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A Turn in the Road (Blossom Street #8)

by Debbie Macomber (Goodreads Author)

4.0 of 5 stars 4.00 · rating details · 3,799 ratings · 520 reviews

In the middle of the year, in the middle of her life, Bethanne Hamlin takes a road trip with her daughter, Annie, and her former mother-in-law, Ruth.They're driving to Florida for Ruth's 50th high-school reunion. A longtime widow, Ruth would like to reconnect with Royce, the love of her teenage life. She's heard he's alone, tooand, well, she's curious. Maybe even hopeful....more

Hardcover, 336 pages

Published April 26th 2011 by Mira

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11th out of 29 books — 19 voters

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Sep 02, 2011 Jo rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, romance

Another in the Blossom street series, except off the street and on a cross country road trip. The main characters from the series are: Bethanne Hamlin who we met earlier in the series after her husband, Grant, left her and her two children for a younger woman (after some struggles she became a successful businesswoman); her daughter, Annie; and her former mother-in-law, Ruth. Ruth, is planning to drive from Seattle, Washington to Vero Beach, Florida to attend her 50 year high school class reunio...more

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Aug 23, 2011 Lori Henrich rated it 5 of 5 stars

Bethanne is divorced and being pressured by her ex-husband,Grant, to get back together. She offers to go on a road-trip with Ruth in order to have time to think about what she wants to do about Grant.

Ruth is Grant's mother - she wants to go back to Florida for her high-school reunion to possibly reconnect with her high-school love.

Annie is the daughter of Bethanne and Grant - she just broke up with her boyfriend, and is pressuring her mom to get back together with her dad.

Max met the group on th...more

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Dec 10, 2011 Jackie Lane rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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...more 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.

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Jun 17, 2011 Donna rated it 5 of 5 stars

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 thi...more

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Feb 26, 2013 Stacy Camp vancurine rated it 3 of 5 stars

Well I have mixed feelings about this book. This is the story of a divorced woman coming to a cross roads in her life. Spending time with her "ex" mother in law and her extremely immature adult daughter on a 3 week cross country road trip. Bethanne must come to terms with her ex husband's (and daughter and ex mother in law's) desire for Bethanne and Grant to re-unite after 6 years of being divorced. I rated this so low (only 3 stars) because I was sick to death of this fabulous, strong, independ...more

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Nov 25, 2012 Tali rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: chick-lit, knitting, took-two-attempts

After the last book in the Blossom Street series, I really struggled to get into this book on the first attempt. My second attempt at reading this though practically sped by. The character of Bethanne, a divorcee choosing between her ex-husband and a new suitor, was a nice surprise and a surprisingly engaging character once I'd got past the first few pages and the story was pleasant. What I didn't like about this novel were the characters of Ruth, Bethanne's ex-mother-in-law, and Annie, Bethanne...more

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Oct 18, 2012 Margaret rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

About a family who has been torn apart by the husband's infidelity and remarriage. He later regrets those decisions, and comes humbly to repent, wanting to remarry his wife who was devastated by the divorce. Well, by this time, she's stood on her own feet and started a successful party business. Her daughter and former mother-in-law plead with her to remarry her ex-husband, who is bending over backwards to be the perfect and understanding suitor. She would like to, but can't make up her mind.

Me...more

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Aug 14, 2012 Sarah rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have read a lot of Debbie Macomber books and have loved them all. I love the fact that she writes long series about the same group of people so you can follow how their lives are progressing. This book is in the Blossom Street series and it was great to meet up with Bethanne again. In this book Bethanne and her daughter Annie decide to accompany her former mother-in-law in a cross country road trip to attend her fifty year high school reunion. Each of the three women are facing changes in thei...more

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Jun 03, 2012 Diane Majeske rated it 3 of 5 stars

Three women from three different generations have choices to make - so they hit the road, taking a trip from Oregon to Florida, and find more than a few twists and turns along the way.

There's Bethanne, whose husband left her high and dry six years ago for another woman - divorced and penitent, he's now trying to win her back. And her daughter Annie, with man troubles of her own, who also desperately wants to see father and mother reunited. Then there's the impetus for the trip, Ruth, Bethanne's...more

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May 04, 2012 Chrissa rated it 3 of 5 stars

A story about three generations of women (Annie (the daughter), Bethanne (the mother), and Ruth (the grandmother/ex-mother-in-law) taking a road trip to Ruth's 50th class reunion.

Bethanne's story takes precedence: Will she reunite with her ex-husband? Ruth is concerned about meeting her former high-school flame and Annie is struggling to get her mother and father back together and deal with her own boyfriend who has left for Europe for a year without Annie.

For about 150 pages, the story moved...more

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Mar 29, 2012 Nancy rated it 3 of 5 stars

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 thing...more 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.

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Feb 08, 2012 Fedora rated it 3 of 5 stars

This Blossom Street book focuses on Bethanne from one of the earlier books, who impulsively decides to accompany her ex-mother-in-law Ruth and her own daughter Annie on a road trip to Florida for Ruth's 50th high school reunion.

Bethanne's ex has come to his senses and is doing his best to win her back. Annie is entirely for that, but Andrew, their son, is slower to forgive. One of Ruth's motivations for attending the reunion is the chance to see her first love--they'd promised to marry before sh...more

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Dec 30, 2011 Sue Seligman rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is the latest in the Blossom Street series by Debbie Macomber. I have read every book in the series, and although this was a good and quick read, it did not engage me as some of the others. the plot focused on Bethanne, a divorced woman who had reinvented her life after her husband left her for another woman. She is now a successful businesswoman, and has raised two productive children after her husband's infidelity. She embarks on a cross country road trip with her ex mother-in-law, with w...more

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Oct 09, 2011 Sheri rated it 4 of 5 stars

One can always count on Debbie Macomber to deliver a good read! This was no exception. Ruth wants to attend her 50th high school graduation and wants to drive from Seattle to Florida by herself for the event. No one wants her to go alone, so along go her granddaughter and her ex-daughter-in-law. Grant is Ruth's son and is trying to win his ex-wife,, Bethanne, back. He cheated on her. Divorced her and married a younger woman. That didn't work out, and now, 6 years later, he decides he made a who...more

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Aug 18, 2011 Michelle rated it 2 of 5 stars

In the middle of the year, in the middle of her life, Bethanne Hamlin takes a road trip with her daughter, Annie, and her former mother-in-law, Ruth.
They're driving to Florida for Ruth's 50th high-school reunion. A longtime widow, Ruth would like to reconnect with Royce, the love of her teenage life. She's heard he's alone, too…and, well, she's curious. Maybe even hopeful.

Bethanne herself needs time to reï ¬ ‚ ect, to ponder a decision she has to make. Her ex-husband, Grant—her children's father...more

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Jul 23, 2011 Kathryn rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. What a great read. Macomber has done it again in creating a story so real that you are drawn into the characters and plot immediately. I also liked that she continued with characters from her previous stories Blossom street and the yarn shop.

Bethany Hamlin is a divorced mother of two. Her husband's betrayal shook her world but she picked herself up and started a successful party business. Now, her husband is divorced and wants to reconcile, but she doesn't know if she can trust him again. Her da...more What a great read. Macomber has done it again in creating a story so real that you are drawn into the characters and plot immediately. I also liked that she continued with characters from her previous stories Blossom street and the yarn shop.

Bethany Hamlin is a divorced mother of two. Her husband's betrayal shook her world but she picked herself up and started a successful party business. Now, her husband is divorced and wants to reconcile, but she doesn't know if she can trust him again. Her daughter, Annie who is a year away from a MBA in business works for her and is all for reuniting the family. However, her older brother, who is about to be married is still unforgiving of his father. When her ex- mother-in-law wants to go on a cross country trip from seattle to florida for a school reunion, Bethany jumps at the chance to get away from everyday life and really think about her decision to reconcile with her ex-husband. Then her daughter's boyfriend decides to surprise her by going on a trip to Europe for a year, and Annie feels some of the betrayal that her mother must of felt at being so surprised at her father's abandonment. She goes on the trip to Florida too. The road trip helps them all the find out their true feelings on life, love, and their pursuits of happiness. They deviate from the agenda and meet up with some "biker." One makes quite the impression on Bethany...Max. His gang rescues them when their car breaks down and max and Bethany connected from the pain they have both experienced. Bethany brings max out of his 3 years of running from the pain of loosing his wife and daughter to death. he finds hope in Bethany and the lost love he thought he wasn't capable of...the only problem is she is making a decision about Grant and Max complicates things.
Bethany must search her heart and see who will claim it, the man that she loved for 20 years and who is trying to win her forgiveness or the stranger she met that she can't seem to get out of her mind?

This has a happy ending and also other happily ever afters for Grandma and Royce, the lost love of her highschool years.(less)

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Jul 05, 2011 Booklover rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: cheating-grovel, baby-children, divorce-separated-reunion-2nd-chanc, harlequin-addicts, love, parents, part-of-a-series, dead-wife-exwife-exfiance-ow, dead-child-miscarriage-abortion, sibblings-best-friends

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 Gra...more 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
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Jul 02, 2011 Kym rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-ive-won

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 fac...more

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Jun 13, 2011 Jenn O'Brien rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book is an off-shoot of the Blossom Street series. It takes one of the characters from the first book (Bethanne) and expands upon her story.

Overall, it is your typical Debbie Macomber book. You know what you are going to get when you open the book and you are not disappointed.

Because I grew up in a family of long distance road trips, I could really related to the story and I liked the concept of the 3 generations of women seeing the U.S. I know it is something I would have liked to have do...more

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Apr 26, 2011 Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary

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...more 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...(less)

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Apr 26, 2011 Maureen Timerman rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-read

Synopsis

In the middle of the year, in the middle of her life, Bethanne Hamlin takes a road trip with her daughter, Annie, and her former mother-in-law, Ruth.

They're driving to Florida for Ruth's 50th high-school reunion. A longtime widow, Ruth would like to reconnect with Royce, the love of her teenage life. She's heard he's alone, too…and, well, she's curious. Maybe even hopeful.

Bethanne herself needs time to reflect, to ponder a decision she has to make. Her ex-husband, Grant—her children's fa...more

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Apr 21, 2011 Norma rated it 5 of 5 stars

When I first heard that I could read this book before it was released I was all giggly like a school girl. I absolutely LOVE everything written by Debbie Macomber. All I have to say is “Hi, my name is Norma and I am a Debbie Macomber addict!!” Yes, I love her writing that much. I had the chance to review The Knitting Diaries last month that had a short story from the Blossom Street Series.

Her Blossom Street series has tons of wonderful characters that I love revisiting over and over again. They...more

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Apr 04, 2011 Kathy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Who doesn't love a road trip! Delightful new novel by Debbie Macomber. I had not read any of her previous books and I was pleasantly surprised to discover what a great storyteller she is. I understand that Bethanne was introduced in a previous Blossom Street novel however you do not need to read the previous books to enjoy this one.

Three generations of women set out on a road trip from Seattle, Washington to Vero Beach, Florida. They have lots of adventures on the way. They discover things abou...more

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Mar 30, 2011 Sebe Abolafia rated it 5 of 5 stars

Another great book by Debbie Macomber

Welcome back to the women of Blossom Street.

Bethanne six years after her divorce from Grant is faced with him wanting to rekindle their relationship.

On a spur of the moment decision she decides to drive cross-country with her ex-mother-in-law, Ruth, and her daughter, Annie.

Ruth is going to her fifty-year high school reunion in Vero Beach, Florida. She is hoping to see her high school sweetheart, Royce Jameson. Annie is upset with her boyfriend, Vance, who has...more

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Mar 20, 2011 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars

The first Debbie Macomber book I ever read was book #1 in this series. Each book seems to revolve around one of the women of Blossom Street and while others may move in the story it is primarily one women at a time. I am glad that it was Bethanne's turn. I have always wanted to get to know her better and more about her sad story. Flash forward to this book - Bethanne has been divorced for 6 years from her ex-husband Grant, who has now divorced the woman that he left Bethanne for, and seems to wa...more The first Debbie Macomber book I ever read was book #1 in this series. Each book seems to revolve around one of the women of Blossom Street and while others may move in the story it is primarily one women at a time. I am glad that it was Bethanne's turn. I have always wanted to get to know her better and more about her sad story. Flash forward to this book - Bethanne has been divorced for 6 years from her ex-husband Grant, who has now divorced the woman that he left Bethanne for, and seems to want to rekindle their relationship. Bethanne has changed in the last 6 years not only is she a very successful business woman, having started Parties, when Grant left her in order to ensure that she would not lose the home her children had grown up in, but she now has two grown children, one of who is getting married in mere weeks. While on a visit to Blossom Street, Bethanne bumps into her ex-mother-in-law, Ruth, who is planning a trip across the country for her 50th class reunion. On a whim, Bethanne says that she will make the trip with her. Bethanne's daughter, Annie, joins the duo for the trip across the country after her heart is broken by her boyfriend. Even though Ruth has planned all her stops for the trip, plans quickly change as Annie mentions she would love to see where her father was born. Ruth remembers that she had a good friend, Marie, who lived in the town and off they set to see if the restaurant Marie's parents owned is still there. They find that it is and Marie now owns and runs it, in a odd turn of events, all of Marie's employees are out and the trio offer to pitch in for the day. The first four customers that day are a group of bikers. Bethanne notices one and makes eye contact. His name is Max and this is where the adventure begins. While Annie and Ruth want Bethanne to reconnect with Grant, Bethanne is very interested in Max. While on the trip, Bethanne, Ruth and Annie not only learn a lot about each other, their secrets and fears, but about love itself.

All of the women in this story are likable and very easy to connect with. In the beginning, I was not sure what to make of Max and Grant. Quickly, I realized that I like Max a whole lot more than Grant. He just seems to be good underneath all of his pain. Grant just seemed to assume that Bethanne would come crawling back to him, over confidence if you ask me.

The story flowed well. I enjoyed that there were different story lines for each of the three women and they were all having their own trouble with love. While the main story is that of Bethanne each women has her own story as well. I think that the trip kept changing and with each change came new challenges and opportunities.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book as I have all the book I have read by Debbie Macomber. Her books are always solidly written and enjoyable. The perfect rainy afternoon book!
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Jul 18, 2012 Book Concierge rated it 3 of 5 stars

Book on CD read by Joyce Bean

There’s a lot going on in Bethanne’s life. Her son is getting married. Her daughter is in love and expecting an engagement ring. Her ex-husband has gotten divorced and now wants to reconcile with her. Her business is flourishing, but she feels at a crossroads. When her mother-in-law announces that she plans to drive cross-country – alone – from Seattle to Florida for her high school reunion, Bethanne suddenly agrees to go along. Soon daughter Annie also asks to go al...more Book on CD read by Joyce Bean

There’s a lot going on in Bethanne’s life. Her son is getting married. Her daughter is in love and expecting an engagement ring. Her ex-husband has gotten divorced and now wants to reconcile with her. Her business is flourishing, but she feels at a crossroads. When her mother-in-law announces that she plans to drive cross-country – alone – from Seattle to Florida for her high school reunion, Bethanne suddenly agrees to go along. Soon daughter Annie also asks to go along and the three women set out for their adventure.

I was interested and engaged for the first 150 pages or so. I liked the way Bethanne and her mother-in-law, Ruth, interacted. I applauded both of them for refusing to bow down to the expectations of others regarding “older women” and their strength of character in planning and going forward with the trip. But then … I didn’t understand why Bethanne allowed her adult children to influence her decisions, nor how she could so easily disregard the obvious flaws in Grant’s character. As for Annie … I would have taken away her cell phone and left her by the side of the road. What a selfish, immature, “Daddy’s girl!”

The paperback text version of this book is 390 pages long … which is about 150 pages more than it needs to be. I could see the central issues long before the characters did, and while I realize there has to be some development of tension this went on far longer than was necessary. Also the triple “love stories” really got tedious. One, or perhaps two, would have been sufficient. I really didn’t need the additional drama. The two main male characters were stereotypes, though Macomber did make at least one of them rather appealing.

On a positive note, it’s a fast read, and generally enjoyable story. I can clearly see why Macomber has such a loyal fan base. Joyce Bean does a good job of voicing the audio book. Her pacing is good and she has enough variance in her inflection to distinguish the characters.
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Oct 21, 2011 Jodi rated it 4 of 5 stars

The main character Bethanne is a divorced women who reinvented herself. Her husband of twenty years told her he loved someone else. He later married the women. Bethanne started her own company and was doing well. Both of her kids loved their father. The girl, Annie was totally loyal to the father and hoped that her mom and dad would get back together. The ex grandmother plans a trip for Washington state to Florida for a class reunion. On the spur of the moment Bethanne agrees to go with her to h...more

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Apr 26, 2011 LORI CASWELL rated it 5 of 5 stars

Bethanne Hamlin has recovered very well since her husband left her for another woman. She had started her own business and it has been very successful.

Her daughter Annie, will be starting her last year of college and she helps her mom with her business.

Bethanne's ex-mother-in-law, Ruth, is planning to drive from Seattle, Washington to Vero Beach, Florida to attend her 50 year high school class reunion. This trip will not happen if her daughter Robin as anything to say about it.

Three women all at...more Bethanne Hamlin has recovered very well since her husband left her for another woman. She had started her own business and it has been very successful.

Her daughter Annie, will be starting her last year of college and she helps her mom with her business.

Bethanne's ex-mother-in-law, Ruth, is planning to drive from Seattle, Washington to Vero Beach, Florida to attend her 50 year high school class reunion. This trip will not happen if her daughter Robin as anything to say about it.

Three women all at different places in their lives, all facing some important decisions. Bethanne's ex-husband has made it known he wants her back now that his second marriage has fallen apart. Can she forgive him for all the pain he has caused her? She is no longer the same woman he left behind. Annie thought her boyfriend was going to propose marriage and instead he broke her heart by telling her he was going to travel Europe with friends for a year, just expecting her to wait for him. Ruth is going back to see old friends, but there is one special friend she really wants to reconnect with so she can apologize for for hurting them.

Bethanne and Annie decide to travel cross country with Ruth to give them time to make the right decisions and with them going along Ruth's daughter can't keep her from a trip she has been planning for almost 50 years. Packed up and with their route mapped out they head out for the trip of a lifetime. But "A Turn in the Road" can make a well-planned excursion have a few unexpected surprises. This turns out to be a trip that will change the lives for several people, especially Ruth, Bethanne and Annie.

I LOVED IT!!!!!

You can never go wrong with a Debbie Macomber book. This is not your normal Blossom Street Novel except that is where we first met Bethanne back in A Good Yarn. The story takes us on a wonderful adventure with three wonderful strong women. I found myself worrying if I was going to like the ending, which way was the author going to take us. Debbie's endings always seem to come with a little surprise, like all good books should. The entire story was a pure pleasure to read. I hope the author includes updates on these characters in future Blossom Street editions. This is a perfect "escape" book and can be read as a stand alone or as part of the series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.(less)

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Jan 19, 2013 Lara rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2013

Another story that doesn't take place ON Blossom Street, but does actually feature B Street characters.

This is the continuing story of Bethanne's, six years after her husband left her and she was forced to reinvent herself to save her family home. Now her ex-husband (reeling from being dumped by the woman he left Bethanne for), realises the mistake he made and wants Bethanne back. In fact, he wants things back the way they were, but is that realistic? Both he and Bethanne are different people no...more

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Dec 09, 2011 Marianne rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: borrowed-copy-returned

A Turn in the Road is the 8th of Debbie Macomber’s Blossom Street series. In this episode, we depart from Blossom Street to travel to Florida. Bethanne Hamlin, from the very first of the series, The Shop on Blossom Street, now six years divorced from Grant and with her own successful events management business, is suddenly confronted with the dilemma of whether to reconcile with her ex-husband, lately divorced from Tiffany and now remorseful of his actions. When Bethanne’s ex-mother-in-law, Ruth...more

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About Debbie Macomber

With more than 140 million copies of her books in print, Debbie Macomber is one of today's most popular authors.

The #1 New York Times bestselling author is best known for her ability to create compelling characters and bring their stories to life in her books. Drawing on her own experiences and observations, Debbie writes heartwarming tales about small-town life, home and family, enduring friends...more

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The Shop on Blossom Street (Blossom Street, #1 )

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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9747109-a-turn-in-the-road?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327878925l/9747109.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9747109-a-turn-in-the-road?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]A Turn in the Road by Debbie Macomber[/url]

A Turn in the Road (Blossom Street #8)

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