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Blossom Street #9
Starting Now
#1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber returns to Seattle’s beloved Blossom Street in this heartfelt tale of friendship, renewal, and discovering what’s truly important in life.
For years Libby Morgan dreamed only of making partner in her competitive, high-pressure law firm. She sacrificed everything for her career—her friends, her marriage, her chance at creating a family. When her boss calls Libby into his office, she assumes it will finally be good news, but nothing can prepare her for the shocking reality: She’s been let go and must rebuild her entire life . . . starting now.
With no job prospects in sight, Libby reaches out to old friends and spends her afternoons at A Good Yarn, the local knitting store. There she forms a close bond with Lydia, the sweet-natured shop owner; Lydia’s spirited teenage daughter, Casey; and Casey’s best friend, Ava, a shy yet troubled girl who will shape Libby’s future in surprising and profound ways.
As A Good Yarn becomes a second home—and the women a new kind of family—Libby relishes the different person she’s become. She even finds time for romance with a charming and handsome doctor who seems to be her perfect match. But just as everything is coming together, Libby must make a choice that could forever change the life she holds so dear.
Warmly told and richly textured, Starting Now is filled with the promise of new beginnings and the unending delights of companionship and love.
From the Hardcover edition.
For years Libby Morgan dreamed only of making partner in her competitive, high-pressure law firm. She sacrificed everything for her career—her friends, her marriage, her chance at creating a family. When her boss calls Libby into his office, she assumes it will finally be good news, but nothing can prepare her for the shocking reality: She’s been let go and must rebuild her entire life . . . starting now.
With no job prospects in sight, Libby reaches out to old friends and spends her afternoons at A Good Yarn, the local knitting store. There she forms a close bond with Lydia, the sweet-natured shop owner; Lydia’s spirited teenage daughter, Casey; and Casey’s best friend, Ava, a shy yet troubled girl who will shape Libby’s future in surprising and profound ways.
As A Good Yarn becomes a second home—and the women a new kind of family—Libby relishes the different person she’s become. She even finds time for romance with a charming and handsome doctor who seems to be her perfect match. But just as everything is coming together, Libby must make a choice that could forever change the life she holds so dear.
Warmly told and richly textured, Starting Now is filled with the promise of new beginnings and the unending delights of companionship and love.
From the Hardcover edition.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
1394 people are currently reading
8640 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Macomber
894 books20.6k followersDebbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.
In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,282 reviews
April 12, 2013
Sometimes I drink soda. It's bad for me, I know, but there are bubbles and it is sweet and it is very mildly wicked.
Flat soda, however, is another matter entirely. When I was three I came across a broken bottle with an inch or so left in it of flat, sweet soda.
I still have a scar beside my mouth.
And it didn't taste all that good with the bubbles gone.
Sadly the bubbles are gone from this new Blossom Street novel. Yes, we have all the elements we learned to love: a woman seeking her true path, a handsome slightly unavailable guy (he's a doctor, ladies! He saves wee little babies!), babies, teens in trouble, knitting (including the pattern for a hat for those wee little premature babies) and the requisite happy ending.
I should have loved it, right? But I didn't, it was flat. The characters walked about earnestly and chatted earnestly (in ways no one ever would).
I feel bad, because really I do love Macomber's work usually. But this one reads like a pre-final draft plot outline.
Flat soda. Sorry.
Flat soda, however, is another matter entirely. When I was three I came across a broken bottle with an inch or so left in it of flat, sweet soda.
I still have a scar beside my mouth.
And it didn't taste all that good with the bubbles gone.
Sadly the bubbles are gone from this new Blossom Street novel. Yes, we have all the elements we learned to love: a woman seeking her true path, a handsome slightly unavailable guy (he's a doctor, ladies! He saves wee little babies!), babies, teens in trouble, knitting (including the pattern for a hat for those wee little premature babies) and the requisite happy ending.
I should have loved it, right? But I didn't, it was flat. The characters walked about earnestly and chatted earnestly (in ways no one ever would).
I feel bad, because really I do love Macomber's work usually. But this one reads like a pre-final draft plot outline.
Flat soda. Sorry.
June 20, 2013
To start off, let me admit that if I'd seen this book in a grocery store (I was given a free copy for an honest review), I would never have brought it home. The flowers, the ball of yarn, the pastel colors- this doesn't make me think I'll be interested in a book. I prefer graphic covers, naked bodies, promises of detailed sex scenes. However, within the first chapter, Debbie's writing style and her main character Libby had already won me over. Her job loss and the withered plant by her late mother's picture made me need to keep reading; I just had to know how her life got better. Through the many plot twists as Libby's life got better and got worse by turns, I wanted to keep reading. The budding relationship with Philip and the many ways they improved each other's lives was beautiful to read. I also enjoyed the side plot of Libby's friend Robin and her romance, which she keeps secret from Libby for quite awhile. Towards the end, there were some truly heart breaking scenes, but I was grateful that nonetheless, Libby and Philip still got their "happily-ever-after."
July 23, 2020
.
Libby is an attorney who has given up almost everything for her job and the chance to make partner. When she is called in for a meeting...she knows this is her moment. She didn’t count on this being the moment when she was let go. She soon realizes she doesn’t have any prospects, and all she has to show for her years of sacrifice is a failed marriage, broken friendships, and a mostly unhappy existence. A good yarn becomes her salvation, and the chance at starting over.
My thoughts:
I am a big fan of Debbie Macomber, but this book didn’t hit the spot for me. This is no reflection of the writing which was fabulous as always. My issues are purely plot driven. The characters were not very likable...each had their own unique ways of annoying me. Too much of a lot of nothing going on. I also thought the adoption scenario was corny and unrealistic on many levels.
I will definitely read Debbie Macomber again, but it may be awhile before I visit blossom street again.
For more book fun check out my blog @: http://beachbumbookworm.com/
Libby is an attorney who has given up almost everything for her job and the chance to make partner. When she is called in for a meeting...she knows this is her moment. She didn’t count on this being the moment when she was let go. She soon realizes she doesn’t have any prospects, and all she has to show for her years of sacrifice is a failed marriage, broken friendships, and a mostly unhappy existence. A good yarn becomes her salvation, and the chance at starting over.
My thoughts:
I am a big fan of Debbie Macomber, but this book didn’t hit the spot for me. This is no reflection of the writing which was fabulous as always. My issues are purely plot driven. The characters were not very likable...each had their own unique ways of annoying me. Too much of a lot of nothing going on. I also thought the adoption scenario was corny and unrealistic on many levels.
I will definitely read Debbie Macomber again, but it may be awhile before I visit blossom street again.
For more book fun check out my blog @: http://beachbumbookworm.com/
April 20, 2019
I forced myself through every word. I now cannot think of any words clean enough to deserve recording here. A mediocre read that jumped right onto my "hate" list by having a stereotypical attorney as the main character and tackling questions about career and motherhood with a heavy-handed horribleness that left me wanting to go work more billable hours.
Awkward and overdone and all the romances sucked.
Awkward and overdone and all the romances sucked.
April 15, 2013
Starting Now is a new addition to the Blossom Street Novels and if you enjoy that series, this one will also warm your heart. If you haven't experienced Macomber's books, she can really wrap you up in her characters. You should give her a try -- it's not necessary to read this series in order.
That's what these books are -- heartwarming. I couldn't read books like Starting Now every day, but they are wonderful change of pace for me.
Libby is a divorced, hard-working attorney that has sacrificed almost everything to make partner in her firm. She is very surprised when instead of being made partner, she is laid off. Her boss admonishes her to take some time and get a life. It takes Libby a while, but she does change her life tremendously.
Part of that change is taking up knitting again, which brings her to A Good Yarn, the shop on Blossom Street. The shop doesn't play a huge part in Starting Now, but it's there in the background, as always.
Libby's path to happiness isn't straight, by any means. Every time she thinks things are going her way, something happens to throw her off the path, but eventually she gets there -- after all, that's what these books are all about -- you feel SO GOOD when they end.
I find some of the dialog to be overly dramatic. I feel like I'm reading a soap opera, and I guess I really am. But, I go into these books knowing that, so it's not really a criticism in my case. Also, the inner dialogs get really repetitive. These aren't direct quotes, but things like "Libby had always wanted to please her mother," and "She was so attracted to Phillip, even though they both had been burned by relationships before." These types of sentiments are repeated on almost EVERY page. Worded differently, but OK, I get it!
Macomber does have a way of attaching me to her main character and dragging me along through every emotion and trial they experience. She's very good at describing feelings (maybe too much, though.)
I'm not embarrassed to say I really enjoy these books -- in moderation. Everyone likes to melt at the end of a romantic book, right? You should try it, if you don't think that's true. Starting Now is a very clean read and appropriate for older teens who might be looking for some adult romance books.
That's what these books are -- heartwarming. I couldn't read books like Starting Now every day, but they are wonderful change of pace for me.
Libby is a divorced, hard-working attorney that has sacrificed almost everything to make partner in her firm. She is very surprised when instead of being made partner, she is laid off. Her boss admonishes her to take some time and get a life. It takes Libby a while, but she does change her life tremendously.
Part of that change is taking up knitting again, which brings her to A Good Yarn, the shop on Blossom Street. The shop doesn't play a huge part in Starting Now, but it's there in the background, as always.
Libby's path to happiness isn't straight, by any means. Every time she thinks things are going her way, something happens to throw her off the path, but eventually she gets there -- after all, that's what these books are all about -- you feel SO GOOD when they end.
I find some of the dialog to be overly dramatic. I feel like I'm reading a soap opera, and I guess I really am. But, I go into these books knowing that, so it's not really a criticism in my case. Also, the inner dialogs get really repetitive. These aren't direct quotes, but things like "Libby had always wanted to please her mother," and "She was so attracted to Phillip, even though they both had been burned by relationships before." These types of sentiments are repeated on almost EVERY page. Worded differently, but OK, I get it!
Macomber does have a way of attaching me to her main character and dragging me along through every emotion and trial they experience. She's very good at describing feelings (maybe too much, though.)
I'm not embarrassed to say I really enjoy these books -- in moderation. Everyone likes to melt at the end of a romantic book, right? You should try it, if you don't think that's true. Starting Now is a very clean read and appropriate for older teens who might be looking for some adult romance books.
November 7, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
One of my favourite Debbie Macomber books…
One of my favourite Debbie Macomber books…
May 4, 2019
It's my 1st read (or listen) for this author and it was ok. It's what I figured it'd be...a bit cheesy and no heat. But i expected that. What I didn't like was how frustrating the main character was. She drove me nuts a bit and then she finally got her act together and there was only a few minutes of audio left. I was left wanting...
January 27, 2024
Uma história doce, muito ao jeito de Debbie Macomber.
Sobre o que de facto é importante na vida, as prioridades que definimos... enfim ser feliz.
Sobre o que de facto é importante na vida, as prioridades que definimos... enfim ser feliz.
February 13, 2013
As a woman who loves both romance novels and knitting, I was delighted to come upon the Blossom Street novels by Debbie Macomber. I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of Starting Now as an advance reader's edition and once I picked the book up, I couldn't put it down.
Starting Now is the story of an attorney named Libby Morgan who, instead of making partner earlier than she expected at the Seattle law firm where she's employed, is laid off due to hard economic times caused by the recession. With nothing else to fill the time she once used to practice law, she is forced to make another life for herself. Libby joins a gym and reconnects with fellow attorney and former college friend Robin Hamlin. When Robin brings Libby to A Good Yarn, Libby decides to take up knitting again, a hobby she'd walked away from after her mother died. Her first project: knitting hats to donate to the local hospital's maternity ward.
This tale follows Libby as she goes from an almost obsessive worker with no time to even care for a houseplant, to someone who ends up volunteering at the hospital. Libby finds friends in the owner of A Good Yarn, Lydia, Lydia's daughter Casey, and Casey's friend Ava. Libby also makes friends at the hospital, including Dr. Heart of Stone who isn't exactly what he seems to be, and discovers that there's more to life than working endless hours a day.
Starting Now is a very easy read that grips you from the first pages and easily carries your attention through to the end of the novel. The characters are real people with real faults. They are easily to relate to, and Debbie Macomber's magnificent use of prose makes you feel their pain and their happiness. I would recommend this novel, and this series, to anyone who enjoys a good story...and especially if they love to knit.
Starting Now is the story of an attorney named Libby Morgan who, instead of making partner earlier than she expected at the Seattle law firm where she's employed, is laid off due to hard economic times caused by the recession. With nothing else to fill the time she once used to practice law, she is forced to make another life for herself. Libby joins a gym and reconnects with fellow attorney and former college friend Robin Hamlin. When Robin brings Libby to A Good Yarn, Libby decides to take up knitting again, a hobby she'd walked away from after her mother died. Her first project: knitting hats to donate to the local hospital's maternity ward.
This tale follows Libby as she goes from an almost obsessive worker with no time to even care for a houseplant, to someone who ends up volunteering at the hospital. Libby finds friends in the owner of A Good Yarn, Lydia, Lydia's daughter Casey, and Casey's friend Ava. Libby also makes friends at the hospital, including Dr. Heart of Stone who isn't exactly what he seems to be, and discovers that there's more to life than working endless hours a day.
Starting Now is a very easy read that grips you from the first pages and easily carries your attention through to the end of the novel. The characters are real people with real faults. They are easily to relate to, and Debbie Macomber's magnificent use of prose makes you feel their pain and their happiness. I would recommend this novel, and this series, to anyone who enjoys a good story...and especially if they love to knit.
April 14, 2013
I've read a lot of Debbie Macomber's books over the years, and one thing that hasn't changed is the audience that she primarily writes for: Christian grandmothers. That being said, Starting Now is not a bad book. It's predictable but sweet and interesting. The main character, Libby, has lost her job and now has way too much free time on her hands, which results in her spending time knitting and volunteering at the hospital rocking premature babies. This gives her a chance to meet new people, strengthen old relationships, and form new ones. Ultimately she has to decide if this new life is the one she wants or if her older career-driven life is still worth chasing. Two little things made me crazy in this book. First of all, everyone in this book eats soup all the time. People are constantly going out for soup, delivering soup to one another, or ordering soup to go. Debbie Macomber must really love soup. Also, Libby's answer to everything is "perfect." It's never "great", "sounds good", "wonderful"....it's always "perfect." I thought if I saw the word "perfect" one more time I was going to scream. Anyway, if you're familiar with Debbie Macomber then you will enjoy this book. If you enjoy light inspirational novels with family and relationship themes, you will enjoy it as well.
May 30, 2013
I another good addition to the Blossom Street series.
April 22, 2013
Always love her books. Uplifting. Makes me feel good for the rest of the day. Love happy endings. This book does not disappoint.
For years Libby Morgan dreamed only of making partner in her competitive, high-pressure law firm. She sacrificed everything for her career—her friends, her marriage, her chance at creating a family. When her boss calls Libby into his office, she assumes it will finally be good news, but nothing can prepare her for the shocking reality: She’s been let go and must rebuild her entire life . . . starting now.
With no job prospects in sight, Libby reaches out to old friends and spends her afternoons at A Good Yarn, the local knitting store. There she forms a close bond with Lydia, the sweet-natured shop owner; Lydia’s spirited teenage daughter, Casey; and Casey’s best friend, Ava, a shy yet troubled girl who will shape Libby’s future in surprising and profound ways.
As A Good Yarn becomes a second home—and the women a new kind of family—Libby relishes the different person she’s become. She even finds time for romance with a charming and handsome doctor who seems to be her perfect match. But just as everything is coming together, Libby must make a choice that could forever change the life she holds so dear.
For years Libby Morgan dreamed only of making partner in her competitive, high-pressure law firm. She sacrificed everything for her career—her friends, her marriage, her chance at creating a family. When her boss calls Libby into his office, she assumes it will finally be good news, but nothing can prepare her for the shocking reality: She’s been let go and must rebuild her entire life . . . starting now.
With no job prospects in sight, Libby reaches out to old friends and spends her afternoons at A Good Yarn, the local knitting store. There she forms a close bond with Lydia, the sweet-natured shop owner; Lydia’s spirited teenage daughter, Casey; and Casey’s best friend, Ava, a shy yet troubled girl who will shape Libby’s future in surprising and profound ways.
As A Good Yarn becomes a second home—and the women a new kind of family—Libby relishes the different person she’s become. She even finds time for romance with a charming and handsome doctor who seems to be her perfect match. But just as everything is coming together, Libby must make a choice that could forever change the life she holds so dear.
April 8, 2014
(...)
Todas as personagens deste livro são exploradas de uma forma ou de outra, acabando todas por terem os seus problemas que acabam por ser resolvidos devido a um sentido de unidade que existe em toda esta história. Um sentido de unidade que é a grande lição que existe neste livro. Um livro que gostei imenso de ler, pela sua escrita divertida, fluída, verdadeira e tão próxima da realidade do dia a dia o que possibilita com que nos liguemos às personagens como se estas fossem nós próprios.
Aconselho!
Opinião completa em http://blocodedevaneios.blogspot.pt/2...
Todas as personagens deste livro são exploradas de uma forma ou de outra, acabando todas por terem os seus problemas que acabam por ser resolvidos devido a um sentido de unidade que existe em toda esta história. Um sentido de unidade que é a grande lição que existe neste livro. Um livro que gostei imenso de ler, pela sua escrita divertida, fluída, verdadeira e tão próxima da realidade do dia a dia o que possibilita com que nos liguemos às personagens como se estas fossem nós próprios.
Aconselho!
Opinião completa em http://blocodedevaneios.blogspot.pt/2...
October 15, 2016
I love Debbie MaComber's books, and this was a good one. I have read all the books in the Blossom Street series. They are all heartwarming and tell stories of friendship and everything that is important in life. Reading her books just make you feel better.
February 6, 2023
One of the sweetest books I've read, absolutely amazing, touchy, warm
Characters are great I'm already attached to them!
I loved it but the book was boring - slow until the end of it, really!
Characters are great I'm already attached to them!
I loved it but the book was boring - slow until the end of it, really!
November 17, 2018
Debbie Macomber 'in eserleri edebiyat harikasi olmasa da eglenceli aile iliskilerini ele alan kendine göre tarziyla bir sinderalla hikayesi seklinde surup gider. begeniyorum arada diger kitaplarin arasinda okumak beni rahatlatiyor.Fazla dusundurmeyen germeyen romanlar cogu.Bizim dunyamiza ait olmasa da bunu dusunmeyi ertelemek guzel bence...
June 13, 2017
Typical chick lit from Debbie Macomber. An enjoyable tale with a moral to the story. I enjoyed the ride but admit I wanted to smack Libby towards the end. I guess it took losing all to realize what's really important.
April 10, 2013
I love the Blossom Street Books. Each one is different, but they do have some of the same characters and of course, all of the stores on Blossom Street. Libby Morgan is an attorney with a large law firm in Seattle. It is Monday Morning and she gets called in to one of the partners' office. She is hoping to be made a partner. But everything falls apart when Hershel, (the partner) lays her off.
Her world is crushed, everything that she has been working for 6 years has come to an end. What will she do. She has only a hand full of friends. She is at her wits end until she starts working out at a Gym. She calls a friend and meets her for lunch on Blossom Street at Alix's café. They decide to go to the yarn store, (A Good Yarn). Where she meets Lydia, Casey, and Ava. She instantly connects with them and starts to knit some premmie hats for the babies at Seattle General.
Her life changes when she walks with Casey and Ava to deliver the hats to the Hospital for the babies. They meet a handsome Doctor and another life changing moment starts for Libby and Ava.
I read the book in a few short days, because it was fast moving and an interesting book. Filled with real life situations and adventures.
It is worth the time and energy to read any of Debbie MacComber's books.
Watch in July, her Cedar Cove books come to life on the Hallmark Channel. First in a 2 hour special movie and then a 13 episode series.
Her world is crushed, everything that she has been working for 6 years has come to an end. What will she do. She has only a hand full of friends. She is at her wits end until she starts working out at a Gym. She calls a friend and meets her for lunch on Blossom Street at Alix's café. They decide to go to the yarn store, (A Good Yarn). Where she meets Lydia, Casey, and Ava. She instantly connects with them and starts to knit some premmie hats for the babies at Seattle General.
Her life changes when she walks with Casey and Ava to deliver the hats to the Hospital for the babies. They meet a handsome Doctor and another life changing moment starts for Libby and Ava.
I read the book in a few short days, because it was fast moving and an interesting book. Filled with real life situations and adventures.
It is worth the time and energy to read any of Debbie MacComber's books.
Watch in July, her Cedar Cove books come to life on the Hallmark Channel. First in a 2 hour special movie and then a 13 episode series.
April 9, 2013
I always wait anxiously when a new Debbie macomber book is released and I have to say I was a little disappointed with this one.
I especially like the blossom street series, and love to read the books with knitting as the theme but this one to me seemed really cheesy, and harlequinlike.
I loved the story line. Libby, a high priced lawyer whose life has become all work and no play is laid off by the prestigious firm she expected to become partner with. This turns out to be a blessing for her as so many other things in her life that she never made time for become important and she realized what she was missing. After 7 months of unemployment her former firm wants her to come back to the firm mainly as a way of keeping a wealthy client happy and she is to bring clients she obtained in her new private practise with her. First of all, I wouldn't trust that firm any farther than I could Throw them. They didn't make it a secret their main objective was to retain the wealthy client and after starting her own small firm with several clients, I thought Libby was a little brighter and with more pride. She soon falls back into the same habit of all work and almost loses everything again.
However things do work out in the end but I did really have to gag over some of the dialogue, it just seemed way too sappy for what I expect from this author.
I especially like the blossom street series, and love to read the books with knitting as the theme but this one to me seemed really cheesy, and harlequinlike.
I loved the story line. Libby, a high priced lawyer whose life has become all work and no play is laid off by the prestigious firm she expected to become partner with. This turns out to be a blessing for her as so many other things in her life that she never made time for become important and she realized what she was missing. After 7 months of unemployment her former firm wants her to come back to the firm mainly as a way of keeping a wealthy client happy and she is to bring clients she obtained in her new private practise with her. First of all, I wouldn't trust that firm any farther than I could Throw them. They didn't make it a secret their main objective was to retain the wealthy client and after starting her own small firm with several clients, I thought Libby was a little brighter and with more pride. She soon falls back into the same habit of all work and almost loses everything again.
However things do work out in the end but I did really have to gag over some of the dialogue, it just seemed way too sappy for what I expect from this author.
April 12, 2015
Every so often, i enjoy reading a light "feel good" novel about real characters who have real problems and overcome obstacles. Debbie Macomber's Blossom Street series has provided me with several comfort reads over the years. Her new novel, Starting Now, is just as satisfying as past novels in the series. In this novel, the main character Libby is a young woman who defines herself by her success as an accomplished lawyer, until it no longer works for her. The author does a nice job of introducing several new different characters including Libby, Phillip, Robin, Roy and Ava. The plot focuses on these characters, with other characters from the series tied-in as supporting characters. Recommend as a comfort read. 4 stars.
January 28, 2016
Workaholic Libby Morgan is determined to make partner. However, a huge monkey wrench is thrown in her plans when her law firm decides to end her employment. Her mentor at the firm advises that she "get a life". Libby has not taken time to enjoy life for a long time. She's too busy working.
This book was a deeply emotional book. It's from Debbie Macomber's Blossom Street Series. Libby begins to fill her time with a number of activities that enrich her life. She takes up knitting and mentors a troubled teenaged girl. If you've read other Blossom Street books, then you'll see some familiar characters.
This is a story about Libby's journey to finding herself, finding peace, happiness and love.
This book was a deeply emotional book. It's from Debbie Macomber's Blossom Street Series. Libby begins to fill her time with a number of activities that enrich her life. She takes up knitting and mentors a troubled teenaged girl. If you've read other Blossom Street books, then you'll see some familiar characters.
This is a story about Libby's journey to finding herself, finding peace, happiness and love.
April 28, 2013
A very enjoyable Debbie Macomber book. As with all her books after you're 50 pages into it you have a very good guess as to how it's going to end. However, the journey to the ending is always entertaining. This story centers on Libby Morgan, a workaholic young lawyer who has made her job her whole life. She gets fired and with time on her hands she slowly starts to build a private life for herself. It starts at A Good Yarn, the knitting shop on Blossom St. where Lydia, the owner becomes one of her friends.
July 6, 2013
Bleck. Preachy and heavy handed. I enjoyed the other blossom street books for what they were, mildly preachy books that were about women pulling their lives together. Also, my mother read them and she was pleased that I shared a series in common.
Maybe I didn't realize how preachy they were, or did not notice the undertones of religion and Macomber's point of view. This one was soaking in heavy handed options about teenage pregnancy, working, being a parent, adoption, etc.
Maybe I didn't realize how preachy they were, or did not notice the undertones of religion and Macomber's point of view. This one was soaking in heavy handed options about teenage pregnancy, working, being a parent, adoption, etc.
March 19, 2022
I love Ms. Macomber's books. It has been a while since I've gotten into one and this did not disappoint. Although the writing can sometimes be repetitive, it doesn't take away from the lovely storyline. Her characters are sweet and the story moves well.
Maybe because i am older, or can relate well to hiding behind work, this story really resonated with me. I liked the multiple plot lines woven together and the overall outcome was as pleasant as expected from reading previous books by this author.
Maybe because i am older, or can relate well to hiding behind work, this story really resonated with me. I liked the multiple plot lines woven together and the overall outcome was as pleasant as expected from reading previous books by this author.
June 23, 2025
I really enjoyed this installment in the Blossom Street series! I liked how it ended and all came together nicely, after going through some very hard things. I'm excited to almost be finished this series. Overall, I have really enjoyed it.
April 9, 2013
Libby Morgan has never really gotten over losing her mother to cancer when she was just a teenager. She’s made her whole life about her mother’s wishes for her – work hard, be the best you can be. Now Libby is an attorney for a well respected law firm and she works all the hours under the sun. When she’s called in for a meeting with one of the partners, Libby is thrilled. She expects to be told that she’s being made a partner…but instead Libby is informed that times are tough and she is being laid off. Her former boss has some words of advice for her – get out there and live her life. Make friends, have a life away from work. Otherwise she will regret it.
Smarting from the dismissal, Libby struggles to find another job and is out of work for months. Meeting an old uni friend for lunch one day, she goes along with her to the yarn shop across the road, A Good Yarn. Run by Lydia Goetz, the shop sells all sorts of yarn and often holds classes for the local community. Libby finds herself chatting to Lydia’s daughter Casey and Casey’s friend Ava and agrees to help them knit hats for the preemie babies at Seattle General.
Libby might not have a job but she suddenly finds her life full in ways that she never previously imagined. She knits hats for the preemie babies and finds herself volunteering in the nursery, to hold them and sing to them. She meets Dr Phillip Stone, a handsome neonatal surgeon and begins a budding friendship. She enjoys joining a gym and reconnecting with her friend Robin and has dreams about opening her own firm, a small one where the workload will be less. And most of all she forms a special bond with Ava when it’s clear that Ava is in trouble and needs help and support.
Then Libby experiences heartbreak, which influences her choices and before she knows it, all of her good work has been undone. Will she be able to find that perfect balance of life and work or is everything that she’s come to hold dear to her incompatible with her working life?
I like the Blossom Street books. I’ve been reading them for a while now – they remind me of my Nan who got me started on the first one. She used to supply all my books. She buys widely but she reads only once and then passes them on. When I was a poor Uni student, she kept a steady flow of new books crossing my door. When she told me she had a book she thought I’d like about a wool shop, I rolled my eyes. Daggy, much? But I promised to try it and even though these are saccharine sweet, I found myself immersed in the little Blossom Street community. I still continue to read them and this one is a rather nice installment.
Libby is a textbook workaholic – she’s already had one marriage fail because of her devotion to her job, her single minded focus on making partner and the fact that her husband couldn’t ever see her compromising She has almost no friends, no life outside of work. She lives in a lovely condo but she hasn’t bothered to decorate it. Take away her work and Libby is left with almost nothing – she has to rebuild her life from the ground up, finding herself some hobbies, some friends, things to do and fill her time. She’s never particularly had many social skills – she thinks one of the reasons that she was let go was because she didn’t bring in many accounts. She works on this area almost without noticing as she begins meeting people and forming friendships, even finding some potential professional connections. Libby grew much more likable as the novel went on although there was always a bit of a tenseness to her, like she was never quite fully relaxed. She didn’t seem to realise how much stock she’d placed in her mother’s words to her, or how much pressure she’d piled upon herself to live up to them.
Watching Libby unwind, make friends and come to care for things other than work was rather satisfying but there were still times when I wanted to shake a bit of sense into her, especially when it came to her budding friendship/relationship with Dr Phillip Stone. Libby does her best to sabotage this several times despite the fact that it should have been ridiculously easy. I think the romance element could’ve been a little stronger – I know it’s not the primary focus of the Blossom St novels but it’s always a rather strong secondary plot and I would’ve liked a little more work put into developing the chemistry between Phillip and Libby rather than just having it magically exist. I thought the way in which Macomber developed the bond between Libby and Ava had a much defter touch. Ava’s was a difficult story line to balance, it’s a rather contentious subject and in a series where religion can creep in, it was fantastic to see that the entire novel was without one ounce of judgement. I do appreciate the way that Macomber played it out as well. There was a chance it looked like going down an unbelievable and slightly ethically wrong path but it was swiftly righted and although that caused Libby pain, it was probably a much better, more realistic and more appropriate way to end the story.
A very solid contribution to a series that I have a soft spot for.
Smarting from the dismissal, Libby struggles to find another job and is out of work for months. Meeting an old uni friend for lunch one day, she goes along with her to the yarn shop across the road, A Good Yarn. Run by Lydia Goetz, the shop sells all sorts of yarn and often holds classes for the local community. Libby finds herself chatting to Lydia’s daughter Casey and Casey’s friend Ava and agrees to help them knit hats for the preemie babies at Seattle General.
Libby might not have a job but she suddenly finds her life full in ways that she never previously imagined. She knits hats for the preemie babies and finds herself volunteering in the nursery, to hold them and sing to them. She meets Dr Phillip Stone, a handsome neonatal surgeon and begins a budding friendship. She enjoys joining a gym and reconnecting with her friend Robin and has dreams about opening her own firm, a small one where the workload will be less. And most of all she forms a special bond with Ava when it’s clear that Ava is in trouble and needs help and support.
Then Libby experiences heartbreak, which influences her choices and before she knows it, all of her good work has been undone. Will she be able to find that perfect balance of life and work or is everything that she’s come to hold dear to her incompatible with her working life?
I like the Blossom Street books. I’ve been reading them for a while now – they remind me of my Nan who got me started on the first one. She used to supply all my books. She buys widely but she reads only once and then passes them on. When I was a poor Uni student, she kept a steady flow of new books crossing my door. When she told me she had a book she thought I’d like about a wool shop, I rolled my eyes. Daggy, much? But I promised to try it and even though these are saccharine sweet, I found myself immersed in the little Blossom Street community. I still continue to read them and this one is a rather nice installment.
Libby is a textbook workaholic – she’s already had one marriage fail because of her devotion to her job, her single minded focus on making partner and the fact that her husband couldn’t ever see her compromising She has almost no friends, no life outside of work. She lives in a lovely condo but she hasn’t bothered to decorate it. Take away her work and Libby is left with almost nothing – she has to rebuild her life from the ground up, finding herself some hobbies, some friends, things to do and fill her time. She’s never particularly had many social skills – she thinks one of the reasons that she was let go was because she didn’t bring in many accounts. She works on this area almost without noticing as she begins meeting people and forming friendships, even finding some potential professional connections. Libby grew much more likable as the novel went on although there was always a bit of a tenseness to her, like she was never quite fully relaxed. She didn’t seem to realise how much stock she’d placed in her mother’s words to her, or how much pressure she’d piled upon herself to live up to them.
Watching Libby unwind, make friends and come to care for things other than work was rather satisfying but there were still times when I wanted to shake a bit of sense into her, especially when it came to her budding friendship/relationship with Dr Phillip Stone. Libby does her best to sabotage this several times despite the fact that it should have been ridiculously easy. I think the romance element could’ve been a little stronger – I know it’s not the primary focus of the Blossom St novels but it’s always a rather strong secondary plot and I would’ve liked a little more work put into developing the chemistry between Phillip and Libby rather than just having it magically exist. I thought the way in which Macomber developed the bond between Libby and Ava had a much defter touch. Ava’s was a difficult story line to balance, it’s a rather contentious subject and in a series where religion can creep in, it was fantastic to see that the entire novel was without one ounce of judgement. I do appreciate the way that Macomber played it out as well. There was a chance it looked like going down an unbelievable and slightly ethically wrong path but it was swiftly righted and although that caused Libby pain, it was probably a much better, more realistic and more appropriate way to end the story.
A very solid contribution to a series that I have a soft spot for.
March 23, 2017
Um livro que pretende nos relembrar do que é importante na vida...
May 27, 2021
Libby Morgan and her good friend Robyn are both 30 something, divorced women who are workaholic lawyers. When Libby is laid off from her law firm, she is devastated. Along with her friend Robyn, they both decide they need to find a better way to live life than just work, and they begin to realize that they need friends, love, and family in their lives.
This is a very enjoyable, quick read from Macomber's sweet Blossom Street series that centers around a wonderful yarn shop on Blossom street. Although written in 2013, this book is so on target for today's times as well when many moms and dads find themselves passing in the nights as they work long hours on the job, try to keep up with children, and don't really find time to live life. Also it deals with pre-teens and teens left alone for too long and the trouble they can get into.
Well written, timely story.
This is a very enjoyable, quick read from Macomber's sweet Blossom Street series that centers around a wonderful yarn shop on Blossom street. Although written in 2013, this book is so on target for today's times as well when many moms and dads find themselves passing in the nights as they work long hours on the job, try to keep up with children, and don't really find time to live life. Also it deals with pre-teens and teens left alone for too long and the trouble they can get into.
Well written, timely story.
March 24, 2013
Starting Now: A Blossom Street Novel by Debbie Macomber
This is the first book I have read of the Blossom Street series and the first book I have read by Debbie Macomber in a long time. I was not disappointed.
The book begins with the attorney, Libby Morgan, losing her job. Months later, she calls an old friend,Robin, to have lunch with her for a talk. After lunch her friend needed to got to A Good Yarn Shop to buy some yarn for her mother and Libby goes with her. While there, Libby sees two teenagers knitting, or one is learning to knit. Casey is teaching Ava. Libby mentioned she used to knit. They are knitting hats for the preemies at the hospital and encouraged Libby to try to knit again. After a visit to the hospital to help deliver the hats, Libby becomes a volunteer in the nursery rocking and singing to the babies.
This brings the story to Libby making friends at the yarn shop and the introduction to Dr. Philip Stone at the hospital. Phillip is a doctor for the young and infants with heart problems. He is known as the Dr. Heart of Stone because he will not date anyone at the hospital.
The book is based on friendship, romance, love, trials, caring, family and disappointments.
We follow Libby through months of no job, her love for Phillip and her new friendships. At times, as the reader, I wanted to wring her neck and tell her what she should do.
Debbie Macomber has done a good job of pulling the characters and story together. No sex or bad language.
This was a fast read for me and a page turner.
I won a copy of Starting Now in a contest. The opinions are my own.
I give this book a 5 star.
Some characters are:
Libby (Elizabeth) Morgan-One of the main characters, an unemployed attorney
Dr. Phillip Stone- Heart Doctor at the Seattle Hospital
Robin Hamlin- Best friend of Libby
Lydia Goetz- Owner of A Good Yarn Shop on Blossom Street
Brad Goetz- Husband of Lydia
Casey- Adopted daughter of Lydia and friend of Ava also 13 years old
Ava- A pregnant 13 year old who closely connects with Libby
Darlene Carmichael- Grandmother of Ava
Margaret- Sister of Lydia and works at the yarn shop
Roy Bollinger- A Judge that Robin who Robin really likes and more than as a friend
Mrs. Martha Reed- A client when Libby worked at the law office
Hershel Burkhart- Libby's old boss. When he let her go he told her this was a beginning and not an end.
Sarah- Paralegal who worked with Libby at the law office
Mollie Morgan- Mother of Libby who passed away when Libby was a teenager.
Joe Wilson- Ex-husband of Libby
Robert Morgan- Father of Libby
Charlene- Step-mother of Libby
Sharon Jennings- A nurse at the hospital
March 13, 2013
From the book synopsis:
"For years Libby Morgan dreamed only of making partner in her competitive, high-pressure law firm. She sacrificed everything for her career—her friends, her marriage, her chance at creating a family. When her boss calls Libby into his office, she assumes it will finally be good news, but nothing can prepare her for the shocking reality: She’s been let go and must rebuild her entire life . . . starting now.
With no job prospects in sight, Libby reaches out to old friends and spends her afternoons at A Good Yarn, the local knitting store. There she forms a close bond with Lydia, the sweet-natured shop owner; Lydia’s spirited teenage daughter, Casey; and Casey’s best friend, Ava, a shy yet troubled girl who will shape Libby’s future in surprising and profound ways.
As A Good Yarn becomes a second home—and the women a new kind of family—Libby relishes the different person she’s become. She even finds time for romance with a charming and handsome doctor who seems to be her perfect match. But just as everything is coming together, Libby must make a choice that could forever change the life she holds so dear.
Warmly told and richly textured, Starting Now is filled with the promise of new beginnings and the unending delights of companionship and love."
I received this book from the LibraryThing Early Reviewer program in exchange for an honest review.
I've been a huge fan of Debbie Macomber's Blossom Street series since the first book and was really excited that she was going to allow us readers to go back there.
This book did seem to diverge slightly from the usual vein of this series and I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. The book seemed to focus more on the relationships going on throughout it rather than focusing on the yarn shop itself. Not a bad thing in my opinion. I thought it was a nice change.
As someone who left my job and was a bit out of sorts with what I was going to do for the rest of my life, I could relate to Libby a lot. I, too, found that knitting seems to center me when it feels like the rest of my life is not so hunky-dorey. Though my Advanced Reader's copy did not contain it, I found that the book does include a very sweet pattern for a baby hat at the end.
There is a very serious subject matter that goes on throughout the book and I thought that Ms. Macomber handled it well. You'll have to read the book to find out what it is.
All in all, I really enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more from this series.
"For years Libby Morgan dreamed only of making partner in her competitive, high-pressure law firm. She sacrificed everything for her career—her friends, her marriage, her chance at creating a family. When her boss calls Libby into his office, she assumes it will finally be good news, but nothing can prepare her for the shocking reality: She’s been let go and must rebuild her entire life . . . starting now.
With no job prospects in sight, Libby reaches out to old friends and spends her afternoons at A Good Yarn, the local knitting store. There she forms a close bond with Lydia, the sweet-natured shop owner; Lydia’s spirited teenage daughter, Casey; and Casey’s best friend, Ava, a shy yet troubled girl who will shape Libby’s future in surprising and profound ways.
As A Good Yarn becomes a second home—and the women a new kind of family—Libby relishes the different person she’s become. She even finds time for romance with a charming and handsome doctor who seems to be her perfect match. But just as everything is coming together, Libby must make a choice that could forever change the life she holds so dear.
Warmly told and richly textured, Starting Now is filled with the promise of new beginnings and the unending delights of companionship and love."
I received this book from the LibraryThing Early Reviewer program in exchange for an honest review.
I've been a huge fan of Debbie Macomber's Blossom Street series since the first book and was really excited that she was going to allow us readers to go back there.
This book did seem to diverge slightly from the usual vein of this series and I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. The book seemed to focus more on the relationships going on throughout it rather than focusing on the yarn shop itself. Not a bad thing in my opinion. I thought it was a nice change.
As someone who left my job and was a bit out of sorts with what I was going to do for the rest of my life, I could relate to Libby a lot. I, too, found that knitting seems to center me when it feels like the rest of my life is not so hunky-dorey. Though my Advanced Reader's copy did not contain it, I found that the book does include a very sweet pattern for a baby hat at the end.
There is a very serious subject matter that goes on throughout the book and I thought that Ms. Macomber handled it well. You'll have to read the book to find out what it is.
All in all, I really enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more from this series.
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