3.5 stars

Lydia runs a knitting store on Blossom Street and often runs classes. She is currently renting the upstairs of the store to Colette, who has recently started working closeby at the flower shop. Colette seems to have plenty of secrets and seems wary of opening up. Alix is recently engaged, but her “adopted” mother/friend and soon-to-be mother-in-law have taken over the plans and won’t listen to what Alix and Jordan actually want (though Jordan seems to not be bothered too much, either way). Lydia’s sister, Margaret works with Lydia, but when Margaret’s daughter is caught up in a carjacking, and is injured, Margaret is in full-on revenge mode and won’t stop until the carjacker is found and pays for what he’s done.

Some of the characters have returned from earlier books in the series, but I don’t think you need to read them in order; I leave so much time in between, I never remember the previous books, anyway. I found Colette’s story the least interesting, but they all rose above the 3.5 star “good” rating temporarily, but then it all ended up very (possible) sickly sweet and tied up in a way-too-perfect bow for my liking. Overall, though, it was a good story. I will continue to the next book. ( )

Romance

Macomber's latest Blossom Street tale begins with a new knitting class at the shop Lydia Goetz owns in downtown Seattle. Lydia's business is doing well, and in attendance are Susannah, who runs the flower shop next door; Colette, a young widow who lives upstairs; and Alix Townsend, a baker and former hoodlum engaged to a future minister. Lydia always tries to encourage friendship among her pupils, but this group is none too warm. Colette's reticence is attributed to grief, but she is actually in hiding. Alix is trying her best to please her future in-laws, but as the wedding draws near, worries mount. Another easy read from Macomber, I demolished this in a day. I think I''ve missed the middle book in this series, but no huge loss, as it''s virtually a standalone.

I like the pattern in the front, but wouldn''t dare to attempt to stitch it!

Back on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber is a lovely tale woven with friendship, romance and care!

I love to knit, even though I'm not very good at it, so a book like this is right up my alleyway! A knitting group, a flower shop, a love affair, a baby, a wedding and endless amounts of girl drama fill the pages of this book! Lydia, Colette and Alix are the three main leads, and wowza did Debbie do a good job making this story! I one hundred percent need to read the rest of this series - especially since I love Colette!

Debbie Macomber's writing style is very lovely. It's soft, sweet and easy to read. There are times where the plot took sudden turns that seemed out of character (someone magically being in love when before it seem a bit sinister...?), but she somehow makes it work and be believable. She writes a woman's tale so easily, and makes it feel like they could be my friend, sister or mother. These women face real problems that many of my friends have faced themselves! This relatable factor makes this book so much better than I would have anticipated.

Despite being over four hundred pages, it truly didn't feel that way. I was so connected to Alix and Colette's story that I managed to binge this book in under two days. For me and my busy schedule, that's quite the feat! But that just shows how great Debbie is at making an addicting story! I wouldn't have been so interested in these characters and their stories if Debbie hadn't done such an awesome job of writing the book.

I did have some "major" negatives about this book though:
1. I didn't enjoy Lydia's story because it does mirror some of my own past horrors and demons. Due to the loss of my Father, it was really hard to read her struggles with her Mother. Instead of pushing through it, I decided to lightly skim past that part. Should this affect other readers and their score against the book? Absolutely not! For me, it was just a little too hard to read, emotionally. It doesn't affect my score at all, but I do have to admit I wasn't as connected to her.
2. Christian just suddenly changed his mood. I would have liked to see a more gradual movement in his feelings, but the book is already over 400 pages long so I can understand why Debbie didn't.

To list some of the amazing positives (that I haven't already included):
1. The knitting quotes were fabulous! They really added a fantastic touch of personalism to the book.
2. The cover is gorgeous and colourful. If you're going to judge a book by it's cover, judge this book!
3. It was the perfect mix of contemporary, drama, women's fiction and romance. I wouldn't change a thing (minus some more Christian, of course).

Overall, this book was truly lovely! I'm glad I picked this book up years ago at a local department store! Although, I'm slightly upset it took me so long to read it! This book is a true gem that I'd recommend to ladies who love knitting, want a light, fluffy story or just want to dig into a sweet book!

Five out of five stars! ( )

FROM AMAZON: There's a new shop on Seattle's Blossom Street - a flower store called Susannah's Garden, right next door to A Good Yarn. Susannah Nelson, the owner, has just hired a young widow named Colette Blake. A couple of months earlier, Colette had abruptly quit her previous job - after a brief affair with her boss. Now, to her dismay, he's suddenly begun placing weekly orders for flower arrangements!
Susannah and Colette both join Lydia Goetz's new knitting class. Lydia's previous classes have forged lasting friendships, and this one is no exception. But Lydia and her sister, Margaret, have worries of their own. Margaret's daughter, Julia, has been the victim of a random carjacking, and the entire family is thrown into emotional chaos.

Then there's Alix Townsend. Her wedding to Jordan Turner is only months away - but she's not sure she can go through with it. Her love for Jordan isn't in question; what she can't handle is the whole wedding extravaganza engineered by her mentor, Jacqueline, with the enthusiastic cooperation of her future mother-in-law. A reception at the country club and hundreds of guests she's never even met - it's just not Alix.

Like everyone else in Lydia's knitting class, Alix knows there's a solution to every problem...and that another woman can usually help you find it! ( )