Series: Blossom Street #9
Finished on: February 27, 2013
Released: April 2, 2013
Source: ARC from LibraryThing Early Reviewers
Rating: 4/5
Summary from Goodreads:
#1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber returns to Seattle’s beloved Blossom Street in this heartfelt tale of friendship, renewal, and discovering what’s truly important in life.I've read quite a few novels by Debbie Macomber and I'm definitely a fan. In fact, I'd like to one day say that I've read all of her books. Starting Now, however, was my first trip to Blossom Street and lets just say that I was not disappointed.
For years Libby Morgan dreamed only of making partner in her competitive, high-pressure law firm. She sacrificed everything for her career—her friends, her marriage, her chance at creating a family. When her boss calls Libby into his office, she assumes it will finally be good news, but nothing can prepare her for the shocking reality: She’s been let go and must rebuild her entire life . . . starting now.
With no job prospects in sight, Libby reaches out to old friends and spends her afternoons at A Good Yarn, the local knitting store. There she forms a close bond with Lydia, the sweet-natured shop owner; Lydia’s spirited teenage daughter, Casey; and Casey’s best friend, Ava, a shy yet troubled girl who will shape Libby’s future in surprising and profound ways.
As A Good Yarn becomes a second home—and the women a new kind of family—Libby relishes the different person she’s become. She even finds time for romance with a charming and handsome doctor who seems to be her perfect match. But just as everything is coming together, Libby must make a choice that could forever change the life she holds so dear.
Warmly told and richly textured, Starting Now is filled with the promise of new beginnings and the unending delights of companionship and love.
This may be the ninth book in the Blossom Street series but having not read the previous stories did not effect my perception of this one at all. Prior knowledge of the previous books didn't seem to be a huge deal in understanding Starting Now. I did, however, enjoy this one enough that I'll be going back to check out the earlier installments. (:
In true Debbie Macomber fashion we get some wonderful characters. I wouldn't have expected anything less. We get an extremely hard-working and dedicated lawyer, Libby, who is all but obsessed with her job. Out of the blue one day, she finds herself laid off. Her bosses final advice to her is to "get a life". Starting Now is Libby's journey to finding a more fulfilling life and true friendships. All of the lovely characters we meet as Libby meets them and builds relationships with them. We also get a small secondary story of a young girl, Ava, which I wasn't expecting but worked really well in adding some more depth to the novel. I won't say too much because I don't want to spoil anything!
Throughout the story Libby learns a lot of really valuable lessons about cherishing your friends and valuing things outside of work. Anyone, especially in the era, can take a lot away from this book and apply these lessons to their own lives. I love Debbie Macomber's way of getting a read to take a closer look at their own lives without becoming preachy. Oh, and of course, the usual sweet and feel-good romance is there as well. Can't forget that!
*An ARC was providing to be in exchange for an honest review only.
