! Some of her books have too little romance for me to really love, but this one was great. The different storylines with all three generations were all enjoyable. I was on edge through a lot of the book because I was afraid Bethanne would make the "wrong" choice!! The author did a great job of keeping us unsure which guy Bethanne would chose!! I loved the author's insights into each family member's emotions and thought processes. This was one of the best books in this series.
September 29, 2017
A nice cozy Hallmark story. Love the bond between mother daughter, and ex-mother-in-law. The road trip was a great idea. Except I thought the daughter, Annie was a brat. Tried to be too controlling. The dad screwed up and did not deserve. A second chance. Enjoyed with a cup of hot chocolate.
July 5, 2012
Painful
June 5, 2012
Great generational read, love at 20, 50 and 70!!
October 6, 2016
A entertaining read with some twists and turns but laughs as well.
July 31, 2019
I read this some time ago but that was before I was reviewing. I enjoy all of Debbie Macomber books and enjoy a break from all the sex-filled stories that can be unrealistic at times.
November 7, 2024
This was straight up, bad.
October 31, 2019
A story of a family with 2 children. The parents were married for 20 years when the father decided to sleep around. He found someone he walked away from his family for. This book is about the wife’s battle to straighten out her life and raise 2 kids after the husband/father walked away. It’s about the mom and children finding their way. The mom started a very successful career. The dad eventually after a divorce from his new wife decided he’d made a mistake and try’s to get his family back. But the mom is distracted by a man she’s met on a road trip she went on with her daughter and Ex mother in law. It’s a great story of family, marriage trials and tribulations. Of love and a realization of the end of a relationship. It’s a great story with lots of great twists and turns. And 2 women finding true love in the end.
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