Twenty Wishes (Blossom Street, No. 4)

After a good mystery, or heart-tugging stories by Jodi Picoult, it's nice to read Debbie Macomber's comfortable style. Debbie's characters are real and likeable and when finished, I'm never ready for the story to end. I enjoyed Twenty Wishes and think many will find themselves writing their own twenty wishes shortly after this inspiring story ends.

I have enjoyed all the Blossom Street books but this is the first one that has given me something to take away besides a lovely story. I want to start my own book of 20 wishes and am going to borrow some of my list from the characters!

But back to the story. The book started out a little slower for me than others in the series, partially because of a number of new characters (or characters who were primarily in the background) and that familiar characters from previous books are very much in the background. But once I got into it, I really enjoyed it.

I enjoy books about women friends and how they support each other and make changes in their lives. I definitely recommend this book.

What an outstanding book. No, it isn't a classic that is deep and riveting. It is a cozy book about women and overcoming our limitations that the mind has set. After 4 widows meet on Valentine's Day, they agree it would be fun to make a list of 20 wishes. Things they were longing to do, NOT had to do.

Each chapter has a different person's point of view and their thinking of their wish list. The characters are so personable, you feel like if you saw them on the street that you could hug them -- like bumping into an old friend. That is how well Debbie writes.

I wish more Blossom Street series books were coming out SOON! One can only hope!

I found this book to be another great one in the Blossom Street series. Now waiting for No. 5! Hopefully there will be one and very soon. I love the way the author brings in new characters, along with all the old ones from each previous book in the series. Definitely could read each book all on it's own but oh so much more enjoyable when you read the whole series.

I also share these women's and the author's passion for yarn and knitting. I only wish they were real and the A Good Yarn Shop was real and located near my home in a very small town in Maine so I could join them.
Keep up the good work, Ms. Macomber!!

This book was highly recommended by one of amazon.com's top reviewers and although I wasn't "bowled over", I am glad that I read it - it was a charming tale of what can happen when likeminded people - although bonded by grief come together and make plans to change their lives for the better.

Anne Marie is a thirty-eight year old widow finding it difficult to escape the depression brought upon by her husband's death, and the knowledge that he cheated on her - add poignancy to the fact that shortly before his death, they had decided to try and re-unite. Having never had children because of her husband's wishes, Anne Marie finds herself alone, except for the faithful companionship of her beloved dog, Baxter.

She finds pride in running her bookshop on Blossom Street - apparently the place-to-be in a Debbie Macomber series. This is the first book of hers that I've read and I found her story well paced and the characters interesting but her writing style is just a little too "pat" for my tastes, although judging by Macomber's huge following - I think it will be okay if I take a pass on future stories. Despite these reservations, this was a clear, fast paced read and I especially enjoyed the character of Ellen - a little girl that Anne Marie is paired up with in a "Lunch Buddies" program. This was just one piece of advice given to Anne Marie at the "widows" meetings that she and the other widows familiar with Blossom Street attend. She's told that one way to help lessen her depression might be to get out there and do something good for someone else. Anne Marie is a little hesitant to get too involved in the quiet, shy little girl's life, but finds that her heart opens to the small girl and that she does find a way to take solace in her problems in light of focusing on helping Ellen.

Anne Marie gets a chance to face one particular "demon" head-on when dealing with her step-daughter, Melissa, now a troubled young woman that needs her help. Anne-Marie can't help but mistrust Melissa's motives when all of their past dealings have been disastrous - in this way the two come together to heal some of the bad blood that exists between them and they find their way to heal after Anne Marie's husband's death.

I do find the idea of keeping a list of "wishes" - all of your hearts' delight - and I think it's a great way to make improvements in your 0life. Anne Marie finds that in chronicling and updating her wishes as she makes them come true, she is able to find what she's wanted most and the novel ends with her about to achieve another heartfelt wish and she has someone she loves to share it with.

The cover art on this book is lovely and gives readers a glimpse of the bookshop and Anne Marie's buddy Baxter and makes you "wish" for a well padded arm chair and rows and rows of good "friends" - your own favorite books.