Customer Reviews

Summer on Blossom Street [With Headphones] (Playaway Adult Fiction)

5 star:		(41)
4 star:		(22)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I thoroughly enjoy Debbie Macomber's books and look forward to reading all of them, and when this book came this past week, I immediately started reading and was done within two days. Although one reviewer said she never met a woman like Phoebe, I disagree. I have met many strong women who have had to make very hard decisions about relationships. If just one reader after reading of Phoebe's decision to leave the relationship of a unfaithful/manipulative partner, the story helped someone. No one, either male or female, has the right to abuse a relationship. Yes, the book has a happy ending, but then why do I read, to escape, to be uplifted. A wonderful read, put your feet up, a glass of lemonade on a hot summer day and Debbie takes your home.

Finished this book at 1 a.m. this morning--as with the other books in the series, I couldn't put it down. New characters are inroduced to the Blossom Street group, and as always, it's interesting to see how previous characters develop and mingle with the new. I would love to give this book a five star review, yet feel unable to do so. It's a good, easy, uplifting novel (as are all of the author's books), and that's a huge plus in times like these. I appreciate the "everything turns out well" style of Debbie Macomber, aware that some might criticize a seriously happy-ending style. What can I say? I love a happy ending.

My main disappointments in this book (versus the others in the series) have to do with characterization. I've lived all over the country, known many, many women in all walks of life, and have never known someone like Pheobe. She just didn't seem plausible to me. By that, I mean her inner struggle didn't seem appropriate for a relatively short term relationship and fiance. Had she been involved with the man she hoped to "knit to quit" over the course of many years, or had she been married to him, her emotional tug-of-war would have made better sense. Perhaps there was something in her background to cause her to question herself repeatedly? The reader doesn't know if there is. Her character's background isn't developed... in previous books, the character's backgrounds come into play and help readers understand why they think and act as they do.

I also wanted to know more about Casey. A lot of critical information was void there. Some of her background was touched upon, yet left me wondering about more specific details.

Then, having "gotten to know" Ellen in the last book fo the series (Twenty Wishes), I felt it unlikely she'd immediately warm up to people she'd never met before in an environment away from Blossom Street. The scene (and chapter) seemed rushed in my opinion.

Finally, the ending felt rushed, as if the auther were trying to wrap up everything far too quickly. Overall, though, it's a worthwhile read. To those with editorial tendancies, there are a few oops (wrong name used, etc.). Nothing too serious.

I'd expect this to be a great beach blanket read.

I like Debbie Macomber's Blossom Street series, but this latest entry was somewhat disappointing. I'm sure it's difficult to create new characters to interact with the shop owners who have been part of the series since the beginning, but these are only half-drawn and, in the case of Phoebe, difficult to like. I enjoyed the addition of a man to the knitting classes, but his love affair with Phoebe progresses too easily to be believable, especially since she is something of a pathological liar. The plot is predictable, and the writing filled with cliches that should have been reworked before publication. The term "phoning it in" came to mind.

Another happy ending and delightful read. I cannot put Debbie Macomber books down! I love her characters! Two of her books have dealt with adoption and those less accepted into society. With true caring and love, hearts are changed and lives are saved. The love stories are always sweet, warm and fuzzy. As one reviewer said, it is great to escape from the world into a world of love and happy endings. Debbie encourages knitting for stress relief; I suggest a Debbie Macomber novel.

Dawn Kurtz author of Christian novel: Secret of the Mexican Doll

This was my first in the Blossom Street series and I thought that Macomber did a pretty good job of filling a new reader in on what had gone before, without leaving too many holes. It's nice beach reading and heartwarming, even if every story line is wholly predictable.

On the other hand, there were two things that bothered me: First, that Phoebe, an otherwise independent woman should be so manipulated by both her mother [who should be going to bat for her!] and her former fiance. And, second, that a social worker would drop a child with a family with NO INFORMATION AT ALL on her background, interests or problems. That's no kind of professionalism! It really made no sense and destroyed credibility.

Honestly I have no Idea were to start.. I love all the characters in this book. I have always been able to relate to each book in some way shape or form.

I love Lydia and love her shop.... Love the fact that Lydia tried helping another person and making a difference. The reason why I love reading books because I can escape my own life and read about something so horriable yet so wonderful at the same time.

I will not spoil this for everyone because I loved this book and could talk about it all day long. Can't wait to go to the library tonight and get the next one.. Hope no one took it already :D

Happy reading.

Story on Blossom street got better and better. There are some exciting moments in it, which make the story very interesting. But overall, it is a good and relaxing novel.

This is part of a series about Blossom Street and I loved all of them Can't wait for the next one.

I LOVE Debbie Maccomber's books, especially the Blossom Street series. Having a male knitter in the story was fun and his relationship with Phoebe was a great part of the story. It was a bit predictable but a great summer read.

Debbie Macomber knows what readers want! In the latest book about our friends on Blossom Street, Lydia has a new group starting. Knit to Quit. Everyone who joins is trying to quit something, whether it be a habit, or maybe even a person.

Each person has their own trial going on, from adoption/foster care, finding love or figuring out life.

This book is the fifth one in the series but able to stand on it's own. However you won't want to miss any of the others!

I can't wait to hear what happens next with Hutch and Phoebe or Anne and Tim!!! Keep em' comin!