I love to read. My first love as a youth was science fiction and fantasy, but as an adult I often enjoy the escapism of a good romance novel. It can’t just be any romance novel though-it’s got to be a GOOD romance novel.
What’s a good romance novel? As someone who has probably read, oh, two thousand books in her life (Seriously–I love to read and read FAST) I’ve gotten pretty discriminating–as my mom says “Life is too short to read bad books”. A novel I’m going to keep reading has to be well written, have an interesting plot and well developed characters. If it’s a historical it has to be relatively accurate. Finally, the author has to make me FEEL the love between the characters. They can’t just say “and they fell in love” and expect me to believe it (which was my whole issue with a certain popular series of teen vampire novels–but I digress). Finally, I don’t go in for the cheesy “bodice rippers”. If you can’t make me feel the love and have it be sexy without getting graphic you aren’t writing well enough.
Debbie Macomber never fails to meet my requirements when it comes to a novel. I was happy to accept when Walmart offered me the chance to get an advanced copy of her latest novel– Blossom Street Brides .
This is the latest installment in her Blossom Street Series. If you are already a fan and reader of the series (this is the 12th), then you don’t need me to tell you any more. You’ve already got it on preorder because you can’t wait to see what happens next. If you aren’t familiar let me explain.
Set in Seattle Washington in the current day, Blossom street is the host to numerous small shops and businesses–to include the “lynchpin” for the series the knitting shop named “A Good Yarn”. In each book several stories of love intertwine with the shop being the connecting element. Due to the nature of the series as you go through the books you frequently see “old friends” as well as meet meet new. So a character that was a young single woman in the initial book is married with a toddler by the time you get to the current book. I love that kind of fullness and detail in an author’s world. It really makes the characters gain in depth over time.
In this new book Blossom Street Brides we see three stories develop. There is Lauren Elliot whose boyfriend of three years can’t seem to make a commitment–until of course she meets someone new. Bethanne, married to her second husband and true love but with an ex who won’t give up and is causing relationship turmoil. Finally Lydia, one of the owners of “A Good Yarn” who is happily married but facing trying times both in business and with her adopted daughter’s escalating nightmares. Overlaying the entire thing is an interesting yet non sinister mystery–who is leaving baskets packed with yarn from the shop and instructions to “knit me” for charity all over town?
I can’t tell you more without ruining the fun for you when you read it yourself–suffice it to say that it’s well written, fun, romantic, interesting and uplifting–all while being clean enough to let your tween daughter read.
You can buy this book RIGHT NOW at Walmart–and as always, for less than the list price of $26. (Walmart always sells their books below list price). The price for Blossom Street Brides $17.97 in store and $15.28 online at Walmart.com.
Here’s one final fun thing– Debbie Macomber is running a great contest for young couples who are newly or soon to be married. They want one lucky couple to “Start your new lives together! Enter for a chance to win a $3,000 Walmart gift card”. This sweepstakes will run from 3/25/14 – 5/25/14, with a winner chosen on 6/1/14.
****This is a sponsored post****
Disclosure: As a participant in the Walmart Moms Program, I’ve received product samples and compensation for my time and efforts in creating this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Love her books and I am looking forward to this one!