A Turn in the Road (A Blossom Street Novel)

It was unknown to me that 3 generations would travel from one coast to another--and in their travels they bond closer to each other--but they also saw and fixed the problems they had in their own lives--A truly amazing story--I loved it totally

Loved the 3 generation modern day road trip. Debbie was right on in how she depicted it would be travelling across country with multigenerations and women at that. Each woman had their own strong opinion as to where they should go, what to do, who should drive and what they needed from this trip. Hilarious family dynamics everyone will relate to. Enjoy the ride...as you don`t want it to end!

I love this book! I'm ready for more Bethanne and Max!!! Hard to put this book down. The author made me want to keep reading so I could figure out what would happen next with each of the characters.

I enjoy each book Debbie Macomber comes out with and this was no exception. I used to be a fan of another popular fiction writer but it seems with each new book this other author's work became predictable and rushed. That is not the case with Ms. Macomber!
This book was easy to identify with and hard to put down. She just has a way of making the characters and scene come alive in my brain without over-explaining.
I was truly sorry to come to the end of this book. I wanted the story to go on and on! I cannot wait for her next one.
I can't say enough good things about the store and how quickly they get my items to me every time. I will continue to buy my books from the store, as the price can't be beat!

This is a great page turner. You spend the book first feeling for the ex husband and as the book progresses you really start to want her with the biker. It is an excellent book as always from this author and a great compliment to the series.

I loved this book. It kept me guessing until the end which way Bethanne would go. I knew what I wanted but she seemed to be leaning in the other way. I enjoy all of Debbie Macomber.s books, but this one was the best so far! Thanks

"A Turn in the Road" by Debbie Macomber is the latest installment in the Blossom Street series. Our main character is Bethanne Hamlin who we met earlier in the series after her husband, Grant, left her and her two children for a younger woman. Six years have passed and her ex-mother-in-law is planning to drive from Seattle to Florida to attend her 50th high school reunion. Grant has seen the error of his ways, divorced the lovely Tiffany, and wants to reconcile with Bethanne. There is nervousness in the family about the older woman taking on such a cross-country drive and Bethanne sees the opportunity to get away and contemplate her decision so she offers to go along and assist with the driving. When Bethane's daughter, Annie, has a major bump in her romantic life, she decides to go along as well and our three-generational triad is formed.

I have largely enjoyed Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove series (with the exception of the latest one) and I have also enjoyed the Blossom Street series ..... until now. I know I am going to take a beating from the die-hard Debbie Macomber fans (and will watch all the "unhelpful" votes roll in which likely mean they don't agree with me), but I didn't find this book to be very good. The premise is great and, while fans will miss the cast of characters from Blossom Street, I thought this road trip had the potential to offer story variety which would keep things fresh in the series. I recently finished "The Knitting Diaries" which contains a short story of the Blossom Street characters and thought I had my "fix" so I was ready to hop in the car and go along for an enjoyable ride.

This time out, the beginning starts out well and the end is interesting but the middle is repetitious. The three of them drive along with Annie whining about the trip, Annie campaigning on her father's behalf, and Bethanne trying to pacify her. Bethanne contemplates her decision about Grant, makes a decision, and then reverses herself. They get to a stop-over spot, Annie complains, Grant calls and irritates Bethanne, and Bethanne reassesses her decision to see if she made the right one. Repeat, repeat.

Bottom line, this would have made a good short story, but there just isn't enough material here to support a full-length novel. I truly think that Ms. Macomber has reached the point where she is turning out so many novels every year that the quality is suffering. I LOVED "16 Lighthouse Road" and all of the earlier books in these two series, but the quality of the recent installments has taken a nose dive. I use to count on these for the perfect, light reading material I so enjoyed --- now I feel like with the past few novels, I sludge through to the end. Sad and disappointed; I even considered a 2-star rating.

Love the book. Debbie Macomber's books are a easy ready. I took me a while to figure out the character since it has been a couple of years of reading the Blossom Street. But, it took me a two day because like usual I could not put the book down.

Had pre-ordered this for my Kindle and received it yesterday. Finished it today. I absolutely loved it. What a great romance novel. Keeps you entertained and "not knowing for sure which one" right up until the end. I had read one of Debbie Macomber books previously and really enjoyed that one too. Will definitely be ordering more of her books.

It is one of my favorite books of hers now. I just love the cross country adventures that the grandmother, ex daughter-in-law and granddaughter have. I can't set it down. I'm almost at the end. Debbie Maccomber does such an excellent job of developing friendships amoung women in her books.

I have read almost all if not all of Debbie's books and this one is the Best! I am sure I will read it again, maybe not in one sitting next time. The characters are so real and the road trip is something you wish you could have shared. The emotions in this book for all run high and are very heartfelt. Hope there is a continuation of the characters in another book. Max is awesome!

It is one of my favorite books of hers now. I just love the cross country adventures that the grandmother, ex daughter-in-law and granddaughter have. I can't set it down. I'm almost at the end. Debbie Maccomber does such an excellent job of developing friendships amoung women in her books.

I have read almost all if not all of Debbie's books and this one is the Best! I am sure I will read it again, maybe not in one sitting next time. The characters are so real and the road trip is something you wish you could have shared. The emotions in this book for all run high and are very heartfelt. Hope there is a continuation of the characters in another book. Max is awesome!

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.

I am a huge fan of Debbie Macomber, I have ALL of her books, either in paperback, hardback or on CD. I had been looking forward to the next installment in the Blossom Street series. Having said that I have to say I was disappointed in this book.

The first part of the book was pretty good. I was eager for Bethanne and Ruth to take this trip together. Adding Annie to the trip was the downfall of the story. I grew tired of Bethanne allowing Annie to 'walk all over her' and then I grew tired of Annie disrespecting her mother and 'tattling' to her father on every single thing! I also have to say that I really didn't appreciate the way Ruth behaved toward Bethanne when she found out she was interested in someone other than Grant. After all, her son was the one that left his family not the other way around. The book became boring and I had a difficult time getting to the end.

I will say I did like the final outcome!

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 former mother-in-law, who's heading for her 50th high school reunion. Now widowed, she's tentatively hoping to see her first love and wondering how to broach their messy break-up that occurred so many years ago.

But then, as if life isn't complicated enough, Bethanne meets the mysterious Max on the road, and all bets are off.

Debbie Macomber's books are like comfort food, reliable and filling, and this was no exception. She draws her characters well and takes her situations from real life, and although I can usually guess the ending, I enjoy the journey.

However, I will say that out of all the Blossom Street books I've read, Annie has been the most trying character I've met. While I tried - really tried - to see the world from her eyes, I couldn't help but think how much more pleasant this road trip would have been without her whining and constant complaining.

Other than that, a fun read that reminds us that real-life choices are never easy.

When we first met Bethanne Hamlin she had just been separated from her husband Grant and was looking for a way to support herself, her son, Andrew, and her daughter, Annie (see A Good Yarn). It's now six years later and life seems to have fallen completely in place for Bethanne. Her Parties store is a success, and she and her children are happy. The only thing that appears to be upsetting her apple cart is her ex-husband's new-found desire to right his wrongs and get back together with her. Bethanne isn't sure she can move on from the past, if she can forgive and forget, if she can love him like she used to, or if she even wants to. The pressure Bethanne is getting from her daughter for them to reunite isn't helping at all.

Ruth is Bethanne's former mother-in-law. Despite the divorce they have continued to maintain their friendship. While Ruth's life has been both happy and fulfilling, she does have some regrets. But now, years later, she is given the chance to make things right. Her only hope is that after all these years, it's not too late.

Annie is young, vibrant, smart, driven, head-over-heels in love, and determined to get her mother and father back together. She appears to have it all. She is getting her MBA, she works with her mom, and just knows that her boyfriend Vance is about to propose. Life could not get any better. But then Vance drops a bomb on her and life isn't so perfect anymore.

Ruth has decided to go to her 50th high school reunion - in Florida. Which everyone thinks is wonderful. It will give her a chance to see some old friends and hopefully make amends. However, no one is happy when she announces that she is planning on driving from Seattle to the reunion - by herself! Everyone agrees that a woman Ruth's age should not drive cross-country on her own, it's just not safe. So Bethanne makes the spontaneous decision to go with her. The road trip will give her the time she needs to think about where she wants her relationship with Grant to go, if anywhere. And Annie, feeling dejected, decides to tag along too.

The three women set off together on what will hopefully be the trip of a lifetime. Grandmother, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter spending precious time together. Since Ruth intended to go alone originally, her route was pretty well laid out already. Plans are quickly changed in order for the woman to both explore parts of the family history and have a little fun (hello Vegas!) Then a chance encounter in a diner has Bethanne's whole world spinning. The second she locks eyes with Max, the rough and tumble biker, she knows there is something undeniable between them. Something she has never felt before, not even with Grant. But she's just passing through and knows there never will, nor could there be, anything between them. Then they meet again and the feelings Bethanne has for him are just as intense. And she knows he's feeling the same way. However, it's quite obvious that her mother-in-law and daughter do not approve of this budding relationship. Especially since they want Bethanne and Grant to reunite.

A Turn in the Road is the story of three generations of women at a crossroads in their lives. Each one must take the road that will bring them to the place they want to be, the place that will bring them the happiness they so richly deserve. Can Ruth be forgiven for her past sin? Can Annie let go of a past love and make room in her heart for a new one? Will Bethanne choose between what is safe and familiar, or what she knows in her heart is her destiny? A Turn in the Road is touted as a "Blossom Street" book due to the fact that the main character is a part of the original books. As much as I enjoyed this book, and I fully understand the meaning behind the road trip, I wish it would have (or maybe future books will) taken us back to Blossom Street - literally. I would love to know, in more depth, how all of the other Blossom Street residents are doing, instead of the little snippets we get at the beginning of the book when Bethanne stops by A Good Yarn to pick up some yarn. The writing is strong, the story flows smoothly, and the characters could very well be your own mother, sister, or daughter. This is a beautiful story of good times spent with family, forgiveness, faith, and finding the love of your life no matter what age you are.

This book is very boring and repetitious. The beginning started out really good, meeting Max and the bikers was interesting, and then the whole book seemed to just repeat and repeat and repeat. Bethanne is going to get back together with Grant; no she isn't because she really loves Max. This same dialogue is said over and over for hundreds of pages.

Annie is a is a 3 year old brat and tattle tail who we are supposed to believe is in college. She quite frankly just annoyed me and made me angry.

I am glad I checked this out of the library. You definitely don't want to spend money on this book. Too bad, Debbie's books are usually so good.

Bethanne's life turned upside down when her husband announced that he wanted a divorce and moved out to live with his mistress. That was years ago and she still recovering.

When speaking with her ex mother-in-law, Bethanne agrees to travel with her across country so Ruth can attend her 50th high school reunion.

Bethanne never imagines that her daughter Annie will want to join them. Annie thought her boyfriend was going to propose, but instead he tells her that he's leaving for a year long trip to Europe - tomorrow. After her day, she comes to realize that a trip away might be just the thing.

Together the three women take off an an adventure that will change their lives. Bethanne meets a man who stirs up emotions she thought she's never feel again. Her ex-husband also makes it no secret that he's like to reconcile. The option of two men leave her torn. Annie must come to terms with her parents' decisions and to figure out her own love life. Ruth desperately wants to see her old friends, but she especially wants to see her first love.

My Thoughts: Sadly, I read this is the last book in the Blossom Street series. I LOVE this series. I love how each book focuses on a woman from a knitting group. I love reuniting with other characters from previous books and seeing new developments in their lives.

I LOVED Max. I loved Bethanne and Ruth. I really didn't like Annie because she kept pushing her parents together. I could sympathize with her, but I just didn't like her. I hated Grant - Bethanne's ex-husband. An excellent emotion read, a classic Debbie Macomber tale. I can't wait to read her next book!

From beginning to end this is soap opera ! It is all about love.
A love story involving 3 generations, Ruth the grandmother, Bethanne
the mother and Annie the young adult. Amazing. Ruth, Bethanne
and Annie are driving across country, from Seattle to Florida. In this
brief time they will each have a life change. You, the reader, can travel
along and enjoy the fun. The characters are real, they live, breathe, cry
laugh and love. Don't miss the ride.

A Turn In The Road by Debbie Macomber
Beth Ann who 6 years ago had gotten divorced, he has just announced he wanted out and
went to live with a younger woman. She started a themed birthday party business and it
took off so well. Now he wants back into their lives.
Her mother in law, Ruth Ann who she's still very friendly with wants to attend her
50th class reunion to Florida. She talked about the sights she wants to see on her way
to the reunion. Beth tells her she will accompany her-this will give her time to think
over her ex being back in her life again.
They first head to where RuthAnn grew up and raised her family. She hopes to meet up with
her long lost girlfriend in Pendleton. They stray from their journey to really live and
experience their surroundings. They end up in Las Vegas rather that going to Mt. Rushmore
and have a blast. Same with the rest of their trip-they do things NOT on their list but
love doing it.
Beth is getting close to one of the motorcycle riders and he has followed them to LV where she spends more time with him. Her daughter, Annie also has come along with them as she wants to prove to her boyfriend who took off for Europe that she can do things without him and have fun.
The places they stop makes me want to go visit them as well.
As the days go by Ruth does attend the reunion and the next week finds them all at home, where they are helping to plan the oldest boy's wedding.
Some decisions have been made and the others find out at the wedding.

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!

I've enjoyed the Cedar Cove series, and the Blossom Street series, mostly. By that I mean that Debbie Macomber's books are fairly predictable, which is fine, sometimes we need books that are predictable easy reads. However, this title was by far the most irritating for me. lol

Most of the book has our main character, Bethanne, waffling back and forth about whether or not to forgive a husband who had been unfaithful, and walked out on their family six years earlier. Since that time Bethanne has picked herself up, forged her own path, become successful in her own right, and raised her children to adulthood.

I see no conflict, but perhaps that's because I'm a different kind of person. History or no, there would be no decision to be made about the x-husband. End of story.

Bethanne has dated, but until a chance meeting with a man during the cross country trip she takes with her x-MIL and daughter, has never met anyone special. This guy stands back allowing Bethanne to make her own decisions, but still shows up at any given moment, sometimes driving hundreds of miles just to catch a glimpse of her. Romantic? Maybe. Realistic? Probably not.

What really grated on my nerves was the character of Annie, Bethanne's daughter. This young woman is in her early twenties, starting her last year of college, and acts like she's twelve.

After she works through the issues over her father leaving, she becomes his greatest advocate, trying her best to sabotage her mothers every action and get her parents back together. She keeps 'daddy' informed of their every move during the cross country trip, often against her mothers wishes. Her brother on the other hand is very much behind mom and whatever she decides to do.

I understand children wanting their parents to be together, but Annie is an adult, although apparently a very immature adult. I actually had to go back and reread how old this character is supposed to be because I found it difficult to imagine a twenty year old acting this way. It takes until the very end of the book for this girl to realize that her mother might actually know what's best for herself.

Overall, I supposed I'd still recommend it, just don't expect it to be as good as previous titles.

I love all of the Bloom Street books and this one was great as well. At times I wanted to strangle Bethanne's daughter (Anne). She acted like a spoiled immature brat for the age she is who needed to be left on the side of the road for her behavior. I'm reading the sequel now and she's just as obnoxious. I love the characters in both books and I hope Debbie continues the series with all of these characters. Although she can leave that spoiled brat Anne out as far as I'm concerned.

Bethanne Hamlin, a successful, middle-aged business woman, is in something of a quandary. Her ex-husband Grant, who had left her for a younger woman, wants her back now that his second marraige has failed. Then her ex-mother-in-law, Ruth, who she's still friendly with, announces that she's going to drive from Seattle to Florida to attend her 50th high-school reunion. Ruth is dying to see Royce, her high-school sweetheart, whom she's never forgotten, who will be at the reunion and is now also single, she hears. Bethanne, feeling Ruth shouldn't make the trip alone, and also thinking maybe she should get away for a while herself to think things over about Grant, says she'll go with her. And then at the last minute, Annie, Bethanne's daughter, who is disappoited in her boyfriend, decides to make the trip, too. So the three of them take off on a cross-country odyssey that changes their lives in many ways. They encounter many unsuspecting adventures on the journey and quite a few surprises--including Max, a handsome biker, who rescues them when their car breaks down. Bethanne and Max are almost immediately drawn together, and when Ruth and Royce meet again, after so many years, it's as though they were never parted. And Annie?--she discovers she can get along without her boyfriend quite well, so the trip is a great success for all of them. A sweet tale of love and redemption.

I have always wanted to do a meandering and completely spontaneous road trip, visiting quirky and out-of-the-maintstream places. This road trip, undertaken by three generations of women, sounded like a lot of fun. I would have done it!

Bethanne has managed to do well in the six years since her husband Grant left her for a younger woman. At first she was traumitized but, with the help of her knitting friends, she got back on her feet and established a thriving business. She has been the rock in her children's lives just as she was in Grant's while they were married. She has also grown tremendously since the divorce, gaining in the confidence she was somewhat lacking while married. Grant, however, has been through his second divorce and wants to reunite with Bethanne. He has floundered both personally and professionally and belatedly realizes just how much he relied on Bethanne. Bethanne is unsure about ever trusting Grant again but feels pressured to give him a chance.

The other members of the trio are Grant's mother Ruth who has hopes of seeing her high school sweetheart at her 50th reunion (the reason for the cross-country trip) and Bethanne's daughter Annie who feels betrayed by her boyfriend when he plans a year-long trip to Europe without telling her about it until the last minute.

Bethanne, in addition to considering Grant's proposal to begin dating again, meets someone new on the road which further complicates things. Each of the women has relationships and decisions to ponder. Through their adventures on the road, they learn more about themselves and each other, regret some of their past decisions, and find clarity to make new ones.

Although some reviewers were irritated by Bethanne's indecision, I found it to be a true-to-life portrayal of what it can be like to make such a momentous choice, especially one that is so connected to strong emotions. Bethanne is feeling pulled one way by the wishes of her family and her sense of obligation to Grant (and is swayed by his manipulating, controlling personality) and another way by the exciting, new feelings that Max brings out in her. Her wishy-washy behavior is indicative of just how difficult this choice is for her.

Things I didn't like: Annie's immaturity and whining, I wanted to smack her! I thought that the whole prom reenactment was cheesy. Grant was pretty irritating too.

Things I liked: The ending! I liked Rooster, Max's friend and I liked the way we learned about Max and his life. I liked that Bethanne let go of some of her rigid self-control and just enjoyed the experience. Guess I'm a bit jealous of that...And I liked that it, as all Debbie Macomber's books are, was a very clean read!

The entire time I read this book the song "Who's Sorry Now" went through my head. And it's perfect for Bethanne and Grant. If you remember a few books back in one of the Good Yarn books we meet Bethanne after her husband Grant leaves her for Tiffany a lovely younger thing. Bethanne life is destroyed by her cheating husband after 20 years. He leaves not only her but his two children Annie and Andrew. Annie blames her mom for not being a good wife to keep her husband home while his son who tried to reason with his dad to come home ignored him. Now fast forward 6 years later. Bethanne has become a successful business women with a company she started called "Parties". Her ex-mother-in-law Ruth who she had kept in touch with is on her way to Florida for a 50th class reunion and in high hopes to meet her long lost love Royce. Bethanne decides to go with Ruth on a drive across the U.S. to Florida for the reunion. Then Annie decides to go after her b/friend pulls a fast one. And to top it all Grant has lost his Tiffany. She dumpes him. Now Grant wants his wife back. He want to pretend Tiffany never happend but he also has competition. Another man. You have to read this book to see why the song "Who's sorry now" fits this story. See if you think Bethanne made the rigth decision. I am probably closer to Ruth's age than Bethanne but if I were Ruth I would do the same thing she did to meet up with an old love. However I would use electronics and not wait so long.

Six years ago, Grant left Bethanne and their children (Andrew and Annie) for another woman. When his second marriage failed, he returned to his first wife asking for reconciliation. Bethanne has doubts she wants a second time with the man who hurt her with his cheating.

Needing to get away from Grant and Seattle to think about what she wants and not what he desires, Bethanne and her daughter Annie accompany her former mother-in-law Ruth, who is lonely so is driving to Florida to attend her fiftieth high school reunion where she hopes to meet her teenage boyfriend Royce Jameson who she heard is alone too. Annie also has something to prove to her boyfriend Vance who left her to tour Europe for a year. The first stop on the cross country trek is Pendleton, Oregon where the widow Ruth married as she wants to see her long time friend Marie. The three women help Marie at her diner. That is where Bethanne meets biker Max Scranton. They are attracted to one another, but everyone else pressures her to give Grant a second chance.

The latest warm Blossom Street saga (see Summer on Blossom Street) is a delightful tale as three generations of women, each lonely in different ways, seek companionship and solace. The cast is powerful as each of the lead ladies learn love hurts, but is worth the price.

Harriet Klausner

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 Hamlin, decides to drive across the country to attend a high-school reunion (and possibly reconnect with an old sweetheart), Bethanne decides that the trip will give her the distance she needs to think about things. And when Bethanne's daughter, Annie discovers her boyfriend has planned a trip to Europe for a year without considering her, she decides to come to Florida too. The three women manage to have a few adventures, lots of laughs and some romance on the way. Debbie Macomber is great at writing about relationships and shows her talent here by bring a fresh new plot and some interesting characters to the Blossom Street series. Most enjoyable.

I really enjoyed reading this book the continuation of Bethanne's Hamlin story. I like the fact that her business became so successful after the divorced. I understand why other readers had fdifficulty with the way that Bethanne vascillated back and forth in regards to what she felt that she owed her exhusband Grant. I thought that she didn't owe the dirty dog anything for the way that he treated her and the children on his way to the Lovely Tffany. I loved the Max Scranton character. I enjoyed how he was this strong silent character that had a lot of depth and that got peeled away as the story progressed. There were times when I wanted to scream that Bethanne didn't owe the feckless Grant anything no matter what Annie and grandma wanted. I enjoyed the road trip and the places that they visited. I also enjoyed how the three woman grew closer together. I enjoyed Grandma's reunion with her ex highschool boyfriend. I thought that this was a great read. I have reread the story several times a;long with A Good Yarn. Thanks

A tad bit redundant - Like the Danielle Steel books - same words over and over. The novel is about a road trip that Ruth, her ex-daughter-in-law Bethanne, and her grandaughter Annie take from Seattle WA to Vero Beach FL. Bethanne is pondering whether to reunite with her ex-husband Grant. Along the trip the 3 women have car problems out in the middle of nowhere. They are rescued by 4 biker dudes they had met earlier in a restaurant. Bethanne takes a real shine for Max and it leads her to really search for a resolution: Max or Grant. A fun read.

I myself have found this to be true. Unfortunately some of us do get caught up in children n promoting our husbands and they in turn think we are boring and go outside the home for affirmation of their manhood. When that peters out they want to come back. But trust is not easy to re build even after forgiveness. I loved that Bethanne found her Max. We don't all find someone but we can still live happily without wondering 'why is he late again tonight?'

This book is very boring and repetitious. The beginning started out really good, meeting Max and the bikers was interesting, and then the whole book seemed to just repeat and repeat and repeat. Bethanne is going to get back together with Grant; no she isn't because she really loves Max. This same dialogue is said over and over for hundreds of pages.

Annie is a is a 3 year old brat and tattle tail who we are supposed to believe is in college. She quite frankly just annoyed me and made me angry.

I am glad I checked this out of the library. You definitely don't want to spend money on this book. Too bad, Debbie's books are usually so good.

Bethanne's life turned upside down when her husband announced that he wanted a divorce and moved out to live with his mistress. That was years ago and she still recovering.

When speaking with her ex mother-in-law, Bethanne agrees to travel with her across country so Ruth can attend her 50th high school reunion.

Bethanne never imagines that her daughter Annie will want to join them. Annie thought her boyfriend was going to propose, but instead he tells her that he's leaving for a year long trip to Europe - tomorrow. After her day, she comes to realize that a trip away might be just the thing.

Together the three women take off an an adventure that will change their lives. Bethanne meets a man who stirs up emotions she thought she's never feel again. Her ex-husband also makes it no secret that he's like to reconcile. The option of two men leave her torn. Annie must come to terms with her parents' decisions and to figure out her own love life. Ruth desperately wants to see her old friends, but she especially wants to see her first love.

My Thoughts: Sadly, I read this is the last book in the Blossom Street series. I LOVE this series. I love how each book focuses on a woman from a knitting group. I love reuniting with other characters from previous books and seeing new developments in their lives.

I LOVED Max. I loved Bethanne and Ruth. I really didn't like Annie because she kept pushing her parents together. I could sympathize with her, but I just didn't like her. I hated Grant - Bethanne's ex-husband. An excellent emotion read, a classic Debbie Macomber tale. I can't wait to read her next book!

From beginning to end this is soap opera ! It is all about love.
A love story involving 3 generations, Ruth the grandmother, Bethanne
the mother and Annie the young adult. Amazing. Ruth, Bethanne
and Annie are driving across country, from Seattle to Florida. In this
brief time they will each have a life change. You, the reader, can travel
along and enjoy the fun. The characters are real, they live, breathe, cry
laugh and love. Don't miss the ride.

A Turn In The Road by Debbie Macomber
Beth Ann who 6 years ago had gotten divorced, he has just announced he wanted out and
went to live with a younger woman. She started a themed birthday party business and it
took off so well. Now he wants back into their lives.
Her mother in law, Ruth Ann who she's still very friendly with wants to attend her
50th class reunion to Florida. She talked about the sights she wants to see on her way
to the reunion. Beth tells her she will accompany her-this will give her time to think
over her ex being back in her life again.
They first head to where RuthAnn grew up and raised her family. She hopes to meet up with
her long lost girlfriend in Pendleton. They stray from their journey to really live and
experience their surroundings. They end up in Las Vegas rather that going to Mt. Rushmore
and have a blast. Same with the rest of their trip-they do things NOT on their list but
love doing it.
Beth is getting close to one of the motorcycle riders and he has followed them to LV where she spends more time with him. Her daughter, Annie also has come along with them as she wants to prove to her boyfriend who took off for Europe that she can do things without him and have fun.
The places they stop makes me want to go visit them as well.
As the days go by Ruth does attend the reunion and the next week finds them all at home, where they are helping to plan the oldest boy's wedding.
Some decisions have been made and the others find out at the wedding.

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!

I've enjoyed the Cedar Cove series, and the Blossom Street series, mostly. By that I mean that Debbie Macomber's books are fairly predictable, which is fine, sometimes we need books that are predictable easy reads. However, this title was by far the most irritating for me. lol

Most of the book has our main character, Bethanne, waffling back and forth about whether or not to forgive a husband who had been unfaithful, and walked out on their family six years earlier. Since that time Bethanne has picked herself up, forged her own path, become successful in her own right, and raised her children to adulthood.

I see no conflict, but perhaps that's because I'm a different kind of person. History or no, there would be no decision to be made about the x-husband. End of story.

Bethanne has dated, but until a chance meeting with a man during the cross country trip she takes with her x-MIL and daughter, has never met anyone special. This guy stands back allowing Bethanne to make her own decisions, but still shows up at any given moment, sometimes driving hundreds of miles just to catch a glimpse of her. Romantic? Maybe. Realistic? Probably not.

What really grated on my nerves was the character of Annie, Bethanne's daughter. This young woman is in her early twenties, starting her last year of college, and acts like she's twelve.

After she works through the issues over her father leaving, she becomes his greatest advocate, trying her best to sabotage her mothers every action and get her parents back together. She keeps 'daddy' informed of their every move during the cross country trip, often against her mothers wishes. Her brother on the other hand is very much behind mom and whatever she decides to do.

I understand children wanting their parents to be together, but Annie is an adult, although apparently a very immature adult. I actually had to go back and reread how old this character is supposed to be because I found it difficult to imagine a twenty year old acting this way. It takes until the very end of the book for this girl to realize that her mother might actually know what's best for herself.

Overall, I supposed I'd still recommend it, just don't expect it to be as good as previous titles.

I love all of the Bloom Street books and this one was great as well. At times I wanted to strangle Bethanne's daughter (Anne). She acted like a spoiled immature brat for the age she is who needed to be left on the side of the road for her behavior. I'm reading the sequel now and she's just as obnoxious. I love the characters in both books and I hope Debbie continues the series with all of these characters. Although she can leave that spoiled brat Anne out as far as I'm concerned.

Bethanne Hamlin, a successful, middle-aged business woman, is in something of a quandary. Her ex-husband Grant, who had left her for a younger woman, wants her back now that his second marraige has failed. Then her ex-mother-in-law, Ruth, who she's still friendly with, announces that she's going to drive from Seattle to Florida to attend her 50th high-school reunion. Ruth is dying to see Royce, her high-school sweetheart, whom she's never forgotten, who will be at the reunion and is now also single, she hears. Bethanne, feeling Ruth shouldn't make the trip alone, and also thinking maybe she should get away for a while herself to think things over about Grant, says she'll go with her. And then at the last minute, Annie, Bethanne's daughter, who is disappoited in her boyfriend, decides to make the trip, too. So the three of them take off on a cross-country odyssey that changes their lives in many ways. They encounter many unsuspecting adventures on the journey and quite a few surprises--including Max, a handsome biker, who rescues them when their car breaks down. Bethanne and Max are almost immediately drawn together, and when Ruth and Royce meet again, after so many years, it's as though they were never parted. And Annie?--she discovers she can get along without her boyfriend quite well, so the trip is a great success for all of them. A sweet tale of love and redemption.

I have always enjoyed reading Debbie macomber books & this did not disappoint me. Looking forward to more books. I am going to look through some of her first books & see any that I have missed.

I have always wanted to do a meandering and completely spontaneous road trip, visiting quirky and out-of-the-maintstream places. This road trip, undertaken by three generations of women, sounded like a lot of fun. I would have done it!

Bethanne has managed to do well in the six years since her husband Grant left her for a younger woman. At first she was traumitized but, with the help of her knitting friends, she got back on her feet and established a thriving business. She has been the rock in her children's lives just as she was in Grant's while they were married. She has also grown tremendously since the divorce, gaining in the confidence she was somewhat lacking while married. Grant, however, has been through his second divorce and wants to reunite with Bethanne. He has floundered both personally and professionally and belatedly realizes just how much he relied on Bethanne. Bethanne is unsure about ever trusting Grant again but feels pressured to give him a chance.

The other members of the trio are Grant's mother Ruth who has hopes of seeing her high school sweetheart at her 50th reunion (the reason for the cross-country trip) and Bethanne's daughter Annie who feels betrayed by her boyfriend when he plans a year-long trip to Europe without telling her about it until the last minute.

Bethanne, in addition to considering Grant's proposal to begin dating again, meets someone new on the road which further complicates things. Each of the women has relationships and decisions to ponder. Through their adventures on the road, they learn more about themselves and each other, regret some of their past decisions, and find clarity to make new ones.

Although some reviewers were irritated by Bethanne's indecision, I found it to be a true-to-life portrayal of what it can be like to make such a momentous choice, especially one that is so connected to strong emotions. Bethanne is feeling pulled one way by the wishes of her family and her sense of obligation to Grant (and is swayed by his manipulating, controlling personality) and another way by the exciting, new feelings that Max brings out in her. Her wishy-washy behavior is indicative of just how difficult this choice is for her.

Things I didn't like: Annie's immaturity and whining, I wanted to smack her! I thought that the whole prom reenactment was cheesy. Grant was pretty irritating too.

Things I liked: The ending! I liked Rooster, Max's friend and I liked the way we learned about Max and his life. I liked that Bethanne let go of some of her rigid self-control and just enjoyed the experience. Guess I'm a bit jealous of that...And I liked that it, as all Debbie Macomber's books are, was a very clean read!

The entire time I read this book the song "Who's Sorry Now" went through my head. And it's perfect for Bethanne and Grant. If you remember a few books back in one of the Good Yarn books we meet Bethanne after her husband Grant leaves her for Tiffany a lovely younger thing. Bethanne life is destroyed by her cheating husband after 20 years. He leaves not only her but his two children Annie and Andrew. Annie blames her mom for not being a good wife to keep her husband home while his son who tried to reason with his dad to come home ignored him. Now fast forward 6 years later. Bethanne has become a successful business women with a company she started called "Parties". Her ex-mother-in-law Ruth who she had kept in touch with is on her way to Florida for a 50th class reunion and in high hopes to meet her long lost love Royce. Bethanne decides to go with Ruth on a drive across the U.S. to Florida for the reunion. Then Annie decides to go after her b/friend pulls a fast one. And to top it all Grant has lost his Tiffany. She dumpes him. Now Grant wants his wife back. He want to pretend Tiffany never happend but he also has competition. Another man. You have to read this book to see why the song "Who's sorry now" fits this story. See if you think Bethanne made the rigth decision. I am probably closer to Ruth's age than Bethanne but if I were Ruth I would do the same thing she did to meet up with an old love. However I would use electronics and not wait so long.

Six years ago, Grant left Bethanne and their children (Andrew and Annie) for another woman. When his second marriage failed, he returned to his first wife asking for reconciliation. Bethanne has doubts she wants a second time with the man who hurt her with his cheating.

Needing to get away from Grant and Seattle to think about what she wants and not what he desires, Bethanne and her daughter Annie accompany her former mother-in-law Ruth, who is lonely so is driving to Florida to attend her fiftieth high school reunion where she hopes to meet her teenage boyfriend Royce Jameson who she heard is alone too. Annie also has something to prove to her boyfriend Vance who left her to tour Europe for a year. The first stop on the cross country trek is Pendleton, Oregon where the widow Ruth married as she wants to see her long time friend Marie. The three women help Marie at her diner. That is where Bethanne meets biker Max Scranton. They are attracted to one another, but everyone else pressures her to give Grant a second chance.

The latest warm Blossom Street saga (see Summer on Blossom Street) is a delightful tale as three generations of women, each lonely in different ways, seek companionship and solace. The cast is powerful as each of the lead ladies learn love hurts, but is worth the price.

Harriet Klausner

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 Hamlin, decides to drive across the country to attend a high-school reunion (and possibly reconnect with an old sweetheart), Bethanne decides that the trip will give her the distance she needs to think about things. And when Bethanne's daughter, Annie discovers her boyfriend has planned a trip to Europe for a year without considering her, she decides to come to Florida too. The three women manage to have a few adventures, lots of laughs and some romance on the way. Debbie Macomber is great at writing about relationships and shows her talent here by bring a fresh new plot and some interesting characters to the Blossom Street series. Most enjoyable.

I really enjoyed reading this book the continuation of Bethanne's Hamlin story. I like the fact that her business became so successful after the divorced. I understand why other readers had fdifficulty with the way that Bethanne vascillated back and forth in regards to what she felt that she owed her exhusband Grant. I thought that she didn't owe the dirty dog anything for the way that he treated her and the children on his way to the Lovely Tffany. I loved the Max Scranton character. I enjoyed how he was this strong silent character that had a lot of depth and that got peeled away as the story progressed. There were times when I wanted to scream that Bethanne didn't owe the feckless Grant anything no matter what Annie and grandma wanted. I enjoyed the road trip and the places that they visited. I also enjoyed how the three woman grew closer together. I enjoyed Grandma's reunion with her ex highschool boyfriend. I thought that this was a great read. I have reread the story several times a;long with A Good Yarn. Thanks

A tad bit redundant - Like the Danielle Steel books - same words over and over. The novel is about a road trip that Ruth, her ex-daughter-in-law Bethanne, and her grandaughter Annie take from Seattle WA to Vero Beach FL. Bethanne is pondering whether to reunite with her ex-husband Grant. Along the trip the 3 women have car problems out in the middle of nowhere. They are rescued by 4 biker dudes they had met earlier in a restaurant. Bethanne takes a real shine for Max and it leads her to really search for a resolution: Max or Grant. A fun read.

I myself have found this to be true. Unfortunately some of us do get caught up in children n promoting our husbands and they in turn think we are boring and go outside the home for affirmation of their manhood. When that peters out they want to come back. But trust is not easy to re build even after forgiveness. I loved that Bethanne found her Max. We don't all find someone but we can still live happily without wondering 'why is he late again tonight?'

The book is dull and trite.
It reminds me of when we had to write essays in school and we had to have a certain number of words.
While reading I thought, blah, blah, blah...yada, yada, yada.
I wanted it to end, but it never did.

It's a book that if you like to read and are constantly interrupted, it won't be a huge deal. You'll only need to reread the previous 2 sentences and you'll be caught up.

So glad, it came from the library instead of my wallet.

A Turn in the Road was an emotional journey of the generations of women all with the same common factor: love. As these women road trip from Washington to Florida, we witness their struggle to find their happily ever after.

Bethanne, a six year divorcee, is contemplating whether or not to go back to her ex-husband. She feels that she at least should give it serious consideration for the sake of her adult children. The only problem is that she is unsure if she can ever truly trust Grant again after his betrayal. That is until she meets Max. She is instantly drawn to this man like no other before him. She has to then decide if she wants to take a chance on her ex or the drifter motorcyclist, Max.

Ruth, Bethanne's ex-mother-in-law, is taking this road trip to attend her 50th class reunion in hopes of reconnecting with her high school sweetheart, Royce. These two are so cut together and showed that love can be found at any age.

Annie, Bethanne and Grant's daughter, was the only downside of the story. She was constantly whining and interfering in her mother's life that it made her an extremely unlikable character. I couldn't take her seriously as an adult and completely understood her boyfriend leaving her. Annie had a lot of growing up to do, and she never accomplished that by the story's end. For me, Annie is what took this story from a five star read to a four star.

However one of the secondary characters, Rooster, Max's motorcycle buddy, was a great addition to the story. He was a loyal friend to Max when he needed him most. The scenes Rooster shared with "Granny" were some of my favorites.

I must admit that it has been awhile since I've read a Debbie Macomber book. I would recommend this to all of her fans as well as to anyone wanting a delightful, romantic (of the PG variety), cross country romp!!
Readers from teens through 70s will find a woman of their same age dealing with decisions about love.
I loved every minute of it.

It's been six years since Bethanne Hamlin's husband Grant divorced her to marry the younger, prettier, very ambitious Tiffany. To support herself and keep her two children in the house they'd grown up in, Bethanne started a party-planning business called Parties, and is now a successful businesswoman in her own right. When she learns that Grant, with his brief marriage to Tiffany long over, wants a reconciliation, she's thrown into turmoil.

Bethanne is still close to her ex-mother-in-law, Ruth, and when she learns Ruth is planning to drive cross-country from Seattle to Florida to attend her high school reunion, and is facing opposition from Grant and his sister Robin, she decides to join Ruth, and use the three weeks away from home (they will rent a car and fly back from Florida) to think over her relationship with Grant and what she wants for the future. When Bethanne's daughter Annie has a painful breakup with her boyfriend and decides to join them, the three women set off to see America.

Along the way, we learn that Ruth, also, has "man trouble." She's been a widow for several years, and has been thinking more and more about her high school sweetheart, whom she dumped in a painful manner almost fifty years ago. He's widowed too, and will be at the reunion...

The three women quickly abandon Ruth's carefully planned route with easy stages in favor of side trips and adventure. They work for a day in a diner run by an old friend of Ruth's, have their car break down, are rescued by a group of bikers, and spend a few days in Vegas--where Annie meets a cute new guy, and Bethanne finds herself attracted to Max, one of the bikers who rescued them. It's a development Ruth finds shocking and outrageous until she spends a lovely day with Max's friend, Rooster.

They all have a lot to learn about each other and themselves, Americana to see, and big decisions to make about their lives. This is a fun, warm, emotionally satisfying read.

Recommended.

I received a free electronic galley of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.

Grow up you complainers out there! Yes, this is a departure from the usual Blossom Street characters, but a delightful one. This was a precious story, fun and heartfelt, and brought back memories of my own first love and prom. Not to mention finding a wonderful love in the middle of your life. There were some times I laughed out loud (Rooster was a crack up) and other times I cried. Great story Ms Macomber and I am so glad you wrote it. Don't listen to the naysayers. They have no idea what they are talking about.

I loved this book, and Debbie is one of my favorite authors. I remember the book when Grant left her and the Children..A Good Yarn (Blossom Street, No. 2). Now he realizes he wants his wife back, he will do anything she wants to accept him.

When Bethanne runs into her former Mother-in-Law and finds out she will be driving alone from Washington State to Florida. Bethanne immediately decides to go along with her, and her Daughter Annie makes the choice to come along too.

I love the relationships here, and the adventures they have. In the end you wonder who Bethanne is going to choose. I found myself not rooting for Grant, but the grown children want their family back together.

Loved this visit with old friends and catching up with their lives. You can read this book as a stand alone, but for me I just want to get updated! Thanks for a wonderful treat Debbie!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from of MIRA Books. 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.

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.

I read this book against my better judgment, having felt that with her last several Blossom Street and Cedar Cove books that the author is simply phoning it in for profit. This book did not disabuse me of that notion. There were a number of plot elements (and even quotations) that are lifted directly from earlier novels, specifically the much better book, Thursdays at 8. But the worst part about this book were the characters. The book is about a road trip taken by a divorcee, her ex-mother in law, and her daughter. Bethanne, the divorcee, was introduced in an earlier book as someone who had to pick up the pieces after her husband not only left her for a younger woman, but committed emotional and financial abuse. She became a strong character who supported her family by starting her own business. Well, all of that character development was pretty much erased in this book, where she becomes a dithering idiot easily manipulated by her ex-husband, kid, and the mother-in-law, who all want her to get back with the abusive ex-husband. The saddest thing is that in Macomber's eyes (according to the author's note at the beginning of the book), she didn't like his character but felt he redeemed himself in this book!! Yet he's still completely selfish, manipulative, and uses their whiny, spoiled adult daughter to spy for him. The "heroine" of this book, who meets a guy who is one of the few characters in this book that is not revolting, spends the whole book whining about whether she should be with him or go back to the jerk who abandoned his family and cut them off financially for the most part. Equally perplexing is why her daughter, who witnessed his treatment of her, and her mother-in-law, who took her side in the divorce, spend the entire road trip browbeating her into taking back this douche. It is frustrating how the characters (and even Macomber herself...perplexing because she wrote the book) write off the ex-husband's controlling, stalkerish, and manipulative behavior as "wooing" rather than the abuse it really is. This is one frustrating book....don't bother reading unless you want to read about a strong female character turned into a doormat.

I usually enjoy Ms. Macomber's books. "A Turn in the Road" had a great premise: A road trip with three generations, but fell flat during the character development. The main character is a hotshot businesswoman, but turns into an indecisive wimp. The college age daughter acts like a whiny 13 year old & the grandmother at 68 is portrayed as a frail 90 year old. If the writer of this book was a man, I would think he really hated women, but since a woman wrote this, I can only think that Ms. Macomber had a good short story & just failed to develop anything very substantial.

I don't read fictional books very often but I enjoy nonfiction books by Debbie Macomber so I thought I'd give this one a try. I must say I enjoyed it and will probably read more fiction by her. There are a lot to choose from so that will be a difficult decision but I'm sure whichever one I choose will be as good as this one.

I like Debbies books because they are easy reading and usually leave you smiling. This is the first book that I found a character extremely annoying. Annie's behavior and constant whining was indicative of a 13 year old instead of a 20 yr old. If I was her mother, I would of dropped her off at the closest airport and sent her home to Dad.

Don't laugh. I started this book on a Saturday morning on the way to soccer... and didn't put it down until I was finished. Yes, I know. I picked it up, forgot I had chores, and forgot I'm a mom. It's a good thing there are only a couple of new ones a year.

I love the Blossom Street series. I enjoy watching people grow and their lives continue. The devastation that completely destroyed Bethanne was completely heart wrenching but reading the recounting as she looks back on it is just sad. Watching all three of these women change is a wonderful journey that everyone should take!

I am a huge Debbie Macomber fan, and have read most of her books. To me, this didn't even seem like her writing. I got so annoyed that I almost quit reading it serveral times. First off, how many woman in their late 70's would make a cross country road trip alone? That is what we are supposte to believe this ex mother-in-law is going to do. Then you have this smart woman who just can't decided whether to go back to her husband now that he has screwed up his life again and wants her back, or to choose this other great guy. She goes back and forth and lets her daughter and mother-in-law make decisions for her, like she can't make a decision for herself. Then her annoying daughter, who is like 22, but acts like she is 12. Annoying all the way through to the end. I think quality is better than quantity and maybe Debbie should cut down on the amount of books she writes and concentrate more on the quality of the books she does write. Hopefully the next book I read of hers will be better.

Wow! I love the way Debbie Macomber tells a story. And you learn along the way about dealing with issues!

She deals with forgiveness after a betrayal, walking back to God after a painful circumstance, and pressing life to find answers that your heart may already know. I feel like reading this book and all the books in this series always deals with things we need to all learn but it is taught in a format that is a lot more fun to learn!!!

Thank you!

I thank Debbie Macomber for writing literature with romance that is fresh without getting fresh. And also you add lots of adventure and fascination. You have a gifting that is a blessing to me and so many others!

I love Debbie Macomber books...I read them to cleanse my mind after reading my mystery muurder novels. I was a bit disappointed with A Turn In The Road, though. I didn't think there was enough character development. I often wanted Annie to get a hit in the head. She deserved quite a few. I found her very annoying and meddlesome. But the book was a pleasant read. I waited a while at the library for my place in line for the hold copy. It was what I'd call a good "chick' story. keep them coming, Debbie.

Reading out of sequence can both be good and bad. This explains a lot about the following book..which I read first . Improved my opinion of both books . Comfortable reading. Good, well drawn characters that are worth caring about.

After Bethanne's husband left her and their two kids to marry the woman he'd been having an affair with, she was forced to create a new life for herself. Now she is a successful business woman, her son is about to get married and her daughter is getting her MBA. Grant, Bethanne's ex has divorced his second wife and he wants Bethanne back. There is a part of Bethanne that still loves Grant; she is considering taking him back but has she really forgiven him for the past? Bethanne's ex mother-in-law Ruth is preparing to drive from Washington State to Florida for her 50th high school reunion. Bethanne doesn't like the thought of Ruth on the road all that time alone so she decides to go with her. When Bethanne's daughter Annie's boyfriend decides to go to Europe without a thought to her feelings, Annie decides she's ready for a bit of girl time as well. She joins Ruth and Bethanne as they head across the country for a once in a lifetime road-trip.

Three women set out on a journey across the country armed with a roadmap and plenty of time. It doesn't take long for them to hit a couple of bumps in the road. The car breaks down at the most inopportune time but luckily some bikers come to the rescue. Enter Max, a sexy biker who forms an instant connection with Bethanne. Now Ruth and Annie aren't too fond of Max horning in on what they feel is Grant's territory. They would both like for Bethanne and Grant to get back together. Max only adds to Bethanne's confusion. She thought this trip was going to help her make her decision regarding getting back together with Grant but Max only makes her decision tougher. As these three women cross the country they each discover more about themselves and what they really want in life. Will this path lead them to happiness? Bethanne, Annie and Ruth will be changed forever at the end of this trip. Some will find love and happiness and others will find out who they really are. It's time to take A Turn in the Road and see what you discover.

A Turn in the Road is simply a sensational read! Debbie Macomber has whipped out her pen to once again create beauty. Ms. Macomber has a wonderfully unique way with her characters. It is so special because as you are reading you know her characters are real. I could step out my door tomorrow and meet a Ruth, Bethanne or Annie. These characters are battling real problems and have real feelings; this makes them so easy to identify with.

A Turn in the Road is about self-discovery and finding your own truth. I absolutely loved taking this road with Ms. Macomber's characters! I didn't want it to end to be honest. I loved the interaction between these three women. I loved the complete and utter honesty that Ruth delivers when she finally tells the girls about the real reason she wants to go to her reunion. I definitely felt her pain, hope and fear. The relationships within A Turn in the Road are so dynamic. I so enjoyed Bethanne and Annie's mother/daughter relationship. I felt Annie's reaction to the possibility that Bethanne might choose Max over her father was very real. However, it doesn't take Annie long to have her own revelations concerning the opposite sex. Annie is obviously in her twenties and just figuring out what she really wants and what she's willing to take from the men in her life. I love that Bethanne and Ruth still have a good relationship even after Bethanne and Ruth's son, Grant divorced. It is not often you hear this story and I enjoyed it! A Turn in the Road is also a sweet love story. A story that proves it's never too late to find love and happiness!! I could gush about A Turn in the Road forever even now it warms my heart as I think about it, instead I am going to Joyfully Recommend A Turn in the Road! I promise you won't be disappointed because A Turn in the Road is a magnificent story that will stay with you forever!

Miranda
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

This is Debbie Macomber at her best. What a talented author. All of the Blossom Street books have been favorites. My only complaint would be that they don't come out fast enough. I love all of the gang that you come to know from the knitting club and this story line while different from the others, was just what I needed. It was a breath of fresh air. I felt like I was right there with Annie as she was seeing her grandmother and mom in a new light. Just wish it did not have to end.

I love the Blossom Street series, and was excited to start reading this one. The premise of three women driving across the country was a good one, but I found the story disappointing. I never really connected with Bethanne, the main character. I found her to be indecisive and annoying. For some reason, I found myself sympathizing more with her ex-mother-in-law, her ex-husband, and her son. I would recommend the author's "Thursdays at Eight," or the earlier books in the Blossom Street series over this one.

This story is about trust being essential to love and about the ability to go back, even when people have changed. I appreciate Ms. Macomber`s values and her agility in expressing the deep conflicts we sometimes have while making decisions.

Found this story to be boring in parts and repetitious. The only likable character was the mother-in-law.I have read all the other Blossom Street books and enjoyed them.So glad I got it from the library!!!!

Always enjoy Debbie MacComber's stories. This one was different, in that it wasn't as complicated at some, and of course no realy mystery was included. Liked the characters unexpected pairing, as well as the good outcome.

First I want to say that I love the Blossom Street series. However, I know that when I pick up one of Debbie Macomber's books that the story will be nice and sweet and I usually can count on the ending to be predictable. This book was not like that all. I enjoyed the storyline of these three women taking a cross-country trip together and weighing their decisions. I agree with some other reviewers that Annie was slightly annoying. However, in real life, I could see how a daughter would feel the way Annie felt. I really did not know how it was going to end and I was so hoping it would end a certain way (it did)! I hope her future books will be more like this one and keep me guessing until the end.

I have read all of the Debbie Macombers in the Blossom Street series and this is one of her best. She wrote a teriffic novel; part road trip among 3 women, and a fun romance story.
I always look forward to all of her books and this one did not disappoint. Thank you Debbie. I now look forward to her cedar cove and x mas story coming out soon.

From the time I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. It was exciting and heartwarming. It's been awhile since I enjoyed a good book. A book I could laugh and smile about. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a romance novel without all of the smut; a book I would recommend to my mother.

I really liked this book. It's an easy read, but it held my interest. With some books, you get to a certain place and you know how it's going to turn out. That didn't happen for me this time and that's a plus. I liked all of the characters too.

Bethanne, divorced from Grant, and her daughter Annie take a life-changing cross-country road trip to Florida with Ruth, her ex mother-in-law. Ruth will be attending her 50th high school reunion and hopefully, reconnecting with her former boy friend. When they have car problems, some bikers show up and help them. From there, the various romances develop.

I can not tell you how Happy I was when I got this book on my kindle . there `s no better storie teller than Debbie Macomber and the blossom st . are as good as it get`s . I hope these book`s go on for ever . I feel like i`m reading about old friends , each time . this book like all of Debbie `s read like Butter . I just can`t tell how much I enjoyed this book YEA ! ! !

Another book about the Blossom Street gang.

I enjoy Debbie Macomber's books because they aren't filled with nasty language and tons of premarital sex. If that makes me a snob, so be it. A couple of the reviews were making remarks about her being too clean and IMO, an author can't be too clean.

I enjoyed the book very much, was interested in the three main characters plus the men in their lives. It was interesting and I couldn't wait until the ending to see what decision Bethanne was going to make. I think she made the right one!

This book was the perfect "medicine"! Such a wonderful escape from the daily drama, politics, nastiness and stress! I relaxed with characters I liked, I smiled at the gentle humor and cheered at the end. Thank you! Just the therapy I needed

I bought this book because of the enjoyable Blossom Street series. To me, the only reason this book is included in the series is because of the characters in common. I kept waiting for the plot to join in; instead I had to force myself to finish it. What a waste of time and money. It seems Debbie is getting too big for her britches.

I have enjoyed all the novels which I have read regarding Debbie Macomber's " Blossom Street" series! I am looking forward to the next novel to be released to keep me in the loop of what's happening on Blossom Street!

I have all of the Blossom Street books and when I read that this one was out I just had to have it also. The stories and people are so normal and interesting that you get the feeling they are your neighbors. The series is one that I have passed on to my teen aged Granddaughter to read. I can feel comfortable giving her Debbie Macomber books to read because the language is not trashy! Thanks Debbie for another very good read!

Pike J

I love Debbie Macomber her books are amazing. A book has to catch my interest in the first 2 chapters her books always do. This book is just one of the many great books written by this amazing author.