The Blossom Sisters

by Fern Michaels

Swindled out of his home by his gold-digging wife, successful accountant Gus Hollister returns to his grandmother Rose's Virginia farmhouse where he helps the residents of Blossom Farm expand their business and finds the courage to love again. (general fiction). Simultaneous.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit, Drama, Ebooks, Audiobook, Relationships

397 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Fern Michaels isn’t a person. I’m not sure she’s an entity either since an entity is something with separate existence. Fern Michaels® is what I DO. Me, Mary Ruth Kuczkir. Growing up in Hastings, Pennsylvania, I was called Ruth. I became Mary when I entered the business world where first names were the order of the day. To this day, family and friends call me Dink, a name my father gave me when I was born because according to him I was ‘a dinky little thing’ weighing in at four and a half pounds. However, I answer to Fern since people are more comfortable with a name they can pronounce.

As they say, the past is prologue. I grew up, got a job, got married, had five kids. When my youngest went off to Kindergarten, my husband told me to get off my ass and get a job. Those were his exact words. I didn’t know how to do anything except be a wife and mother. I was also a voracious reader having cut my teeth on The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Cherry Ames and the like. The library was a magical place for me. It still is to this day. Rather than face the outside world with no skills, I decided to write a book. For some reason that didn’t intimidate me. As my husband said at the time, stupid is as stupid does. Guess what, I don’t have that husband any more. Guess what else! I wrote 99 books, most of them New York Times Best Sellers.

Moving right along here . . . Several years ago I left Ballantine Books, parted company with my agent, sold my house in New Jersey that I had lived in all my married life and in 1993 moved to South Carolina. I figured if I was going to go through trauma let it be all at one time. It was a breeze. The kids were all on their own at that point. The dump was a 300 year old plantation house that is listed in the National Registry that I remodeled. Today it is beyond belief as are the gardens and the equally old Angel Oaks that drip Spanish moss. Unfortunately, I could not get my ghost to relocate. This ghost has been documented by previous owners. Mary Margaret as we call her, is “a friendly”. She is also mischievous. It took me two weeks to figure out that she didn’t like my coffee cups. They would slide off the table or counter or else they’d break in the dishwasher. I bought red checkered ones. All are intact as of this writing. She moves pillows from one room to the other and she stops all the clocks in the house at 9:10 in the a.m. at least once a week. When the Azaleas are in bloom, and only then, I find blooms on my night stand. I have this glorious front porch and during the warm months I see my swing moving early in the morning when the air is still and again late in the day. She doesn’t spook the dogs. I always know when she’s around because the five of them line up and look like they’re at a tennis match. As of this writing we’re co-habiting nicely.

Most writers love what they do and I’m no exception. I love it when I get a germ of an idea and get it down on paper. I love breathing life into my characters. I love writing about women who persevere and prevail because that’s what I had to do to get to this point in time. It’s another way of saying it doesn’t matter where you’ve been, what matters is where you’re going and how you get there. The day I finally prevailed was the day I was inducted into the New Jersey Literary Hall of Fame. For me it was an awesome day and there are no words to describe it.
I’ve been telling stories and scribbling for 37 years. I hope I can continue for another 37 years. It wasn’t easy during some of those years. As I said, I had to persevere. My old Polish grandmother said something to me when I was little that I never forgot. She said when God is good to you, you have to give back. For a while I didn’t know how to do that. When I finally figured it out I set up The Fern Michaels® Foundation.

READ FERN MICHAELS' FULL BIOGRAPHY HERE: http://www.fernmichaels.com/biography/

Reviews

[ReadAlongWithSue recovering from a stroke★⋆. ࿐࿔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an absolutely charming book. I listened to this on audio. It’s more convenient at the moment while I go about daily life.

This is about a man breaking up with his wife, and it’s all from his side of things. How the wife wants everything and how lost he is.

His aunts don’t want to know as he married HER and now he’s “made his bed and has to sleep in it” kind of thing.

I really enjoyed it

[Donna · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a pretty ridiculous story.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading Fern Michael's work for years and have always enjoyed it. She never fails to write a wonderful story with delightfully compelling characters. The Blossom Sisters is another one of those books with a story that just reaches out and touches your heart. Ms. Michaels has a way of creating characters that our so heartfelt and yet so totally humorous all at the same time. I just love this woman's work and The Blossom Sisters is no exception. I love to be engrossed in a good book and find myself laughing with the characters.

I absolutely adored Grandma Rose and the 2 aunts. Oh my goodness these women are full of spunk & sass and yet they are strong willed and independent. I would love to meet up with these ladies for tea. The project they have going on is just fabulous. It is such a boost to a bunch of people that need it. I loved their idea and how they were able to implement the whole thing pretty much on their.. I don't want to give to many details away here so I'll you read about their wonderful program.

Gus was blinded by love (false love) and almost lost his family. Thankfully he quickly found out that his family mattered more to him then his wife that was trying to take him for everything he had and then some. I did not like his wife at all. She just isn't a nice person in anyway shape or form in my opinion.

I loved the aspect of the family relationships in this book. This wasn't the romance book that I thought it might be. There is some romance between Gus and his spunky Lawyer Jill. It takes them a while to hit it off but they sure are fun to read about while they are getting the right sparks firing. I loved Jill with her well put together attitude and the soft side that she was hiding. Jill is one tough firecracker of a lady.

I also enjoyed the brotherhood relations between Barney and Gus. They are brothers in every way but blood. I don't think being blood brother could have made them any closer. This is a very special relationship that helps them both get through the rough spots in life.

Overall I really enjoyed this book even though it wasn't what I expected to begin with. Of course when I am reading a Fern Michaels' book I never know what story I'm going to get but there is a high chance that I'm going to enjoy it. And let me tell you I really did enjoy this story. If you are looking for a good book with a little mystery, drama, family bonding, and some romance thrown in the mix, I think you'll enjoy The Blossom Sisters.

I believe this is a stand alone for now but I would be happy by a second book in the series to catch us up a little more.

I was lucky enough to get a copy of this book from Netgalley to be able to read and share my thoughts on.

[Shevaun · Rating 1 out of 5]

Maybe I noticed this because it was audio, but there was SO. MUCH. MINUTIAE. So much. It dragged on and on with unnecessary details. If I was reading it, I might have just skimmed those parts, but listening to it on audio, I was forced to hear the useless crap. I rolled my eyes so many times. And then, the dialogue. Wow, holy unrealistic, Batman. Very stilted, and suffering from the same needless minutiae.
On to the story...cute set up, really. But the gold digger wife who practices witchcraft? The super convenient best pal who just happens to be a billionaire and can help a buddy out w/housing, car, a free lawyer? The grannies who have a cottage industry making millions quasi scamming people on the net? The weak ass hero who let his gold digging wife alienate him from said grannies, and then was all butt hurt and surprised that they were upset with him and not really interested in helping him???
I kept listening just for the payoff. I wanted to see his bitch of a wife get her comeuppance...and...disappointed again.
Ugh. Too lame, really. Not my cuppa.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Blossom Sisters by Fern Michaels
What I like about this book is it's about a male. He was married, and now she's taken everything from him in the divorce.
He relies on his friend and he comes through for him many times over. He attempts to have his grandmother help him but she and his aunts want no part of him. He had chosen his wife over them.
He has to prove himself now to them. Love the work they do at the farm and who the workers are-so refreshing to learn of their career choices.
They do allow Gus to help them in their endeavor and he is on probation. Lots of lawyers and PI's and surveillance from both sides to see who will get what in the settlement.
Lots of secrets up in the attic and things fall apart even more. Everything falls into place to solve the mysteries...
Easy to keep track of the characters and I can't wait for another in the series so I can catch up with them further.

[Kelly Mclean · Rating 1 out of 5]

I bought it for $.99 on my kindle. Definitely was not worth more. The writing and plot were both absurd. Sorry Fern Michaels.

[writer...]

While I fell in love with the cover, I didn't find The Blossom Sisters content to be of value. I'm not sure what rating between 1 and 2 I'd choose.

The restoration of dignity for the seniors who develop a full scale business and community with each other is an aspect I valued. Their choice of voodoo, witchcraft and sex products I didn't. In combination with the antagonist's activities it appears to be more than a bit of coincidence.

I also took issue with the constant swearing. Take those cheap page fillers away and the number of pages would seriously diminish. Rather than being a page-turner, I was frustrated by the tedium. Condensing much of it would have benefited both story and reader.

The antagonist ex-wife, Elaine's witchcraft rituals to harm her perceived enemies and to get riches were one more provocation that put this novel entirely over the top. A total blow to any authenticity, as were the male protagonist and his friend. Jumping in puddles, rolling in the mud in a rainstorm, crying at the least sentimental moment - anything but mature behaviour of 32 year old men - and certainly not close to the cover's promised unforgettable characters. Actually, there never was a point of connection with any of the characters.

This book was just too unbelievable and rather than being a bit of fun chick lit, sadly, a sorry time waster.




*Thank you to Kensington Publishers who provided an ecopy for me to read and review without obligation.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is another book by Fern Michaels that has major parts of it that are either too good to be true or just do not make enough sense to believe them. In this case, Gus has a grandmother and two aunts who raised him and who showered him with everything, from an education to a rather expensive home, all paid for by a business that is both strange and not believable. In addition, Gus married a gold digger, against his aunts’ and grandmother’s advice who has literally taken him to the wringers. How his grandmother and aunts treated him after this marriage and its failure also does not ring true to the way a family would treat a loved one. Then there is his best friend Barney who has lots and lots of money from his financial firm. At least that part is believable. The author also did not do any lead up to the ending where his wife leaves Gus and the others quite suddenly. Finally, throughout the story, Gus’ wife is into what seems to be voodoo, though there is almost no tie in with the storyline. Nevertheless, there is a strong story about love, starting over and friendship. I just wish the author would have made things more believable and realistic. This is a good escape book, but not one for a reader who prefers books grounded in reality.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story this was. Fern Michaels never disappoints me. Her books whether they be a short read as this one was or a full length book, gives you a great read.
This story gives you a sense of Home and heart. It was about love, redemption, friendship and giving back to those you love. It is about finding out what really matters in life Love and Family.

I loved this book. It was a book that once I started reading it, I could not put into down.
It made me laugh, cry and smile. If on a day when you are feeling blue or just want to read a book that takes you away from it all, I highly recommend this book.

Gus, his Granny Rose, The Aunts, his friends and his adversary, his soon to be ex-wife Elaine and the new woman in his life and community of Senior citizens, will take you on a journey you will not want to miss.
If you like The Godmother books and The Sisterhood series, you will love this book...

[Susan Cilia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun book, lots of twists and turns, which lead the main character back to his family. Good for the heart and sole.

[Artemiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Fern Michaels' stories (unless they are from Sisterhood series) since they usually are interesting and thrilling. This story is about Gus, who's wife leaves him on a most difficult day of the year - ending of tax season - and to make sure, that Gus believes her, she has packed all his things and left them outside with his dog and on that morning she also took his car and has no intention to give it back.

So this marriage, what has lasted a bit less than a year, has ruined Gus's relationship with his grandmother and her sisters and his wife has gotten everything she wanted as long as she kissed him so deeply that she almost licked his tonsils. But Gus has already started to think that things are not quite right and he had planned to tell Elaine that, but now he has to take his six suitcases and leave the house that his grandmother has bought for him and he had written it to his wife once she had kissed him deeply enough.

So he goes to his grandmother's, but he is not very welcomed there. Actually Rose is not letting him in, all she is agreed to, is to take the dog, give him their car - which is bigger than Elaine's yellow bug - and he has to go to his office for the night.

Rose, Violet and Iris have a secret and they do not want to share it with Gus, since you could never know what that wife of his might do, if she knew how much they have money. After the wedding they had also written him out of their wills, so now the boy has to fight for himself.

Gus' childhood friend Bernie has also come to town and he's the one who takes Gus into his house and gives him his cars for driving and his firm's detectives start to investigate Elaine's past and her present and his lawyer starts dealing with Gus' divorce.

Gus' number one priority is his relationship with his grandmother, then he needs to find new place to live and after that the divorce, but Jill needs Gus to work with her, so she could do her job. Jill is not very fond of Gus from the get go, since Gus has chosen his wife over his grandmother, and family is very important to Jill, since she has lost her family. Gus on the other hand is not impressed with Jill, since for him appearance is very important, and Jill is short and wears multiple layers old fashioned clothes. So there is tension between these two from the start, but Jill does not want to disappoint Barney and Gus agrees with Barney to give Jill a chance.

So all Gus has to do, is go to his grandmother, beg her and her sisters and promise to change and to prove himself worthy, till he is finally let in and he sees what the old girls do and how they run their business with the help of other senior citizens, and Jill has to investigate Elaine's past and follow her around while Elaine attempts to get rid of her sixth husband most lucrative way, and she also blackmails her lawyer so that she would get even more money, and to make sure she will get all she wants, she also uses "magic".

This story in itself is interesting and entertaining, but the ending is too easy and too pretty, almost like half way through the author lost interest to the story and she just wrapped everything up quickly.

Good read in itself, but the ending was poorly executed.

[Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE BLOSSOM SISTERS wasn’t exactly what I was expecting, but it was a charming story that I enjoyed as it had me laughing at times.

Narrator Jeff Crawford does a wonderful job of bringing the various characters to life, including Wilson. His interruption of the emotions draws the listener in.

Gus Hollister went against the advice of his grandmother Rose, his Aunts Iris and Violet, and everyone else to marry Elaine. Now he’s paying dearly for it. Elaine has taken the house, his car and is filing for divorce. The only thing she gave him was his clothes and his dog, Wilson.

Choosing the gold-digger over his family alienated him from those he loves and they aren’t ready to forgive him yet. Gus is determined to make amends with his grandmother and his aunts with the help of his best friend, Barney.

Working to redeem himself in the eyes of his family, Gus becomes the man he should have been. Seeking forgiveness from his family for his mistakes, Gus also discovers new friendships he never expected and that there is true love.

THE BLOSSOM SISTERS isn’t just a story about three elderly sisters like I thought it would be. It’s about family, friendship, loyalty, helping others, and finding peace with yourself. Author Fern Michaels has created zany, realistic characters you’d like to know in real life. The sisters are spirited and spunky. They aren’t seniors willing to give up on life or living.

The friendship between Gus and Barney is the type we all hope for - friends forever through good and bad. Michaels even brings out the bond between man and his dog. In addition, she gives insight into being productive long after retirement age.

The story moves at a steady pace with a few surprises and twists along the way. Michaels shows how someone can be more connected to a person they dislike than they realize. This is what I call a ‘feel-good’ story that will have you laughing at the antics of some of the characters. THE BLOSSOM SISTERS will warm you heart and give you a new perspective on a few things.

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

From the cover:
In a richly rewarding novel filled with unforgettable characters, #1 New York Times bestselling author Fern Michaels explores the enduring bonds of family as one man loses everything—only to find the freedom to create a bold new life…



Gus Hollister owes all his success to his feisty grandmother, Rose, and he knows it. It was Rose and her two sisters, Iris and Violet, who raised Gus, sent him to the best schools, and helped him start his own accounting business. Rose even bought the house Gus lives in with his wife, Elaine.



But now, Gus stands to lose everything—his home, his car, and his business. Worse, he’s alienated his beloved grandma, who tried to warn him about Elaine’s greedy, gold-digging ways. Gus, blinded by infatuation, refused to listen, and now Elaine has locked him out of the house he was foolish enough to put in her name.



Heartsick and remorseful, Gus returns to Rose’s Virginia farmhouse seeking shelter. But it won’t be easy to make amends. Despite their pretty floral names, there’s nothing delicate about the Blossom sisters. Unbeknownst to Gus, they’ve also been running a very lucrative business from home and don’t want interference. Yet family and forgiveness go hand in hand, and Gus isn’t giving up.



With the help of close friends, new associates, and some very sprightly ladies, Gus begins to repair the damage he’s done and help the residents of Blossom Farm begin the next phase of their business. He might even be finding the courage to love again. Because no matter how daunting starting over can be, the results can surpass your wildest expectations—especially when the Blossom sisters are in your corner



THIS SUMMARY/REVIEW WAS COPIED FROM OTHER SOURCES AND IS USED ONLY AS A REMINDER OF WHAT THE BOOK WAS ABOUT FOR MY PERSONAL INTEREST. ANY PERSONAL NOTATIONS ARE FOR MY RECOLLECTION ONLY

This was a pretty ridiculous story.

AUDIO. Could have been downsized from 7 discs to 3 without anything being lost. When I listen I like lighter books but in places, this one was just plain dumb.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a free copy of this book through a goodreads giveaway.

The story is about Gus Hollister, who was raised by his grandmother, Rose, and his great-aunts, Iris and Violet. His relationship with his family was a great one, until he decided to marry Elaine. Elaine does not want for Gus to do anything with his family, and he becomes estranged from the Blossom sisters.

But Elaine is now filing for divorce, and Gus might lose everything, including the house that his grandmother Rose got for him.

Gus is forced to move out of his house, and his old life, and he seeks his family. But the Blossom sisters are not as accepting as before. Also, they have a secret now; a lucrative business. But eventually, they let Gus prove himself to them.

Gus, along with the help of his friend, Barney, begins a new phase of his life. He learns to value what is best, and ends up finding out what love is.

The book is a quick, light and fun read. I found myself smiling so much, and also laughing, while reading the book.

There are about 20 characters in the story, and the book has a lot of dialogue. The characters' background is succinct, with just enough information for the reader to know. Also, the story includes dogs as characters (in a realistic format, nonetheless) that I think any dog lover will enjoy.

The story also includes serious topics (such as the value of our family, etc.).

The pace of the story is a bit quick, and the story takes place within a span of a couple of days.

Overall, the book shows how people make mistakes, how they must work hard for moving on in their lives, and how people can learn from their mistakes.

[Jo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried to stick with 'The Blossom Sisters' by Fern Michaels, I really did, but it just wasn't for me. I appreciate that calling a work of fiction 'unrealistic' is a bit daft, bearing in mind that it is exactly that, a work of fiction - but the lack of realism means for me that the story loses credibility.
I didn't find the characters very likeable; Gus came across as weak and whingy, and his grandma and great-aunts, allegedly once loving and indulgent Gus, portray as unforgiving and crochety. As for the financially booming business in unlikely goods that the Blossom sisters run from their farmhouse...just no.
I always read other reviews besides writing my own, just to see how far off the mark I might be in my opinions, and I note that 'The Blossom Sisters' among other Fern Michaels books, have a high percentage of very good reviews, so please, don't take my entirely subjective word for it. Read 'The Blossom Sisters' yourself and you might well be someone who loves the escapism it provides.

[Mary Elchert · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was awful. My husband made me do it.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but it didn't really hold my attention. I've been a Fern Michaels fan ever since I got hooked on the "Sisterhood" novels. This book, even with an evil character, didn't even come close to satisfying my need for interesting characters. All, except one, were too good to be true. I do have to admit, however, that I did have one character that made me laugh - Wilson, Gus' dog. I wish I had a dog like that! The plot was okay, but not great. If you like Fern Michaels, you should like this book, but it wouldn't be a keeper for me - just a quick read.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book and provide an honest review.

[Kati Berman · Rating 1 out of 5]

It has been a while since I read a Fern Michaels book, and it will be a while, if ever before I read another one. This has been the most ridiculous book I have ever read. Totally unrealistic, the naïveté of Gus, Elaine's witchcraft, the Blossom Sister's business, the seniors' participation, etc. etc. not to speak of the complete predictability of the love aspect. I skipped through many parts and don't feel I missed anything. I do NOT recommend this book. The only reason I gave it one star, because you can't give less.

[Cathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did like this book, however I feel she tried to pack in way to much story into one book. If there are plans to expand that would give her time to unfold each layer but as it is the time line with too limited for ALL of this to take place. Not believable. Great characters who I would love to spend more time with.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book the 3 sisters were so funny, especially when they tried to hid from their nephew and grandson what business they were in. Ido not want to give the plot away. The characaters developed very nicely that you identified with them. I would recommend this book.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, Elaine was horrible but Gun, his family, Barney, Jill, Pricilla are all great, and the Seniors. I have not read a Fern Michaels in a long time so I really enjoyed reading about what those Seniors and family did! ENJOYED ! ENJOY !!

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was entertaining. Enjoyed the characters especially the family and childhood buddies.

[Marty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gus Hollister was raised by his grandmother Rose and her two sisters Iris and Violet. They raised him with love and responsibility. He went to the best schools and they helped him start his own business. Now, when he needed them, they turned on him, forcing him to realize that he had to accept the responsibility of his decisions. ….Gus had fallen in love with Elaine and married her against the advice of his grandmother and his friends. Elaine made him choose between her and his family --- and the family lost. Now, when Elaine turned out to be the Gold digger they had warned him of, they did not welcome him back until he had proved himself. Thankfully, his best friend. Barney, his buddy since they were 4 years old, was still there for him. Barney was now ‭a high tech hedge-fund millionaire with world-wide clients. He provided Gus with a top lawyer, detective, house, and car on the condition that Gus get back into the good graces of his Grandmother and Aunts. Barney felt like the ladies were his family also. ---- Unknown to Gus and Barney, Rose and her sisters had been running a factory out of their large farmhouse with all the employees being senior citizens who wanted to still be productive. This venture had been an economic success and had been what provided the money to raise Gus. Now. the ladies were finding that they had a hard time getting enough workers and filling their orders. There were more seniors who were more than willing to leave their dreary living places and join in a productive, active life again. They finally agreed to put Gus on “probation” to see if he should be brought back into the family…. His job would be to help the ladies update their business. ---- Of course, Gus had to be careful not to do anything to give Elaine any fodder for more power in the divorce. …. … I enjoyed this book… It was just simple “good people prevail” and “Senior citizens are still able to enjoy life and be productive.” You knew from the beginning that all would turn out OK … A nice simple escape from the problems of the world.

[Shirlene]

Augustus Hollister was relieved that tax season was over. As a CPA, he was ready for a break. He went home to discover that the locks had all been changed and his personal items were all packed and in suitcases and were on the back porch along with his dog, Wilson. His wife wanted a divorce. They had only been married a little over a year and his grandmother and aunts had warned him not to marry her. He had even put Elaine's name on the deed to the house his grandmother had given him. Elaine had talked him into taking her beetle to work that morning so she could use his Porshe' and even that was gone. Gus didn't know what to do. He was not on good terms with his grandmother and aunts due to him choosing Elaine over them.
Gus decided that he had to mend those fences, regardless of what it took. He headed over to their house only to discover that they didn't want him there. His dog wanted to stay and they kept Wilson. Gus couldn't keep him at the hotel anyway. He had to get a hotel room for a couple of days. Gus then called his best friend in the world, Barney. Gus and Barney grew up together and went to college together. Barney became a financial wizard and was filthy rich now. Gus was raised by his grandmother and Barney loved Gus's grandmother almost as much as Gus did. He would travel all over the world and bring back gifts for Rose, Violet and Iris. Barney told Gus that he was leaving town again so he and Wilson could stay and his house as long as he wanted. Barney then went to take the gifts he had to Rose and her sisters. They wouldn't let him in the house either. Barney knew something was up with the sisters because of not letting him in the house. They were being very secretive about things going on in the house.
Barney talked to his attorney, Jill Jackson. She agreed to represent Gus with his divorce and hired private detectives to follow both Elaine and Gus. Jill had been badly burned in an accident that killed both her parents and her brother when she was young. She also had been raised by a relative that had died a few years back. Jill tended to keep her body completely covered by wearing long dresses and boots. She was short and wore glasses. She tried to avoid attention. Gus and her seemed to clash when they first met. As time went by, Gus became attracted to her personality and was tempted to ask her out on a date but was unsure with her being his attorney.
Gus found out that his grandmother, Rose and her sisters where hiring other seniors and using her house to make and ship things. They also had a blog that other elders subscribed to. They were quite wealthy and kept it a secret from Gus, mostly to save him from embarrassment at what they were doing and then to keep Elaine from finding out about their wealth. They supplied most of the area with fortune cookies, they sold decorations made with feathers, they sold witchcraft items, they also sold underwear that they embroidered. Once Gus found out, they enlisted his help to make their business more profitable. They had outgrown the house and needed more employees. They wanted to keep the employees as seniors that others had given up on. People that had little to no family.
Gus went out and spoke to some local seniors at close by nursing homes and recruited them to move into the Blossom Sisters home and help them with their work. Gus got a bus from the local church and drove it to pick them all up. One of the stops was at a really run down nursing home that had very few residents. One of his ideas was to renovate the nursing home and move into in to run their business. The sisters were reluctant and first but slowly accepted his ideas and they relocated.
Jill had Elaine's house bugged and found out that she was practicing some type of witchcraft. (She purchased her supplies from the internet, the Blossom sisters web-site.) She used a spell to put a curse on her attorney. She had paid him a lot of money and had sex with him to get him to accept the lies she told about Gus and clean him out. Isaac was an older man and apparently they had sex and it didn't agree with Elaine. She recorded them and used it to blackmail him into giving her $400,00. Isaac had been involved in a car accident and was in the hospital when Elaine went to see him with the recording. Elaine then stole his keys and took his car too. Isaac had mentioned it being in the parking area so he could leave later that day. Elaine switched the license plates and drove off. She left a message for Gus that she was leaving town and she would be in touch with him as to where he could send the divorce papers. She was not going to contest the divorce.
Elaine ended up with someone else who swindled her just as she had done others and lost everything a few years down the road.
Gus got up the nerve to ask Jill out on a date and found out that her house backed up to his backyard. She had a friend of hers that was gay, arrange for her to go to a spa and get her hair cut, new clothes and makeup. Gus didn't recognize her when he came to pick her up. They ended up marrying two years later.
Gus had kept Barney informed as to what he was doing and what the sisters were involved in. Gus told him of the suggestions he made and of his dating Jill. Barney decided that he had enough money and he wanted to come home and get involved with what was going on and have some fun. He returned home, Gus had found a new home (unknown to him at the time) in Jill's neighborhood and loved it. Gus told Barney he could start his involvement by purchasing a bus for him to drive the old folks to and from their home to work. Barney met a woman at the DMV, Priscilla, who he asked out on a date and they were still dating two years later. She was scared of marrying Barney because of all the money he had.
Gus and Jill got married at the old nursing home which was now the location of their business. One of the seniors officiated. Gus was taking the seniors with him on the bus to Vegas for their honeymoon. Barney had ended up getting his license to drive the bus also and was driving for half the trip. He told Priscilla that he was driving the bus because he now had a license to do so and she agreed to marry him.
Next stop, Vegas!

[Kissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am uncertain how I feel about this book. While my attention was captured every time I opened it and sometimes didn't want to stop, I was left confused at the end on several aspects of the story. I had expected more drama to come out of the divorce proceedings between Gus and Elaine than what ultimately happened. There kept being emphasis on there being secrecy of what the Blossom sisters were up to and assurance that everything was legal but that too felt like a bunch of unnecessary red herrings. Then there was the odd focus on Elaine's witchcraft rituals, which I wasn't sure whether something actually was happening as a result of it or if it was all just in her head; I would have liked there to be more played out with the fact that she had been getting her supplies from the Initial B Enterprises. I loved all of the seniors getting involved with the Initial B Enterprises. Overall, while a pleasant book to read, I felt like it was just that - something to pleasantly pass the time with and no real substance to immerse yourself in.

[KathKin · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was an awful book. In my later years, I've taken to reading Debbie Macomber and Linda Lael Miller romances (both of whom do a serviceable job, not more than that), so I thought I'd give Fern Michaels a try. Although the plot was OK for a romance novel, the dialogues were stilted and awkward. I liked the idea of senior citizens having a home business, but why did it have to be weird items such as witchcraft supplies and thongs? The main character is a man going through a painful divorce, and it was unbelievable how many times his eyes "burned" with tears. Some sections were repetitious, as the burning eyes, and others were hastily skimmed over. I didn't finish the book, but I skipped ahead to the ending, which still suffered with the same problems. If this is a good example of Michaels' writing, then compared to her, Macomber and Miller deserve Pulitzer Prizes.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gus Hollister drove to his large home, exhausted and relieved that tax season was finally over. To his surprise, he discovers his faithful dog, Wilson, outside, along with all his belongings in dufflel bags. Without any warning, he recieved notice from his wife that she wanted nothing more to do with him. A divorce was coming. Now he had nothing.
His feisty grandmother had cared for him and set him up with the house. His wife had not been liked or trusted by the grandmother and her sisters. The wife had driven a wedge between Gus and the Blossom sisters.
Now Gus had to make amends and make sense of his life without the support of all he had monetarily. It is a wild ride but a road that takes him back to what really matters- family. Fern Michaels has written a heart-warming story that is fun to read. Our elders have so much yet to teach those who will listen.

[Ann Boytim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gus Hollister owes his success to his grandmother Rose. Unfortunately when he married Elaine he did so against his grandmother's wishes and now Elaine has left him, taken his Porsche and changed the locks on their home. Gus now has to make amends and get forgiveness from his grandmother and her two sisters but this is very difficult and they are determined to make him grovel. Gus finds out that his grandmother and her two sisters are running an business out of their home and using senior citizens as employees. Eventually Rose his grandmother allows him back into their home while he sorts his life out but makes him work to prove himself.

[Phyllis Barlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book!! I've always loved Fern Michaels; her books have love, humor, some romance, and dogs. What's not to love? I read this in one sitting. One thing I liked, the two male characters were good friends and down to earth people, even though one was a billionaire. I also like the Blossom Sisters and their senior co-workers.
It was nice to see senior citizens portrayed in a positive light. And it was good to see a grandson that loves his grandmother and aunts and tries to show it; even if he did go off the rails for a while.
If you like books with love, loyalty, family and friends that look out for each other you will love this book.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Blossom Sisters, by Fern Michaels, is an enjoyable book. I was given this book by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have read many of Fern Michael books and have always found they charming. This book, even though the subject is difficult, was still one that I liked.

This book is from a man’s perspective as he is breaking up with his wife. It talks about his feeling of being lost and how he felt like his wife was wanting everything. He also does not have family support as they did not approve of his choice originally.

As I said I liked this book and if you like Fern Michaels, I do not believe you will be disappointed.